Web gear suggestions for compact people

[Mite]

I am not tall, 5' 6", and not very large framed weighing around 135 lb, and my hopes of a late growth spurt are pretty much over, 31 years old.

So, I am looking at web gear setups and I am concerned that a number of them will not be adjustable down to something that will actually fit me.

I am looking to travel relatively light and be comfortable in the summer months (ie not a big nylon vest that covers my entire torso). I am currently using a SR-16 and at some point I will probably buy an MP-5.

I really like the Tactical Tailor MAV, but I thought I would solicit opinions both on the MAV (will it fit me well?) and any other suggestions.

Thanks,

Mite

[Bigmack]

Tac Tailor makes some great stuff. Hado sings their praises and could be their slovak mascot in desguise.


May i make a suggestion? unless you've got an AR type rifle, order the MAV body and a bunch of pouches to suit your weapon of choice.

[Jacko]

Yeah, Tactical Tailor makes very good peices of gear. These days, I kind of wish I had gone with their Modular Panel Vest (Looks like a BH vest but covered in PALS webbing) as then pouches can easily be added onto your back as a mini-pack deal. However, that being said, I don't think you could go wrong with the MAV.

Also, if you want to get immediate bulk added to your body to fill out a carrier more, buy a G&P vest of some sort and it'll plump you up.

[Hadoken]

I'd have to agree with Bigmack. If you're looking to travel light and be comfortable during those hot summer months then a modular chest rig like the TT MAV is really the way to go.

There are of course other options (like the SoTech Hellcat), but If you're on a tight budget I'd suggest going for the Tactical Tailor 1 piece MAV and then purchase some M4/utility pouches to go with it. TT makes some amazing and well priced pouches to go with thier MAV so just hop on over to www.tacticaltailor.com or www.lightfighter.com to see all the options available to you.

I'm suggesting the solid One Piece MAV over the two piece based on your details. While the two piece MAV is a little easier to get on and off, I believe it's better suited for larger individuals or for being worn over some type of body armor.

The MAV body itself is very light yet it is sturdy enough to hold anything you'll throw at it. Even with all pouches loaded with Magazines, bb's and other odds and ends it still makes for a very comfortable rig to wear as the wide shoulder straps seem to distribute the weight evenly without trying to dig into your shoulders.
The body lets you adjust for how high you wish to carry the rig as well as for girth and I'm willing to bet you'll be able to find a setting that is pefect for you too. I'm 30 pounds heavier and there's still plenty of space left to cinch it down so you should be set.

With all that said I don't believe you'd be disappointed with the 1 Piece MAV from Tactical Tailor. However, if I had a little extra money to spend I'd probably go for the SOTech Hellcat MK1 or MK2. It offers slightly more real estate than the MAV and it also has six internal M4 magazine pouches already built into the vest. Plus...IMO it's also a little sexier.

Not sure what your budget is, but other options include:
BHI Strike Commando Chest Rig
HSG DACH
SOE FROG

If you can't see yourself spending that much money on tactical gear then you can always opt for some of the knock off/ replica gear available at most airsoft dealers.
Rigs that come to mind are the Guarder SOG CQB, Guarder MOD or even this.

Plenty of options for you. Do some research and narrow things down, then if you need any more help or have any questions feel free to ask.