Load out for RRV

[alexbuechel]

Hey Guys. So I will be attending OPNL this summer and I have recently picked up an RRV in Coyote Brown (in the mail). I figured I would die of heat if I ran my Ciras on this one.

Since I have not owned one of these before I'm a little lost on the best possible pouch configurations
I have been looking at the RRV and the webbing is way different than my Ciras in that it has far less.

I have seen the pouches online range from about 17$ for a single (2)M4 - or - 28$ for a double (4) M4 to about 35$ for a triple (6) M4 mag pouches. Also I would want an admin pouch, double pistol mag pouch, med pouch.

With these price points it almost seems stupid not to just get the triple. However since the RRV has so much less webbing I presume it may almost be more important to be able to move smaller units around. This is where I would love some suggestions

This being a large event, I will need all the ammo I can carry (within the rules) Usually I carry 8+1 but it doesn't seem like that will be the case if I still want to carry my pistol mags on this. I do have the advantage of running a leg platform that has (2) M4 fast mags so I think getting 6 on my chest would be best. This is not set in stone so I look to those with experience on this.

What would be better?...

Triple M4 with a Double Pistol and a Med pouch

Double M4 + Singe M4 - double pistol and med pouch

or... (Your input here)

On top of all this i need to figure out my radio and I like to have at least two extra mags on my back for a team mate.

[Crapshoot]

You should be able to run 8 rifle mags, 2 pistol mags, and a radio easily. If you want to run mags on your back, you would need an RRV or MBSS back plate. You could also probably fit a small IFAK on as well.

[Gimpalong]

Keep in mind that for NL you'll be moving around the field for far longer than a normal game.

Lighter is definitely better.

While you might be tempted to carry X-number of magazines with all your ammo loaded into them, why not just carry 5 magazines and then a speedloader and bag of loose bbs in a GP pouch? This saves a lot of space and still allows you to carry enough ammo to make it through the day.

Generally, I try to carry all of the following:

Primary magazines (# depends on the game)
Secondary magazines (# depends on the game)
Loose ammo
Speedloader (1 or 2)
Radio
Hydration
Extra batteries
Tools (only if necessary)

Remember, just because you have PALS/MOLLE space doesn't mean you need to cover it all.

I generally try to keep my legs free of any sort of encumbrance like drop-leg holsters, drop-leg magazine carriers, etc as I find they move around way to much for comfort. YMMV.

As far as triple versus double versus single, I prefer a mix of double and single because those sizes are easier to move around and configure on different rigs. If you have a couple doubles and a couple singles you can do a bit more than just having one triple.

[Knife]

I've run RRVs on and off for awhile. You should have enough to carry all of that on your RRV. Avoid the leg panel if you can, if you're gonna be playing a ton it will have a fairly significant effect. If you don't have room for something on your RRV, move your pistol mag pouches to your belt. Even if it isn't MOLLE you can tighten your belt up enough. If you have a duty belt it'll work even better. Motorola-esque radios work well in a FB pouch on a shoulder strap. Preferably on your weak side so as to not interfere with shouldering your weapon.

If you get a horizontal general purpose pouch, you can rig it so that it hangs off the bottom along the middle. Works out kinda like a fanny pack. I typically like using this for BBs + loader. You'd have to move the mag pouches up one row or offset the horizontal MOLLE straps and the mag pouch straps. Don't have a photo of this set up when I briefly ran it.

Get double + single. Gives you more options in the future. Triples don't work out so well on some rigs. I'd run all singles if that was an option. A triple will work fine on an RRV however.

You won't be able to run a buddy mag set up on the back. You'd need an MBSS rear panel + adapters, or perhaps one of the RRV built MAP panels.

You're gonna run into hydration issues. Either of the solutions above work, or get a standalone backpack like a camelbak or similar.

This can give you a decent idea of what all you can fit. I've got the RRV MAP panel that I mentioned above attached. As you can see you'll have enough room for 4x mag pouches, 2x pistol, med pouch, admin. If for some reason you run out of room, you can put the med pouch on one of the far sides and run it only on 2 columns instead of the normal 3 or 4.

[Knief]

I'll get you a picture of my RRV in the next few days and you can see how I run it. If you get the MAP, you can rig it into the vest easily and securely without using the back panel. It's easy enough and keeps you a bit lighter and gives you a little more breathability.

[Da Vinci - Да Винчи]

I find that two triple magazine shingles on the bottom of the front work great, you still have MOLLE space on them for all your other pouches, too. So that's 6+1 on magazines, and as previously said, it's a good idea to get a back plate.

[Knife]

I'd disagree with getting a backplate. If he gets a blackplate, you may as well just pick up a plate carrier. If he's looking for heat reduction, a back plate isn't gonna help with that.

For whatever reason I didn't think of this before, but you could hook up a slick Hydro from Eagle or a copy of one. It's not an ideal solution but would give you both Hydro and MOLLE on your back. I don't like these type of hydros anymore, but others prefer them. I think the replica ones that I've handled are actually easier to use than the real one. The waist strap can either be ziptied on the side of the hydro facing your body, or some have a channel for it. Here's how I ran mine:

[alexbuechel]

Thanks Guys. This is really helpful. Sorry it took so long to reply. That is indeed a nice set up. I do ask however. I have been always told to keep my sides clear for movement ease and also to be able to access for instance on my right side my secondary weapon. With a load out like this wouldn't that be a problem?

I do agree that having a few doubles or even all singles would be awesome as it could be very versatile. The prices and my wallet are not so on board haha. This is where I wanted to make sure to make the best decision and it would seem that getting at least one double and a single would work best despite price.

I do have a backpack on the rig so a backplate won't be necessary and it does have some molle webbing on it. I figured I could at least have my buddy mags on the side of it but I have not tried putting a m4 mag pouch on it. I will probably tonight when I get home and find my package there waiting for me.

I do have to consider a rario and I like the idea of a fanny pack for the bb's. I would love to see how that works if you do have the time.

Can anyone estimate what amount of bb's would fit on a regular general purpose pouch. I have to consider weight. Also I would worry about dropping them everywhere so maybe on one of the practice runs I could check it out or someone could show me. I have only a small loader which holds enough for one of my mid caps at a time but has a small opening and digging it into the pouch may cause for a huge bb loss.

[Italian]

I am certain that I can fit a new (So like 4-5000rd) bag of BBs in in a Paraclete Upright GP. Same with an EI Canteen. You may be able to fit more in those two GP pouches, as well as similar ones, but I have not tried.


TL;DR: You can fit more BBs in a GP pouch than you should need.

[Krutch]

I run a fannypack to carry an extra battery and bb's. It works great. Only problem is if it is not properly adjusted, it will slam your testicles with every step.

www.ebairsoft.com/cordura-pitched-waist-pack-p-3304.html

They have other colors, this is just the first one I found. Its a clone of something, dont recall what. Some gear whore on here will know.

[Carnage]

Apr 30, 2012 21:08:31 GMT -5 Krutch said:

Some gear whore on here will know.

I'm not a big one, but I believe it's a replica of the EI E&R bag. And I'm contemplating on using an RRV for an MFR impression I want to do. If I do get an RRV, I may do something similar to what you have pictured Knife. Looks good.

[Knife]

Not the most ideal photos, but this is what I was talking about earlier. I'm able to fit a small to medium size bag of BBs, speed loader, balaclava, gloves, V lite and a couple of other doodads in there right now. I'd say I have roughly 1000-1500, I won't carry a full bag. I've never had a bag rip open on me before. I typically put the speedloader on the outside of the bag, roll the bag up and rubberband them. This keeps them together and stops the BBs from bouncing all over and making a bunch of noise.


I ran a fannypack for a bit and quite liked it. It was ideal for carrying BBs + speedloader. I could easily toss it to teammates, or take it off quickly. Downside, if you're running another belt or belt kit the fanny pack can get in the way.

The pouch is attached to just the bottom row of MOLLE, and in this case I moved the mag pouches up a row. If you have something bulkier than an admin above the mag pouches you may run in to issues drawing mags. I just run an admin, so I encounter no issues. If you run an admin on an RRV like this, you shouldn't have any issues either. You can get by without doing this, but it may not be as easily accessible. Another option would be to ziptie it to the lowest row. You'd save on space but it would not be as stable.

[alexbuechel]

Wow, that is really clever. I do like this idea a lot.
Does it bother you in terms of weight and movement at all?

Alex

[Knife]

No issues with weight. Since I'm using an MBSS with a MAP, it keeps the front from sagging. This should not be an issue on an RRV is you properly adjust your straps.

As for movement, I have no issues. The MBSS is around an inch above my belt line, so the pouch didn't have more than 2 inches below my belt. I don't remember having any issues moving around or when I was prone.

I would only do this if you're using a horizontal utility pouch, no IFAKs or 'tall' pouches.

I'm not sure its preferable to attaching it the normal way if you have the room. I haven't had any issues with it yet, but that doesn't mean that there are none. If you have an issue drawing your sidearm and want to free up space on one of your sides this could be useful.

[alexbuechel]

Ok, that looks great. I think I'll give this a go. I do like having my side clear so this would be a better option.