LBE Solution For Run N Gun 5 Mile

I'm signed up for the Waco Tactical Fitness biathlon this coming April. It'll be my first event/competition and I'm REALLY stoked about it.

Being my first time out, I don't have chest rigs and belts and MOLLE gear just laying around the house. I have a few little things, including a good VTAC sling, but I need a solution to carrying 4 loaded rifle magazines, 3-4 loaded pistol magazines, the pistol, stopwatch, hydration, etc. that'll be the most effective for completing a 5 mile run and gun.

Emphasis on the running part. I'm definitely a better runner than I am a shooter. I'll practice shooting more between now and then but I run regularly regardless.

I have a minimalist hydration backpack I've used for a recent 30k trail race. So my initial thought was to get an HSGI sure grip to carry the magazines/pistol and the hydration pack for water and any misc. odds and ends. That way the meat of the weight is carried on my hips and the pack can be kept 100% separate with no straps overlapping.

Alternatively, I could use a chest rig to carry all of it (including the pistol) and wear the hydration pack over the rig. I don't think I want to wear a chest rig and a pistol belt. I can only imagine any belt less supportive/cushioned than a battle belt will be very uncomfortable once cinched tight enough to keep a pistol from flopping around while running.

Any input, including "All wrong! Start over!" is super appreciated. Thanks!

Chest rig with a light assault pack to carry water and miscellaneous gear. A belt is going to be annoying on your hips for 5miles. You can do 5miles without weight on the hips, I'd estimate the weight you're carrying to be about 25lbs max not including the weight of the rifle. I'd also go for a split front for ventilation. Diamondback Tactical used to make a great rig that had an integrated hydration pouch; I used it for a similar event.

Ideas:

http://www.optactical.com/tatafilimav2.html

http://www.optactical.com/blfogetem4ch.html

http://www.first-spear.com/product.p...cat=273&page=1

http://www.first-spear.com/product.p...cat=273&page=1

Thanks! I was eyballing that BFG ten-speed rig earlier today. Looks like there's enough MOLLE on the sides for strapping on a pistol and the pistol mags. And the straps are thin enough I should still be able to wear the hydro pack I've got over it w/no real friction issues.

I've run with weight on my hips before with no issues but the weight was just hydration - a setup like this: https://goo.gl/N0lJbh. Nowhere near as much weight as a pistol, 120+ rifle, and 60+ pistol rounds.

I settled on a belt and small pack several years ago for these events and have used them effectively ever since. We are not talking about a full battle belt, so it is best to keep it simple with the equipment needed to complete the course. Consider two rifle mags, two pistol mags, and pistol on whatever belt you choose. Then you can move mags around from pack to belt as you travel to the next stage. As with anything gear related, give it a good test before you go. I hope this helps.

Ahhh, yeah, I like that idea. Keep the belt weight to a minimum and stash the extra mags in the hydro pack.

I'll need a bigger hydro pack... The gear pouch on my current pack really only holds a modern smart phone and keys. It's very much so just for running.

I think that a lot has to do with one's body shape and size so what works well for one person will not necessarily work well for another. Chest rigs like the Rhodesian Recon Vest are very popular in the tactical world right now so I'd bet that this type of rig will also work well in competition. Keep in mind that most folks also use a battle belt when using a chest rig - the belt is better for carrying a pistol. It might be worthwhile to look at some competition videos on You Tube to see what rig most competitors are using.