Chest rig/vest or backpack?

[a1fabweld]

I've been thinking lately about what would be best suited to carry mags, knife & essential gear during daily chores in the event something happened. A vest would be nice as it keeps everything snug up against the body and you don't really have to carry it, but concealing it with an over shirt or jacket would suck on a warm day. A backpack would be less obvious but slow to access your gear. What are your thoughts?

[Ironman8]

Is this for EDC?
What's the intended use?
What exactly do you plan on carrying in there? Long gun or handgun?

[a1fabweld]

I'm thinking for EDC. It will mostly be for mags, fixed blade knife, water bottle, & minor other essentials.

[Dave L.]

I think carrying a long gun out in public would get you noticed long before a backpack or chest rig.

Maintaining a low profile is usually the best answer.

[Ironman8]

Gotcha...I personally have a "go-bag" in the truck with more stuff, but I've been thinking about a smaller verision that I can take with me that I can also store a handgun in (in a hidden compartment) when I can't carry on my hip due to certain clothing.

Most backpacks are either just too big, or don't have the design that I like. I also wanted something that looks more civilian so I don't stick out.

So far, the only thing that has really piqued my interest is the 5.11 Moab 10 bag. Only downside is that it has molle, so I would either have to get it in black and just deal with it, or actually cut off all the molle.

Personally, I wouldn't do the vest or chest rig.

[docsherm]

I started to use a Maxpadition JUMBO S-TYPE VERSIPACK over in Africa and several Middle East Countries as a Go-Bag. I could carry all of the stuff I needed (frags, smoke, food, radio, GPS, and so forth), carry 2 extra pistol mags in the front pocket, and 3 PMags in the zipper pocket. It does not stand out too much like a chest rig would. It has a snap to connect to your belt so it stays in place. You can also wear a pistol and a small back pack if you want. Over all it is a good bag and most of the people will think you are some dork with a “murse”.

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/...IPACK-4p54.htm

[Dave L.]

I started to use a Maxpadition JUMBO S-TYPE VERSIPACK ....

I actually think the Jumbo versions are smarter as they don't scream "gun pouch".

[docsherm]

That is one of the main reasons I went with it. That and an MBITR fits very nicly in the water bottle pouch.

[Beat Trash]

I think for the needs described by the OP, the Maxpadition would be the best way to go.

But for daily chores where you wouldn't be carrying a rifle/carbine on your person, either because it interferes with the work you are doing, or because you are trying to remain "low profile", do you need to carry extra stuff?

If you can conceal a pistol and a couple of magazines on your belt, under a t-shirt, you could keep a go-bag next to your rifle.

Now if you had to travel short distances, and needed to keep the low profile look, then I'd want something like the Maxpadition.

[a1fabweld]

Keeping lo-pro is paramount to me. I don't want to look like a soldier walking down the street. I'd rather look like a geek than a bad ass.