REVIEW: Warrior Assault Systems 901 Chest Rig

One of the great classics in gear in the Western world is the Rhodesian Recon Harness (RRV). The very first SPARTANAT review of an armor was actually the Eagle Industries RRV. Accordingly, many manufacturers who want to play it safe produce a variation of the RRV. Today, with the help of Gearmaniacs, we take a look at the 901 Chest Rig from the British manufacturer Warrior Assault Systems (WAS).

The 901 Chest Rig on the man: What is immediately noticeable is that it is quite large overall. WAS has added plenty of MOLLE here (in contrast to the Eagle Industries RRV, the 901 is purely MOLLE, while the RRV also has PALS). The small upper panel alone is six loops wide, so there is quite a lot of space. It can be folded down, leaving more space at the top and only the lower area to attach pouches. To be honest: that's quite sufficient. The back view is not surprising: a classic H-strap keeps the 901 Chest Rig well padded on the shoulders in place.

The inner workings in detail. Warrior Assault System focuses on ventilation, which is very good. Under 1000 denier Cordura, you can sweat very well. WAS underlays the armor area with a 3D mesh that is very thick and offers air channels that naturally cool the body during exertion, simply because air can circulate and one can perspire properly. Otherwise, the 901 Chest Rig is also well-equipped. As with the RRV, a SAPI can also be inserted into the rear pocket here, providing front body armor for the wearer.

The real innovation of the 901 Chest Rig only becomes apparent when you wear it: with the classic RRV, putting on the armor is usually a two-man job. The wearer puts it on, a second person has to help clip the closures between the rig and the harness, because they are half on the back, in a way that makes it difficult to reach. WAS, on the other hand, has built in a zipper on the left side, which is also concealed with a Velcroed and clipped flap.

So, if you want to get out, you can open the armor here and pull it over your head. This is really a very practical solution.

CONCLUSION: The 901 Chest Rig is an improved and enlarged interpretation of a classic RRV. Well-made, it is real rugged gear that wants to be fully loaded and properly loaded. Not the most modern version of tactical nylon, but a good model that puts the wearer on the safe side without any experiments.

You can get the Warrior Assault System 901 Chest Rig at GEARMANIACS in the colors Coyote and Multicam for Euro 89.95 (excluding shipping).