REVIEW: HSGI NEO Chest Rig

You don't have to live in the Matrix to be Neo. But we share a problem with him: how do we get enough gear to the man. In that respect, we are much more conventional. High Speed Gear (HSGI) has a new solution that appeals to us: the NEO Chest Rig. Here is the piece in action. And honestly, we get a massive flashback: at first glance, NEO looks like a classic RRV, as seen from Eagle Industries or LBT about 15 years ago. At first glance, that's not wrong, because NEO heavily borrows from the Rhodesian Recon Vest. This is because that was an extremely practical rig. But some things have changed: while the old piece was made of 1000D Cordura, this one is made of 1000D Cordura Laminate. It sounds similar, but feels completely different. Because the outside is Multicam Cordura, and the inside feels like touching a truck tarp. In times of "lightweight," the rig feels rather heavy, like comparable PVC flat-panel messenger bags from Bree or other fashionable manufacturers. What has completely changed, of course, is the construction. No sewn-on MOLLE loops, everything is laser-cut here. At the bottom, you have five rows of ten slots to configure the pockets as you want on the NEO Rig. At the top, there are five by five rows. The bib, named top part here, particularly strongly resembles the old RRV, as it also has a compartment at the top for your small stuff, map, and other important items. Simultaneously, it is attached at the top with a loop to the shoulder straps on the right and left. These can be easily released. But the bib is not just folded down... ... instead, it can be completely released with one hand movement. This means it can be configured, for example, as an admin part and exchanged with another commander if they are using the same rig. The connection to the actual NEO is via a Velcro strip at the bottom. Without the bib, a simple platform remains that extends over the abdomen. The shoulder straps are also equipped with MOLLE. Always handy there: small pouch horizontally, hydration hose, radio cables are good to store here. The magic, however, lies on the back: HSGI pads with neoprene, making the rig very comfortable to wear. And may have played a role in the name NEO... Speaking of the back: this is how the back of the NEO looks. HSGI sews a hybrid X- or H-strap by connecting it with stretch material. It works, but somehow, that's the only solution on the chest rig that we personally don't like. It already looks tangled, and we're curious to see how it holds up with a full load after wearing it for a while. At the bottom of the back, the old RRV only had a horizontal strap, HSGI uses the space for an additional panel. This is super practical because you don't have to wear an additional belt with more gear. For example, an IFAK fits perfectly here. Also here: neoprene as far as the eye can see.

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