REVIEW: London Bridge Trading LBT-1961A

Some numbers you just never forget ... This is one of them: 1961! Aaahhh! - The full name is LBT-1961A and we openly admit, this is our favorite rig. London Bridge Trading, a gear manufacturer not only appreciated by the Navy SEALs for its quality, has a true classic on offer, which is simply great to wear and very practical. At first glance, you can see: eight M4 magazines are the standard loadout. Find out more about what else it can do in this review by SPARTANAT.

Even the back can be delightful: the shoulder straps run in an H-shape and are sewn in a way that the lower branches do not press. Both ends can be unclipped. The rig is secured at the bottom with a cross strap, which can also be released at both ends. To get in and out, you release a shoulder and the cross strap. Putting it on with a fully loaded rig is a bit cumbersome. There is a variation, the LBT-1961G, which has a so-called "Split Front", meaning it has a zipper in the middle of the front, and can be put on like a vest. Which is even more practical ... The buckles on the shoulder blades can accommodate a hydration pack, which then replaces the cross strap at the bottom.

The sides in all their glory: where a Gerber LMF knife is stuck here, the radio normally goes. Two large pouches on the right and left provide enough space for gloves, small items, or a snack in between. Hand grenade pockets are attached to the pouches. Facing forward, one on the right and one on the left are provided and thus easily accessible.

Details of the LBT-1961A: two small compartments (left) on the M4 magazine pouches are suitable for a multi-tool and flashlight. Additionally, you can see that the flaps of the M4 magazine pouches are doubly secured: with Velcro as the primary and buckles as the secondary closure. The large side pocket (right) is open. Normally, it is closed with a flap similar to an M60 ammo belt pouch. And (bottom left) the hand sinks into the radio compartment.

The back of the rig: Here, there is an integrated map pocket, closed at the top with Velcro. This is also where the tag is located, holding the model and production date.

Bonus tracks: on the left is a holster that can be clipped into the map pocket, so you can carry a pistol. A nice gimmick, although we don't prefer a pistol in the front center of the rig. On the right, you can see the cable tunnels on the shoulder straps. Headset cables can be discreetly routed here with Velcro. Next to them are loops where glow sticks can be inserted - such as IR glow sticks for positional identification when using night vision devices.

CONCLUSION: When it comes to the LBT-1961A, we are biased. We consider it the best rig we have because it is so practical: 8 magazines (4 will do if you're feeling lazy), room for all the essential small items, a hydration pack can be attached at the back. No modular bells and whistles, no extra pouches to collect. Just pack the LBT-1961A once, and when it's time to go, put it on and you have everything you need ... Lightweight, space-efficient - and a true classic SEALs rig.

You can get the LBT-1961A directly from London Bridge Trading in various colors: The Khaki version carries the LBT proprietary color designation "Coyote Tan" and costs $256.87. Multicam is a bit more expensive, around $280.