SADF Pattern 83 Chest Rig
SADF Pattern 83 Chest Rig
SADF Pattern 83 Chest Rig
SADF Pattern 83 Chest Rig
SADF Pattern 83 Chest Rig
SADF Pattern 83 Chest Rig

SADF Pattern 83 Chest Rig

Regular price$179.99 USD
/
Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 94 reviews

  • Available
  • Backordered, shipping soon
Condition

 

Note: A “+” following any of these conditions indicates the product has also been freshly laundered.

 

Like-New/Like-New+

  • The item has been used, but remains in like-new condition. Suitable for discerning collectors and reference use.

Excellent/Excellent+

  • The item has barely any cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
  • The item may exhibit internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.

Great/Great+

  • The item has only minor cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
  • The item may exhibit noticeable internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
  • The item may have minor field repairs, or field modifications.

Good/Good+

  • The item has clear cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.
  • The item may exhibit clear internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
  • The item may have minor or major field repairs, or field modifications.

Serviceable/Serviceable+

  • The item has significant cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.
  • The item may exhibit clear internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
  • The item may require minor repairs to either a seam, or to the fabric to restore 100% functionality

The pattern 83 system was discontinued by the SADF in 2015. Today it is typically only available used and in single quantities — even in Africa.


Recently we uncovered a significant number of pattern 83 items while developing a separate project in South Africa. This was the result of a series of in-person visits throughout South Africa, facilitated by our local contacts there. 

Many businesses in South Africa have little-to-no web presence, so things like this require phone books and commutes halfway across the country. In short, we were incredibly lucky to find rigs in this condition and to be able to offer you this pricing.

As a result of this import, we are very pleased to offer "excellent" or "like new" Pat 83 chest rigs. These rigs were laundered and sorted for size by our South African contact. While not brand new they are essentially unused. 

About the Rig

The Pattern 83 webbing system was produced in response to a need for comfortable, lightweight, and simple-to-use webbing for South African soldiers during the latter part of the Border War. The civilian camping and outdoors industries were contracted to produce the Pat 83 concept, and the resulting system was far ahead of its time. 

Officially discontinued in 2015, the pattern 83 webbing system is now largely phased out of service. However, with 30-some-years in active use, the Pattern 83 remains an iconic part of South African Culture.

Pattern 83 has been featured as the go-to load bearing gear of various movie baddies and mercenaries (Notably Blood Diamond, District 9, and Mad Max). It has even appeared in Metal Gear Solid: V and other video game titles. 

This chest rig takes inspiration from the famous "chicom" Chinese chest rig that was supplied in huge quantities to the rebel "terrorist" forces the South African military faced.

It is made from waterproof, durable Cordura nylon in the "Nutria brown" color of most SADF equipment. The nylon material is coated on the inside to increase durability while keeping weight to a minimum. The shoulder straps are padded and fully adjustable in length by slide buckles. This chest rig features three connected magazine pouches (two magazines each) meant for the R4 (Galil) rifle, but it can easily fit AR and some battle rifle magazines as well.

The unconnected, large right pocket is meant for a smoke grenade, but you can easily store a few bandages or a soda there. On the left, there is a narrow pouch intended for a pen, flare, or small knife. There are two smaller pouches on the right stacked on top of each other for grenades or small items such as cleaning kits. The other side of the chest rig's single panel features a spacious document pocket for storing important papers. The previous owners often wrote their names or doodled on this side of the chest rig, sometimes in the flap for the document pouch.

The chest rig is fastened at your back by a Fastex type buckle located on the adjustable lower straps. Like the chicom rig from which it was derived, there is nothing on your back besides straps, so you can comfortably use it with a rucksack. As South Africa is in a more arid biome, there are no drainage holes in any of the pouches, but these and other modifications can be easily made.

Specs

  • Waterproof, durable Cordura nylon
  • Nutria brown, designed to get dirty and build a natural camouflage
  • Two padded adjustable shoulder straps
  • Adjustable back strap buckles rig to your torso
  • Three connected magazine pouches hold up to six mags. Pouches are compatible with STANAG and Galil magazines, and partially compatible with FAL, G3, AKM, AK 5.45, and AK 5.56 magazines.
  • Large right pocket fits water bottles, smoke grenades, and loose tools or bandages
  • Two small left pockets fit grenades, cleaning kits, or more tools
  • Admin pouch on backside holds maps, notebooks, pens, and pencils

Condition Guide

Like-New+

  • The item has been used, but remains in like-new condition. Suitable for discerning collectors and reference use.

Excellent+

  • The item has barely any cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
  • The item may exhibit internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.

Great+

  • The item has only minor cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
  • The item may exhibit noticeable internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
  • The item may have minor field repairs, or field modifications.

Good+

  • The item has clear cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.
  • The item may exhibit clear internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
  • The item may have minor or major field repairs, or field modifications.

Serviceable+

  • The item has significant cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.
  • The item may exhibit clear internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
  • The item may require minor repairs to either a seam, or to the fabric to restore 100% functionality

    Note: A “+” following any of these conditions indicates the product has also been freshly laundered.

    Instructions

    Featured here we have the original SADF field manual containing adjustment, handling and maintenance information on all P83 equipment. This can be viewed here. Chest Rig usage information can be found on pages A3, A9-A11, and A27-A33.

    average rating 4.9 out of 5
    Based on 94 reviews
    • 5 Stars
      87 Reviews
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      7 Reviews
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      0 Reviews
    100% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
    Utility
    Rated 4 out of 5
    Performance
    Rated 4 out of 5
    Ergonomics
    Rated 4 out of 5
    Customer photos and videos
    94 Reviews
    Reviewed by Robert M., from United States
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Condition
    As Described
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Review posted

    Milsim approved

    Went through what I can only describe as one of the most hostile and rugged fields I've ever been to with this on and it not only held up but performed admirably at the Milsim game I brought it to.

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    Rated 4 out of 5
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    Rated 4 out of 5
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    Rated 4 out of 5
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    Reviewed by Fergus S., from United States
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Condition
    As Described
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Review posted

    Comfortable

    Its very comfortable even when its full of 308 loaded twenty five round mags while sprinting. This better then an ALICE , or MOLLIE.

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    Rated 5 out of 5
    Performance
    Rated 5 out of 5
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    Rated 5 out of 5
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    Reviewed by Jack H., from United States
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Condition
    As Described
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Review posted

    Awesome and quick

    Highly recommend, super quick shipping and a great chest rig for the monies

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    Rated 5 out of 5
    Performance
    Rated 5 out of 5
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    Rated 5 out of 5
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    Reviewed by John N., from United States
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Condition
    Better Than Described
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Review posted

    Good fit

    The chest Rig was better than I expected. I had no issues fitting it.

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    Rated 5 out of 5
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    Rated 5 out of 5
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    Rated 5 out of 5
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    Reviewed by STEVEN O., from United States
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Condition
    Better Than Described
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Review posted

    Great kit

    Great authentic kit

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    Rated 5 out of 5
    Performance
    Rated 5 out of 5
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    Rated 5 out of 5
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