Since KommandoStore started doing business over a decade ago, it's been a dream of ours to resurrect some of the most sought-after South African kit from curio status back to a new life — when we got in contact with Johann Niemoller himself, it wasn't long before we started talking about webbing and unearthing his now-cult-celebrated design back after decades of dormancy.
'Niemoller rigs' are without a doubt a cult-hit, but its influence has snowballed significantly. With new enthusiasts and collectors scrounging up the last remaining curio-grade rigs on the internet, options became limited. Nowadays, an average Google search brings up a minefield of low-quality, chinese-made clones that get the details all wrong — a minefield for anyone who hasn't properly done their homework.
It would take several years, but this working relationship would eventually evolve into the North Equipment brand and our exclusive & locally made gear using much of the same equipment and staff used by Adder in the 1980s...
Niemoller saw the shortcomings of the 70s-era gear of South Africa. It was more suited for fighting in WW2 than it was against the fast-moving insurgents.
Armed with a sewing machine in his bungalow room and all the fabrics, bits & bobs he could get, he designed a comfortable & applicable rig that could go long distances, quieter, with less repairs needed...
Johann's design enhances comfort and felt weight for a high degree of athleticism under duress. The webbing was designed to carry as many of your essentials as possible without being bulky, since Recces would not have access to any kind of resupply infrastructure.
There's nothing worse than relying on a field repair to limp you home. The Niemoller webbing was designed & recce-proven to last through the harshest conditions without letting them down.
Our rig has been made with 500D Cordura, but not NIR Compliant — true to the original, Recces wanted to be seen under NODs or IR light for nighttime pickup.
Careful consideration from Niemoller went into the choice of the buckles.
They were intentionally picked for their ability to be easily opened & closed effortlessly with one hand and stay secure during high-intensity combat; evasion. And unlike metallic hardware, it'll never rust or corrode away.
We've tested our prototype and the most optimal magazines that fit in the Niemoller webbing we've made are those from 7.62 AK platforms, 5.56 Galil, and STANAG (AR-15 and many others).
Specs
Sizing
Due to some design constraints, we've opted to make our Niemoller webbing in 3 different sizes according to your US pant size.
28-35"
34-40"
40"+
You might've noticed a bit of overlap between sizes — We strongly recommend you pick a size that you fall between the two measurements of if possible. For example, if you have a 35 US pant size, while you could theoretically fit in the smallest size, the 34-40 is going to be a much better experience.
South Africa’s most elite special forces are the 'Recces' (short for “Reconnaissance”).
In the border conflicts, they were the cream of the crop, being experts in both long-range combat reconnaissance and counter-insurgency. In truth though, they did far more. Recce quickly became the “go-to” fighting force for nearly everything, from airborne raids to underwater demolitions.
But they had to do it all in total anonimity. None of their uniforms or equipment could be identifiably South African. Its why you see pictures of Recces with AKs and soviet 'Chicom' chest rigs instead of R1s (Re-named FN FALs) & Pattern 70 style webbing.
For one Recce, make-shift gear wasn't quite enough. His name: Johann Niemoller.
Niemoller saw the shortcomings of the 70s-era gear of South Africa. It was more suited for fighting in WW2 than it was against the fast-moving insurgents.
Armed with a sewing machine in his bungalow room and all the fabrics, bits & bobs he could get, he designed a comfortable & applicable rig that could go long distances, quieter, with less repairs needed.
In our interview with him, Niemoller remarked, "Very soon, I had to make [webbing] for almost everybody in the special forces..."
(Photo: Niemoller's First 'Niemoller' webbing.)
Johann's design enhances comfort and felt weight for a high degree of athleticism under duress.
As Niemoller said in our interview, "When you dump your backpack, you're in trouble"
The webbing was designed to carry as many of your essentials as possible without being bulky, since Recces would not have access to any kind of resupply infrastructure.
There's nothing worse than relying on a field repair to limp you home.
The Niemoller webbing was designed & recce-proven to last through the harshest conditions without letting them down.
Our rig has been made with 500D Cordura, but not NIR Compliant — true to the original, Recces wanted to be seen under NODs or IR light for nighttime pickup.
Careful consideration from Niemoller went into the choice of the buckles.
They were intentionally picked for their ability to be easily opened & closed effortlessly with one hand and stay secure during high-intensity combat & evasion.
And unlike metallic hardware, it'll never rust or corrode away.
Designed just like it's "recce" original, this mainly accommodates magazines from the AKM & Galil, but STANAG magazines with spacer or mag assists feel right at home.
Otherwise, small pouches around the whole rig accommodate grenades, first aid kits, radios, and anything else you need on your trek behind enemey lines...
Reception
Niemoller's webbing was a massive success, immediately being adopted as the go-to system for the Recces, and even seeing use on Private Military Company "Executive Outcomes".
The webbing would be passed to the military, where quality would drastically reduce for cost savings. Still, SANDF Recces still use a very similar design to this day.
Most versions on the market today are missing some of the key details that made Johann's creation so effective in the field.
Since the border war, Adder (aka. Adro) was founded to continue making gear, particularly of the commercial variety to supply parties like "Executive Otucomes".
He became an established military outfitter in the 1980s, still supplying the SADF from time to time.
Niemoller’s businesses also enjoyed substantial commercial sales, with 'Adder' Brushstroke appearing in stores and on the pages of Soldier of Fortune in the late 80s and early 90s.
The webbing he made had already cemented its legacy, but collectors began to blow the price out of proportion. SADF Copies of the rig would go for hundreds, and genuine Niemoller rigs would go for even more.
We saw an opportunity to change that, and who better to do it with than Niemoller himself?
For a long period of time, most of the "Adder" facility stayed dormant, and genuine articles from its hayday as well as genuine 'Niemoller rigs' began to skyrocket in price with the advent of the internet and its distinct ability to allow collectors to flex & trade their gear.
Since KommandoStore started doing business in 2013, It's been a dream of ours to resurrect some of these collectibles from curio status back to a new life — when we got in contact with Niemoller, it wasn't long before we started talking about webbing and unearthing his now-cult-celebrated design back after decades of dormancy.
The dawn of the ANC government in 1994 shuttered most of South Africa’s defense industrial base, including Niemoller’s textile businesses. At this time all of Niemoller’s manufacturing equipment was moved to his property for storage.
Then, we got in touch with Johann himself thanks to our existing contact in South Africa.
Niemoeller was approached restart textile manufacturing work in South Africa for the commercial and private security industry.
With a keen desire to start making the equipment again, Niemoeller's machines were dusted off and production began right back up...
'Niemoller rigs' are without a doubt a cult-hit, but its influence has snowballed significantly.
With new enthusiasts and collectors scrounging up the last remaining curio-grade rigs on the internet, options became limited.
Nowadays, an average Google search brings up a minefield of low-quality, chinese-made clones that get the details all wrong — a minefield for anyone who hasn't properly done their homework.
On the contrast, we can appreciate the passion that goes into actual high-quality reproduction equipment on the market, but it's certainly scarce.
With the aid of local contacts in South Africa, we stumbled across Johann & his local business in 2021 while sourcing manufacturers for South African webbing and clothing.
It would take several years, but this working relationship would eventually evolve into the North Equipment brand and our exclusive & locally made gear using much of the same equipment and staff used by Adder in the 1980s.
Johann himself had much involvement in this project, using his experience to pick out the best fabrics, colors, design improvements, and even suppliers to help us achieve our goals.
It's been a privilege to work with one of the most legendary figures of the Border Wars, and we hope to keep telling his story through our products for years to come.
