Where We Began...

In 1983, the first well-known modern chest rig was made somewhere most people wouldn't expect — South Africa. Developed during a time of canvas and metal fittings the SADF's "Pattern 83" brought new materials like Cordura, Velcro, nylon webbing, and plastic buckles to the forefront of military kit. It went on to inspire chest rig designs for generations to come... Including our own.

In 2021, we saw the writing on the wall — military surplus isn't forever. Supply would run dry one day, and before it did, we took it upon ourselves to breathe new life into the rig that frankly needed very little fixing.

Read More Pattern 83 History

KSGI encompasses our mission to do this with many other pieces of timeless kit. learn more here.

Tap or click to interact

Mag Compatibability Guide

If you're using a popular, semi-automatic magazine-fed rifle, odds are P83 fits at least 6 of your mags. Want to know for sure? We've tested dozens of different platforms and detailed our results below.

You can help expand this 'verified compatible' list by submitting your results to help@kommandostore.com

Rifle Platforms

Battle jackets were originally designed in 1983 for South Africa's R4 (Galil) 35 round magazines, which are similar in size but slightly longer than standard USGI/STANAG magazines.

PMAGs might be a tighter fit in general, and specialized 5.56 magazines such as those for the G36 are not going to double-stack. Consider using PMAGs instead of the kind that link together.

The best possible fit is always going to be the aluminum/steel USGI-style STANAGs for their slightly thinner proportions all around.

7.62 platform magazines, like the case with original battle jackets, largely do not fit in the main magazine poouches. AK mags are too tall, and "Battle Rifle" magazines such as those for the G3, FAL, or M14, are too large or otherwise awkward of a fit.

If It Ain't Broke..?

The process of "modernizing" a chest rig like this is a balancing act. Change too little and there’s no benefit to the end user. Change too much and you might ruin what made the original good.


In our view, almost everything about the P83 rig was done right the first time. The philosophy of the SADF is clear, and we agree with their conclusions. We decided our big design changes should be saved for a whole new rig, but also offer an option to get the classic factory fresh.

Click the "+" icons for more information

Quality Counts

Near-Infrared Fabrics & Dyes

average rating 5.0 out of 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    11 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
100% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Performance
Rated 4 out of 5
Customer photos and videos
11 Reviews
Reviewed by Dalton G., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Height
>6' 4"
Weight
>250
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Great piece of kit

Light weight and plenty of storage options, only real trouble I'll have with this is neatly securing all the straps and finding out what else I can fit in this battle jacket. Still needs a bit of adjustment until the fit is just right but that will take some time.

Loading...
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Alex F., from Italy
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Height
5' 10"
Weight
140-150
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

SADF Pattern 83 Battle Jacket

The jacket is separate in 3 pieces, but it's not complicated to putting the pieces together.

The battle jacket is also is very adjustable so there shouldn't be problems about been unconfortable and unfit.

Loading...
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Philip M., from Germany
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Height
5' 7"
Weight
175-190
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Voll Geil

Mega Teil, Qualität ist einwandfrei. Bin sehr zufrieden

Loading...
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Brian L., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Height
5' 10"
Weight
210-240
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

New Production Pattern 83

The Pattern 83 came in 3 pieces but it was easy to figure out how to put it together. The adjustments are almost infinite and I was able to get it to the perfect height and snugness on my torso. After setting it up I took it out to my back pasture to run reload drills. The reloads are decently fast from the vest but the mags are very secure in the pouches. If I had to buy it again I definitely would.

Loading...
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Eugene L., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
Height
5' 10"
Weight
150-160
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

High quality

Battle jacket reproduction came in good quality, looks just like it’s advertisedd.

Loading...
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?