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 took it upon ourselves to do a major redesign inspired by the original to give it the upgrade it deserved, which we then dubbed the "Pattern 84" chest rig. Since its introduction we've used our rig extensively in order to figure out what design improvements we would like to implement, while keeping the rig affordable.

 Most importantly, this iteration focused on customer feedback first.

The Spiritual Successor.

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Mag Compatibability Guide

If you're using a popular, semi automatic magazine-fed rifle, odds are P84 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

AR-15 & Other .223/5.56 Platforms

In most cases we reccomend the standard 2 magazines per cell for a total of 6 mags. This will work with nearly all metal and polymer 'AR-15 type' mags on the market. However you can chose to 'overload' each mag cell with 3 standard capacity metal STANAGs for a total of 9 magazines.

Note: When overloading, we recommend inserting magazines in a front-to-back order, Not all polymer mags are 'overload' compatible.

AR-Adjacent platforms with similar magazines such as the 30/35 rd. 5.56 Galil, HK93, G36, and others will fit at least 6 mags, but due to the contours of some of the magazines, you might find trouble stacking more than 2 in a pouch.

Longer magazines like the 40 Round Magpul PMAG and the proprietary Steyr AUG 42-Rounders will fit with a total of 6 mags in the rig. If you're crazy and use the Surefire 60-round 'quad stack', we tested that too. each mag cell can fit 1x 60 rounder plus 1 standard capacity STANAG.

Kalashnikov Platforms & Similar

Each mag cell holds 2 magazines comfortably. Standard Capacity AKM, AK101, and AK-74 Magazines will fit just fine. Plastic, metal, and Bakelite all work, and P84 2.0 makes it much easier to re-index these mags than the previous version of this rig.

We also tested 40rd 7.62 and 45rd 5.45 RPK mags. While they physically fit inside the pouches, 7.62x39 40 rounders can't take advantage of the flap closure. Retention is acceptable thanks to the elastic, but it certainly isn't a "jumpable" configuration.

It's much the same story for 5.45 45 rounders — they fit side by side better than the x39 mags, but still can't take advantage of the flap closure.

7.62 NATO/.308/6.5c "Battle Rifles" & DMRs

P84 accommodates straight walled 20 round .308 mags for the AR-10, MR308, FN FAL, and SCAR-17 without issue. The rig will comfortably fit the standard 2 per cell for a total of 6 mags. For the HK G3, due to the contours of the magazine, we don't recommend double-stacking.

We've tested the much less common SCAR & FAL 30-round magazines, and they also fit without issue, even with baseplates attached.

Pistol Caliber Carbines/SMGs

Magazines such as those found in HK MP5s, B&T GHM/APC/TP Platforms, CZ Scorpions, Grand Power Stribogs, UZIs, Colt AR-9s, and Glock 'stick' type mags will fit, but with a catch: They must be placed side by side in order to maintain retention.

The best way to run PCC magazines for maximum retention is to place 4 in each main mag cell.

Results may vary with magazine extensions and different types of base plates. Compact pistol magazines, such as those used by the Glock 19, may be too short to use effectively in P84's main pouches, but will fit in the multitool pouches if you want to carry them on your rig.

New & Improved

How we took our user's feedback and upgraded the rig.

Comfort & Modularity

P84 H Harness System

We got overwhelming feedback from our customers to opt for a much more modular solution when it came to the harness. We designed an ergonomically shaped H-Harness from the ground up, but you can use any harness you want. In moving the clips closer together for harness compatibility, it also holds the front of the rig flatter against your chest in comparison to P84.

Mag Pouch Rework

Re-Indexing

Another point of customer feedback was the desire to remove the dividers in the pouch for magazines. In our testing, we found out they did more harm then good, so we've removed them and dialed in the elastic retention to perform just like P84 1.0's cells without the snags.

Silhouette Rework

Higher Speed,Lower Drag

P83's shape was large enough to allow errors during manufacturing, but even with modern tech we used it's footprint as the basis for P84. For 2.0, We decreased the overall height dimension of the chest rig without compromising on the size of any of the pouches or useable MOLLE Space.

Auxilliary Pouch Rework

Upgraded Storage

The main mag cell flaps now feature an angle-cut at the bottom to reduce snag hazard and balance out the look of the rig. We ditched the "Pen Flare" pouch taken from P83 and mirrored the multitool pouch to the other side for much more utility & extra storage.

If It Ain't Broke..?

The process of modernizing a design 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 were careful not to reinvent the wheel with P84 — instead we focused on improving what was already there, and putting our customers first when considering any changes.

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average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 40 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    37 Reviews
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100% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Adjustability Range
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Little , 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Much
Customer photos and videos
40 Reviews
Reviewed by Rhys W.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
  • Handguns/Pistol Caliber Carbine
Height
5' 7"
Weight
140-150
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
Product Standouts
  • Versatility With My Different Weapon Platforms
  • Comfort
  • Colorways/Camos
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Well fitted, easy to use, and amazing looking.

I’m incredibly new to guns and the equipment that comes with them in the grand scheme of things, and have only been immersed in this particular process for less than a year now. However as more people who’ve never considered owning firearms or tactical equipment begin to get into it, I figured I’d add my own thoughts as someone who’s coming to the table with a fresh set of eyes in case anybody who’s new like me is considering buying this rig. Overall, I can safely say I’m pretty impressed.

First of all, I want to praise the general setup and construction of this rig. This is the second chest rig I’ve ever purchased, and the first one was a good rig and perfectly serviceable. However, the Pattern 84 had some specific features I really prefer over my original rig.

For one, the three mag pouches at the front and center of the rig are incredibly easy to access. The Velcro keeping them closed is easy to open in a hurry even with shooting gloves on, and the fact that you can double or triple stack magazines in them means you can carry at least six mags in a very comfortable position. With my previous rig, which had six single AR mag pouches spread out across the entire length of the rig, I found myself getting tangled up when I had to reach all the way across my body for the last mag. Thanks to the central position of the Pattern 84’s mag pouches, and the ability to double or triple stack, you can carry just as many mags or more without having to reach as far across your…

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Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Adjustability Range
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Little , 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Much
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Reviewed by James G.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AK47/74
  • FAL
Height
6'
Weight
175-190
How It FIts
Needs More Adjustment
Product Standouts
  • Modularity & Customizability
  • Durability
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Best rig in my collection

It’s simply top notch in quality and excellent evolution in the pattern 83 series

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Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Adjustability Range
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Little , 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Much
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Wallace B.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • SCAR/AR10
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
  • AK47/74
Height
5' 11"
Weight
175-190
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
Product Standouts
  • Value for Money
  • Durability
  • Comfort
  • Modularity & Customizability
  • Colorways/Camos
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Quality/Modern /Old School

I love this modern old school battle rig. It’s everything a guy needs to run his battle rifle. Thx for bringing it to market boyz.

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Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Adjustability Range
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Little , 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Much
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Alexander G.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • Handguns/Pistol Caliber Carbine
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
Product Standouts
  • Durability
  • Comfort
  • Modularity & Customizability
  • Colorways/Camos
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Unfortunate Hunting; a quick summary

After perusing the fine establishment of the online military surplus known as kommando store; so aptly named to be referred to as commando but with a twist like the hit game mortal kombat( combat). I found a peculiar item of most importance, a ranger green chest rig. “Oh capital!”, I thought to myself, thinking that my merry band of other larpers will enjoy a good tussle in the mud during our training days.

Little did I know that once I donned the amazing carapace, that my wife would stumble upon me in our den, in a rather verbose fashion I called out: “Look! I am absolutely smashing aren’t I darling?!” I called aloud.

To my suprise, she charged at me with the full force of a raging wild hog and attempted to subdue me into our bedroom.

I narrowly dodged and almost pistol whipped the vile creature but she was too fast. I pulled out my utility knife form the right most section of the rig, but alas she thrashed me about and proceeded to throw my here and there.

She overpowered me gentleman. And in the process managed to remove my undergarments. She had her way with me until I flash banged the wild beast. She hadn’t realized the rig was still on my person. Blinded, I managed to toss her right out the window, to which she scurried into the woods. She’s out there somewhere; cold, hungry, and maybe slightly aroused. I have mustered my men to go after her, and my chest rig will aid me in my hunt.

I recommend only for single men, and those who are daring enough to fashion a hint…

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Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Adjustability Range
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Little , 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Much
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KommandoStore

what

Reviewed by Colton C.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
Height
6'
Weight
210-240
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
Product Standouts
  • Versatility With My Different Weapon Platforms
  • Comfort
  • Modularity & Customizability
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Good rig

Carries 40 round pmags no problem

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Build Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Adjustability Range
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Little , 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Much
Was this helpful?