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...
The Webbing
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...
Agility & Capacity
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.
Tough as Nails
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.
Please note for our newest batch (Q3 2025), the ammo pouch clips have been updated to be slightly larger than before. This allows the user to be able to "feel out" which pouch he is accessing without visual confirmation, as the other pouch clips remain the same size as the previous batch.
Pouch layout, according to the man himself
- Front Right Zippered Pouch: Map, notebook, sunscreen, pen, face camo etc
- Front Right Small Pouch: Compass
- Front Right Small Horizontal Pouch: Lighter
- Front Left Waist Belt pouch: Pocket Knife
- Front Left Shoulder strap: Bowie Knife/Radio Handset
- Right/Left Side Front Water Bottle Pouch: Smoke Grenade
- Right/Left Side Top Water Bottle Pouch: Bomb Bandages
- Water bottle/Radio Pouch both sides
- Magazine Pouches: Ak Mags, R5 Galil Mags both sides
- Rear Pouch: Medical Pouch
Mag Compatibility
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
- Made In South Africa with South African materials
- Made with direct oversight from Johann Niemoller from original designs & drawings
- 500D NON-NIR Compliant Cordura nylon
- Upgraded shoulder strap webbing for lasting durability
- Durable "Two Finger" plastic buckles
- Available in 4 sizes based on your waist circumference
Colorway
Our South African manufacturer had leftover materials from the last batch of rigs, which were made into the "Alternative" colorway shown in the photos. Fabric panels show noticeable variance in color compared to the "Original" colorway.
