SADF Pattern 83 Chest Rig, Early Gen Shoulder Strap

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.

These Pattern 83 Chest Rigs feature something not typically seen outside South Africa. The first generation shoulder straps. Made of a nutria brown nylon, covering repurposed mattress foam, these shoulder straps are visually quite different from the shoulder straps we typically receive. 

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.