FEEL THE HEAT

Our re-creation of Hollywood's most famous bank-robber rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig
The 'Heat' Rig

The 'Heat' Rig

Regular price$199.99 USD
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View Guide

The heat rig's sizing system is very simple, with two sizes to choose from. If you wish, you can simply go with your US shirt size and you'll likely be set.

  S/M L/XL
Abdomen Measurement 30 - 44" 38 - 55" 


The hook and loop straps allow for a large range of adjustment, and adjust similarly to a plate carrier. For best results, start by fitting the rig to your abdomen so that the bottom of the rig slightly overlaps with your belt. From there, either have a friend adjust the shoulders for ride height or use a mirror for reference. With enough trial and error, you'll get a perfect fit.

For fitting underneath a suit, a suit jacket will require an additional 4-7" of room around your abdomen. For best results, measure your abdomen with the rig donned & full of magazines, or take your rig into a suit shop (just don't make a scene, lol)

  • Free Sizing Exchanges
  • Backed By Our 30-Day Return Policy
Waist Size (at Navel)

A Cult Hit, Reimagined

Michael Mann's HEAT (1995) immediately gained a cult following on release. Its unique gritty and grounded approach bucked a decades-long trend of formulaic action films, exposing audiences to realistic military and police tactics. A combination of great direction, talented actors, and qualified technical advisors (ex-SAS) made the film's climactic bank heist one of the most memorable scenes of the 90s.

This nearly 15-minute-long sequence made HEAT a cinematic legend. Shot in downtown LA, an easy score quickly escalates into a claustrophobic mess of a shootout. Expert gun-handling, booming on-location audio, and a huge cast of supporting firearms all help to make an unforgettable impression. This short sequence would inspire popular culture and media for generations to come.

The Vest

One of the things that helped HEAT feel authentic were the props. The ex-SAS advisors employed by the production had quite literally been there and done that, and this prowess was reflected in the improvised equipment and tactics featured on screen.

This includes the single most iconic prop of the film, the 'Heat' rig; an improvised vest capable of hiding 8 STANAG magazines underneath a suit jacket. Being inconspicuous was important to the characters in HEAT — to pull of their plan, they needed to waltz into a busy, guarded bank with hundreds of rounds of ammunition and rifles without anyone batting an eye.

The vests were cool and certainly believable, but there's a big problem. You never quite see them get used as much as they're shown off. The Heat rigs magically pop on and off of the characters as convenient, the magazines are perfectly retained since they're stitched on, and many of the shots betray other glaring issues.

We can't blame them; every production has to make some concessions. But in a market ravenous for a working clone of the Heat rig, many copies of this prop fell flat. We wanted to fix that.

 Make no mistake - our rig is an homage to the movie HEAT. It's not meant to compete with other "bank robber" chest rigs on the market. What we set out to do was to make the vest from the movie real and useable. 

 

The first question most people are going to ask — what kind of magazines fit in the rig?

The movie depicts standard USGI STANAG magazines for the AR-15 platform, and we built our elastic retention system around that. Nearly all standard capacity AR-15 magazines should fit without issue, inducing popular polymer mags from leading brands.

However, we can't guarantee fit of magazines from other platforms. You're welcome to try of course, but we can't provide any guidance there.

Each mag cell features two thick straps of elastic for retention and nylon straps on either end to ensure magazines stay in place. On one end of each mag cell, there's a small hook & loop fastener to access magazines. Simply twist the magazine and pull out, and you're ready to reload.

The heat rig's sizing system is very simple, with two sizes to choose from. If you wish, you can simply go with your US shirt size and you'll likely be set.

  S/M L/XL
Abdomen Measurement 30 - 44" 38 - 55" 


The hook and loop straps allow for a large range of adjustment, and adjust similarly to a plate carrier. For best results, start by fitting the rig to your abdomen so that the bottom of the rig slightly overlaps with your belt. From there, either have a friend adjust the shoulders for ride height or use a mirror for reference. With enough trial and error, you'll get a perfect fit.

For fitting underneath a suit, a suit jacket will require an additional 4-7" of room around your abdomen. For best results, measure your abdomen with the rig donned & full of magazines, or take your rig into a suit shop (just don't make a scene, lol)

The last big issue we wanted to address with the rig was quality.

We've seen a few examples of both 'bank robber rigs' and other HEAT-inspired equipment on the market. All are plagued by cheap hardware and even cheaper materials, resulting in a disappointing Halloween costume feel.

Our rig is 100% made in the US with 100% US made materials. From the custom-run structural mesh to the heavy-duty zipper, we ensured that our rig is everything it should be.

Specs:

Custom, semi-stiff resin finished polyester mesh fabric
Milspec elastic, webbing, and hook and loop
Locking YKK Zipper
100% US made, 100% US materials

Close & Comfortable

Our design fits close, keeping 8lbs of magazines tight and secure against the body. And thanks to excellent adjustibility, there's a size for (nearly) everyone.

Picture Perfect

It looks, feels and fits exactly how you'd expect. Just grab a roomy suit jacket, throw on a tie, and you're dressed for the occasion.

Fully Functional

Mags are securely retained and quick to access—just twist and pull. Nearly all standard capacity AR15 pattern magazines are supported.

No Movie Magic Needed.

We spent nearly a year perfecting a design that would out-perform the competing rigs that disappointed us, and behave much like what we saw in HEAT.

Click the buttons below to see how the rig is built to perform.

Structural Mesh

Our custom-run mesh has the perfect balance of flexibility & firmness.

The thin, supportive material conceals well, breathes easily, and naturally moves with your body.

Smart Sizing

Our strapping mimics modern soft amor, with flat elastic webbing that conceals well and won't catch on cover garments.

Unlike 'lace corset' designs, our vest wont loosen or tangle.

Made In The USA

Our rig is cut and sewn in the USA by an experienced Berry compliant manufacturer.

We use U.S. made materials for consistent, top-notch quality.

What is HEAT?

The blockbuster behind the rig

Big Screen Tactical

In 1995, HEAT captivated audiences with a new take on the classic cops and robbers motif.

In an era dominated by pithy one liners, wacky villians, and invincible main characters, HEAT's action hinges on grounded, realistic violence.

The pacing is excruciating. The villians are competent. Michael Mann's gunfights are loud, unforgiving, and claustraphobic.

"That One Scene"

HEAT culminates in a nearly 15 minute bank heist (and shootout) in the center of downtown Los Angeles.

This sequence was heavily influenced by the film's ex-SAS technical advisors — as showcased by Val Kilmer's beautiful reloads and bounding movements.

This moment is also notable for the sheer variety of modern fireams on display: from the FN FAL and FNC to the Galil ARM, and Colt 733.

The Heat Rig

The bank heist sequence also gained recognition for it's props. Specifically the concealable vest used by De Niros' crew.

Fans of the film all react the same way when they see it: "OK, I need that. Badly." 

We can't blame them. The 'Heat' rig reflects the sort of improvised proto-tactical that inspired a generation of modern webbing we now take for granted.

Throwing Down The Gauntlet

Early in 2020 we started thinking about our own heat rig. We did some research, threw around a few ideas, and that was it.

Then in 2021, a YouTube merch company beat us to the punch — eventually releasing a low-quality, made in China costume piece.

There were a lot of disappointed fans, and we thought we could do a better job. So we got on twitter and threw our hat into the ring...

Development was surprisingly complicated for such a simple project, but little by little everything came together.

We sourced the materials, settled on the patterning, and tackled complicated retention and sizing issues

Principle design work started in December 2021 and finished in early April 2022.

Once everything was together we submitted our production order and settled in for a big wait through turbulent times.

But now, The wait's over. Just don't go knocking over any banks...

The big money's in white collar crime these days. You're better off working for the bank.

average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 81 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    77 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    3 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    1 Review
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
99% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Did You Feel The HEAT?
Rated 4 out of 5
Rig Quality
Rated 4 out of 5
Retention & Concealment
Rated 4 out of 5
Customer photos and videos
81 Reviews
Reviewed by Vladimir B., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Weight (Lbs)
160-180
Height (Feet and Inches)
5' 11"
Heat Rig Size Purchased
S/M
How It FIts
Perfect
Have You Seen HEAT (1995)?
Yes, It's a masterpiece
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

I like it

Comfortable. Light. Very good

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Did You Feel The HEAT?
Rated 5 out of 5
Rig Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Retention & Concealment
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Luke W., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Weight (Lbs)
200-220
Height (Feet and Inches)
5' 7"
Heat Rig Size Purchased
L/XL
How It FIts
Perfect
Have You Seen HEAT (1995)?
Yes, It's a masterpiece
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

A must Have

Fits good, highly adjustable, accurate to movie works best with STANAG mags, have not ran it on the range yet but can’t wait, would definitely purchase again and recommend

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Did You Feel The HEAT?
Rated 5 out of 5
Rig Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Retention & Concealment
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Michael-Ramiro G., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Weight (Lbs)
180-200
Height (Feet and Inches)
5' 8"
Heat Rig Size Purchased
S/M
How It FIts
Perfect
Have You Seen HEAT (1995)?
I've heard of it and seen the rig before
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Awesome for usgi and pmag

Excellent rig

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Did You Feel The HEAT?
Rated 5 out of 5
Rig Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Retention & Concealment
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Danger, from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Weight (Lbs)
180-200
Height (Feet and Inches)
6' 0"
Heat Rig Size Purchased
L/XL
How It FIts
Perfect
Have You Seen HEAT (1995)?
Yes, It's a masterpiece
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Thanks now I have climate change

Ever since receiving this I don’t have to use the heater in my home. The drip is real.

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Did You Feel The HEAT?
Rated 5 out of 5
Rig Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Retention & Concealment
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Jordan P., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Weight (Lbs)
200-220
Height (Feet and Inches)
6' 0"
Heat Rig Size Purchased
L/XL
How It FIts
Perfect
Have You Seen HEAT (1995)?
Yes, It's a masterpiece
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

👍🏼

With the velcro straps you’re able to adjust the rig to fit different clothing options 👍🏼

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Did You Feel The HEAT?
Rated 5 out of 5
Rig Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Retention & Concealment
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?

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