The MACS Rig: Why bring it to market?
To answer to the market's desire for an upper-medium sized chest rig, we introduced the MACS (Medium Adaptive Carry System) Rig. Through various iterations of prototypes & one-off creations for end users, while taking design influence from the BOIS MKIII Rig, the MACS Rig set out to adapt to a smaller mission mindset than that of the the BOIS MKIII. Being narrower and more modular than its hard-sewn older brother, the MACS Rig grants the user Shepherd's caliber-swapping modularity, as well as wing-MOLLE fields to allow user customization of additional gear for the second line.
With those two key directives in mind, the MACS Rig was conceptualized around a "central placard" design, placing the most commonly-used items front and center. MOLLE wings, designed to be used with our 42-series GP pouches (A42, C42, or M42), can be outfitted to meet a wide breadth of mission sets. Being used as a primary rig by many end-users close to Shepherd, the MACS Rig design has proven itself to be a well-rounded base for your second line solution.
Enter, the MACS Rig.
Understanding the use case for Medium Chest Rigs
Simply put, Medium Chest Rigs are designed to house ammunition for primary weapon platforms, frequently used mission-critical equipment, water sources, first aid items, and administrative items.
Primary Objectives for the MACS Rig:
- Allow caliber-swapping capabilities for users
- User-configurable modularity for changing mission set
- Hardsewn center general purpose pouch for consistent gear management across team users.
Q: Why go with a medium chest rig like the MACS compared to other non-placard chest rigs?
A: Medium chest rigs pull away from placard systems in the use case of longer mission timeframes, more comfort for the user under heavier loads, and depending on design can keep or increase modularity capabilites. Specifically, the MACS is designed around a caliber-swapping core that allows the user to use the same rig for different weapon platforms and use cases. Most medium-sized chest rigs on the market also lack wing modularity, which dimish user's ability to change their second line as they refine their mission set.