The Guardian Chest Rig is the newest vest by Helikon-tex that we analyse after the successful Training Mini Rig, the other vest launched a few months ago and which we were the first to try in Europe. The Guardian Chest Rig is a more configurable vest, with greater load capacity and with all the usual bells and whistles by Helikon. The new chest rig that has just been launched to the market made us at 0’20 wonder, is this a new generation of vests? But after trying the Helikon Guardian, we no longer have any doubts.

We could say that this chest rig has a three-line configuration. The top one, consisting of three inside spaces with Velcro to be able to insert different types of pouches. The front, consisting of the cargo pouches and the double pouches for rifle magazines. And a third line that we can attach to the molle line, allowing to carry a great variety of pouches: sanitary, administrative, rifle or grenade magazines, as we have seen in photos of operators.

The fastening system of this chest rig consists of two straps and a belt that goes around the waist from the bottom. The straps are coupled with two female clips on the top, (which are covered so that they don’t get in the way or prevent them from accidentally hanging loose) on the top, and two male clips on the sides. This will allow us to carry it as chest rig or mount it on a plate carrier. Having the same pouches configuration but in a lighter or more complete version, everything the way we like it.

Unlike the TMR's straps that went across the back like an "H" (that is to say that each strap surrounded the arm and was linked to the other by a strip in the back), these straps are X-shaped, so the straps come out from the shoulders and go across the back creating an “X” shape. It provides full fastening support, with the straps staying tight. But it also places more load in the lower part of the neck and the straps can rub on the sides of the neck, although this can be solved by wearing a high collar T-shirt. The straps have horizontal belts that can be used to attach accessories such as a VIP IR flashlight, placing the cabling of the headset so that it does not get in the way or securing the camelback tube in place.