Military “off-loading” is a colloquial term commonly used to refer to an army “off-loading waistcoat” https://uarmprotection.com/product/tactical-chest-rig-laser-cut/ or a belt-shoulder system. These items are designed to effectively distribute the weight of ammunition, army or technical equipment on a person. No army in the world is without some sort of off-loading system or waistcoat, either universal or specific.
The history of this type of equipment dates back to the First World War. Belt and shoulder systems were developed and used by the armies of Europe at that time. Belt and shoulder systems are a system consisting of a wide and rigid belt, a suspender and a set of pouches. The belt and suspension pad were usually made from leather or canvas, the pouches were made from canvas and the fittings were mostly made from steel. The method of attaching the pouches and suspender to the belt in each army was utilitarian.
Over time, in the interests of economy and with the advent of new materials, belt and shoulder systems began to be made from leatherette (World War II) and then from nylon and plastic (Vietnam War).
Unloading waistcoats
The emergence of the off-duty waistcoat as a more comfortable and functional alternative to the shoulder harness system is attributed to the Vietnam War. This particular piece of equipment originated with the Viet Cong. It was a bib with magazine and grenade pouches, sewn from canvas. The idea was subsequently adopted and developed en masse by other countries.
It should be noted that attempts to introduce the off-duty waistcoat into army equipment were made during World War II and later in Italy (for airborne troops), England (for commandos) and the USA (for “rangers” during the Normandy landings).
In the 90s the off-duty waistcoat is becoming standard equipment in the armies of many countries.
The army off-duty jacket is usually made of tough synthetic material or netting, with various size pockets, sewn into or fastened on at will.
Despite the fact that the off-duty waistcoats have ‘displaced’ RPVs from mass military use by providing a more functional distribution of more equipment on the soldier, the belt-and-shoulder systems are still in demand today.
In particular, the pistol belts, which are part of the PSC design, are widely used separately to carry not too heavy and bulky equipment (holster, flask, shovel).
Waistcoats and tactical unloading systems are often adjustable for height and bulk and do not require a specific size, similar to clothing and footwear. Although there are some models that are size-adjustable and not adjustable.
Another interesting military development that has become widespread relatively recently is the Molle “platform” system. This could be a waistcoat or hippad, which does not have any pouches or pockets, but is designed to fit any pouches, holsters, or straps that can be purchased for a specific purpose. By the way, the Molle system can be used to attach almost any item, pouch or pouch to clothing and equipment.