Magazines and ammunition on tactical equipment? Why every centimeter counts

Sometimes it's the magazine that counts - and not the glossy magazine, but the one that has your back in the field! "Fits, fits, wobbles and has air" is not always the motto, sometimes it just has to fit like a bomb. Whether you're in the military, the police, personal protection or a special unit: with the right tactical equipment, you can ensure that magazines and ammunition are where they belong - strapped on and ready to hand!

Where do you put magazines? (Tip: not just in your trouser pocket)

When it comes to carrying magazines, there are various pieces of equipment available that offer you storage space and flexibility. The question is: Are you more of a "backpack full of surprises" type or do you prefer to have everything ready to hand on your chest?

Plate carrier - the armor for your kit

The plate carrier is like a good old Leopard 2: robust, reliable and has enough storage space for everything a soldier's heart desires. There are magazine pouches for rifle and pistol, a dump pouch for empty magazines and, if the going gets tough, grenade pouches. Thanks to the MOLLE system, the pouches can be attached exactly where you need them - and in such a way that they don't rattle around even during a sprint through the terrain.

Chest rig - light, fast and always ready to hand

For those who want to move through the mission more like a ninja, there is the chest rig. It sits directly on the chest and makes you agile and fast during missions. The magazines are right where you need them and you can reload at lightning speed without having to rummage around. Perfect if you prefer to move like a shadow rather than a tank.

Tactical vest - all-purpose weapon for police and personal protection

The tactical vest is the all-rounder among items of equipment and is particularly popular with police officers and bodyguards. Not quite as heavy as a tank, not quite as light as a chest rig. Here you can store magazines, a radio, handcuffs and everything else you need to have your area of operation safely under control. Again with MOLLE, of course, because flexibility is the be-all and end-all here.

But how does it all stay where it belongs? (Spoiler: no adhesive tape)

Magazines and co. can be attached in two ways: MOLLE or Velcro. Both systems have their fans and, depending on the area of application, also their strengths. Here is a brief overview so that you know what suits you best:

MOLLE attachment - The Lego of tactical equipment

The MOLLE system (short for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment - yes, that's a tongue twister) is the standard when it comes to attaching equipment in a modular and stable way. Basically, MOLLE works like a tactical Lego: you simply weave the magazine pouches and pouches through the loops and you're done. The result: a super strong connection that holds your magazines and grenades in place even if you rappel upside down from the helicopter (or simply sprint down the stairs).

Velcro - quick access for flexible operations

Velcro systems offer the advantage that you can simply tear off and reposition pockets. Hardly anything is as flexible as Velcro, and if you need to quickly rearrange your equipment in the field, it's unbeatable. The disadvantage? Velcro can come loose when things get really busy - so it's more for light use or quick access, not for jumping into the action. But hey, sometimes that's exactly what you need!

What goes in the pockets? A small equipment overview

Now for the stars of the show: the bags themselves! Depending on your mission and area of use, you have a wide selection of pouches and magazine pouches to keep you and your gear on the go. Here is an overview:

• Magazine pouches for rifles and pistols: Of course, these are the basics. Magazine pouches come in different sizes and shapes and allow you to reload at lightning speed in any situation. Whether double or single pouches - you decide how many magazines you want to carry (and how heavy you'll end up with).
• Dump Pouch: The dump pouch is the black hole for empty magazines and anything that has no place in your hand in the heat of the moment. Just throw it in and carry on - you have better things to do than put empty magazines neatly back in the pouch, don't you? The dump pouch usually hangs at hip height and is perfectly positioned for quick disposal.
• Grenade pouches: When the going gets tough, grenade pouches are indispensable. They are specially designed so that you can safely stow smoke grenades, stun grenades or other (non-)lethal weapons and still reach them quickly. Because when things get dicey, you don't want to have to fumble around.

Who actually needs so much storage space?

If you think this is all just a gimmick for action heroes, let me tell you: In the real world, the right magazine pouches, grenade pouches and dump pouches can ensure survival and make your mission easier. This equipment is just right for:

• Military: soldiers need rugged and flexible gear to access everything quickly in any scenario. With the right pouch, every magazine fits as if it were welded in place - unless you want to take it out.
• Police: Whether it's the SEK or patrol duty - the right equipment makes it easier to access magazines, handcuffs and radios and helps to leave nothing to chance in the field.
• Personal protection: The motto here is "inconspicuous, but ready for anything". A tactical vest with magazine pouches is worth its weight in gold if you need to move discreetly and still react quickly.
• Special units: These professionals know that well-organized equipment is worth its weight in gold. Magazine pouches, grenade pouches and dump pouches are indispensable companions for them.

Tactical equipment must hold your magazines

Whether you're in the middle of a mission, on the training ground or on a relaxed day of training, having the right tactical equipment and knowing where to stow it makes all the difference. If it doesn't offer you space for magazines and magazine pouches, you should reconsider your choice. With MOLLE and Velcro systems, you can put together your equipment exactly how you need it. And at the end of the day, if you stow your magazines and equipment cleverly, you'll come out on top in an emergency.