I like to use HSGI Tacos as they fit everything I want to put in them and I can go back and forth from AR to AK mags easy. I like the AO chest rig that they offer as it is MOLLE and therefore modular. If you ever get plates the AO can also be clipped onto the front of many plate carriers so your loadout stays the same and can be worn with or without plates.
My current AO chest rig has 3 HSGI double decker TACO pouches and one "soft taco" pouch for other gear (gloves, med supplies, water, etc.)
I actually have 3 separate AO chest rigs that are all set up differently for different tasks and can be swapped from chest rig to plate carrier plackard.
Doing it this way can be more expensive, but it is way easier to set it up exactly how you want it.
Beluga vodka? gross!
Beluga no bueno? Haha sorry to detail the thread, but are you a vodka guy? Stoli Elit is another of my Russian (via Latvia) favorites, but it costs more than a few rubles to enjoy.
I'm considering picking up a Type 56 rig; what's the advantage of it over Eastern Bloc surplus mag pouches? Can they be used in addition to each other?
Thanks for the link on the SMERSH. I might run that with low profile plates and some extra mags. With make running meds and a full battle load a lot easier.For a ramen noodle budget: Chinese Type 56 (or new production knockoff) - https://www.ebay.com/itm/163813519810
For an Applebee's budget: 5.11 TacTec - https://www.511tactical.com/tactec-chest-rig.html
For a caviar and Beluga vodka budget: SSO/SPOSN Smersh - https://grey-shop.ru/Smersh-AK