Chicom Type 56 AK Chest Rig

*Bottle and magazine for reference only

The Chicom chest rig was created for the People's Liberation Army during the 1950s. It's name is derived from the words "Chinese Communist," however, Chicom is also used to refer to other gear from the People's Republic of China.  The Chicom is an evolution of traditional belt-mounted magazine pouches. Placing the magazines directly on the chest, it allows for faster reloads and easier movement. Many variants of the Chicom exist with different pouch configurations and for different weapons. They are manufactured in various shades of green, brown, and tan. All versions of the Chicom feature adjustable shoulder and waist straps.

The first major appearance of the Chicom was during the Vietnam War, utilized by the Viet Cong and People's Army of Vietnam. US special operators then copied the design to better blend in or to use enemy small arms. 

During the Soviet–Afghan War, many Soviet soldiers utilized the Chicom chest rig. This caused the Soviet Union to develop and manufacture its own version, known as the First Pattern Lifchik.

The Chicom chest rig also went on to inspire designs from other countries such as South Africa and Rhodesia.

Manufacturers in China currently produce reproductions of the various Chicom chest rigs, which are readily found on online shopping websites. American companies such as Parashooter Gear and AWS Inc. sell chest rigs based on the Chicom.

Type 56 AK Chest Rig
This is the most commonly found variant. the Type 56 chest rig includes three magazine pockets in the center with two sets of smaller pouches on either side. One of the smaller pouches would be rubberized for containing an oiler bottle. It was introduced alongside the Type 56 assault rifle.