Sometimes, you have to look at a bad situation and make the best of it. Just last year, Hurricane Idalia passed right over my community and left thousands without power, homes flooded, roofs lost, and debris everywhere. I am very fortunate that I was spared from the worst of it, but I did get hit with debris everywhere in my yard and near my house. My inlaws faced the same challenges, and blocked roads were keeping us from leaving home. I bring all this up because it turned out to be the perfect opportunity to test the 5.11 Tactical Skyweight Chest Pack. After all, real-world testing is always better than staged, am I right?
At one point during our cleanup, my father-in-law and I crawled under and over trees to make access to his home. Along the way, I carried the 5.11 Skyweight Chest Pack. I used it for just about everything from clearing debris and trees to riding ATVs in places vehicles couldn’t quite reach. It never failed me.
Let’s get into it.
The Skyweight Chest Pack
I originally ordered the Skyweight Chest Pack for exercise. I have been using a fanny pack, and for most things, the fanny pack works fine. However, I wanted a secondary option that could put my gear higher and even make it a bit more acceptable. The Skyweight Chest Pack mounts it nice and high but doesn’t have the tactical look of your average chest rig.
It straps over your back with four supportive straps and provides you with a midsize chest pack complete with four pockets. Three of the four pockets are secured via zippers with an open front pocket that’s spandex-like and provides a bit of an automatic closure.
The rearmost pocket is the largest and is complete with a big section of loop material for attaching all manner of accessories. I attached a holster. Opposite the holster side are a few spandex-like loops for securing spare mags, tools, lights, etc.
The second pocket is fit with a mesh divider, and between the front, the rear, and the mesh divider, you have seven pockets for accessories. There is also a healthy bit of elastic bands that allow you to stash dang near anything. I used it for a pocket knife, a multitool, a flashlight, my wallet, and keys. I had so much more room and options for tons of extra accessories.
Finally, we have a front zippered pocket that’s simple and small for stashing goodies, up to and including a pack of Skittles. The front open pocket was my phone pocket because it dropped in and out with ease. On top of that, the elastic design secured it well.
Strapping the Skyweight Utility Chest Pack On
The Skyweight can be worn in two ways. First, we have the shoulder straps, and that’s how it becomes a chest rig. The four shoulder straps can also be removed from the rear of the pouch, which has a slot that allows you to attach the Skyweight to a belt. This can be any standard belt, a battle belt, or even the waistbelt of a variety of trekking backpacks.
I used the pack on my chest exclusively. We were dealing with high water and soaked bushes. I wasn’t looking to get all my stuff soaking wet and wanted it on my person. Pockets simply weren’t a great option. Additionally, I hate carrying lots of stuff in my pockets, so the Skyweight Utility Chest Pack worked much better.
During our cleanup, I carried a multitool, knife, Glock 19 with a weapon-mounted light, a flashlight, a bottle of water, a chainsaw wrench, some snacks, a pair of work gloves, my phone, my keys, ear and eye protection, and likely some junk I’m forgetting. I even attached my MKC Hellgate Hatchet to one of the straps for several periods of work.
The big, broad shoulder straps were quite comfortable and supportive. I kept it riding high and tight throughout my work periods. For most of the day, it’s fairly comfortable, but after hour six of carrying limbs to a pile, it did rub a bit under my arms—not enough to become painful, but noticeable.
The Skyweight Chest rig has a mesh rear panel that sits against the body. It’s comfortable and never rubs or causes discomfort. The external material is water resistant and resists a good dose of rain and sweat. Nothing inside was ever noticeably damp.
Working and Supporting
Getting gear in and out of the kit was always easy. I mostly used the eternal unzippered pouch and the big divided pouch. My phone lived in an external pouch and was easy to pull out and use when needed. The big divided pouch doesn’t fully open, so nothing will ever just come tumbling out. The dividers, pockets, and elastic bands made it easy to keep my gear organized and accessible.
Luckily, I only stumbled across one cotton mouth while I was working, and a machete dealt with him, so I never had to draw my gun in action. I still practiced a bit using a 5.11 holster. The big rear pouch has what 5.11 calls “Hot Pulls.” These are tabs sewn into the holster pocket. You have two: one for right-handers and one for left-handed shooters.
You only use a single hot pull and use the dual zippers to zip up to the hot pull. When you need to draw, you grab the hot pulls and ank it downwards. This opens your chest rig and makes your gun easily accessible. It’s not as fast as an IWB rib, but with practice, it’s adequate and intuitive. If you’re running or exercising, it’s better than the gun you left at home.
More than Meets the Eye
The Skyweight chest rig is a multi-use piece of range gear that makes it easy to carry an EDC and beyond. I see it more as a tool belt than a tactical chest rig. Though it saw its baptism by fire in the aftermath of a major hurricane, it’s remained a steadfast companion. I’ve used it for cleaning and working outside, as well as exercising, running, and even mowing my yard. Being able to secure my EDC as I ride the lawn mower around my five acres is comforting, especially since it doesn’t quite fit on the waste when riding my zero-turn mower.
The Skyweight chest rig can be used for several tasks. It’s a solid choice for runs, hikes, and bike rides. It can also be used when cleaning the yard, working on a roof, or fixing fences. It offers plenty of versatility and storage for anything you might need during your day. 5.11 Tactical wisely ensured it’s comfortable and modular.
If you need a more convenient carry option, then check out the Skyweight Utility Chest Rig.
