Spiritus Systems Split Rig 34A

Building a Precision Rifle Loadout with the Spiritus Systems 34A Split Chest Rig

A good chest rig should adapt to your mission instead of forcing you into a fixed layout. That's exactly the philosophy behind the Spiritus Systems 34A Split Chest Rig. Rather than arriving fully configured, it serves as a modular foundation that can be customized for precision rifles, hunting applications, or general field use.

In this Brownells Tech Tip, Caleb walks through his personal setup and explains why the 34A has become his preferred chest rig for long-range shooting.

Why Choose a Split Chest Rig?

The defining feature of the 34A is its split-front design.

Unlike traditional chest rigs that place equipment directly across the center of your chest, the split configuration moves gear to each side. This makes equipment much easier to access when shooting from the prone position, where pouches mounted directly in front of your body can become difficult to reach.

The adjustable front opening also allows the user to tailor the fit depending on clothing, shooting position, or whether the rig is worn over body armor.

A Modular Foundation

The 34A begins as a MOLLE platform, allowing users to mount exactly the pouches they need for their specific application.

Integrated elastic magazine sleeves on the back side of each panel provide additional storage for pistol, 5.56, or .308 magazines without increasing the rig's overall footprint. This gives shooters quick access to essential gear while keeping the front of the rig organized.

Because every shooter has different priorities, the platform can be configured for precision rifles, carbines, hunting, or even support weapon roles.

Caleb's Precision Rifle Configuration

For this setup, Caleb has configured the rig around his LMT MARS-H precision gas gun while maintaining compatibility with his bolt-action rifle.

A Spiritus Systems SPUD Pouch carries two Magpul .308 magazines, while also accepting AICS-pattern magazines when switching to a bolt gun. That flexibility allows one chest rig to support multiple rifles with only a magazine change.

A GP Pouch on the opposite side houses a Burris rangefinder that is tethered for retention. The tether allows the rangefinder to be used quickly without worrying about accidentally leaving expensive equipment behind when changing shooting positions.

Additional Magazine and Equipment Storage

On the opposite panel, Caleb uses a CCS pouch configured with magazine inserts to carry additional .308 magazines.

The zippered front compartments are intentionally left available for range cards, notebooks, markers, pencils, or other mission-specific items that may change from trip to trip.

Meanwhile, the built-in elastic sleeves provide additional storage for magazines or small equipment without requiring additional pouches.

Kestrel Placement Matters

One of the biggest lessons Caleb shares comes from actually using the equipment in the field.

Originally, the retention cord for his Kestrel 5700 Elite routed behind the chest rig. During actual use, however, the cord frequently became tangled or difficult to access under stress.

By relocating the retention point higher on the harness, the Kestrel can now be deployed quickly without searching for the tether. It's a simple change that dramatically improves efficiency while maintaining equipment retention.

The experience reinforces an important principle: configure your gear based on real-world use rather than assumptions made at the workbench.

Comfort and Adjustability

The 34A offers extensive adjustment to accommodate a wide range of users.

The rig can be worn snug against lightweight clothing, adjusted to fit over body armor or plate carriers, or expanded for larger users. That flexibility allows the same chest rig to serve multiple roles without requiring major changes to the platform.

Final Thoughts

The Spiritus Systems 34A Split Chest Rig excels because it prioritizes flexibility. Its split-front design improves comfort and accessibility in the prone position, while its modular MOLLE construction allows shooters to tailor the platform to nearly any mission.

Whether you're building a precision rifle loadout, supporting a bolt-action hunting rifle, or simply looking for a highly adaptable chest rig, the 34A provides an outstanding foundation that can evolve alongside your equipment and shooting style. Once configured through real-world use, it becomes a purpose-built system that works exactly the way you need it to.