A Chest Rig for Trackers

March 6, 2025

When it comes to tracking, survival, and fieldcraft, gear selection is more than just about convenience—it’s about efficiency and adaptability. A chest rig that allows you to move freely, access essential tools instantly, and eliminate unnecessary weight is worth its weight in gold.

During my courses, many of my students noticed one particular piece of equipment I always carry: the Recon Kit Bag by Hill People Gear. After repeated questions about its functionality, practicality, and advantages, I decided to break down my experience with it.

This is a review based on real-world use, hundreds of hours in the field, and a genuine appreciation for the versatility of this outstanding pouch.

Image from hillpeoplegear.com

Recon Kit Bag Chest Rig by Hill People Gear

The Recon Kit Bag is a thin, yet rugged chest rig, making it an ideal choice for a quick access tracking pouch. This pouch is was based on Hill People Gear’s original Runners Kit Bag, and is an evolution of the original concept bring more versatility and functionality.

Some of the Key Features

PALS Grid for Modular Expansion – The front MOLLE system allows for additional pouches or attachments.
Concealed Carry Compartment – The main compartment is designed to discreetly store a firearm or other essential items.
Tough Build – Constructed from 500D Cordura, making it lightweight yet highly durable.
Comfortable Wear – The mesh-backed H-harness makes it easy to wear alone or under a pack or jacket.
Secure Storage – Features loop and dummy cord loop for additional retention options.

The two zippers ensure quick access, while the design allows users to carry essential gear without relying on belt-mounted pouches, which can restrict movement.

Spending long hours tracking and moving quickly across varied terrain, I’ve found this chest rig to be a game-changer. While a bulky pack would get in the way while navigating terrain where bending, crouching, or moving through tight spaces is required, the Recon Kit Bag allows for quick and easy movement without sacrificing access to essential gear.

Chest Rigs: How and Why They Work

My introduction to the Recon Kit Bag came from two of the most respected figures in the field of tracking—Kenneth Galbraith and my mentor, David Michael Hull. I first spotted the Recon Kit Bag in 2015, in their photos, and immediately recognized its potential.

At that time chest rigs where not as common as they are today, I had never seen anything like it—a compact, high-mounted pouch that looked lightweight yet capable of holding essential gear. I quickly realized the value of this set up versus other bag options.

Usability – Everything is easily accessible on the chest.
Comfort – Doesn’t strain the neck, chest, or shoulders, even after long hours of wear.
Resistance – Built for harsh environments, from hot summers to freezing winters.
Practicality – No need for bulky belts or hip pouches that get in the way.
Versatility – Works year-round, both over a shirt or under a jacket.

Once I got my hands on it, I spent time testing different load-outs. The goal was to ensure I only carried the essentials while maintaining speed and mobility over challenging terrain.

Recon Kit Bag Chest Rig In Action

My initial observations when using the Recon Kit Bag in the Field:

The Recon Kit Bag allowed me to lighten my backpack, keeping the most important items easily accessible.
It eliminated the need for a heavy-duty belt with pouches, which often restricted movement and caused discomfort.

I soon began pairing it with my Tarahumara Backpack, an ultralight day pack that complemented the Recon Kit Bag’s functionality perfectly.

author navigating rough terrain in a chest rig

My Load-Out: What I Carry in the Recon Kit Bag

For me, the Recon Kit Bag became my dedicated Tracking Kit, meaning everything inside was selected to aid my tracking work.

Essential Items Inside My Chest Rig

Mobile Phone & Charging Station – Critical for navigation, communication, and documentation.
Notebook & Writing Tools – A pen, pencil, and waterproof notepad for recording tracks.
Light & Colored Sticks – Used for marking tracklines.
Four-Color Flashlight – Red, green, blue, and white for tracking in various light conditions.
Measuring Devices – Plastic ruler for analyzing tracks.
Compass – Essential for navigation and orientation.
Signal Mirror – Used for emergency signaling and field observations.
Gloves – Protection against sharp terrain, cold, or injury hazards.

The organization inside the Recon Kit Bag allows me to reach any item instantly without disrupting my workflow.

What NOT to Pack in the Recon Kit Bag

When set up as a tracking pouch, the Recon Kit chest rig provides the most value by being light weight and easy to carry. As with all things, experience is the greatest teacher, through trial and error I’ve learned that bulky, heavy, or rigid items reduce the functionality the Recon Kit Bag.

Items do NOT recommend carrying:

Food Rations – Take up too much space and don’t fit efficiently.
Canteens or Water Bottles – Too heavy; best stored in a backpack.
Large Survival Knives – Not ideal for chest carry; better suited to a belt or pack.
Binoculars – Too bulky; better stored in a side pouch or daypack.
Cameras – Unless they are compact, they take up too much space.

Always keep in mind, the Recon Kit Bag is not designed to be a full survival pack. While large packs have their place, a tracking pouch is designed to give you access to essentials at a moment’s notice.

Customizing Your Load-Out

The Recon Kit Bag is versatile enough to adapt to different needs and skill sets. Here are some alternative setups depending on your specific use case:

Fire Kit Load-Out

Firestarter (Ferro Rod & Tinder)
Stormproof Matches & Lighter
Small Folding Knife

First Aid Load-Out

Compact Medikit (Bandages, Antiseptic, Painkillers, Tourniquet)
Gloves & CPR Mask
Trauma Shears

Navigation & Survival Load-Out

Map & Compass
GPS Device & Extra Batteries
Emergency Whistle

The key is to adapt your Recon Kit Bag based on your personal priorities, activities, and mission requirements.

Real-World Use: When and Where I Use It

The Recon Kit Bag has proven itself time and time again in assorted real world scenarios. I first integrated it into my tracking training, but it soon became a staple for multiple situations:

Man & Animal Tracking – The hands-free design makes it perfect for tracking work.
Survival & Remote Life Classes – Keeps critical tools accessible without adding bulk.
Everyday Carry (EDC) Bag – Ideal for urban exploration, hiking, and quick excursions.

Even after years of use, the Recon Kit Bag remains an essential part of my gear.

Final Thoughts: A Trustworthy Companion

Some gear comes and goes. Others become permanent companions. The Recon Kit Bag by Hill People Gear is definitely a permeant companion! It has everything you can look for in a chest rig, it is durable, functional, comfortable, and adapts to any number of scenarios. It has eliminated the need for heavy belt-mounted pouches, streamlined my gear, and kept everything I need within immediate reach. If you’re looking for a compact, practical, and well-designed chest rig, I highly recommend the Recon Kit Bag.