SA "Hippo" Web Set

[bdettling]

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/members/magnumbd/SA_Hippo_Rig.jpg

Image 1: Overview of my setup. Note USGI Shoulder straps (suspenders). Two USGI canteen sets, L1A1 bayonet in built-in frog, M-12 holster rig with drop-strap and extra magazine pouch.

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/members/magnumbd/Detail_Strap_Attach.jpg

Sorry, this image came out much bigger than I meant it to. Image 2: Detail of jury-rigged attachment of USGI shoulder straps to pouchset.

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/members/magnumbd/Strap_Attach_Detail.jpg

Image 3: Top view of attachment of shoulder straps to pouchset.

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/members/magnumbd/SA_Rig_Contents.jpg

Image 4: Here is what it'll hold: Eight (8) FAL magazines (note para-cord pull loops); two bandoliers of 7.62 on stripperclips; loading tool (on paracord lanyard); cleaning kit; spare parts/tool roll; a couple of pyrotechic gizmos; packet of footpowder and moleskin; packet of various items including ration snacks, butane lighter; packet of extra 7.62 tracer rounds.

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/members/magnumbd/SA_Rig_In_Use.jpg

Image 5: Rig in place. Still a little floppy. I may replace the SA web belt sections with a USGI LC-2 belt. Reasonably comfortable, especially with the extra padding of the USGI suspenders.

Comments and suggestions welcome.

[FootLongCuban]

Dude, Im on a cable modem and Im still trying to download your images. Doubtful most people will even wait. Try re-sizeing the images down to like 400x600 Pixels and re-posting. This is just too darn big to load like this.

[ProGun1]

Was this a new or used set from Tapco and are the mag compartments divided? It looks like it will work and still have room for an Alice pack.

[sportsnut]

Originally posted by FootLongCuban:
<STRONG>Dude, Im on a cable modem and Im still trying to download your images. Doubtful most people will even wait. Try re-sizeing the images down to like 400x600 Pixels and re-posting. This is just too darn big to load like this.</STRONG>

Hey FootLongCuban, The page loaded pretty quick on my little whimpy 56K dial-up. You better get your cable modem checked! I couldn't help giving you a little crap, since I can't get cable modem here in the middle of Eugene, Oregon. I have a friend {Red Rider}who lives in Springfield OR. which borders Eugene and he is able to get cable. Another friend lives out of the city limits and he also gets cable. Needless to say they both flick me shit quite often about the lack of cable in my area.

[bdettling]

Sorry you were having trouble, FootLong! One of the photos came out big, but the others were resized like you suggested before I put them up.

ProGun, this set came from a surplus store that I worked at last year. It was a small lot that was mostly gone by the time I hired in, but it all seemed to be unissued stuff. No dividers in the mag pockets- they're just like the stand-alone SA mag pouches. I'm not sure about an ALICE pack with this- it stands taller than a USGI buttpack. See below about the companion ruck.

A gentleman emailed me to ask if I had a tag inside saying "Made in India". The answer is "no". Apparently the set he bought from Sportman's Guide was advertised to be gen-you-wine SA, but was an Indian knockoff. He only paid $15 if I remember right. I think my shop was getting about $20.

Personally I think for what Tapco is charging they ought to include the suspenders. I picked up a set from the shop- I think we were getting $10-12 for them. The mag pouches were going for about $6-7. I didn't like the suspenders because they were a little short for me- I am 6'2". They are well designed, though.

I also have the little ruck that has mag pockets on the side. Again, it's a little small and is too tight under the armpits, so I use it as a briefcase/range bag. Would definitely hold at least four complete MREs, some odds and ends, and a poncho roll and fit over the top of the webset.

I'm much closer to losing the built in belt pieces- they are two pieces and not particularly stiff. If I use a USGI belt it'll hold the pouchset a little more upright, the suspenders will attach the way they are supposed to, and the pouch straps will probably fit through the plastic D rings of the suspenders. But it means permanently cutting the original pieces and I don't have access to a heavy stitching machine. Have to stew a little more, I guess.