The Bando Bra

Like anything I do, I have to start with the history.

Bandoliers are far from new to warfare. However, in the jungles of Vietnam, a new appreciation had formed among infantry and special forces alike. When your life depended on those extra rounds, carrying them in a comfortable and efficient manner was paramount. Not only were they stored in and on gigantic rucksacks, but they were found over shoulders and around hips on countless patrols. However, no other carrying method had as much infamy as one that inspired lightweight chest rig designs for decades beyond. These unassuming, lightweight cotton found themselves strewn across the chests of their admirers.

And now, I’m proud to share with you the first in the Retro Revival series: The Bando Bra.

I didn’t invent the concept, clearly. However, I did drag it into 21st-century. Using modern, lightweight 420d Packcloth or 500d Cordura® nylon fabric, nexus hardware, and modern nylon webbing, this is an infantry kit staple.

As a rapid deployment and emergency use rig, there are three primary configurations for this. 

The Bando Bra offers three primary carry configurations:
• Bandolier - quick and intuitive.
• Hip Carrier - low-profile and mobile.
• “Bra” setup - a nod to the original jungle rigs.

A 1" top loop allows fast integration with your shoulder strap, giving you a completely new way to carry extra ammunition when you need it most. And when you don’t? It compresses down to a compact 6" × 3" × 7" bundle, easy to stash in a ruck, sustainment pouch, or box mag carrier.

As the flagship piece of TGL Equipment, the Bando Bra will be offered in classic colorways and clean, modern combos, along with occasional limited-run drops for collectors and enthusiasts.

Proudly designed, sewn, and assembled in the USA.

NOTE: Sizing is for the average US Male + a bit extra. If the shoulder straps overhang beyond the buckles and adjustments, please feel free trim and BURN the edge of the nylon webbing. If you are worried about sizing, send me an email.