The Chest Rig with Integrated Hydration Backpack was developed as a versatile, modular load-bearing system designed for outdoor professionals, tactical use, and high-performance environments. This rig provides quick access to gear on the front while incorporating a hydration bladder pouch at the rear, giving users all-day fluid support without compromising agility.
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At Oxta Design, we partnered with the client to design, prototype, and prepare the product for manufacturing, focusing on durability, ergonomics, and streamlined modularity.
Modern tactical and outdoor gear needs to adapt to multiple use cases—ranging from hiking and airsoft to military-style training and field operations. Our client envisioned a lightweight, compact chest rig system with front-facing MOLLE panels and an integrated hydration unit—something light enough for active movement, yet durable enough for rugged terrain.
The design also had to accommodate user customisation, with attachment points for radios, pouches, knives, and other mission-specific tools.
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Oxta Design was brought on to handle industrial design, CAD engineering, component selection, and prototyping—all while keeping scalability for mass production in focus.
Combining a hydration system into a compact chest rig platform required solving multiple design and fabrication challenges:
Weight Balance: Designing a rig that evenly distributes weight between front and back—even when the hydration bladder is full.
Ventilation and Comfort: Ensuring airflow and padding in key zones to prevent overheating or chafing during extended use.
Material Durability: Choosing abrasion-resistant fabrics like Cordura® or ripstop nylon, and integrating heavy-duty YKK zippers and military-grade webbing.
Hydration Routing: Managing the positioning of the hydration tube and bite valve so it remains secure but easy to access in motion.
Universal Fit: Designing adjustable straps and hardware that suit a wide range of body sizes while maintaining load stability.
The client needed to create a market-ready tactical chest rig that would appeal to outdoor athletes, recreational users, and professionals alike. The design needed to look clean, perform well under pressure, and be easy to manufacture. Our goals included:
Design a compact chest rig layout with integrated MOLLE panels and a back-mounted hydration system.
Engineer the harness system to be adjustable, ergonomic, and secure without limiting user mobility.
Select outdoor-grade materials suitable for extended field use in tough weather conditions.
Ensure manufacturability and scale, with construction methods compatible with automated cutting, laser etching, and reinforced stitching.
Deliver detailed CAD drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing instructions to speed up tooling and production timelines.
The result is a rugged yet lightweight tactical chest rig that offers hands-free hydration, customizable loadout options, and all-day wearability.
Oxta Design delivered:
A minimalist front panel with laser-cut MOLLE slots for gear attachment
A hydration-ready rear panel, compatible with standard 1.5–2L bladders
Padded, breathable straps and a body-contoured harness system for superior fit
Prototyping and testing in simulated outdoor scenarios for durability and ease of use
Full design-for-manufacture documentation, including material sourcing and tech packs for factory handoff
The Chest Rig with Hydration Pack is ready for the field—whether that’s a military-style training ground, a mountain trail, or a weekend mission.
At Oxta Design, we collaborate with Australian innovators, startups, and gear brands to develop functional, scalable tactical and outdoor equipment. From packs to accessories and wearable systems, we make sure your product is ready to withstand real-world conditions.
