The
SSO Nerpa is one of the rarest vests used by Russian troops, but there
are pictures that clearly show it is in actual use among special forces.
The Nerpa belongs to the load bearing
vests. The concept is not unknown by the Russian military, just think on the
classic ANA Grad 2, 6sh92 etc. All of these vests are obviously very similar to
the old LBV, used to be used by the US forces.
Recently, at least two pieces of Nerpa
vests were visible in photos, taken in the Crimea.
The subject of this review is an SSO Nerpa
from the latest production (2014).
On both sides of the chest, there are two
mag pouches, for two magazines (7.62 or 5.45mm) each. There are also two pouches for flares or bayonet (one between the mag pouches and one behind them).
Additional MOLLE slots can be found behind
the mag pouches and on the outer sides of them.
The mag pouches are closed by a combination
of hook-and-loop and lift-the-dot fasteners. The lift-the-dot fastener can be
familiar from old US equipments. According to my experience, it is easier to
close and open, compared to the well known snap buttons.
There is a removable divider in each mag
pouch. Same kind as in the Smersh mag pouches.
For width adjustment, there are 3 straps on
the side and an oblique one above them. The ladder buckles are made of steel
and look the same as the ones used in the US ALICE system. The straps are long
enough to let the vest fit even over body armors. The excess of the straps can
be folded and fixed with rubber bands.
The inner surface is covered with mesh for
improved ventilation.
On each side of the chest, there is a
compartment below the mesh. A waterproof pouch (for documents etc) can be found
in the compartments, securely fixed to the vest by a piece of string.
In the middle, in front of the chest, the vest is closed with
a zipper and two buckles.
The shoulder straps are wide and well padded
to reduce fatigue during long term wear . There are MOLLE slots on the straps
for attachment of additional pouches (radio-, medic pouch etc). Length
adjustment straps attached to the shoulder straps through steel ladder buckles.
The backpanel has MOLLE slots on the
outside and it is padded from inside, for more comfort. Butt packs, hydration
systems or any kind of MOLLE pouches can be attached to it.
Completed with an SSO RS-31 belt, VOG
pouch, KP Vector holster, a woodland Camelbak Pakteen hydration pack and a dump
pouch.
Finally, the fanciest feature of the recent
Nerpa, the silicone brand tag on the right shoulder strap.
In conclusion, the Nerpa is a very well
made and designed load bearing vest and although the choice between a Smersh
type harness or a load bearing vest is of personal preference, the quality of
the used materials and the stitching won’t cause any disappointment in case of
the SSO Nerpa.
As always, the coloration varies according
to the production period.
The reviewed Nerpa, worn by the author:
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