The cummerbund is the part that goes around your waist, the side flaps. The side flaps are actually a separate piece from the vest. It slides through a flap in the back of the vest. In the center rear where the two flaps come together is where you'll find the laces to make the cummerbund tighter. Then when you bring the flaps around to the front you can adjust their placement on the velcro.
I got the Plate Carrier Combat Set
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... ts_id=4196 It came with 2 double M4 pouches, MOLLE dump pouch, utility pouch and a simple hydration carrier with bladder. For $110 it's not a bad deal and is a good starter platform.
As far as setting up the pouches, that's pretty much trial and error. My setup has changed about six times in the past three weeks. Each time I figure out a little better way to place the pouches. I originally had 4 P90 pouches on the front, 1 M4 pouch on each side, dual pistol mag at right breast level. Then the gadget pouch on my left side to the rear and another single pistol mag on the right side to the rear. I couldn't get into the gadget pouch very well and the farthest pistol mag pouch was a pain. The P90 mags were ok, but they made it tough to lift the front flap to secure the velcro. I changed it up after a few skirmishes and some experience with where the pouches were and the problems I was having with each one.
As you can see, I got rid of two P90 pouches, moved one of the M4 pouches to the front and the dual pistol mag off the front to make room for my radio. It was tough to use tucked between the pouches and my bear. And my name and rank were obscured. You can see the hose from my hydration carrier fed through the shoulder pad. Keeps it from getting snagged or hanging loose.
A closer view of the front. The P90 mags loop into the bottom most row of MOLLE on the top section and then extend down past the bottom of the vest. They look unweildly but they're not too bad. Then there's the dual M4 pouch. I can carry 4 M4 mags or 6 MP5 mags. The top flaps are adjustable. The flaps can be removed, they're just velcro'ed in, but I would keep the flaps to protect the mags from falling out and debris. The top most two MOLLE loops are vecro for attaching name, rank, unit patches, flags, morale patches, etc. Not having the pistol mag, gives me more room for my radio (Motorola GMRS/FRS T5000). And now you can see my name and rank.
The map pocket on the front (where the P90 and M4 pouches are secured) lifts up to expose the velcro that secures the front of the cummerbund. This velcro is absolutely the strongest I've seen!!!!!
The reverse (skin side) of the front plate. Not much here, you can see the two buckles from the waist strap. I have these tied together so they dont get in my way. I don't use the waist strap because I have a small waist. The flap with the button, held in place with velro folds down to allow access to the inside of the front in order to insert an armour plate. The button flap holds the front flap (also a map pocket) that covers the front velcro that secures the cummerbund when you pull it around you.
A shot of the rear. I don't use the hydration carrier that came with the combat set. I opted for the MOLLEHydration Carrier (
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... ts_id=2699). It has two pouches, 1 top 1 bottom for additional storage along with the main hydration compartment. I keep extra glasses, couple of small tools, webbing, D-Ring and emergency food (or MRE). Attached to the MOLLE on the lower compartment is the utility pouch from the combat set. I keep a few first aid items and a pocket mask. The mask is a medical shield for CPR.
On the left cummerbund flap I have the MOLLE dump pouch (from the combat set) that is my mini first aid kit. I'm a Firefighter / Medic in the real world so I like to be prepared. ;-) Then the gadget pouch. This was part of the Tactical Utility Leg Platform (
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... ts_id=1871). Pic of that later. I keep extra bb's, spare batteries, safety briefing and a few other small items. When on me, the first aid pouch sits under my left arm, the gadget pouch sits on my left front.
On the right side you can see the other double M4 pouch, dual pistol mag pouch and a single pistol mag pouch. The M4 pouch can hold 4 more M4 mags or 6 more MP5 mags. The pistol mag pouches hold 3 speed loaders.
The inside of the rear, again not much here. Another velcro flap exposing the opening for a armour plate. You can see sticking out of the right side one of the waist straps. I just tucked them into the cummerbund pocket.
A shot of the cummerbund pocket. The laces and elastic portion of the cummerbund is tucked away in here. I have the above mentioned waist straps tucked in here as well to keep them out of my way. I don't want to take off the pouches in order to pull the cummerbund out. But with a bit of wiggling, the cummerbund slides out of this pocket to expose the laces and elastic.
And finally my belt, drop leg and dump pouch. That's the OE TECH Belt Mounted Recovery Pouch (
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... ts_id=1839) Same as the Spectre but half the price! This pouch will hold at least 12 MP5 mags and probably 10-12 M4 mags. The top has a semi ridged band that holds the pouch open just enough to drop the mags in without opening any flaps. There's an adjustable loose cover that keeps the mags inside. The whole pouch folds in thirds and vecros up and out of the way. The Tactical Utility Leg Platform provides the MOLLE attachment for my holster (
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... ts_id=3552), two single pistol mag pouches and a small flashlight pouch. The tactical Duty belt comes with two pistol mag pouches that I use for two more speed loaders.
All in all it's a nice setup, somewhat pricey but I stretched the expense over several paychecks. ;-) The great thing about it, I can change the pouches around to suit my style and my weapons. Like I mentioned before I've changed the configuration at least six times now.
