Magazine Pouches: The Complete Guide

The first pouch dedicated to carrying cartridges truly became part of the soldier's equipment thanks to the development of the cartridge box, thus replacing the old cartridge bag used since the advent of the individual firearm in the early 17th century. The cartridge box is a simple pouch attached to the soldier's shoulder strap or belt, in which he stored his cartridges and the necessary items to clean his weapon. Later replaced by the cartridge pouch in 1845, and then by the magazine pouch at the beginning of the 20th century, the cartridge box is still used by the Republican Guard and the British Horse Guards in ceremonial dress.

The magazine pouch developed thanks to technological advances in assault rifles. Widely used by all the armies of the world, there are now a very large number of magazine pouch models. To save you the trouble of choosing, we will present the most well-known models.

Technical Characteristics

First of all, know that the "all-mission" or universal magazine pouch, the one that would be better than the others, does not exist. Each magazine pouch has its own particularities and will suit a certain type of mission. In this sense, whether you are a soldier or a law enforcement officer, we strongly advise you to inquire beforehand about the requirements of your mission (type of terrain, climate, actions to be taken, duration of the operation...).

Regardless of the model, magazine pouches are classified into two main families: open magazine pouches and closed magazine pouches. Here are the most common options.

Closed Magazine Pouches

Traditionally used, the closed magazine pouch has a flap that covers the entire magazine. It perfectly secures your ammunition even in extreme conditions, but it will also be noisier (when opening) and will reduce the speed of extraction or insertion of the magazine (you have to lift the flap before accessing the magazine).

Velcro Strip: Present on almost all closed magazine pouches, the self-gripping fabric strip allows you to open or close it at will.

Snap Button / Buckle: Some models have a snap button closure or a quick-release buckle. Less noisy than the Velcro strip closure, the extraction and insertion speed will be slightly reduced on this type of magazine pouch.

Open Magazine Pouches

Highly appreciated by special forces and intervention groups, the open magazine pouch is the latest technological advancement in magazine pouches. It offers ultra-fast magazine extraction and insertion speed while maintaining a good level of retention.

Elastic Retention: Present on most open magazine pouches, it is an adjustable elastic cord that goes over the top of the magazine to secure it.	Fast Mag: The retention is applied to the magazine using nylon strips on each side of the magazine pouch, tightened together by an adjustable cord or elastic band. Once the magazine is inserted and well "wedged" it does not move, only a strong pull can release it.
Polymer Supports: Using the same retention mechanism as the Fast Mag, this model differs by its lateral polymer strips. The extraction and insertion speed of the magazine will be slightly faster thanks to the smooth surface of the polymer, but it requires a more precise tightening.	Rigid Magazine Pouch: Another variant, the rigid open magazine pouch offers the advantage of being very solid and shock-resistant, requires little maintenance but will only suit a specific magazine model.
Low Profile: The latest trendy magazine pouch model, the low profile magazine pouch, or discreet profile. Extremely thin and light, it has elastic band retention, it will also be very practical for carrying other equipment.

The Most Common Materials

The materials used in the manufacture of magazine pouches vary according to the model and brand, and will be more or less suitable depending on the intended use.

Nylon: a flagship material used in the design of magazine pouches, nylon (sometimes called ballistic nylon) is a fiber that is both strong and flexible. The thickness of the nylon used in the manufacture of a magazine pouch will determine its strength. Thickness is measured in deniers, the higher the number of deniers, the thicker and therefore stronger the fabric, but it will also be heavier. Just like SMB vests, in general, a magazine pouch made of 600 denier nylon (600D) will be suitable for most field missions, but if you want a more robust pouch you should opt for 1000D nylon or more.

Leather: made from animal skin, leather is flexible, comfortable, and water-resistant. This material will be perfect for concealed carry magazine pouches.

Polymer: used for rigid magazine pouches, injected polymer will be very strong and light, and require little maintenance.

Types of Configuration

Single, double, or triple, the configuration of magazine pouches is specific to each user. If you opt for an open magazine pouch, however, consider getting a magazine extractor to facilitate handling the magazine.

See our selection of magazine pouches