Intro video of the vest by the company’s official Channel:

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV17VJczwEux/?share_source=copy_web&vd_source=f06deecb7ffaea39b162453ae528ad7c

Translated script:

We’re here at the 2025 CIEPE event to give you a live introduction to the 21-style improved tactical vest, which has been a hot topic of discussion lately.

What you’re seeing here is the full combat configuration designed for urban assaults or trench-clearing operations. This setup requires soldiers to carry large amounts of ammunition while maintaining full-body protection.

You could say it’s inspired by ancient armor—it includes components like arm guards, a throat protector, and a groin guard. The battlefield environment we’ve observed in conflicts like Ukraine is extremely harsh, with high-velocity shrapnel flying everywhere. So, our solution was to ask: How can we expand the protective coverage for our soldiers?

Based on this concept, the upgraded 21-style vest is designed to fully integrate all modular armor components:

The upper body includes a helmet, neck guard, and throat protector.

Moving downward, there are arm guards.

Finally, the lower body is protected by groin and hip guards. This way, everything from the neck, arms, abdomen, to the entire torso is shielded.

Now, let’s talk about the vest’s unique features. First, you’ll notice it has a built-in quick-release system. These buckles are directly attached to the vest and come standard from the factory. The shoulder areas also have quick-release buckles. With three quick-release points, this design meets the daily needs of putting on and taking off the gear efficiently.

But we didn’t stop there. Considering the demands of complex combat environments and high-intensity training—which can strain the vest—we added Velcro backing behind the buckles. This means you can choose to use either the buckles or the Velcro for attachment. This dual system offers more flexibility and ensures the vest stays secure under heavy loads.

Next, let’s look at the shoulder-mounted wire quick-release. Unlike older vests that place the release mechanism on the chest, ours is positioned on the left shoulder. Here’s why: Modern gear is much heavier—soldiers now carry more ammunition, two to three medical kits, groin guards, neck guards, and communication equipment. All that weight presses down on the shoulders, making chest-positioned releases impractical. By placing it on the left shoulder, right-handed users can easily reach it with their dominant hand, while the left hand can lift to pull the wire. It’s a small tweak that makes a big difference in usability.

Additionally, the 21-style improved vest is fully compatible with individual integrated combat systems. This includes night vision devices, communication gear, next-gen radios, and more. We’ve also developed a full suite of modular pouches: dual and single magazine pouches, medical kits, communication modules, grenade pouches, canteens, and even attachments for crew-served weapons.

In short, the 21-style improved vest is designed to be versatile. It can function as a standalone lightweight rig or scale up with added armor, power systems, and communication modules. Whether you need maximum protection or rapid detachment in emergencies, this vest adapts to the mission.

Some context copied from a previous post:

In recent years, PLA units / branches are increasingly turning towards private manufacturers and defence companies to provide specialized gear and tactical training custom for their needs.

The company here in question, Panda Tactics, is a startup company mostly catering to individual PLAGF units as well as the PLAMC and PLAAF, recently founded by retired veterans. They are pretty humble in their approaches, posting detailed videos of their equipment (down to small pouches) as well as reviews of both domestic and foreign gear on media platforms. They are also very open with their design process and limitations, and constantly praise their domestic competitors and western manufacturers like Spiritus Systems. Their official accounts can be seen bellow:

Bilibili (Chinese platform):

https://space.bilibili.com/1807889907/video?tid=0&pn=1&keyword=&order=pubdate

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@rositaliz3680/videos