Dear Hugh,
A very nice alternative to velcro pouches is made by the folks at UW Gear. They use a “tuck tab” feature that doesn’t use velcro, snaps, or buckles. This uses a stiff piece of webbing that “tucks” into the tab on the front of the magazine pouch. There is nothing to wear out here and should be easy to clean if snow or mud somehow gets in there. They make chest rigs, bandoleers, and standalone pouches. To my knowledge, they currently can make these for 5.56, 7.62×39,5.45, and 7.62×51. It is a little bit of a wait time to get things from them, since it’s a small company, but I’ve found their quality and customer service is excellent. I had them make me a custom three magazine bandoleer for my S&W M&P 15-22 magazines, so that rifle has a piece of load bearing gear to go with it. UW Gear’s website: uwgearinc.com – P.B.