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A plate carrier is one of the most important pieces of gear an individual can run. It is one piece of kit that will make sure, at the end of a fight, you’re the one standing, it is your first line of defence.
In any fight, you want to make sure you’re the most prepared person in the fight. You must prepare well in advance, not hoping or wanting the fight, but knowing that there’s a possibility that the fight might one day come to you.
You get the tactical gear, you train with your tactical gear, and you become proficient with your tactical gear. That’s why you need a plate carrier.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- THE BEST PLATE CARRIERS
- Armored Republic – Testudo Gen 2
- Armored Republic – Valkyrie
- Spartan Armor Systems – Achilles
- Shellback Tactical – Banshee Elite 3.0
- Premier Body Armor – Core Plate Carrier
- Eagle Industries – MMAC
- T3 – Geronimo 2
- LOF Defence Systems – CQR-M2
- Chase tactical – Lightweight Operational Plate Carrier
- First Spear – Strandhögg v2 SAPI Cut
- Crye Precision – CAGE
- Spartan Armor Systems – Leonidas
- PLATE CARRIER 101
- HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT PLATE CARRIER FOR ME?
- HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT SIZE?
- HOW DO I SET UP MY PLATE CARRIER?
- FINAL THOUGHTS
Using my knowledge and experience of over a decade in the military and all of it in the combat arms, plus countless hours of research, I have put together this gear guide of some of the hands-down best plate carriers America has to offer. There actually are a large amount of really good quality companies producing off the hook great gear, but I have taken a few that I believe stand out and brought them here for you.
I have a family and I take this seriously, as I’m sure you do as well. Whether you purchase through me or somewhere else, as I said, get the gear, train with the gear, be awesome with the gear!
THE BEST PLATE CARRIERS
Armored Republic – Testudo Gen 2
SPECS
Material: | 500D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | 3.6 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ / 11″ x 14″ |
Size: | M – 3XL |
Colors: | Black / Coyote / Multicam / OD Green |
Manufactured: | Vietnam |
Berry Compliant: | No |
In 36 BC, the historian Plutarch gave the first description of the Roman Army’s formidable Testudo formation. It consisted of a group of soldiers tightly packed, with shields held in front and above, so that nothing could penetrate the advancing unit. The Testudo Gen 2 Carrier takes that vision and applies it to personal body armor: Having formidable protection by maximizing coverage.
The Testudo is made mostly of 500D Nylon, with bar tacks reinforcing all stress points and PALS webbing covering the outside for attaching your MOLLE-compatible pouches, holsters, and accessories. The generous padding also prevents chafing, making for an armor setup that’s easy to wear for long periods of time. The adjustable shoulder straps, made of nylon, also help you fit the carrier as the low offset makes the rear plate pocket ride at the proper height.
One of the biggest advantages of the Testudo is its cummerbund: A sash around the lower half of the carrier that both gives you side-plate pockets for extra armor and gives you full adjustability to tighten the carrier to a perfect fit. This adjustability makes the Testudo more than a “one-size-fits-all” solution since the size itself can be changed to best suit you.
If you’re looking for a carrier to accommodate your best armor and best gear, while keeping you comfortable the entire time, the Testudo Gen 2 is right for you.
Armored Republic – Valkyrie
SPECS
Material: | 500D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | 2.2 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ |
Size: | M – 2XL |
Colors: | Black / Coyote / Multicam / Black Multicam |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
For military personnel, police officers, or even just civilians looking for an affordable military-grade and tactical plate carrier, the Armored Republic Valkyrie plate carrier boasts the features of a top-of-the-line, quality carrier while still keeping a competitive price. Its principal material is the durable and lightweight 500D Cordura Nylon.
The Valkyrie has been covered in the MOLLE System. The front, back, sides, and shoulder straps all contain PALS webbing giving the Valkyrie a ton of storage space for all your MOLLE compatible gear. Armored Republic has also made the carrier compatible with 10” x 12” hard armor plates.
The Valkyrie has been loaded with features among them are its admin pouch, kangaroo pouch (compatible with AR Kangaroo Magazine Pouch Inserts), a fully adjustable cummerbund for a tight fit, and generously sized velcro ID panels. Bar-tack stitching has been used on all stress points and webbing and front-mounted, and quick-release buckles with laminated Nylon protective covers.
Armored Republic has made comfort a priority in all their plate carriers and the Valkyrie is no exception. Padding has been placed on the inside covering the front, back, and shoulder straps with spacer mesh for breathability. This allows greater air flow keeping you cool in any climate.
The Valkyrie brings together quality components and craftsmanship for functionality, ergonomics, and comfort.
Spartan Armor Systems – Achilles
SPECS
Material: | 1000D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | Approx. 3 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ / 11′ x 14″ |
Chest Size: | S – XL (37″ – 48″) |
Colors: | Black / Coyote / OD Green |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
The Achilles Laser Cut Plate Carrier pays homage to the legendary Greek warrior, Achilles, a great hero of the Trojan War. Lightweight, durable, and highly adaptable the Achilles carrier is designed for the modern-day multi-role warrior. Capability and comfort are key aspects that will keep you in the fight longer and both have been thoroughly considered in the making of this carrier.
The Achilles carrier is comprised of lightweight yet extremely strong 1000D Cordura Nylon with with laser-cut MOLLE covering the front and sides allowing for max carrying capabilities. It features comfortable padded shoulder straps with padded front and rear sections all containing air vents for maximum air flow and breathability. To increase comfort and protection Spartan Armor Systems has made it possible to run their Flex Fused Core IIIA soft armour behind steel core plates such as their III+ AR550 10″x12″ body armour utilizing the built in dual-chamber system!
Spartan Armor Systems has also enhanced the capability of the Achilles plate carrier by adding our top-zippered admin pouch above a convenient kangaroo pouch that comes with removable triple M4 mag pouches. The Achilles will accept both 10″ x 12″ and 11″ x 14″ body armour. The cummerbund accepts side plates in either 6” x 6” or 6″ x 8″ and is modular/removable, with the inclusion of the built-in 2-inch quick-release straps.
In the end the configuration and customization options of the Achilles plate carrier are endless.
Shellback Tactical – Banshee Elite 3.0
SPECS
Material: | 500D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | Approx. 3 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ |
Size: | S – XL |
Colors: | Black / Coyote / Multicam / Ranger Green |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
The Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 3.0 Plate Carrier is the third evolution of our world famous Banshee Elite plate carrier. The primary material used to construct the Banshee is the lightweight yet extremely tough 500D Cordura Nylon. The new laser cut MOLLE design is located on the front, rear and cummerbund which reduces carrier weight, increases durability, and allows for extensive customization. Comfort is a must, so the Banshee comes with 3D Spacer mesh padding on front, rear and shoulder pads for proving maximum ventilation and comfort.
The cummerbund features 6 integrated M4 magazine pockets as well as 2 pockets to insert Banshee Elite 3.0 soft armor panels. The new quick release cummerbund buckles allow you to quickly don and doff your carrier and eliminates the hassle of dealing with traditional hook and loop cummerbund closures.
New features integrated into the Banshee Elite 3.0 are a drag handle that extends to 34 inches which allows extra leverage when removing a casualty on the battle field, a rear hydration pocket that holds a 2L hydration bladder, integrated nylon vertical strips to accommodate QASM buckles for chest rigs.
The Banshee Elite 3.0 plate carrier holds 10 x 12 shooter or SAPI cut plates. It is proudly made in the USA, is berry compliant, and is backed by Shellback Tactical’s lifetime warranty. Be ready for the fight and order your Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 3.0 Plate Carrier today!
Premier Body Armor – Core Plate Carrier
SPECS
Material: | 600D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | 4.2 lbs – 4.8 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ |
Size: | S – 2XL |
Colors: | Black / Ranger Green / Multicam Black / Multicam Arid / Multicam Tropic |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
Premier Body Armor’s Core Plate Carrier delivers on all the duties of a solid plate carrier; lightweight/high speed, extreme durability, modern technology, and compatibility with any type of armor. The Core Plate Carrier is the foundational chassis for every mission. It is made primarily from the lightweight yet very tough and durable 600D Cordura Nylon.
The seamlessly integrated traditional MOLLE System with PALS webbing and velcro-covered laser-cut MOLLE sections, make carrying a heavy kit just as natural as going lite. A chest placard can be easily attached to the full-field of velcro on the front of the plate carrier, and medical gear, hydration bladders, and more can be added on the rear. Both the outside and inside of the cummerbund feature traditional MOLLE so you can add gear on either side. The Core carrier comes with First Spear’s adjustable cummerbund Rapid-Release buckles.
The Core plate carrier can accommodate all 10″ x 12″ PBA plates and Premier Body Armor includes a pair of Level IIIA cummerbund armor inserts with every purchase of the Core carrier. Inside the Core carrier are three internal pockets where spall liners, body armor plates, or trauma pads can be placed.
The Core Plate Carrier is meant for those looking for a high-performance, %100 American made, berry compliant plate carrier to be the foundation of their tactical kit.
Eagle Industries – MMAC
SPECS
Material: | 500D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | 3.5 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ / 11″ x 14″ |
Size: | S – XL |
Colors: | Black / Coyote / Ranger Green / Multicam |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
Eagle Industries is a pro American company that sources all their material and labor right in the USA. They are %100 berry complaint and do their part to support work here in the USA. The Eagle Industries Multi-Mission Tactical Vest (MMAC) is a traditional profile vest offering modularity and scalability. The tactical vest is constructed of the lightweight yet durable 500D Cordura Nylon and is fully MOLLE/PALS compatible. PALS webbing covers the front and sides, so you’ll never run out of space to attach your most important gear.
You never know when a fight will end, so a plate carrier must be breathable and comfortable. Eagle Industries have included thick padded shoulders with padding both in the front and the back of the MMAC.
The cummerbund has a kangaroo-style retention flap that fits up to (x3) M4 magazines. The MMAC cummerbund includes integrated radio and side plate pockets to accommodate 6″ x 6″ or 6″ x 8″ plates. While the main carrier holds 10″ x 12″ and 11″ x 14″ SAPI and ESAPI plates.
The MMAC some loaded with more features such as detachable retention loops, push-to-talk (PTT) attachment points at the upper left and right of the chest, velcro on front and back for unit identifier, flag, patches, etc., and an integrated admin pouch with elastic retention for pen, light, and pistol mag, etc., The MMAC is available in black, MultiCam®, coyote brown and ranger green in sizes small, medium, large, and extra large.
T3 – Geronimo 2
SPECS
Material: | 500D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | 3 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 11″ x 14″ |
Size: | S – XL |
Colors: | Black / Coyote / Ranger Green / Multicam |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
Trident Tactical/Technical is an ex Navy SEAL owned and operated business. Having gone into the deep dark recesses of the world and having come back alive these dudes know what it takes to be a Secret squirrel. They know exactly what our most elite warriors are looking for in a plate carrier and using that knowledge they have created the T3 Geronimo 2. The Geronimo 2 plate carrier is low profile and highly modular like its predecessor.
The Geronimo 2 is made from the lightweight and beefy 500D Cordura Nylon. It has been made to comfortably hold SAPI and ESAPI plates ranging in size from small 8 3/4″ x 11 3/4″ plates up to the extra large 11″ x 14″ plates. It can also hold soft armor backers
T3 has loaded the Geronimo 2 with the traditional MOLLE System, putting PALS webbing over the entire carrier covering the front, side cummerbund, and the entire back. This makes carrying any amount of equipment easy with great load dispersal and fantastic customization.
To keep you in the fight longer the Geronimo comes with a built in kangaroo pouch that holds 2x 7.62mm or 3x 5.56mm mags The new cummerbund system allows you to carry an additional three rifle magazines on each side. The cummerbund also has an integrated pistol compatible pouch, and radio pouches for single or dual comms.
Navy SEALS know the importance of comfort. The Geronimo 2’s padded shoulder straps are made of Hypalon and designed to carry the weight of any size operator. The front and back of the carrier also have thick padding as well, they were created using a breathable mesh material allowing for air flow making sure you stay as cool and comfortable as possible.
LOF Defence Systems – CQR-M2
SPECS
Material: | 500D Codura Nylon |
Weight: | Approx. 3 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ |
Size: | S – XL |
Colors: | 10 Different Patterns / Colors |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
Inspired by LEO Tactical Teams and K-9 Units, behold the newest addition to LOF Defence Systems legendary plate carrier lineup. The Model 2 from the LOF COBRA Quick Release carriers is a significant upgrade from its CQR-M1 predecessor. The new M2 shaves off more than half the weight and features upgrades such as Outlast Thermal Management Systems and IMPACT Technology to aid in the reduction of blunt force trauma from terminal ballistic impacts.
The CQR-M2 is primarily made from the lightweight extremely tough material 500D Cordura Nylon. All components for the CQR-M2 have been designed to keep the lowest profile possible offering extreme comfort and protection. With 360º coverage, IMPACT provides minimal standoff giving you padded comfort, excellent air circulation and protection from any ballistic plate with aggressive curves, sharp edges or square corners.
Not only do the shoulder pads feature ACS Technology allowing you to replace the internal foam at any time or upgrade to GX Soft Ballistic Armour, the closure system allows you to discretely route radio cables, sling systems and hydration tubes. Utilize the PALS webbing platform to attach MOLLE compatible equipment, light beacons and other accessories.
Never worry about your equipment failing! The low profile emergency drag handle among many other points on the CQR-M2 are heavily reinforced through advanced manufacturing and automation techniques to guarantee your equipment delivers repeatable performance at the highest level for every operation.
Utilizing a laced shock cord/bungee retention system, the CQR-M2 cummerbunds allow nine inches of adjustment giving you the option to operate the platform as a stand alone HBA system or combine any SBA vest to serve as an in-conjunction system. This also works well for adjusting your kit to fit over bulkier gear such as various base/mid layers, fleece jackets and winter parkas. The major adjustment points are located on the back of the plate carrier and are completely hidden with a low profile closure flap keeping things neat and out of sight.
Chase tactical – Lightweight Operational Plate Carrier
SPECS
Material: | 500D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | 2.5 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ |
Size: | S – XL |
Colors: | Black / Coyote / Ranger Green / Multicam / Multicam Black |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
Chase Tactical has very optimally named their Plate Carrier the Lightweight Plate Carrier or LOPC for short. The LOPC is a stand out in the carrier world with its outstanding comfort, design, and toughness. Chase Tactical has constructed the LOPC out of lightweight yet very strong and durable 500D Cordura Nylon. Made to fit 10″ x 12″ hard armor plates and soft armor backers, all style of plates will fit into this carrier.
The LOPC has been made with comfort and breathability in mind, in order for anyone to go the long haul while wearing it. This carrier has built in padded and fully adjustable shoulder straps to give a comfortable to anyone. Spacer mesh is used on the inside back, front, and shoulders of the LOPC for increased breathability and comfort as it cushions and allows air flow around the body. The cummerbund is made of lightweight breathable mesh and is fully interchangeable.
The entire carrier is loaded with the MOLLE System, as PALS webbing is located on the exterior and interior of the cummerbund, the chest, back, and shoulder straps. With the LOPC carrying extra gear feels easy and lightweight as you can store all your gear directly on your person. The LOPC also comes standard with a removable MOLLE clip placard held in place by 2 vertical clips.There is also an extra strong drag handle that secures down and out of the way when not in use.
The tops of the shoulder straps have both nylon webbing and elastic webbing for mounting and routing tourniquets, hydration tubes, radio antennas, handsets, comm wires, V Lites, and strobe lights.
First Spear – Strandhögg v2 SAPI Cut
SPECS
Material: | 500D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | Approx. 3 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ / 11″ x 14″ |
Size: | S – XL |
Colors: | Black / Coyote / Manatee Grey / Ranger Green |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
Taking its name from an Old Norse Viking term for a lightning raid, Strandhögg was one of the first formalized battle tactics to use covert infiltrators in advance of an actual raiding operation. Strandhögg was a tactical game changer in its time, just like the technological advances FirstSpear is bringing forward in this line of plate carriers.
Cut edge-to-edge to specifically fit SAPI/ESAPI/SPEAR cut plates sizes S-XL, this system can be worn with or without a soft armor panel depending upon ballistic requirements, threat conditions and the type of plate utilized. Maximizing the new lightweight 6/12 technology and rapid closure systems provided by the tubes, the SAPI Cut Plate Carrier can be rapidly donned or doffed. It is also capable of accepting the integrated inflatable floatation cummerbund. Using a streamlined fit throughout, along with state of the art materials and production technology, the 6/12 SAPI Cut plate carrier is easily tailored for comfort, ventilation, and fit.
Responding to a specific request from a FirstSpear Professional User at the Tip of the Spear, the overlap cummerbund has been designed and engineered to provide additional overlapping soft armor at the front side of the plate carrier where the Tubes closure system meets. The additional soft armor tucks in behind the Tubes allowing full opening and closing of the vest.
The body side of the Cummerbund has been modified to allow the attachment of Ragnar Pockets so that magazines and other items can be held in close to the body making for an even more streamlined silhouette. This feature is particularly attractive for Users trying to carry more magazines than the traditional front-loading of a carrier will allow. The Overlap Cummerbund is also useful in tubular assaults or work in the tight confines of a conventional vehicle.
Crye Precision – CAGE
SPECS
Material: | 500D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | 3 lbs – 5lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ / 11″ x 14″ |
Size: | S – XL |
Colors: | Coyote / Ranger Green / Multicam |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | Yes |
If you talk to anyone in the tactical community, they will know Crye Precision and the gear they make because they only produce top tier equipment. The CAGE Plate Carrier (CPC) offers unsurpassed comfort and load support in a low profile plate carrier configuration. Constructed out of lightweight and extremely tough 500D Cordura Nylon the CAGE plate carrier supports both 10″ x 12″ and 11″ x 14″ armor plates. It is releasable and accepts soft and hard armor inserts from Crye Precision. When paired with the Low Profile BLAST Belt™, it becomes an extremely efficient and versatile armor and load carriage system.
The CPC™ built-in cummerbund is designed to accept soft armor panels and 6” x 6” plates. CPC plate bags stretch to accommodate different plate thicknesses and have integrated magazine and admin pouches. Designed from the ground up to take full advantage of Crye’s revolutionary StKSS™ system that transfers the vest weight to the wearer’s hips.
Crye Precision has put the MOLLE System and PALS webbing covering the entire carrier. With the magazine pouches in the front, magazine pouches on each side and MOLLE on the front, sides, and back storage capacity is something you are sure to never run out of with the CPC.
Maximum comfort is foundational in the CPC, with Crye Precision building in padding into the back and shoulders covered in spacer mesh for breathability. The spacer mesh allows air flow keeping you cool in any climate. This is one carrier you’ll forget you’re wearing as it become like a second skin.
Spartan Armor Systems – Leonidas
SPECS
Material: | 500D Cordura Nylon |
Weight: | Approx. 3 lbs |
Supported Plate Sizes: | 10″ x 12″ |
Size: | M – XL (37″ – 48″) |
Colors: | Black / Coyote / Multicam / Ranger Green |
Manufactured: | USA |
Berry Compliant: | YES |
The Leonidas plate carrier is an advanced, feature-rich plate carrier system fit for a Spartan King, hence the name… “Leonidas”. This plate carrier system hosts a full array of tactical accommodations and features designed to keep you in the fight. The 500D Cordura Nylon construction with front top-zippered admin pouch and front lower velcro kangaroo pouch allows you to store accessories, administrative gear, and more.
PALS webbing attachment points are provided in ample placement throughout the front, back and shoulder areas of the vest allowing for ultimate customization and accessorization. The removable cummerbund is equipped with quick-release buckles and allows you to expand your armor coverage with 5″ x 15″ IIIA soft armor inside each side. Additional MOLLE side plate pouches are included to attach 6”x 6” or 6”x 8” side plates to the inside PALS webbing of the cummerbund.
Spartan Armor has made sure that comfort is woven into the entire plate carrier with padding and spacer mesh covering the inside front, back, and shoulder pads. This also allows for incredible breathability as air can flow through the entire carrier keeping you nice a cool in any climate.
If that weren’t enough, the Leonidas Plate Carrier also implements heavy-duty bar tacking at key stress points to ensure longevity in the field and communication or hydration hose guides, all critical features for sustaining and enduring through long operations. When you are looking for the toughest plate carrier available to take into battle, the Leonidas Plate Carrier holds the throne.
PLATE CARRIER 101
MATERIAL
In the tactical community Cordura Nylon is a staple building material for a large amount of gear. Cordura nylon ranges from tough to extremely tough, light to heavy, and durable to very durable. There is no better or worse in and of themselves, but depending on the task you’re using the different levels of nylon for there might be levels more or less suited for that task.
Cordura nylon ranges from 500D all the way up to 1050D. The smaller the number for example 500D (which the majority of the carriers are made out of) will be lighter, not as strong, and less durable. The higher the number 1050D for example will be heavier, much stronger, and much more durable. The reason for these differences is the size of the nylon fiber used in the construction. 500D’s fiber are much thinner and as you move up the line they become thicker and thicker.
So, why do the majority of companies use 500D Cordura Nylon then you ask? Don’t you want your carrier to be as tough as can be?
Good question, there’s some trade offs. As I said the 500D will be lighter and it will be much more pliable. It will fit and hug your body better allowing for a much more comfortable time wearing it. A much higher level of nylon such as 1050D (which is considered ballistic nylon) will be heavier, and less pliable feeling more stiff and being less comfortable.
The lower levels of nylon such as 500D or 600D or much more suited for gear like plate carriers, tactical gloves, and lighter back packs for these reasons. While the higher levels like 1050D nylon are better suited for rucksacks, tactical belts, and other gear that really gets abused.
Companies know the actual armored plates you’ll be inserting into your carrier will be heavy enough, plus your additional gear: flashlights, magazines, knives, etc. The weight will add up very quickly. For this reason comfortability is a must, leading not all, but most companies to use lower level Cordura nylon like 500D.
BUCKLES
All plate carriers come with some form of attachment system for donning and doffing your gear. The most common of these systems being velcro or your standard yet beefed up hard plastic buckle. Both of these traditional methods are battlefield tested and have been proven reliable. However there are a couple other options out there.
FirstSpear pioneered and developed a rapid release buckle which greatly increases the speed at which you can get your carrier off your body in an emergency situation possibly saving a vital few seconds. Numerous companies have realized the value of Firstspear’s innovation and have used their design in some of their own carriers, such as Premiers Core plate carriers.
LOF Defence Systems uses the extremely strong COBRA Tech buckles on their carrier. These buckles are able to with stand up to 4033 lbs of force applied to them before they break. It’s an awesome tech and a great one to be seen being used on plate carriers. Not many companies use this style yet in their carriers, perhaps due to the added weight, however there’s no buckle stronger.
Which buckle is best your wondering?
All four options are battle tested by professionals, and have been proven tried and true. Ultimately it really comes down to your mission needs and personal preference.
BREATHABILITY
The breathability of your plate carrier is extremely important. Kevlar is extremely unbreathable, steel plates are extremely unbreathable, and so the carrier itself needs to be breathable to keep the user as cool as possible. In any high stress situation an individuals heart race will increase, therefore increasing their body temperature, and causing them to sweat more leading to discomfort and possibly greater issues.
All top tier companies understand this and have to one degree or another used a breathable mesh lining inside their plate carriers to allow greater air flow increasing the carriers comfortability, keeping you in the fight longer. This breathable mesh lining also allows the carrier to dry faster once it has been removed.
COMFORT
Comfortability is an absolute must in tactical gear and plate carriers are no different. Uncomfortable gear vs comfortable gear can be a complete game changer in a tactical situation. You need to be focused on the task at hand and can’t be worried about parts of your gear pinching, jabbing, or hurting you.
After over a decade in the combat arms believe me when I say, your gear MUST be comfortable.
Top tier companies understand the importance of comfortable gear and because they understand they have all inserted padding in various ways along the back, shoulder straps, and front of their carriers.
Solid and thick back foam padding on either side of the spine as well as on the chest will give great comfort as well as giving added protection against shock and blunt force trauma.
As important as the front and back padding is however, the shoulder padding is vital as you carrier will be pulling down on your shoulders with all the weight of ballistics plates and extra gear. With an easy added 50 lbs – 80 lbs weighing down on your shoulders, it won’t take long if your carrier has bad shoulder strap padding to start causing some serious trap and shoulder pain.
High quality plate carriers are build with your comfort in mind.
MOLLE
All great plate carriers come with some degree of PALS webbing on the front and possibly the side making them MOLLE compatible. It is an absolute must for a carrier to have PALS so you can attach MOLLE gear to it. On top of carrying life saving ballistic plates, being compatible with MOLLE gear is what makes plate carriers truly so invaluable.
What is PALS webbing and the MOLLE System ?
PALS is an acronym that stands for “Pouch Attachment Ladder System“. PALS webbing are the rows of nylon webbing you can see stitched too many of the fronts and sides of plate carriers. PALS are apart of the over arching MOLLE System. MOLLE is an acronym that stands for “Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment“. So, MOLLE gear attaches to PALS webbing, making up the MOLLE System.
For a more in-depth understanding, check out my other article:
“What Is The MOLLE System & Why You Need It”
In short form, it gives you the ability to carry all the gear you might need and have easy access to it, while not making you feel over burdened with gear. It does this while one: allowing each individual to set up the carrier however it best suits them or their mission because of how unbelievable customizable it is!!! and two: by keeping all the added gear tight to the body and held firmly so it not getting in the way or bouncing around.
HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT PLATE CARRIER FOR ME?
Knowing your mission and the possible threats you’ll run into on that mission are the most important aspects when it comes to picking the proper plate carrier. Plate carriers generally come in light (minimalist), medium (tactical / modular), and heavy versions. It is knowing the previously stated information that will help you pick which of these three style of carriers will be best suited to your needs. Check out the video below by Spartan Armor Systems to get an in depth idea of how to pick the right style of plate carrier for you!
HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT SIZE?
Making sure you pick the right size of plate carrier for yourself is important. If you pick a size too big your plate carrier will move and slide around. This will take away from the security and protection it offers you, as well as make it much more difficult to move with any real speed.
If you pick a carrier too small for you it’ll affect your ability to breath as you will have to over tighten it to make it fit. Also, with the plate carrier being too small and tight it will hinder your ability too freely and comfortably move around.
Check out the video below by Spartan Armor Systems to see how to measure yourself to achieve the perfect fit for your plate carrier.
HOW DO I SET UP MY PLATE CARRIER?
How a plate carrier is set up will be a little different for everyone. Variation is one of the great aspects of the MOLLE system on carriers. However, there are definitely some really stupid ways to set up a plate carrier and some much more effective ways to set up a plate carrier. As well, your plate carrier should be set up to meet your specific mission and situational needs. Check out this video by Spartan Armor to learn how to set up your plate carrier.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A plate carrier is an absolute must have piece of tactical gear. They can help take an every day Joe and turn them into a lethal warrior (well maybe with a little training as well). With modern carrier technology they do far more than just provide a holder for your body armour. With the integrated MOLLE system that all the top tier carriers have, they have gone from simply providing protection to proving the wearer with a whole arsenal of defensive and offensive capabilities right at your finger tips.
From armour plates, AR magazines, AK magazines, pistol magazines, to flashlights, knives, multi-tools, tourniquets, IFAK’s, and more. The ability to customize is only limited by the imagination of the individual. Take the fight to the enemy with the knowledge that you’re as absolutely prepared as you could be, because you have all your vital gear strapped to you at all times.
Now gear doesn’t make the man, the man makes the gear, but a smart man will always make sure he has the advantage in the fight by having the best gear. So get a plate carrier, customize it to suit your potential needs, and train train train with it, so when crap hits the fan…your the one left standing!
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