Whether you’re a law enforcement officer or a military special forces operative, plate carriers are a staple of the tactical loadout. They provide a level of protection that you just can’t get from a bulletproof vest or non-adjustable ballistic vest.
The average plate carrier weighs between 15-35 pounds. You can choose to have a lighter setup or add extra pouches and accessories for more gear and attachment points.
Comfort
A good plate carrier is one of the most important pieces of tactical gear that you can have. They protect you from both ballistic and fragmentation threats, while also keeping you mobile.
When choosing a plate carrier, it’s important to choose one that offers the best comfort for your needs. This will help you avoid pain and fatigue while working on long-term missions.
Generally, the type of armor plates your plate carrier can accommodate will greatly impact the comfort factor. This is especially important if you’re wearing heavy, hard armor plates.
In addition, you should look for a plate carrier that has adjustable shoulder straps and a cummerbund. These features will ensure that you have a comfortable fit and can adjust it to your body size.
Ventilation
Tactical Plate Carriers offer a variety of ventilation options that are designed to keep the wearer cool and comfortable during extended periods of use. These vents are usually positioned behind the armor plates and push air into the vest. This helps to draw out heat and moisture, increase comfort, and reduce back face deformation effects.
Tactical plate carriers are sized and fitted carefully to provide optimal protection while still being easy to wear and carry. This is especially important for law enforcement and military personnel who need to quickly access their equipment and weapons.
The best way to ensure that a plate carrier fits properly is to try it out in the field. This will allow you to experiment with different positioning, number of items, and types of gear. This will help you to create the ideal setup for your needs.
Convenience
Tactical Plate Carriers are a convenient way to carry your tactical gear. Compared to backpacks, they’re less bulky and offer a higher level of protection.
Tough plates and panels, made of multi-layered ceramics or Kevlar, provide added protection against NIJ Level III and IV projectiles such as rifle rounds. In addition, they can also be used to carry extra grenades, magazines, first aid medical equipment and hydration systems.
Having these items on your body is important to ensure you can provide quick and efficient life-saving treatment in a high-risk situation. Some carriers even have a built-in emergency drag handle that can be used to evacuate friendly forces while you provide cover.
Another benefit to using a plate carrier is that it’s lightweight and can be easily removed for quick access to your gear. This means you can wear it for longer periods of time and take advantage of all of its features without compromising your comfort.
Safety
Plate carriers are a type of body armor vest that protects against various threats, including frag and shrapnel. They’re a great option for law enforcement and military personnel as well as civilians who are working in high-risk environments.
In addition to protecting you from ballistic threats, tactical plate carriers can also carry extra ammunition, medical gear, and other equipment. They are typically made with MOLLE webbing that can be used to attach pouches and other accessories.
Some tactical plate carriers also feature velcro straps that can be used to add patches that specify your designation. These can be helpful in identifying other members of your team or preventing accidental friendly fire in the battlefield.
Before using a tactical plate carrier, it is important to test how it fits your body. This can be done by going out for a run or doing some other strenuous activity to make sure it fits comfortably and distributes your weight evenly.
