Gear Essentials: What to Carry in Your Tactical Plate Carrier

Law enforcement officers, security professionals, and military personnel rely on their tactical plate carrier, often shortened to “plate carrier,” for protection from unexpected stray bullets and live rounds fired directly at their torso.

Tactical plate carriers are essential pieces of tactical gear that act as load-bearing vests while offering ballistic protection through the insertion of armor plates and serving as a tool for carrying vital equipment. However, with the vast array of pouches, holsters, and accessories available on most tactical plate carriers, it can become an overwhelming decision to determine what exactly to carry within your plate carrier.

This guide aims to ease your burden by explaining the core gear you should consider carrying in your plate carrier for optimal functionality and mission readiness.

Ballistic Protection and Comfort: A Sturdy Foundation

First and foremost, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of pouches and equipment, the main functionality of a tactical plate carrier is the ballistic protection it offers by carrying a plate.

Ballistic plates are commonly made from hard armor materials like ceramics or high-strength polyethylene, which are inserted into the designated compartments within the carrier. The function of these plates is to shield the wearer from ballistic threats such as rifle rounds and handgun fire.

The specific level of protection that specific plates offer depends largely on their material and rating according to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards.

Comfort is just as crucial as protection when choosing an armor plate for your tactical plate carrier since you would most likely wear it for extended periods at a stretch. A well-fitting plate carrier allows for maximum mobility and minimizes fatigue during extended wear.

You must seek plate carriers with adjustable shoulder straps and cummerbunds (waist straps) to ensure that you have a snug yet comfortable fit. Tactical plate carriers with padding on the shoulder straps and back panels have even better comfort, especially when you are carrying heavy accessories/gear.

In situations where factors like climate and ventilation matter, you should choose a plate carrier that suits the specific climate, e.g. models that offer mesh panels for improved breathability are great in hot environments.

Magazines: The Lifeblood of Your Firearm

In dynamic situations, quick access to ammunition is typically mission-critical. Magazine pouches are, therefore, essential components of your plate carrier setup. The number and placement of these types of pouches depend largely on what your primary and secondary firearms are, as well as the projected duration of your operation.

For your primary weapon, consider using pouches that allow secure retention but allow for rapid and smooth magazine retrieval. Some of these options include Kydex pouches, which allow a tight fit, and open-top pouches for faster access. In some cases, you may also need to carry some extra magazines for your secondary weapon.

The Guard Dog Tactical Cerberus Plate Carrier is tailored to support lots of magazines and other supplies/gear.

Medical Gear: Stay Ready for Emergencies

Even in the most controlled environments, accidents still happen. A well-stocked Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) is a non-negotiable addition to your plate carrier. Your medical supply kit should be compact and easily accessible, containing all the basic and essential medical supplies like bandages, tourniquets, trauma dressings, and pain medications (approved ones).

The contents of your IFAK should typically be tailored to your training and anticipated threats. If your program does not offer it, you should consider taking a “stop the bleed” course or similar first aid training to help you get familiar with proper wound and treatment techniques.

Communication Gear

The importance of a clear and effective communication line with your team during critical operations cannot be overstated. Having a tactical plate carrier that features a dedicated pouch for your radio, which allows for quick access and hands-free communication, is crucial.

Some pouches offer additional storage for spare batteries, antennas, or other communication extras.

Note: Ensure that the type of pouch you choose suits the specific type of radio model that you use.

Hydration

Having a plate carrier with a hydration bladder built into it can be a game-changer in situations that require you to travel long distances without water. After all, you must stay hydrated throughout your mission.

Many plate carriers tend to offer dedicated compartments for bladders, along with routing ports for hydration tubes, making sure you have easy access to water while on the move.

Utility Pouches

Apart from the core essential elements of a plate carrier described above, utility pouches help you customize your plate carrier setup in ways that suit your specific role and mission requirements.

These pouches come in various sizes and configurations and allow you to carry a diverse range of equipment.

Here are some of the dedicated pouches you can add to your tactical plate carrier:

• Grenades Pouch: Dedicated grenade pouches provide secure storage and quick deployment options for all sorts of grenades, depending on the specific type.
• Flashlights and Multi-tools Pouch: If you must have access to a flashlight in low-light situations, then carrying a multi-tool pouch on your tactical plate carrier offers versatility and quick access to flashlight and basic repair/entry tools. 
• Maps and Notebooks Pouch: Some missions require you to have a map or notebook to take down critical information and note-taking during operations. Some Notebook pouches are designed to be waterproof to ensure your information remains safe, regardless of the weather.
• Knife Pouch: A good quality knife can never go to waste in tactical operations. A secure knife pouch is essentially a must-have, as it helps to keep your knife safe and secure while preventing it from causing you injury.

Conclusion: Building a Versatile and Effective Plate Carrier Loadout

A well-equipped plate carrier is a vital tool for any professional working in high-risk professional environments. Carefully considering the core essentials of choosing the best plate carrier for your needs and tailoring your setup to specific mission requirements can be the difference between life and death in some cases. You can decide to create a loadout that maximizes your capability while minimizing discomfort.

You must always remember that the goal is to strike a balance between protection, accessibility, and mobility. Also, regular maintenance and practice with your chosen gear will ensure that you are adequately prepared for any challenge.

At All Security Equipment, our massive collection of high-grade tactical plate carriers is sourced from globally trusted brands that understand the needs of professionals working in high-risk, hostile environments.

Check out our website to explore our collection today!