Plate Carrier - Why Everyone Should Have One

The other day, I saw a middle-aged guy in gym shorts, a t-shirt, and a plate carrier jogging through my development. No, I don’t live in a war zone where people have to wear body armor to go for a walk, but this gentleman was using it to add weight to supplement his workout. 

I bring this story up because many people believe plate carriers are only for those about to go into battle and need body armor. However, that’s far from the truth. There are many reasons one may want to get a plate carrier, and today, we will go over them. 

Whether you’re a larper, a crossfitter, a police officer, or a doomsday prepper, having a quality plate carrier can be handy in many scenarios. 

Caption: Having body armor to go along with your carrier is, of course, preferred!

Most Obvious - Personal Protection

It’s not just law enforcement and military personnel who should utilize plate carriers and body armor for protection; civilians should employ every tool and piece of gear they can to protect themselves in a time of need, too. 

Caption: I sometimes move the strong side shoulder pad back when shooting rifles.

A plate carrier's primary purpose is, just as the name states…to carry your armor plates. When you need to maximize your protection, there’s nothing like slapping a pair of 10”x12” Level IV plates on to protect your vital organs. 

Tactical Plate Carrier w/ Cummerbund

To go along with those 10”x12” plates, you will also want side plates in a true SHTF or defensive situation. With a full tactical carrier like the Atlas MOLLE model, you’ll have every feature you need to run any sort of kit you can think of. 

Tons of MOLLE slots and a removable cummerbund give you plenty of attachment options, and the quick-release buckles and drag handle provide even more facets of protection.

These tactical-type plate carriers are precisely what you want for the most protection, but remember, they will be challenging to conceal and can draw quite a bit of attention.

Caption: A fully built-out carrier allows you to carry extra magazines, side plates, and tourniquets, among other items. Note: The pictured carrier is not an LA Police Brand offering but one of the author’s kits.

Fitness Supplement

As I mentioned above, many fitness enthusiasts have also started wearing plate carriers. Why? To add weight to their fitness regime while allowing both hands to remain free, as opposed to holding weights. 

You can buy a weighted vest specifically designed for working out or use a standard plate carrier and simply insert weighted plates or your armor plates if you just want a few extra pounds. 

If you have a plate carrier already set up for SHTF or duty purposes, it’s a good idea to work out with it too. You’ll become more familiar with your kit, and it will help ensure you’re in good enough shape to wear it for an extended period of time. Hopefully, you’ll never have to wear it for long periods, but being ready and able to do so is the goal. 

Caption: Stretching before doing some cardio. 

Minimalistic and Lightweight Plate Carrier

If all you plan to use your plate carrier for is to workout with, you can get away with a minimalistic and lightweight option like the JTE (Just The Essentials) carrier. You may not be able to run side plates or as many attachments as you would with the Atlas, but it can comfortably house 10”x12” plates, has a small but functional MOLLE panel, and is fully adjustable. 

An added bonus of being so streamlined is that it can easily be concealed with regular clothing such as a hoodie or light jacket.

Range Time & Prepping

Even if you aren’t running plates 24/7 in your kit, a plate carrier can hold a variety of useful accessories and tools that can keep you prepared at the range. Thanks to many carriers having ample MOLLE slots, you can attach medical kits, magazine pouches, or really anything else that fits from a size perspective. 

If you ask me, it doesn’t get much more useful than that. The last thing you want is to have to reload and not have a magazine within reach. 

Low-profile Plate Carrier

A carrier for range use should have more organization and attachment capabilities than a no-frills carrier like the JTE. The Low Vis plate carrier is perfect for the range. 

Caption: Having storage space for things radios can be useful at the range or if SHTF. 

It maintains the JTE's low profile and lightweight aspects but adds features such as a zippered admin pouch and multiple pockets on each side of the cummerbund. These extra pouches and pockets can hold spare mags or radios, as I mentioned, or some snacks!

Which Type Of Plate Carrier Is Right For You?

So, if everyone should have a plate carrier, which one should you have? Well, that’s a question that only you can answer. 

It’s always better to have more than you may need than less, so I’d recommend at least going with one that you can grow with in some capacity, whether that’s simply adding a few pistol magazines or going all out and adding side plates, a trauma kit, and six rifle magazines.

So, take a quick look at our breakdown of how to pick the best plate carrier for your next mission and start brainstorming what you’ll want to attach to it. 

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.