The Top 9 Best Plate Carriers of 2022 - See Who Made the List!

We're back on the subject of plate carriers again!

This time, following up the Bulletproof Zone Guide to Plate Carriers with our highlight picks of the top tactical plate carriers in 2022.

In terms of ergonomics, utility and audience, plate carriers have evolved dramatically from their humble origins.

When, at a top-secret government research laboratory in Natick Massachusetts in the mid-sixties, the T-65 was unveiled.

No, not some futuristic cyborg straight out of The Terminator, but a nylon vest loaded with ceramic armor ‘chicken plates’.

Both the T65-1 and T65-2 were used to trick out U.S. Army heli pilots and gunners during the Vietnam War.

These days, plate carriers are among the most diverse and widely adopted tactical kit on the planet.

With a seemingly endless selection of body armor, we know that shopping for a quality plate carrier can be a dizzying experience.

So to save you the time and trouble (and in no particular order), here’s our round-up of the best plate carriers out there today. And, should you need it, a summary reminder of their main functions and features.

 

WHICH ARE THE BEST PLATE CARRIERS?

BEST SLICK PLATE CARRIERS

1. DL Plate Carrier + FLEX FUSED CORE SOFT ARMOR PLATES by Spartan Armor Systems

Still our best selling body armor package, Spartan Armor's ‘Down Low’ Plate Carrier is an absolute steal for what you get.

Battle ready, it’s ideal for corporate execs, VIPs (from politicians to celebs), undercover cops, and corrections officers – - whenever and wherever concealment is the priority.

Features & Specifications

• Fully adjustable shoulder straps.

• Fully adjustable cummerbund - - integral twin side pouches hold pistol and M4 carbine/rifle mags (or similar sized gear).

• Generously proportioned front and back velcro areas.

• Includes 10”x12” (medium) or 11”x14” (large) Small Arms Protective Insert [SAPI] style Level IIIA soft armor - - for discreet wear.

• Or substitute for a pair of Level III AR500 Omega or Level III+ AR550 hard armor plates (sold separately) - - to wear the carrier above clothes.

• Slimline and comfortable vest made from a blend of 500 Denier nylon/polyethylene.

• Up for grabs in a handful of colors/patterns - - Black, White, Tan, MultiCam, and Olive Drab OD Green.

• A pretty lightweight sub-2 pound vest with a 10”x12” soft armor panel running to 1.14lbs.

 

2. The Slickster™ Plate Carrier by Ferro Concepts

Ferro Concepts' Slickster™ is among the most fat-free and bare-bones tactical plate carriers to be had.

Out of the box, there’s precious little laser-cut webbing on the vest.

Rather, it’s supposed to be modded with the manufacturer’s long and ever-growing list of ADAPT add-ons - - everything from danglers and mag pouches/shingles to pockets for side plates and back panel bangers.

Meaning The Slickster™ can be tailored to the broadest range of assignments. Where it shines most is as a pared down concealable plate carrier for low-viz security and clandestine ops. But it can also be ramped up as a tactical plate carrier for high-risk direct-action missions.

Features & Specifications

• Inside of both the front and back panels of the vest are padded and meshed.

• Vest exterior boasts color/pattern-matched hook-and-loop fields.

• Fully adjustable laminated shoulder straps - - supplied with complementary quick sizing adjustment tool.

• Fully adjustable two-piece Carry Elastic Cummerbund [CEC] - - 4 pockets per side each hold 5.56 and 7.62 caliber ammo mags.

• Plate bags accept SAPI, Enhanced SAPI [ESAPI], Swimmers Cut, and Shooters Cut ballistic inserts - - up to 10”x12.25“x1” for the medium size plate carrier and up to 10.5”x13.5“x1” for the large size carrier.

• Carrier made of mil spec 500D Cordura.

• Sold in a half-dozen colors/patterns - - MultiCam, MultiCam Black, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green, Black, and Wolf Gray.

• The vest alone weighs a mere 0.8lbs.

 

BEST MINIMALIST PLATE CARRIERS

3. LV-119 Plate Carrier by Spiritus Systems

With a cult-like status, Spiritus' 'Low Visibility' 119 Plate Carrier is the ultimate expression in modularity. Plug ‘n’ play it isn’t.

But with the time (think months), the know-how, and the coin, the system can be toggled between covert and overt forms.

Features & Specifications

• For starters, you'll need a Front Plate Bag, an Overt or Covert Rear Plate Bag, and whichever of four varieties of cummerbund.

• Then you can go crazy with all manner of Spiritus’ pouches and other accessories - - for example, Trifold Shoulder Covers, Back Panels, Recovery Handle, and Side Armor Bags.

• Also compatible with an assortment of Spiritus' own and third-party placards and chest rigs.

• Even better, the LV 119 system is in constant development with new bits and pieces to keep the plate carrier fresh.

• Front and rear plate bags accept SAPI cut plates - - medium size bags fit 10"x12.5"x1.20" inserts, large size 10.25"x13.25"x1.20", and extra large size 11"x14”x1.20”.

• Formed of precision-sewn laminated 500D Cordura with a softshell structure.

• Offered in Black, Coyote Brown, MultiCam, MultiCam Arid, MultiCam Black, MultiCam Tropic, Ranger Green, Wolf Gray, and Woodland.

• Honorable mention goes to Over The Beach [OTB] Front and Rear Overt Plate Bags (in MultiCam only) - - they’ve particular characteristics that make the carrier better suited to maritime or other water-borne applications.

 

4. JPC 2.0 Plate Carrier by Crye Precision

The second generation Crye Precision Jumpable Plate Carrier is frequently reckoned to be the best minimalist plate carrier - - the benchmark of how to make a compact high-mobility lightweight plate carrier.

It has a long legacy of deployment by private security contractors, as well as military and law enforcement elite worldwide - - not least Navy SEALs, Delta Force, Army Rangers, and Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] Special Weapons And Tactics [SWAT] agents.

Features & Specifications

• Moderate padded mesh layering the interior of both vest panels to keep the mass down.

• Adjustable neoprene anti-slip shoulder straps - - includes rip-corded two-step e-doff (emergency doffing) system, and velcro covering for tidying cables.

• Patented Skeletal cummerbund system permits mounting of pouches on the outside and inside. Waistband secured to the vest by two strands of adjustable shock cords which join at the back.

• Spacious easy-access admin pocket on the front of the carrier.

• Vertical webbing loops on the front panel support attachable chest rigs, with buckles and velcro for connecting placards.

• Hook-and-loop patch on the front for attaching detachable flaps and mag pouches/shingles.

• Zippers along the sides of the back for mounting Pouch, Pack, or MOLLE zip-on back panels.

• Further scalable care of a healthy abundance of JPC add-ons such as the Long Side Armor Pouch Set. Plus, many of Crye Precision Adaptive Vest System accessories.

• Lay-flat drag handle at the top of the rear panel supports a load of up to 400lbs.

• Plate bags feature spandex which stretches to accommodate standard/SAPI ballistic plates of varied thicknesses. Small size carrier fits 11.75”x8.75” armor inserts; medium size 12.5”x9.5”, large size 13.25”x10.5”, and extra large 14”x11.25”.

• Vest made from 500D Cordura.

• Colored/patterned in Black, MultiCam, Coyote, Ranger Green, MultiCam Black, MultiCam Arid, and MultiCam Tropic.

• Carrier without hard plates or gear weighs 1.2lbs.

 

BEST GENERAL PURPOSE PLATE CARRIERS

5. TacTec Plate Carrier by 5.11 Tactical

Specifically designed for armed forces and police, but now more at home on gym manoeuvres.

5.11's TacTec has become the go-to plate carrier for fitness training or hardcore work-outs. It's even been appointed as the official plate carrier of the CrossFit Games.

Raved about for its solid performance, longevity, versatility, and all-day comfort - - all without breaking the bank.

Features & Specifications

• Inside each vest panel has four perforated mesh-covered raised pads separated by enlarged air flow channels.

• Broad, fully adjustable and equally well padded yoke shoulder straps.

• Skeletonized elastic cummerbund with tensional bands to fit girths 52” to 57”. Side panels (not included) can be attached for holding side plates.

• Decently sized admin pocket behind the front panel with pull tab and velcro seal.

• Front and back panels each covered by a 9x8 grid of PALS webbing - - the upper 6 rows being laser-cut velcro and the lower 3 being ordinary nylon webbing.

• Cleverly designed extendable drag handle tethered to the back panel.

• One-handed quick detach mechanism allows the carrier to be ditched in an instant.

• Plate pockets are sized to hold medium (12.5″x9.5″x2″) or large (13.25”x 10.25”x2.25”) ESAPI armor inserts or Rogue weight vest plates (not included).

• When fitted, the side pouches accept ballistic plates up to 6”x8”x1” (sold separately).

• Carrier made of 500D nylon with rugged Duraflex fasteners.

• Comes in a trio of colors - - Ranger Green, Black, and Dark Navy.

• Vest itself weighs roughly 2.5lbs.

 

6. Modular Operator Plate Carrier by Condor Outdoor

Yes, it does bear an uncanny resemblance to KDH Defense Systems’ USMC Plate Carrier issued to Marine Corps operatives. Except Condor’s MOPC Gen II isn’t something you’re going to don patrolling the mountains of Central Asia.

It’s a medium class tactical plate carrier infinitely in demand with the airsoft, paintball, and MilSim crowd. But no less suitable for the likes of home defense, disaster/emergency preparedness, or just to get a feel for a ‘MOLLE plate carrier’.

Unbeatably valued, you simply can’t go wrong.

Features & Specifications

• Front and back panel interiors reasonably padded with 3D mesh lining.

• Fully adjustable wide shoulder straps with removable anti-slip padding and velcro guides.

• Detachable elastic cummerbund with adjustable sizing from 40” to 48” and built-in side plate pockets.

• Front admin pocket with press stud and velcro closures.

• Tons of PALS webbing across the front and back panels, and cummerbund.

• 9”x3” hook-and-loop field, front and back.

• Emergency drag/grab handle.

• Dual quick-release buckles at the shoulders and waist.

• Front and back plate pockets accept medium or large ESAPIs/Swimmers Cut plates up to 10.25”x13.25” (not included).

• Side plate pockets take soft armor inserts (only) up to 6”x11” (sold separately).

• Materialed in 500D tactical nylon for MultiCam, MultiCam Black, and Scorpion Operational Camouflage Pattern [OCP]. And in 1000D for Olive Drab, Navy Blue, Black, and Coyote Brown.

• Carrier vest is a lightweight 1lb.

 

7. Modular Plate Carrier by LBX Tactical

The LBX-0300 Modular Plate Carrier is produced by London Bridge X. As it happens, it's almost a carbon copy of its parent company’s military plate carriers model, the LBT 6094 - - only the most iconic plate carrier ever created, and legendary among Special Forces units worldwide.

Although missing some of the 6094’s key features (like the kangaroo and side plate pouches), the LBX 0300’s identical in quality.

And at a fraction of the price, a no-nonsense entry-level plate carrier.

Features & Specifications

• Duo of hook-and-loop guides on the upper edges of each of the front and rear panels.

• Fully adjustable shoulder straps with densely padded detachable covering.

• Removable cummerbund adjustable for 32" to 46" waists so caters to smaller framed persons.

• Sturdy near-360° PALS webbing over the front and back panels, and cummerbund.

• Reinforced drag/grab handle.

• Front and rear plate pockets accept 8.75”x11.75” plates (small), 9.5”x12.5” plates (medium), or 10.125”x13.25” plates (large). As a bonus, each plate pocket allows a trauma pad or an NIJ Level IIIA soft armor backer to be inserted (armor/trauma plates not included).

• Composed of 500D Cordura.

• Available in Ranger Green, Woodland, Wolf Gray, MultiCam, Coyote, Black, Navy, and LBT’s very own Maritime Assault Suit MAS Gray.

 

BEST HEAVY-DUTY TACTICAL PLATE CARRIERS

8. AVS Plate Carrier by Crye Precision

Innovatively designed with exemplary workmanship, Crye's Adaptive Vest System is a pro grade armor chassis style plate carrier.

Though setting it up is no picnic and calls for deep pockets, the Crye AVS is totally customizable - - it can be fashioned with different load-outs to go from covert carrier to recce carrier to heavily armored carrier in minutes.

Features & Specifications

• Base configuration consists of two parts - - an AVS Plate Pouch Set (front and back vest panels each housing a plate bag) plus the AVS Harness (with single waist straps).

• Use the base configuration as is or as a platform to build on by attaching any of nearly 30 Crye accessories - - for instance, toss in an AVS 2- or 3-band Skeletal Cummerbund and an AVS Side Plate Carrier Set to format as a classic plate carrier.

• For load storage and support, add bells and whistles with various detachable flaps, backpack, chest rig, or Crye's Structural Kinetic Support System [StKSS].

• Not counting an extensive array of aftermarket mods for the AVS.

• Plate Pouch Sets are available in three types (Standard, Swimmer Cut, and Modular Body Armor Vest [MBAV]), each in one of four sizes. The plate bags of a set are custom fit for the corresponding plate sizes.

• Textiled in military spec 500D Cordura.

• Comes in a quartet of colors/patterns - - Coyote Brown, Flat Black, Ranger Green, and MultiCam.

• The AVS harness weighs in at a feather-light half pound.

 

9. Banshee Elite 2.0 Plate Carrier by Shellback Tactical

The Banshee Elite Gen II is Shellback’s most sought-after and best plate carrier.

Combat-tested and fielded by military, law enforcement, and first responders globally.

Premium price tagged, it’s built to be a lean, mean armor chassis plate carrier.

Features & Specifications

• Sandwich mesh padding on the inside of the vest panels and the under side of the shoulder pads.

• Wider fully adjustable shoulder straps - - complete with Banshee Ultimate ‘shoulder savers’ and surrounding Hypalon rubber slitted covers. Hidden under which, quick-release clips for speedy removal of the vest if need be.

• Fully adjustable pocketed cummerbund - - integrated bungee-retained pockets, 3 on each side, can hold M4 size magazines. A set of side armor plate pockets can optionally be added.

• The waistband can be switched out for a secondary strap system to create a more minimalist plate carrier.

• Gusseted zipper admin pocket and kangaroo pouch.

• Separate back pocket for hydration bladders up to 2 liters.

• Color/pattern-matched laser-cut PALS ladders on front and rear panels, and cummerbund.

Pattern/color-matched velcro on both of the vest panels.

• Hanging straps on the front accommodate ITW Quick Attach Surface Mount [QASM] buckles (not included) for connecting to a compatible chest rig.

• Sewn-through rear drag handle which lays flat when not in use.

• Front and back plate pockets are good for SAPI/ESAPI, Shooters Cut, and Swimmers Cut armor inserts up to 10”x12”.

• When equipped, the side armor plate pockets accept soft armor inserts of 6”x6” or 6”x8” (sold separately).

• Constructed of the finest 500D Cordura with robust bar tack stitching at key pressure points.

• Supplied in Black, Tan, Ranger Green, Wolf Gray, and MultiCam.

• Vest weight empty just over 3lbs.

• Complemented by a lifetime warranty.

 

RECAPPING WHAT IS A PLATE CARRIER

It is, quite literally, a vest that’s designed to carry plates. Not the kind you eat off, of course, but armored plates.

AKA an armor carrier, they’re either worn overtly and run over everyday clothing or a uniform.

Or else, worn covertly beneath regular get-up or a uniform.

As to what a plate carrier actually does, think of it like a bulletproof vest and a chest rig in one...

 

THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF A PLATE CARRIER

BODILY PROTECTION

A plate carrier is categorized as body armor.

Hence, its biggest claim to fame is in protecting the wearer from ballistic and other physical attacks:

Above all, to ‘stop holes’ from bullets.

But also to shield against explosive fragments.

And sometimes, depending on the type of armor plate, to resist stabs, slashes, and spikes.

Tactical plate carriers accomplish this thanks to one or more armor plates inserted into the carrier vest.

Some tactical plate carriers are supplied with protective inserts. Most plate carriers aren’t though, with the plates needing to be bought separately.

Plates may be positioned at the front of the body only. Though normally also at the back and, if appropriate, smaller plates at the sides of the body.

The variation in dimensions, shapes, materials, curvature, and thickness of armor inserts, though, means that plate carriers do differ in which ones they’ll accept.

On the flip side, one of the beauties of tactical plate carriers is that, as a rule, you can scale the ballistic protection level up or down as per mission demands.

As well as safeguarding the wearer, the plate carrier has another tactical talent...

LOAD CARRYING

Classed as Load Bearing Equipment [LBE], a great deal of tactical plate carriers are also engineered to transport stuff - - mission-critical tactical gear, to be precise.

How much of a load-out can be supported depends on the make and model of plate carrier. But ranges from next to nothing to in excess of 35lbs.

Similarly, what things to keep in a tactical plate carrier depends on the task at hand. But most commonly:

• Spare firearms ammunition and pistol holsters (to ‘make holes’)

• Medical supplies with tourniquet (to ‘plug holes’)

• Communications - radio and cell phone

• Navigational aids - GPS tracking device, compass, and paper map

• Flashlight

• Multi-tool

• Survival rations

• Hydration bladder

To do its job protecting, carrying and the rest, naturally a plate carrier has to have certain qualities - - which brings us nicely to...

 

THE MAIN FEATURES OF A PLATE CARRIER

The plate carrier vest itself is universally crafted from some form of remarkably hard wearing and long lasting nylon.

Just the same, it’s super important to remember that the vest on its own, sans armor plates, provides zero ballistic protection.

Though there’s a vast spectrum of tactical plate carriers, they all share the same core components:

VEST PANELS

Rarely are plate carrier vests equipped with only a front panel. The default is both front and back panels.

Whether one or two panels to the vest, each contains an inner sleeve into which the armor plate is loaded.

For added comfort, the body contact side of each panel generally has foam or gel cushioning.

Grooves in between and an evaporative or moisture-wicking spacer mesh help keep the wearer cool when the heat is on.

SHOULDER STRAPS

Connecting the top of the front and back panels, the shoulder straps take the majority of the vest’s weight. Not surprisingly then, many are mesh lined and padded too.

Routinely, the shoulder straps have guiders for routing comms wires, antennas, and drinking tubes so they don’t snag on anything.

WAIST STRAPS

Joining the bottom of the front and back panels, the waist straps work in combo with the shoulder straps to adjust the fit of the vest - - keeping it snug against the torso and the body armor plate(s) in the correct spot.

Other than just a single waist band or two, far more usual is a wide elasticated cummerbund.

Because the cummerbund wraps around the body, some can be unhitched or decked out with side plates to protect the flanks.

Whether inbuilt or an optional upgrade, plenty tactical plate carriers star extra features - - especially in relation to carrying a load and the wearer’s welfare.

POCKETS & POUCHES

Whether integrated or removable, tactical plate carriers typically come with various amounts and sizes of modular pouches and pockets in which to stow gear.

ATTACHMENT POINTS

From scattered about the vest to found all over, such fixtures are there for accessorizing the plate carrier.

All manner of add-ons can be tacked onto the vest in one or more different ways - - beginning with the most noteworthy of them all:

Pouch Attachment Ladder System [PALS]

It’s a grid of nylon webbing and traditionally sewn onto the exterior of the carrier. More advanced, to reduce the overall weight and bulk, is webbing laser cut into the very vest itself.

Either way, the PALS loops/slots (AKA 'MOLLE webbing') provide real estate for lashing on Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment.

Besides, there's zippers, clasps, and D-/V-rings, or G-hooks for attaching tactical gear

And also hook-and-loop patches - - useful for sticking on ID/Identification Friend or Foe [IFF] badges, insignias, flags, or morale tags. Not to mention as a medium for mounting velcro-backed accessories. Not to mention as a medium for mounting velcro-backed accessories.

PLACARD

A separate smallish panel that’s secured onto the front of a tactical plate carrier.

Placards can come pre-configured with various arrangements of pouches, pockets, hook-and-loop fields, and webbing.

Alternatively, a so-called MOLLE placard consists of nothing but PALS rows/columns - - perfect for customizing the panel from scratch.

GRAB/DRAG HANDLE

A strengthened strap which is used, first and foremost, to haul a downed wearer to safety.

But, niftily, also doubles as a way to tote around the plate carrier.

 

HOW TO SET UP A PLATE CARRIER

Once you’ve got your shiny new plate carrier, it’s seldom the case of being able to simply throw it on and you’re good to go.

Even the latest and greatest of which won’t do much good if:

• The ballistic plates aren’t installed right.

• The vest doesn’t fit properly.

• Your movement’s restricted.

• The load’s too heavy or bulky.

• The load's badly organized so the weight distribution isn’t balanced or your most critical gear isn’t within reach.

Luckily for you, we devoted an entire post to the best plate carrier setup!

Not forgetting, once you’ve rigged up the plate carrier for the first time, to try it out fully loaded before you stake your life on it - - the last thing you want in the heat of battle is a plate slipping, gear falling off, a busted seam, or whatnot.

Put the plate carrier on and hoof it for a few miles around the neighborhood and across hilly terrain to see how it feels.

Experiment with the fit as well as the positioning, number and types of items.

Then rinse and repeat until you nail the setup which is right for you.

 

WINDING UP

Enjoying the virtues of both a bulletproof vest and a chest rig, modern plate carriers are to thank for saving the skin of thousands. Not only those in the military and law enforcement, but also regular folk.

Score yourself a body armor bundle, plate carrier, or armor inserts from Bulletproof Zone and benefit from our:

• Price match guarantee

• Safe payment system

• Military and Law Enforcement/First Responder discounts

• Financing options

• Free shipping anywhere in the U.S. on all orders over 100 dollars

• Hassle-free returns

Your turn! Do you agree with our line-up of tactical plate carriers? Are there any others you'd recommend based on experience? Stick around to let us know in the comments section below!