Plate Carriers



Tactical plate carriers, or plate carrier vests, are a type of body armor that is designed to hold ballistic plates, providing essential protection against firearms and other threats. Plate carriers are widely used by military personnel, law enforcement officers, and security professionals due to their versatility and durability.

They are constructed from robust materials like nylon or Cordura, ensuring they can withstand rigorous use. Additionally, they often include features like MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing for attaching accessories, adjustable straps for a secure fit, and padding for comfort.

These features make plate carriers highly versatile, allowing them to cater to different body types and gear setups, making them indispensable for tactical applications.

Plate Carrier vs. Bulletproof Vest

Plate carriers offer several advantages over bulletproof vests, with the primary difference being in their construction and protection levels.

Plate carriers are designed to hold ballistic plates made from materials such as steel, ceramic, or polyethylene, offering varying levels of protection (from Level III to Level IV) against rifle threats and other high-velocity projectiles.

The versatility of plate carriers allows users to adjust the level of protection and add attachments like radios, communication devices, and tactical accessories, making them the preferred choice for body armor enthusiasts, law enforcement, and military personnel. 

In contrast, bulletproof vests, typically made from layers of synthetic fibers like Kevlar, offer protection against lower-velocity threats and do not usually accommodate external plates.

Is it legal for civilians to wear a plate carrier?

YES! Personal safety and security is everyone's right so it is YOUR right to purchase body armor like body armor plates, bullet proof vests, and tactical plate carriers. Provided that you are not a convicted felon, you can easily buy body armor and plate carriers online but keep in mind that exceptions may vary from state to state depending on local laws or regulations.

What is the Best Plate Carrier for You?

When choosing a plate carrier, it's essential to consider the type of body armor plates you'll be using, as this will influence the overall setup.

Protection Level, Armor Type (Hard or Soft), Weight, and Size are key factors to consider, especially in relation to the situations you encounter most frequently. The size and weight of the armor plates that your plate carrier can accommodate will significantly affect your comfort and mobility over extended periods.

Collection Menu
Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 46%
From $320.48 $174.99
LBX Tactical Modular Plate Carrier Tactical Vest — image 1 Save 31%
$300.00 $205.99
Shellback Tactical SF Plate Carrier SAPI/ESAPI Sized — image 1 Save 48%
From $740.48 $384.99
AR500 Armor Testudo Gen 2 Plate Carrier — image 1 Sold Out
From $310.00 $207.99
LBX Tactical Armatus II Shooters Cut SAPI Plate Carrier — image 1 Sold Out
$440.00 $295.99
Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 27%
From $470.00 $339.99
Warrior Assault Systems CPC Covert Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 33%
$200.00 $132.99
Condor MOPC Gen II Modular Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 29%
From $140.00 $105.99
Warrior Assault Systems DCS Plate Carrier Base — image 1 Save 27%
$390.00 $283.99
Chase Tactical LOPC Lightweight Operational Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 33%
From $360.00 $240.99
Spartan Armor Systems Shooters Cut Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 35%
$180.00 $116.99
Shellback Tactical Skirmish 500D Cordura Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 46%
From $260.48 $144.99
Caliber Armor Gray Man Concealable Carrier for Level IIIA Soft Armor — image 1 Save 31%
$120.00 $81.99
30% Off Sitewide Sale Save 33%
$270.00 $178.99
Condor MOPC Gen II Modular Operator Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 29%
From $140.00 $105.99
Chase Tactical QRC Quick Response Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 34%
From $180.00 $117.99
Spartan Armor Systems Leonidas Legend Berry Compliant Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 33%
From $1,130.00 $754.99
Guardian Gear G2 Fast Plate Carrier with MOLLE and Drag Handle — image 1 Save 37%
From $113.00 $73.99
Spartan Armor Systems Achilles Laser Cut Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 33%
$410.00 $271.99
5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier with MOLLE and Quick-Release — image 1 Sold Out
$260.00 $249.99
Warrior Assault Systems LPC V1 DFP MK1 Low Profile Plate Carrier Combo — image 1 Save 27%
$440.00 $319.99
30% Off Sitewide Sale Sold Out
$270.00 $179.99
Warrior Assault Systems LPC V2 Low Profile Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 26%
$410.00 $299.99
AR500 Armor Concealment Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 31%
From $220.00 $149.99
Condor Gunner Plate Carrier with MOLLE and Quick Release — image 1 Save 28%
From $130.00 $99.99
Shellback Tactical Banshee Rifle Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 28%
From $390.00 $279.99
Condor EXO Plate Carrier Gen II with MOLLE and 3D Mesh Liner — image 1 Save 28%
From $170.00 $121.99
Guardian Gear SimpTac Plate Carrier Tactical Vest — image 1 Save 30%
$120.00 $82.99
Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 3.0 Level IV Body Armor Kit with Model 4S17 Ceramic Plates Ranger Green Save 48%
From $1,100.48 $564.99
5.11 Tactical Prime Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 32%
$190.00 $128.99
Condor Enforcer Releasable Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 27%
From $190.00 $137.99
Condor Cyclone Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 33%
From $320.00 $213.99
Bladerunner Ultra-Thin Stab Resistant Plate Carrier Black — image 1
$195.99
Warrior Assault Systems DCS AK Plate Carrier with Mag and Utility Pouches — image 1 Save 28%
$600.00 $429.99
BulletSafe Tactical Plate Carrier for 10x12 Level IV Plates — image 1 Save 46%
$150.00 $79.99
HighCom Armor Trooper ACAP Gen 2 Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 33%
From $1,050.00 $700.99
Guardian Gear G2 Fast Carrier Level III UHMWPE Body Armor Plate Bundle — image 1 Save 19%
From $580.00 $464.99
Condor LCS Sentry Plate Carrier — image 1 Save 13%
$90.00 $77.99
Warrior Assault Systems DCS Plate Carrier Combo — image 1 Save 28%
$600.00 $428.99

Tactical plate carriers, or plate carrier vests, are a type of body armor that is designed to hold ballistic plates, providing essential protection against firearms and other threats. Plate carriers are widely used by military personnel, law enforcement officers, and security professionals due to their versatility and durability.

They are constructed from robust materials like nylon or Cordura, ensuring they can withstand rigorous use. Additionally, they often include features like MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing for attaching accessories, adjustable straps for a secure fit, and padding for comfort.

These features make plate carriers highly versatile, allowing them to cater to different body types and gear setups, making them indispensable for tactical applications.

Plate Carrier vs. Bulletproof Vest

Plate carriers offer several advantages over bulletproof vests, with the primary difference being in their construction and protection levels.

Plate carriers are designed to hold ballistic plates made from materials such as steel, ceramic, or polyethylene, offering varying levels of protection (from Level III to Level IV) against rifle threats and other high-velocity projectiles.

The versatility of plate carriers allows users to adjust the level of protection and add attachments like radios, communication devices, and tactical accessories, making them the preferred choice for body armor enthusiasts, law enforcement, and military personnel. 

In contrast, bulletproof vests, typically made from layers of synthetic fibers like Kevlar, offer protection against lower-velocity threats and do not usually accommodate external plates.

Is it legal for civilians to wear a plate carrier?

YES! Personal safety and security is everyone's right so it is YOUR right to purchase body armor like body armor plates, bullet proof vests, and tactical plate carriers. Provided that you are not a convicted felon, you can easily buy body armor and plate carriers online but keep in mind that exceptions may vary from state to state depending on local laws or regulations.

What is the Best Plate Carrier for You?

When choosing a plate carrier, it's essential to consider the type of body armor plates you'll be using, as this will influence the overall setup.

Protection Level, Armor Type (Hard or Soft), Weight, and Size are key factors to consider, especially in relation to the situations you encounter most frequently. The size and weight of the armor plates that your plate carrier can accommodate will significantly affect your comfort and mobility over extended periods.