Plate Carrier or Carriers for Military & Law Enforcement

Plate carriers are a type of protective vest that can be equipped with ballistic armor plates in order to provide protection against threats such as handgun and rifle ammunition as well as shrapnel and other high-velocity objects.

These plates may be rigid and made from materials such as steel, ceramics or composites, or they may be soft plates made from materials such as Kevlar or Dyneema. Hard plates will weigh more and inhibit the wearer’s mobility more than soft plates, but will provide protection against the most dangerous threats such as high-velocity rifle rounds. Many tactical vests allow users to insert both soft and hard body armor.

Modular Plate Carrier Vests

Lightweight and low-profile Dragoon armor plate carrier by Adept Armor

Plate carriers will typically accept plates that cover the back and the front of the wearer, and some may also utilize side plates. Modular systems may allow the side plate pouches to be added or removed depending on the requirements of the mission. Fully-equipped plate carriers will provide protection for all the vital organs in the torso, including the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, with adjustable shoulder straps to ensure a snug fit.

Modular protective vests may also allow the attachment of pouches via buckles or MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) loops. These pouches can be used to store essential equipment and supplies, such as magazines, radios, tools and medikits, and keep these items within easy reach of the wearer. They may also have strips of Velcro that allow attachment of patches, flags and insignias.

The heaviest and most protective systems are designed to be worn on the outside of clothing. Law enforcement and security personnel may use lighter concealed versions that can be worn under clothing such as jackets.