Are you planning to wear a plate carrier for the first time? Whether you’re a military personnel, a law enforcement officer, or an outdoor enthusiast, a plate carrier is a vital piece of equipment that offers protection against ballistic threats. However, wearing a plate carrier improperly can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and reduced mobility. In this article, we will provide you with tips and techniques on how to wear a plate carrier effectively.
Plate carrier setting
A plate carrier is a type of body armor that is designed to carry bullet-resistant plates. It is an essential piece of equipment for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and individuals involved in outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and airsoft. Plate carriers are designed to distribute the weight of the plates across the wearer’s body, providing protection to vital organs and minimizing injury. However, improper use of the plate carrier can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and reduced mobility. In this article, we will guide you on how to wear a plate carrier effectively.
Choosing the right size plate carrier is crucial for proper fit and comfort. An ill-fitting plate carrier can cause discomfort and reduce mobility. When selecting a plate carrier, ensure that it fits snugly around your torso, allowing you to move freely without causing any restriction. A properly fitting plate carrier should also allow the plates to sit correctly on your chest, stomach, and back.
Adjust the straps
The plate carrier has multiple straps that allow you to adjust the fit for maximum comfort and mobility. Begin by loosening all the straps, then put the carrier on, and adjust the shoulder straps first. The shoulder straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders, without causing any discomfort. Next, adjust the waist straps to ensure that the plate carrier fits snugly around your torso.
Distribute the weight evenly
A plate carrier can be heavy, especially when loaded with plates and gear. To avoid fatigue and discomfort, distribute the weight evenly across your body. Make sure the weight is balanced on both shoulders and evenly distributed around your waist.
Wear it over the right clothing
Wearing the plate carrier over the right clothing is essential for comfort and proper fit. Avoid wearing loose clothing that can get tangled in the straps or cause discomfort. Opt for tight-fitting clothing that can help you move freely without any restrictions.
Practice putting it on and taking it off
Putting on and taking off the plate carrier may seem simple, but it requires some practice, especially when you’re under pressure. Practice putting it on and taking it off until you can do it quickly and efficiently.
Wearing and using your plate carrier can be complicated when you first try. It takes time to learn how to put it on properly. Once you’ve worn your plate carrier for a bit, you may find that it starts to feel a little tight. If that’s true for you, don’t worry. You can adjust your plate carrier to fit more comfortably. Here are some tips on how to do so.
Follow these steps:
1. Make sure that if there is Velcro closing your plate carrier, open all of the Velcro fasteners up prior.
2. Slide one arm into one sleeve
3. Repeat with other arms
4. Locate your emergency release buckle; pull down once
5. The strap will loosen
6. Pull up on the carrier
7. Close Velcro
8. Repeat the above steps in reverse order.
What to wear under the plate carrier?
If you are planning on using your plate carrier for recreational purposes, such as paintball, then nothing other than a t-shirt is needed. If you plan on using it in tactical situations like law enforcement or the military, it is advisable to put some armor plating between your body and the plates.
It can be anything from soft armor, rigid plates, or combined. This extra layer of protection will help prevent any gunshot injuries or slashing wounds by increasing your comfort level.
In addition to wearing something underneath your plate carrier, you should always look into getting inserts or side plates so that they fill up all of the space left by not having ceramic plates inserted inside. Additionally, there are many types of vest systems with different features. Unless you know what kind of vest system works best for your needs, it may be wise to look at each one before making a purchase and find one that suits your situation.
Pick a Style:
Before learning about how to wear a plate carrier, you should think about which style of plate carrier you need.
There are four styles of plate carriers:
soft-shell
Hardshell
Battle belt
Low-profile.
Stylish Plate carriers
Which one is right for you? Softshell carriers are more comfortable than hard shells. They are also cheaper and can be converted into different kinds of carriers. Hardshell carriers will give you better protection, but they will not be as flexible or practical. Since your rifle won’t fit inside most softshell vests (unless it’s an SBR), hardshell vests tend to have deeper magazine pouches that accommodate weapons like AR15s and AK47s.
Battle belts and low-profile carriers can be more comfortable than hard shells but also tend to be a bit pricier. If you want your gear on your person at all times, these vests work better for you. They’re typically a lot smaller, so they don’t interfere with your range of motion or ability to access your pouches.
Tips To Fit Better As with most clothing, you’ll want a plate carrier that fits your body type. It should have adjustable straps, adjustable clasps, and even an adjustable Velcro flap to accommodate your particular needs. Remember that a plate carrier may be uncomfortable or downright impossible to wear if you’re a larger guy or gal.
The same goes for someone short and stocky. It can be difficult for anyone to find one that will fit properly. Whether shopping online or at your local store, ensure that you try on different sizes before settling on one. Also, remember certain brands are better than others. You don’t necessarily need to get something from some high-end military store. Quality comes from how well it fits rather than who made it. I have been working to find the best plate carriers and published some blogs on their setup guideand accessories. Test out different brands until you find one you like best!
The easiest way to determine size is by using a measuring tape and measuring around your chest at its widest point or around your belly button area. Once you get that measurement, subtract 20 inches from it and write that number down because that’s your approximate width. This method will give you an accurate enough measurement that should fit you very well when wearing armor with a higher number of panels.
How heavy is it?
A fully loaded plate carrier can weigh up to 12 lbs, depending on how many plates and other equipment you have. Soft and hard armor will also be different, with soft armor weighing around 3 lbs while hard armor can weigh anywhere from 5-10lbs.
Is there a difference between soft armor and hard armor?
Yes. Military/LEO often uses hard armor because they offer more protection against ballistics, while soft armors offer more protection against stabbing. Both have pros and cons so it’s up to you which one you’d like to go with. It should be noted that most plate carriers (e.g., Condor, Lancer) come with both types of plates (soft/hard) in case you prefer one over another.
How do I know if my plate carrier is worn out?
A worn-out plate carrier may have tears, loose threads, or damaged straps. Inspect your plate carrier regularly and replace it if you notice any signs of wear and tear.
Conclusion:
Just like any other piece of gear that you wear, you must learn how to wear a plate carrier properly. Suppose you don’t know how it could restrict your movement and make you feel like your movements are restricted. It can also hurt your combat readiness and your safety. So, if you think a plate carrier suits you, look at how to wear one. With these helpful tips, you will wear a plate carrier in no time.
