If you’re diving into the world of tactical gear, the term “cummerbund” might sound like it wandered off from a formal evening wear catalog. However, in the realm of plate carriers, the cummerbund plays a crucial role, offering both functionality and comfort.
Before we dive into our top picks, it’s essential to understand What is a Cummerbund on a Plate Carrier? and how it works.
A plate carrier cummerbund is a padded waistband that connects to the front and back of your plate carrier, providing stability and support for your loadout.
Plate Carrier Cummerbund
It is often made of elastic or webbing material, which allows it to expand and contract as you move, providing a snug fit that doesn’t impede your mobility.
Why Wear a Cummerbund?
Picture yourself in the midst of intense action, navigating through various terrains, or simply training at the shooting range. The last thing you want is for your plate carrier to be shifting around like a loose jigsaw puzzle. The cummerbund ensures a secure and snug fit, distributing the weight evenly across your torso.
Whether you’re rocking body armor for professional reasons or engaging in recreational shooting sports, a well-adjusted cummerbund can make a world of difference. It not only enhances stability but also prevents the dreaded ‘plate sag,’ ensuring that your armor stays where it should protect you.
How to Adjust Your Cummerbund?
Now that we’ve established the importance of the cummerbund, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of adjusting it to perfection.
Find Your Sweet Spot: Begin by wearing your plate carrier. Ensure it sits comfortably on your shoulders with the plates centered over your chest.
Secure the Front: Fasten the front of your plate carrier securely. This creates a foundation for the rest of the adjustments.
Tighten the Cummerbund: Pull the cummerbund tight, making sure it sits snugly on your sides. The goal is to achieve a firm fit without sacrificing breathability.
Check for Comfort: Move around, bend, and simulate the motions you might encounter during your activities. If the plate carrier stays in place without causing discomfort, you’ve nailed the adjustment.
Remember, the key is balance. A tight cummerbund provides stability, but too tight might impede movement and comfort.
In this section, we’ll review the top best plate carrier cummerbunds, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
1- Elite Tribe Emerson Tactical Cummerbund
Our Best Product
9.9/10Our Score
The Elite Tribe Emerson Tactical Cummerbund Quick Release Mounting Strap is designed to be used with the JPC/419/420 vests. It is a simple yet effective product that allows for quick and easy attachment and detachment of the cummerbund to the vest. This product is made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity.
Features of the Elite Tribe Emerson Tactical Cummerbund:
Design and Build Quality
The Elite Tribe Emerson Tactical Cummerbund Quick Release Mounting Strap is designed to be simple and easy to use. It consists of two straps, one for each side of the cummerbund, and a quick-release buckle that connects the two straps. The buckle is made of high-quality materials and is designed to be durable and reliable.
The straps themselves are made of a high-strength nylon material that is designed to withstand the rigors of tactical use. The stitching on the straps is strong and secure, ensuring that they will not come apart during use. The design of this product is sleek and streamlined, making it easy to integrate into your existing tactical setup.
Installation and Compatibility
Installation of the Elite Tribe Emerson Tactical Cummerbund Quick Release Mounting Strap is a breeze. Attach one strap to each side of your cummerbund and connect them using the quick-release buckle. The straps are adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the fit to your specific needs.
This product is designed specifically for use with the JPC/419/420 vests. However, it may be compatible with other vests with similar attachment points. It’s important to check this product’s compatibility with your vest before purchasing it to ensure that it will work properly.
Ease of Use
The Elite Tribe Emerson Tactical Cummerbund Quick Release Mounting Strap is incredibly easy to use. The quick-release buckle allows for fast and easy attachment and detachment of the cummerbund to the vest. The adjustable straps make it easy to get a comfortable and secure fit. This product is a great addition to any tactical setup, as it allows for quick and easy adjustments on the fly.
Durability
The Elite Tribe Emerson Tactical Cummerbund Quick Release Mounting Strap is designed to be incredibly durable. The stitching on the straps is strong and secure, ensuring that they will not come apart during use. The quick-release buckle is also made of high-quality materials that are designed to be durable and reliable.
Pros
Quick and easy attachment and detachment of the cummerbund to the vest.
Adjustable straps for a comfortable and secure fit.
Sleek and streamlined design.
Made of high-quality materials for durability and longevity.
Cons
Only compatible with JPC/419/420 vests.
May not be compatible with other vests that have different attachment points.
Our Personal Thought:
The Elite Tribe Emerson Tactical Cummerbund Quick Release Mounting Strap is a simple yet effective product that does exactly what it’s designed to do. Its ease of use and adjustability make it a great addition to any tactical setup. However, its compatibility limitations with only JPC/419/420 vests may be a downside for some users who have different vests.
Overall, if you have a JPC/419/420 vest and are in need of a quick-release cummerbund mounting strap, this product is definitely worth considering. Its durability and ease of use make it a great investment that will last for a long time.
2- PETAC GEAR Carry Elastic Cummerbund
Our Best Product
9.8/10Our Score
PETAC GEAR is a company that specializes in designing and manufacturing tactical gear for law enforcement, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts. Their Carry Elastic Cummerbund is one of their latest offerings, designed to provide a comfortable and convenient way to carry your gear while on the go.
Features and Benefits of the PETAC GEAR Carry Elastic Cummerbund:
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the PETAC GEAR Carry Elastic Cummerbund was how comfortable it was to wear. The elastic material conforms to your body shape, providing a snug and secure fit that doesn’t shift or ride up during movement.
Customization Options
Another great feature of this cummerbund is the ability to customize it to your specific needs. The MOLLE webbing allows you to attach various pouches and accessories, giving you the flexibility to carry only what you need for your particular activity.
Durability and Quality
The PETAC GEAR Carry Elastic Cummerbund is made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand. The elastic material is stretchy yet strong, and the webbing and hardware are all made to withstand heavy use without breaking or wearing down quickly.
Pros
Comfortable and snug fit.
Customizable MOLLE webbing.
Durable and high-quality construction.
Cons
Limited color options.
May not fit all body types.
Our Personal Thought:
Overall, I was very impressed with the PETAC GEAR Carry Elastic Cummerbund. It was easy to wear, comfortable, and didn’t interfere with my movement during various outdoor activities. The customization options were a nice touch, allowing me to tailor the cummerbund to my specific needs and gear.
One thing to note is that the cummerbund only comes in a few color options, which may not be ideal for those who like to have more color choices. Additionally, the fit may not be ideal for all body types, so it’s important to check the sizing before purchasing.
3- LytHarvest Elastic Cummerbund
Our Best Product
9.7/10Our Score
Tactical gear is becoming increasingly popular among people, especially those who are interested in outdoor activities or military-style training. One essential component of tactical gear is the cummerbund, which is worn around the waist to secure various pouches and other attachments. The LytHarvest Elastic Cummerbund for Vest Quick Release Tactical Stretch Cummerbund w/3 x AR Mag Pouches is a popular choice among people who need a reliable and durable cummerbund for their vests.
Overview:
The LytHarvest Elastic Cummerbund is a high-quality product designed to fit most tactical vests. It is made of durable and stretchable materials, which makes it comfortable to wear and flexible enough to accommodate various body types. The cummerbund has three AR mag pouches that can hold up to three AR magazines each, providing ample storage for ammunition.
Features of the LytHarvest Elastic Cummerbund:
Material
The LytHarvest Elastic Cummerbund is made of high-quality materials, including 600D nylon, spandex, and rubber. The combination of these materials makes the cummerbund durable, stretchable, and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Quick Release Buckles
The cummerbund features quick-release buckles, which allow the wearer to remove the vest quickly in case of an emergency. The buckles are made of high-quality materials, ensuring that they do not break or malfunction during use.
AR Mag Pouches
The cummerbund has three AR mag pouches that can hold up to three AR magazines each. The pouches are made of durable materials and are designed to keep the magazines secure and easily accessible.
Adjustable Size
The LytHarvest Elastic Cummerbund is adjustable, making it suitable for people with different waist sizes. The cummerbund can stretch up to 45 inches, making it ideal for people with a waist size between 30 and 45 inches.
Pros
The LytHarvest Elastic Cummerbund is made of high-quality materials, making it durable and long-lasting.
The cummerbund is stretchable and comfortable to wear for extended periods, even during high-intensity activities..
The quick-release buckles allow for easy and quick removal of the vest in case of an emergency..
The three AR mag pouches provide ample storage space for ammunition, making it convenient for people who need quick access to their magazines..
The adjustable size makes it suitable for people with different waist sizes.
Cons
The cummerbund may not fit vests that are not compatible with its design.
The cummerbund may not be suitable for people with waist sizes outside the 30-45 inches range.
The cummerbund may not be as breathable as some other options on the market, which could cause discomfort during high-intensity activities.
Our Personal Thought:
Overall, the LytHarvest Elastic Cummerbund for Vest Quick Release Tactical Stretch Cummerbund w/3 x AR Mag Pouches is a great product that provides excellent value for its price. The cummerbund is well-designed and made of high-quality materials, making it durable and comfortable to wear. The quick-release buckles and AR mag pouches make it convenient for people who need quick access to their magazines, and the adjustable size ensures that it fits most people.
Types of Plate Carrier Cummerbunds
There are several types of plate carrier cummerbunds available in the market. Here are some of the most common types:
Elastic Cummerbunds
Elastic cummerbunds are made from stretchable materials that provide a snug and secure fit. They are ideal for those who require a low profile and minimalistic cummerbund. Elastic cummerbunds are typically adjustable and can fit different body sizes.
Elastic Cummerbunds
Molle Cummerbunds
Molle cummerbunds feature a series of attachment points that allow the user to customize their loadout. They are versatile and can hold various pouches, holsters, and other accessories. Molle cummerbunds come in different sizes, and some of them are adjustable to fit different body sizes.
Molle Cummerbunds
Hybrid Cummerbunds
Hybrid cummerbunds combine the features of elastic and Molle cummerbunds. They feature an elastic waistband and Molle attachment points, providing the user with a balance between comfort and versatility. Hybrid cummerbunds are typically adjustable and can fit different body sizes.
Hybrid Cummerbunds
Padded Cummerbunds
Padded cummerbunds feature a layer of foam padding that provides extra comfort and protection. They are ideal for those who wear the plate carrier for extended periods and require extra cushioning. Padded cummerbunds are typically adjustable and can fit different body sizes.
Padded Cummerbunds
What Cummerbund Kit Does the Armored Republic Offer?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore what options the Armored Republic brings to the table.
The Armored Republic understands the importance of a reliable cummerbund. Their offerings include a range of kits designed for diverse needs. Whether you prefer the flexibility of elastic, the versatility of MOLLE, or the rapid detachment of quick-release systems, Armored Republic has you covered.
It’s not just about functionality; their cummerbunds are crafted with durability in mind, with materials that withstand the rigors of demanding missions or extensive training sessions.
Conclusion
The cummerbund isn’t just a fancy addition to your plate carrier – it’s the unsung hero that ensures your gear stays put when it matters the most. So, the next time you suit up for action, take a moment to appreciate the snug embrace of your cummerbund, silently working to keep you safe and comfortable in the midst of your tactical endeavors.
FAQs about Tactical Cummerbunds
What is the purpose of a plate carrier cummerbund?
A plate carrier cummerbund serves as the backbone of your plate carrier, providing stability, comfort, and modularity for your tactical loadout.
What materials are plate carrier cummerbunds made of?
Plate carrier cummerbunds are typically made of elastic or webbing material that allows them to expand and contract as you move.
Can plate carrier cummerbunds be customized?
Yes, many plate carrier cummerbunds feature MOLLE webbing and attachment points that allow you to customize and add additional pouches and accessories.
What is the difference between a low-profile and a standard plate carrier cummerbund?
A low-profile plate carrier cummerbund is designed to be less bulky and more streamlined, making it ideal for covert operations. A standard plate carrier cummerbund is designed for maximum protection and durability.
Are plate carrier cummerbunds one size fits all?
No, plate carrier cummerbunds come in a variety of sizes and are designed to fit different body types. Be sure to check the sizing charts before making a purchase.
How do I determine the correct size of a plate carrier cummerbund?
The correct size of a plate carrier cummerbund is determined by measuring the circumference of your waist. Most plate carrier cummerbunds come in different sizes, so it is essential to choose the size that matches your waist circumference for a snug and secure fit.
Can I use a plate carrier cummerbund with any plate carrier?
No, not all plate carrier cummerbunds are compatible with all plate carriers. It is essential to ensure that the cummerbund you choose is designed to fit your plate carrier. This will ensure that you get a secure and comfortable fit, and it will prevent any unnecessary movement of your armor plates during use.
