How much coverage do you need?

The answer is actually pretty simple: It depends on what you want to do with it. Full carriers are great for large competitions and CQB work but if you’re looking to use it mostly as a training tool then an exposed-back plate carrier might be just what you need.

What Color Plate Carrier Should I Get? (2024 Ultimate Guide)

Q: Style or Function - What's more important to you?

This depends on your needs, but both are important in a plate carrier. Style is subjective; if you're going for protection only, then the function is more important. On the other hand, if the style is more important to you, then consider whether or not it's worth sacrificing protection for.

What color plate carrier should I get? People are asking this question every day. If you’re in the market for body armor, you may have noticed that all plate carriers don’t look the same. Some are bright neon yellow and green, others are sandy brown and black, and others are white or grey with splashes of color here and there.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right color plate carrier for your needs.

What color plate carrier should I get? | Complete Guide

When it comes to purchasing a plate carrier, there are many factors to consider, including its color. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which color will best suit your needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Color Plate Carrier

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right color plate carrier. These include:

Visibility:

The color of your plate carrier can impact your visibility in different environments. If you work in an urban area, you may want a plate carrier that blends in with the surroundings. On the other hand, if you work in a rural area, a plate carrier that stands out can make you easier to spot.

Climate:

If you work in a hot climate, a plate carrier in a lighter color can help you stay cool. In colder climates, a darker color can help retain heat.

Job Requirements:

The requirements of your job can also impact your choice of color plate carrier. For example, if you are a law enforcement officer, you may want a plate carrier that matches your uniform.

Personal Preferences:

Lastly, your personal preferences can also play a role in your choice of color plate carrier. You may have a favorite color or want a plate carrier that matches your other gear.

Let’s start the guide about What plate carrier color I should get.

Now that you have an understanding of the factors to consider when choosing a color plate carrier, let’s take a look at some popular color options:

Black: Black is a popular color option for plate carriers as it is versatile and can blend in many environments.
Coyote Brown: Coyote Brown is another popular color option as it can blend in with desert environments.
Ranger Green: Ranger Green is a darker color option that can blend in with forest environments.
Multicam: Multicam is a popular camo pattern that can blend in many environments.
OD Green: OD Green is a dark green color that can blend in with forest environments.

Black plate carriers:

Black is a trendy color for many reasons. It doesn’t show dirt as much as other colors might, which is incredibly convenient if you have to wear your tactical vest every day or if you work in a dusty environment like construction or mining.

However, being dark also means it absorbs heat more quickly and won’t be as breathable as lighter colors. Of course, wearing black is nothing wrong, if that meets your needs, then feel free to go ahead!

OD green plate carriers:

The most obvious alternative to black is OD green. It is another popular color that most people associate with camouflage because it’s used in uniform patterns like US Woodland. But despite its association with camo, you don’t have to use an OD green vest.

All that being said, OD green does work well for tactical vests just as much as any other color. It’s less heavy than black, so it won’t make you overheat too quickly, making it great for high-activity occupations while still protecting you from wind and water.

Sandstone plate carriers:

This color has a similar aesthetic to OD green because it’s another earth tone. Sandstone is another excellent choice for tactical vests because it offers many of the same advantages as black and OD green.

It doesn’t show dirt too quickly, which is best if you want your vest to stay nice looking even after heavy use. Since sandstone is lighter than black or OD green, it will be more breathable. That means you’ll probably get hot faster than with an all-black or all-OD green vest, but since everyone experiences heat differently, that might not be an issue!

You may want to know: How to Attach a USMC Dump Pouch

Yellow plate carriers:

At last, let’s take a look at yellow plate carriers. It is another best color for tactical vests because it’s vibrant and unique. Unlike black, OD green, or sandstone, no one will mistake your vest for anything else.

It will also be more visible in low-light conditions than in darker colors. As a bonus, bright yellow can help ensure you stay visible during night shifts and other periods when visibility is low due to darkness or fog.

You might like to read: Less than $100 vests .

Olive Drab and Camo – The 2 Most Popular Body Armor Color Types

Regarding camouflage gear, most people gravitate towards two types of colors: Olive Drab and Camo. Both types of colors can effectively hide an individual in various environments.

It is critical to decide which color to wear in your environment. Olive drab will provide better concealment if you’re facing sandy or desert-like terrain. Still, camo will be more effective when facing a wooded area or green shrubbery. But even within these two categories, multiple options are available, such as Tiger Stripe and Multicam.

In short, choosing between these two body armor coverings depends heavily on what kind of environment you plan to use them in.

Style or Function – What’s More Important To You?

It depends on your needs, but both are important in a plate carrier. Style is subjective, if you’re going for protection only, then the function is more important. On the other hand, if the style is more important to you, then consider whether or not it’s worth sacrificing protection for.

Regardless of your choice, ensure it can fit plates of adequate thickness. Also, adjust shoulder straps and fastenings accordingly, so they remain comfortable during physical activity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right color plate carrier is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Consider the factors mentioned above to make an informed decision. We offer a wide range of color options for our plate carriers to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.