How to Set Up a Plate Carrier

Introduction

Time to read: 8 minutes

Date: 05/05/23

So you’ve decided to invest in a plate carrier. Great choice—a carrier can provide lifesaving protection and peace of mind. But simply throwing some plates in a carrier isn’t enough. To get the most out of your carrier, you need to take the time to adjust it for maximum comfort and safety.  

A properly fitted plate carrier should feel like a natural extension of your body. It will move with you instead of limiting your range of motion or chafing your skin. It will keep those vital plates perfectly positioned to shield your most vulnerable areas if the unthinkable were to happen.  

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to adjust and set up your plate carrier for the perfect custom fit. Follow these tips, and you’ll be moving comfortably in your carrier in no time and ready to focus on more enjoyable things!

What You Should Know About Plate Carriers

A plate carrier is a piece of tactical gear designed to hold ballistic armor plates, which provide protection against bullets and other projectiles.

Plate Carrier Materials

Plate carriers are typically made from durable materials like nylon or Cordura and consist of front and rear pockets that hold the ballistic armor plates. These plates are usually made from materials like steel, ceramic, or UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), which are designed to absorb and disperse the energy from bullet impacts, reducing the risk of injury or death.

Features on Plate Carriers

In addition to providing protection, plate carriers often feature MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing, which allows the user to attach additional gear such as magazine pouches, medical kits, and radio pouches. This modular design enables the user to customize their plate carrier according to their specific needs and mission requirements.

Additional Features

• Shoulder pads
• Extra pockets
• Quick-release systems

Wanna get straight to the goods? – We like your style

In short, you can set up your plate carrier like this:

1. Start by adjusting the shoulder straps to fit snugly around your body.

2. Secure the side straps and adjust them so that the plate carrier is tight against your body.

3. Place the front and back plates into the plate carrier. Make sure that the plates are securely in place and that they fit snugly against your body.

4. Adjust the cummerbund to fit snugly around your waist.

5. Secure any additional pouches or accessories to the plate carrier.

6. Make sure that the plate carrier is secure and comfortable before wearing it.

Key Attributes of a Plate Carrier

• It is designed specifically to hold protective ballistic plates. Regular bulletproof vests or tactical vests alone provide lower levels of protection.  

• It protects vital organs in the torso from high-powered rounds like rifles. Handgun rounds can still penetrate most plate carriers.

• It provides a modular platform to attach pouches, holsters, and other gear. Some are very customizable, like the Strandhögg™ v1 SAPI Cut Plate Carrier. You can customize your front and back panels as well as your cummerbund style.

• Mobility – plate carriers are designed to be lighter and more maneuverable than older styles of ballistic protection like steel plate vests.

• Most plate carriers can also accommodate side plates for protection under the arms and shoulder plates for more comprehensive coverage.

• Durability – plate carriers are made of very rugged, weather-resistant materials to endure difficult tactical conditions.

• They provide a psychological benefit of confidence in dangerous situations where high-powered weapons may be present.

Types of Plate Carriers 

Covert vs. Tactical Plate Carriers

Covert plate carriers have a thin and lightweight design meant for being incognito under clothing. Whereas, tactical plate carriers are police and military-grade. These are designed to hold more gear and have a bulkier fit. 

Cummerbund Style – Elastic or Adjustable

The cummerbund is the side panel that wraps around your sides. An adjustable cummerbund allows for a more customized fit. An elastic cummerbund is more flexible but provides less adjustment. A non-elastic cummerbund needs to be sized properly. You can find options like the Crye JPC, which has a skeletal cummerbund for a high-quality fit. 

Choosing the Right Size Plate Carrier 

When selecting a plate carrier, it is important to choose one that fits comfortably and does not impede movement or accuracy. It is important to ensure that the size of the plate carrier is appropriate for your body type. 

If the plate carrier is too big, it can be uncomfortable and cumbersome. Additionally, if the plate carrier is too small, it can limit your range of motion and affect your performance. It is important to try on different sizes of plate carriers before making a purchase to ensure that you get the right size for your body type.

The Crye AirLite Medium with Structural Cummerbund plate carrier is one of the most popular due to its lightweight design and comfort. Other popular plate carriers include the Point Blank Alpha Elite, the Safariland ELS, and the Mayflower APC. 

How to Set Up A Plate Carrier

Before using a plate carrier, it is important to ensure that it is comfortable and does not impede movement or accuracy. It is also important to practice with the gear beforehand to get used to the weight and feel of the gear and learn how to move around in it. Additionally, a solid holster and sturdy belt are essential.

Attaching the Plates

The plates should fit snugly into the plate pockets in the front and back of the carrier. Make sure they are oriented correctly, with the curve facing outward. The plates provide actual ballistic protection, so proper insertion and positioning are important.

Adjusting the Plates

• Adjust the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps should be snug but still comfortable. You want the carrier to stay in place on your torso without shifting around. Adjust the straps using the webbing and buckles.
• Adjust the cummerbund. Wrap the cummerbund around your sides and secure the Velcro or buckles in front. The cummerbund should be snug but still allow you to breathe comfortably. It helps stabilize the carrier on your torso.

Attach Optional Gear

Most plate carriers allow you to attach gear like magazine pouches, radio pouches, hydration packs, etc., using MOLLE/PALS webbing and straps. Position and attach additional gear where it is most accessible and balanced for your needs.

Now you have officially set up your plate carrier. Congrats! But before you start doing the “turtle, turtle” neck move, we want to leave you with a few tips:

• Train with your plate carrier. Practice shooting, moving, and doing other tactical tasks while wearing your carrier with plates inserted. This helps you get used to the feel and additional weight and allows you to make any final adjustments to the fit.

• Keep your plates and carrier in good condition. Inspect your plates and carrier regularly for any damage or signs of wear. Plates that are dropped or heavily worn may need replacement. Clean your carrier periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Choose a carrier that suits your needs. If you need maximum protection for dangerous tactical situations, choose a tactical carrier. For concealed use, choose a covert carrier. Consider your threat level and what you need to carry to determine the right carrier for you.

• Stay mobile. While a plate carrier can provide excellent protection, it does add additional weight that can slow you down. Stay physically fit and active to ensure maximum mobility, speed, and endurance while wearing your carrier. Practice skills like shooting, running, climbing over obstacles, etc., with your carrier on.

• Place gear for quick access. Locate any additional gear, like magazines, first aid kits, radios, etc., on your carrier so you can quickly access them when needed. Practice accessing your gear with the carrier on to build muscle memory.

• Consider a carrier with an emergency donning system. Some plate carriers offer built-in emergency release systems that allow you to quickly shed the carrier in an emergency situation. This type of system can help maximize mobility if you need to remove the carrier swiftly.

• Follow all manufacturer guidelines. Carefully follow the usage, cleaning, and maintenance guidelines set by your plate carrier manufacturer to ensure it remains in working order and provides maximum protection. Failing to provide proper upkeep for your carrier can be dangerous.

Conclusion

There you have it—a few simple adjustments can make a world of difference in how your plate carrier fits and functions. So spend some time getting familiar with your straps, pads, and cummerbund, and don’t be afraid to make changes to the setup. Your comfort and safety depend on it.

Once your carrier is adjusted to perfection, practice some basic movements while wearing it—stretch, bend over, run, crawl—to make sure nothing shifts or bounces around. Get used to how it feels so you can wear it confidently without distraction. And, of course, test out accessing any gear you have attached to find the optimal placement.  

With a custom-fit plate carrier and some practice, you’ll be moving freely and focusing on enjoying your favorite activities instead of fussing with an ill-fitting carrier. Stay safe out there, and happy shooting!

Related Articles

Explore More GunAim