Building Your Plate Carrier
Whether you’re building a plate carrier for professional use, home defense, or just want to look prepared for a tactical photo op (we won’t judge), you’ve come to the right place. It might be tempting to get all the MOLLE equipment you can find on Amazon and strap it to your rig, but in the real world, pounds = pain, and there is such a thing as too much gear. Setting up your plate carrier is equal parts functionality, comfort, and mobility, ensuring you can utilize your gear and run in it when the moment calls for it.
Your magazines are the backbone of your plate carrier’s functionality, and the easier they are to access, the faster you will reload, leaving you less time to be vulnerable to enemy fire. Assuming you're using AR magazines with curves and not straight stick mags for a PCC, position them upside-down for faster retrieval, but the direction they face depends on how you draw them. Generally speaking, the way they face depends on your “handedness.” If you’re right-handed, they should generally face right. However, try to find the best way that works for you through constant practice. Run dry reload drills to test your setup and let muscle memory guide your configuration.
This left-handed shooter has his magazines facing left, according to his draw style. (Photo credit: Paul Sneck)
The placement of your Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) depends on your role. If you’re following military standards, the kit is typically placed behind you, out of the way, so teammates can access it to patch you up. However, for law enforcement or civilians who might need to provide aid to others – or even to themselves – the IFAK should be placed by the hip where it’s easier to grab. In both cases, always ensure that your tourniquet is within arm’s reach, accessible by either hand, because seconds can make all the difference in an emergency.
Be cautious about overloading your stomach area with gear. If you’re ever required to lie prone, excess gear on your belly will not only make it uncomfortable but will also elevate your profile, increasing your chances of being hit. Keeping this area streamlined ensures better comfort and functionality, which will be critical if you ever find yourself in a situation where bullets start flying.
Once you’ve got the essentials down, consider adding a few extras to enhance your setup. A reliable flashlight is invaluable for low-light situations, while medical shears can complement your IFAK, helping you cut through bandages or clothing during emergencies. A durable notebook, such as a Rite-in-the-Rain all-weather notepad, paired with a dependable pen, is perfect for jotting down critical notes or instructions. A sturdy knife is another versatile tool that often proves to be indispensable, so it should be readily accessible with either hand, but should also not be sitting in a spot where it makes turning, standing, sitting, or going prone uncomfortable. If you’re operating with a team, a walkie-talkie or similar communication device should also be included to keep you connected.
When setting up your plate carrier, it’s important to tailor it to your specific needs and priorities. While having the right gear is critical, overloading your rig with unnecessary items can weigh you down and reduce your effectiveness.
Unless you’re in law enforcement, you likely don’t need to carry bulky non-lethal equipment like a baton. These tools are better suited for specific operational scenarios where your objective is to arrest a perpetrator, not survive a high stakes firefight. Thus, large non-lethal implements like these can hinder your ability to move swiftly. Remember, your rifle is far more versatile and effective, capable of delivering blunt force if necessary while being much more intimidating due to its "primary attack mode."
If you find you have extra room on your rig, consider adding small, practical tools like utility knives. These tools are endlessly helpful for cutting or prying, or even conducting minor repairs in the field.
Lastly, if you don’t expect to face heavy fighting and want to minimize your loadout, consider running a lighter kit. A Tactical Level IIIA vest with a MOLLE front carrier is a solid option for mobility while still offering protection. Alternatively, you could use a slick vest (with no accessories) paired with a chest rig or battle belt to carry your gear. This setup lets you remain agile while keeping essential gear within easy reach.
At the heart of your plate carrier setup is, of course, the plates themselves. Without proper plates, your carrier is just a heavy vest. To ensure maximum protection, opt for Level III or IV plates. Level IV plates are especially crucial as they can stop rifle rounds that soft armor (like Level IIIA) cannot. BulletSafe’s Level IV plates, made from ceramic materials and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, are lightweight yet capable of stopping high-caliber threats like .30-06 armor-piercing rounds. The tensile strength of polyethylene, stronger than steel, provides exceptional protection without weighing you down, making these plates an outstanding choice for serious users.
Your plate carrier should feel like an extension of yourself – functional, comfortable, and efficient. Regularly test and refine your setup through training and drills to ensure it performs when you need it most. And when it’s time to upgrade your armor or invest in new plates, BulletSafe’s Level IV plates offer top-tier protection you can trust. Because when every detail matters, it’s better to be prepared.
To shop BulletSafe soft armor, click here.
To shop BulletSafe Level IV plates, click here.