Plate carriers do offer lateral protection, but they add a significant amount of bulk and weight to the armor. They will make it difficult for you to move around in any situation that calls for it. When you anticipate spending more time sitting than running, side plate carriers are a valuable piece of equipment to have on hand. They are also beneficial in shorter tactical scenarios that do not require the same level of agility and quickness as longer ones.
How to set up a plate carrier
The key to making the most of your plate carrier is having a solid understanding of how it should be set up.
- Put the essential items at the front.
- Include magazine pouches on the front of the vest.
- Bring only what is necessary, and try to organize your belongings so that you won’t have to look through your stuff when you’re searching for something.
- Put most of the weight in the middle.
- Keep the region around your shoulders clean.
- The ideal storage location for handgun magazines is on the gun belt rather than the vest, where they are easily accessible.
- There are two possible locations for the tactical light carrier: to the right of the first aid kit (FAK) or below the armpit line.
How to arrange a plate carrier
The shoulder straps and cummerbund are the components you need to focus on when arranging your plate carrier.
- Put your plate in the correct spot on your chest where it should be.
- Adjust the shoulder straps so that they are balanced on the shoulders precisely in the middle, i.e., between the front and the back of the pack.
- The cummerbund should be adjusted at the waist. You should be aware of the pressure it is always exerting on you, but it shouldn’t be overly restrictive. It should feel a bit loose when you hunch forward and cave in your chest, but it should feel a little tight when you take a deep breath.
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