OUR TOP 10 PLATE CARRIERS

U.S. Patriot Tactical has put in the work and would like to present our top 10 plate carriers. As tactical gear experts, we've taken feedback from real-world soldiers to determine which designs, features, and specifications make up the best plate carrier vests money can buy!

10. TASMANIAN TIGER PLATE CARRIER LC

Lightweight and ready for action, the Tasmanian Tiger Plate Carrier LC securely holds standard 10" x 12" plates and provides dependable protection against mid-level threats. This TT Plate Carrier has plenty of low-profile laser cut MOLLE for modular attachments, as well as an integrated radio pouch so you can stay connected.

This lightweight plate carrier is made from abrasion-resistant CORDURA® nylon with a 3D mesh interior to keep you cool and comfortable when the heat is on. The Tasmanian Tiger LC is compatible with the TT FL chest rig and modular plate carrier accessories, such as the Tasmanian Tiger IFAK Pouch and Tasmanian Tiger Tourniquet Pouch.

9. ROTHCO LIGHTWEIGHT PLATE CARRIER VEST

Are you looking for an affordable light-duty or airsoft plate carrier? The Rothco Lightweight Plate Carrier Vest ticks all the boxes with a skeletonized cummerbund and tons of MOLLE webbing for attaching modular accessories. An adjustable harness and bungee cummerbund straps allow you to achieve the perfect fit, regardless of body shape or size.

This minimalist plate carrier has three integrated magazine pouches with bungee retention on the front for easy access to your extra ammo or small gear. Front and back plate pockets accommodate Swimmer cut and SAPI/ESAPI plates up to 10" x 13". The Rothco LWPC has a lightweight build and excellent breathability, making it ideal for hot and humid days.

8. SHELLBACK TACTICAL SKIRMISH PLATE CARRIER

The Shellback Tactical Skirmish Plate Carrier helps you prepare for the best outcome in the worst situation. This MultiCam plate carrier accommodates front and back Shooter cut or SAPI plates up to 10" x 12", as well as soft armor side plates, giving you 360° protection when you need it most.

Made from ballistic nylon with bar tacking at stress points, the Shellback Skirmish Plate Carrier is built-to-last. Adjustable shoulder straps and cummerbund give you the perfect fit, while 3D spacer mesh enhances comfort and breathability. This SAPI plate carrier has multiple rows of MOLLE webbing and loop fields, plus a front kangaroo pouch for storing your extra mags.

7. CONDOR SENTRY PLATE CARRIER

Coming in at the low price range of $52-70, the Condor Sentry Plate Carrier is one of our most economical plate carriers, making it ideal for airsoft and recreational use. This inexpensive plate carrier has adjustable shoulder straps that accommodate various body shapes and sizes, while a padded interior improves comfort. The Sentry Carrier accepts standard-sized and SAPI/ESAPI cut plates.

Enhance the performance of your plate carrier with Condor Sentry plate carrier accessories. The Condor Triple Stack Mag Pouch gives you quick access to up to 6 M4 mags. An open-top design with bungee retention enables lightning- fast reload, while MOLLE webbing allows you to attach modular accessories.

The Condor Utility Pouch is a multipurpose plate carrier pouch that quickly and easily attaches to any MOLLE platform. This compact admin pouch features a zippered main compartment with a mesh sleeve for gun cleaning kits, medical supplies, water purification tabs, and more. The flat front zippered pocket is perfect for documents, while an external loop field allows you to attach the morale patch of your choosing.

6. 5.11 TACTICAL TACTEC PLATE CARRIER

Designed with the needs of special operators in mind, the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier delivers exceptional protection in active combat situations. This MOLLE plate carrier features a skeletonized waistband and adjustable padded shoulder straps for a secure fit, while quick-release buckles and an extendable GrabDrag drag handle enhance safety.

Made from water-resistant ballistic nylon, the 5.11 TacTec carrier has Duraflex hardware that can stand up to the demands of active duty. Load this plate carrier with medium or large ballistic plates to protect against medium threats or take your workout to the next level.

5. HRT TACTICAL RAC PLATE CARRIER

Built tough enough to withstand anything the mission throws at you, the HRT RAC Plate Carrier is made from double- stitched, Teflon-coated CORDURA® nylon to ensure long and loyal service life. Airflow channels with VELCRO® spacers enhance airflow, while an adjustable waist and quick-release shoulder straps keep you comfortable through long hours in the field.

This lightweight plate carrier features back panel YKK zippers for securely attaching RAC accessories, such as the HRT Zip Panel, HRT MOLLE Cummerbund, or the Maximus Zip-on Panel. Load with standard 10" x 12" plates or large SAPI plates for protection against ballistic threats.

4. CONDOR MODULAR OPERATOR PLATE CARRIER MOPC

Engineered with purpose, the Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier MOPC is the latest to join Condor's line of plate carriers. The Condor MOPC plate carrier has a padded air mesh lining and adjustable shoulder straps to keep you cool and comfortable when the heat is on. Front and back plate pockets accept both standard-sized and SAPI/ESAPI plates, while the cummerbund accepts soft armor side inserts.

The Condor Outdoor Modular Operator Plate carrier has several rows of MOLLE on the chest, back, and cummerbund for attaching mag pouches and other accessories. Integrated VELCRO® straps act as routing and retention for comms cabling and hydration tubing. This adjustable plate carrier is NTOA-tested and approved.

3. AGLITE GEAR K19 PLATE CARRIER

With combat-focused features, the Agilite Gear K19 Plate Carrier 3 is ready to face any challenge that lies ahead. This military plate carrier features the Egress quick-release buckle system and Fast-Adjust™ cummerbund, enabling a perfect fit. Mil-Spec ballistic nylon and hardware withstand abrasion, compression, and impact, while Agilite's proprietary "V" shaped harness with fusion foam padding evenly distributes your load.

This Agilite plate carrier has MOLLE and loop platforms, a zippered admin pocket, and hydration compatibility, making it ideal for service in complex battle zones. The Agilite K19 fits multi and single-curve small, medium, or large SAPI/ESAPI plates and is made in Israel.

2. SHELLBACK TACTICAL RAMPAGE 2.0 PLATE CARRIER

When you need heavy-duty ballistic protection, reach for the Shellback Rampage 2.0 Plate Carrier. This MultiCam plate carrier features adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable cummerbund that fits close to the torso without restricting movement. A removable front MOLLE placard and multiple rows of MOLLE webbing on the back of the carrier enable virtually limitless modular configurations.

Made from ballistic nylon with bar tacking at stress points, the Shellback Rampage accommodates Shooter cut plates up to 10" x 12". The cummerbund features six integrated mag pockets with bungee retention and plate pockets that accept soft armor side inserts to give you 360° protection where you need it most.

1. CRYE PRECISION JUMPABLE PLATE CARRIER

In our humble opinion, the Crye Precision Jumpable Plate Carrier is the best plate carrier money can buy. The Crye JPC plate carrier has it all, from a rugged build to performance stretch plate pockets that can accommodate plates of various sizes. Low-profile MOLLE reduces bulk while simultaneously enabling full customization.

The Crye Precision JPC plate carrier features a skeletal cummerbund and internal ventilation panels that promote airflow so you can keep a cool head on your shoulders. An integrated admin pouch and triple mag pouch provide easy access to your gear and extra ammo. Anti-slip shoulder straps and cummerbund deliver a level of comfort that is unparalleled.

Want even more protection? Check out the Crye Precision JPC Side Plate Pouches and Crye Precision JPC Long Side Armor Pouches that enable 360° protection when you need it most. The Crye JPC is available in multiple sizes and comes in coyote, ranger green, and MultiCam.