For the past 15 years and counting, the plate carrier has been one of the most widely used pieces of equipment, serving as the most popular option for protection among law enforcement and military officers, as well as civilians.

As a result, there is an increasing number of types and styles to select from, making it a difficult task to find the perfect carrier, as well as the appropriate attachments and accessories, for your needs.

Finding the right size and configuration is critical because a poorly equipped and uncomfortable carrier will be useless. This is why you must go to great lengths to ensure that you not only have the greatest gear but also that you have the proper plate carrier setup in place to ensure that the mission's vital components are available when needed.

SIZING AND FITTING OF PLATE CARRIER
Choosing the correct plate carrier size will ensure that it rides comfortably and provides the best armor protection in all of the right areas. The size of the armor plate(s) you plan to fit is the major sizing approach for a plate carrier.

While the details of the armor ratings may be found here, you should select a plate size that adequately covers all of your important organs. You'll also want to make sure the plate carrier has adequate space to accommodate your armor. Some carriers can take several types of armor cuts (for example, shooters and swimmers cuts), whereas others require a specific armor product.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO CARRY?
It's important to remember that a plate carrier is both an armor system and a cargo carrier. A plate carrier is intended to be used and worn with armor plates inside the main compartments, as its name suggests. If these are missing, the carrier will never fit properly since it will sag as soon as pouches and other accessories are attached.
If all you need is a way to carry your water, ammo, and other essentials without adding plates, a belt system or chest rig is the way to go.

THINK ABOUT YOUR MISSION.
With so many diverse designs on the market right now, you'll want to figure out what your plate carrier's use-case is.

Always think about the carrier's position in the setting where you'll be working. While a more in-depth examination of specific load-outs is a topic for another day, different mission sets will alter the priorities that must be addressed on your plate carrier. In comparison to infantrymen who would want more accessible communications and ammunition, patrol cops creating active shooter reaction kits might want to put more medical supplies upfront to treat victims.

REMAIN STREAMLINED IN EVERYTHING YOU DO.
You can't just bring any stuff you want, no matter how much you want to. Simply because your vest has a limit on how much it can carry, you'll always end up taking the essentials. Apart from that, it's generally a good idea to keep things simple.

PUT SOME THINGS IN THE CENTER
You should usually place extra weight on the sides of your body where you are weaker. A right-handed individual, for example, might prefer to carry objects on her or his left side so that she or he can move freely on his or her right.

When you're wearing a plate carrier, though, you'll need to balance everything and distribute the weight evenly in the middle.