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Milsim Plate Carriers 2022
Let’s talk about plate carriers! Plate carriers have the capability of carrying armor, ammo, and whatever gear you choose for your mission. Now, I am aware that ballistic armor is overkill for Milsim. However, soft armor is helpful for pain mitigation and for increasing the structural integrity of the platform. Gear is easier to pull from pouches when attached to a rigid structure. So, before I talk about my carrier picks, may I suggest purchasing non ballistic vest plates such as the Tactical Scorpion Gear 10mm paintball Airsoft trauma plates? As stated in the name, they are non-ballistic, but add structure and rigidity to your carrier.
Now, I will rate the carriers by several factors; price point, build quality/durability, bang for your buck, and most importantly, looks! Should you spend hundreds of dollars on a carrier that is not being utilized for real world combat missions? No! Do you want to have quality gear that is easy to don and tactically functional for the sport? Yes! Do you want to look cooler than your other teammates? Don’t lie to yourself, of course you do! So, let’s take a look at my choices for the best milsim plate carriers of 2022.
1. OneTigris Griffin AFPC Modular Vest
The OneTigris company has been pumping out quality gear for many years. And they are not stopping now. Observe the buckle closures on the shoulder straps. Great for removing the carrier in a pinch. Furthermore, the padded shoulder straps and waistband are also adjustable and from experience, there is nothing more annoying than a loose carrier. This carrier has plenty of Molle for whatever pouches and accessories you desire and its made from 500D Cordura Nylon.
It’s got a top handle for dragging your buddies to safety. It also has detachable mesh padding which helps to increase airflow and comfort. The removable front panels allow you to change the configuration on the fly. Purchase the OneTigris Tactical Placards in different configurations for your style of play. I would also suggest purchasing the OneTigris Quick Release Adapters which allows you to pull off your carrier without pulling all that noisy Velcro.
The carrier comes with Molle cummerbunds with hidden pockets for extra mags, side panels, candy bars, or whatever. It comes in four patterns; Black Multicam, Brown, Multicam, Olive, and Black. Would I suggest someone using this with heavy ballistic plates? Probably not. It’s not built for that type of stress. Is it highly functional, durable, and does it look absolutely awesome? Yup!
Cost: $130.00 to $140.00
2. CAMO Quick Release Tactical Outdoor Vest
Now, this carrier retails at about a hundred bucks, so it is definitely in a great price. CAMO made this vest with 1000D nylon so is quite durable. It has a top handle, detachable front flaps, quick release shoulder straps, cummerbunds with pockets, and Molle all over. It definitely passes the functionality test. Oh and did I mention the preinstalled quick release buckles? Furthermore, the decent padding on the interior is super comfortable to the user.
Out of the box it comes with 4 pistol mag holders and 3 M4 kangaroo style mag pouches attached to the front panel. It’s pretty much ready to go and at a phenomenal price. The carrier comes in tons of patterns; from ACU…. yes, ACU, to CP patterns which appear to accurately represent Crye/Multicam’s black and standard pattern. Honestly, if you’re going to use this for Milsim exclusively, save some money and pick this bad boy up.
Cost: $89.99
3. Tacticon Armament BattleVest Fully Adjustable Tactical Vest
Tacticon Armament BattleVest Fully Adjustable Tactical Vest
If you want simplicity, durability, and functionality for a great price, this carrier is for you. Tacticon Armament built this carrier to last and it will definitely hold ballistic plates. Tacticon Armament is combat veteran owned and it shows. With adjustable shoulder straps, comms loops, adjustable cummerbund, Molle webbing, drag handle, and water tube loops, this carrier has it all. And did I mention the phenomenal price point; this carrier retails at 99.99 but can be purchased for 60.00 bucks right now on Amazon! You honestly cannot beat that price.
This carrier is made with 500D PVC Nylon. It also has durable double stitched Molle PALS and a 3D mesh liner for breath-ability and comfort. This gear is combat ready so it will definitely suit your Milsim needs. It’s also backed by a 100 percent lifetime warranty! It comes in Flat Dark Earth Tan, Olive Drab, and Black so it doesn’t have a lot of pattern options. However, you simply cannot beat the price for such a durable, combat ready carrier. You will need to purchase your own gear pouches however, so factor that into the price you intend on spending.
Cost: $99.95 On Sale: $59.95
The VISMIX Tactical Vest has just about everything you need in an inexpensive package. For about 80 bucks, this vest comes with adjustable shoulder straps, shoulder strap Molle, and hook and loop on the front panel for that waifu moral patch you want to show off. The cummerbund is also adjustable via hook and loop. It even has an adjustable inner belt buckle which allows you to adjust the tightness of the vest. Behind the front panel are three mag pouches suitable for M4 style magazines. It honestly looks like a vest I was issued in the military; almost identical.
The carrier only comes in OCP but the pattern is quality. You can honestly wear this with your OCP uniform and no one would bat an eye. Now, if you’re going to be running around with ballistic plates all day, I do not know for certain if this carrier will hold up. What I do know is that some service members have worn this particular carrier and it suits their needs quite nicely. That being said, is it functional, inexpensive, and does looks qreat!
Cost: $79.99 On Sale $71.99
5. OneTigris Low Profile Tactical Vest
Now, if your one of those guys or gals that likes to keep it simple, you know, high speed, low drag, this carrier is definitely up your ally. This carrier looks just like those two to three hundred dollar carriers you see the spec op boys wearing. But this one here is about 80 bucks! This carrier is concealable as it fits close to your skin. It does not come with much Molly for mag pouches, but you can purchase the OneTigris Tactical placard in different configurations if needed. The chest hook and loop has a nifty zippered pocket for maps and other important documents. The shoulder straps and cummerbund are adjustable via Velcro.
You can also hold 4 M4 style magazines on each side of the cummerbund! Keeping your mags on the side allows you to stay lower during prone by keeping the front clear from obstructions. Would this hold up to constant running with heavy ballistic plates? Maybe not, the company is geared towards the Milsim community. However, I would not hesitate in buying this carrier for my active shooter bug out bag. It is well made, durable, inexpensive, and it just looks so good!
Cost: $79.99
6. YAKEDA Quick Release Military Tactical Outdoor Vest
If you want to purchase an inexpensive carrier for Milsim purposes without having to spend any money on mag pouches, take a good hard look at the YAKEDA Quick Release Military Tactical Outdoor Vest. For less than 80 dollars, you get a 500D nylon carrier with adjustable shoulder straps with quick release, cummerbund that holds up to 6 M4 style magazines, waist adjustment, Molle, 4 pistol mag pouches, 2 extra M4 mag pouches attachable via Molle, three M4 mag kangaroo pouches on the front, and a quick release system. I mean, this carrier has it all. It comes in many popular patterns like Olive, Black CP, CP (marketed as khaki) and tan (mud color) to name a few. This carrier just about comes with everything you need to get started.
Cost: $79.99
7. OneTigris Tactical Laser-Cut Vest
Once again, OneTigris comes out with a phenomenal mid-tier vest. I enjoy the simplicity and ascetics of this vest very much. The Molle is laser cut, allowing pouches to fit snug and just a bit closer to the vest. The cummerbund is skeletonized allowing for maximum airflow. It also comes with 3 M4 mag kangaroo pouches built into the carrier. If you need to add more pouches, there is Molle just about everywhere. The shoulder straps are adjustable of course and so are the waist straps. At about 110.00 bucks, this is a very good looking, functional, and affordable carrier. Although, if you need to attach com pouches to the cummerbund, you may want to look at a different carrier. If you like to keep it light, then give this one a try.
Cost: $109.98
I hope you enjoyed my review of the best milsim plate carriers of 2022. Go check out my article on the best Milsim chest rigs for those who prefer keeping it light without losing gear capacity!