Choosing A Plate Carrier Backpack

Here are some examples of plate carrier backpack styles, and their pros and cons. Those following this guide should be well on the way to assembling a complete “kit”. It is up to you to decide what scenario you will use this equipment in. However, backpacks are an entirely different matter. A basic home defense plate carrier setup may look different than one designed for an emergency situation. However, only those who are prepared for such an eventuality will need a backpack. Extra gear is essential for survival if you plan on “bugging out” in the event of a global downturn. This makes it more difficult to carry a backpack if you plan on wearing a plate carrier while you ruck. Photo by TampaTACMED on Flickr. Plate carrier backpack considerations Photo by TampaTACMED on Flickr. Considerations for Plate Carrier BackpacksThe creation of backpacks specifically for plate carriers was necessary shortly after the widespread use of body armor in military circles. The shoulder straps on traditional backpacks can cause problems in the field if they are worn over a plate carrier. This is not just for comfort. Shoulder straps on backpacks can cause problems in the field. They can restrict the wearer’s ability draw their pistol, shoulder their rifle, or move around the field. However, this can lead to other problems. It is difficult to access the contents of plate carrier backpacks that attach directly to the armor’s back panel. These backpacks were designed for military personnel and can be used by any member of the team to access the contents of another pack. This is a problem for those who plan to survive the apocalypse alone. The backpacks that are designed to attach to plate carriers are more like “assault packs”. They can hold enough gear to last the user for a single mission or up to 24 hours. You will still need a larger pack to survive for extended periods of time. There are many styles of plate carrier backpacks on the market today. There are too many options to compare, so this list does not include all the plate carrier backpacks. Instead, it will show you a few of the most popular options. Traditional pack + strap claws. Before we get into the plate carrier backpack designs, let us look at a small gadget that may offer a better solution for many people. Matbock’s backpack strap claws attach via MOLLE onto one’s plate carrier. They then hold the pack’s straps away from one’s neck and secure them to their body. These strap claws are not required to purchase a special backpack in order to be able use them. They also make it easier to remove and dawn a backpack. As a solo survivalist, this means that you will have much more access to your gear and can ditch the backpack much faster. However, the Matbock Strap Claws won’t completely eliminate the problems that come with having two layers of straps around your shoulders. The Matbock Strap Claws MSRP is $35 The Crye Precision Pack Zip On Panel 2.0 is a zip-on-only style that represents the plate carrier backpacks of today. This style of assault pack is used mainly by police and military personnel who need to transport extra gear for short periods. These zip-on plates carrier packs can hold items such as breaching tools, spare flash grenades or smoke grenades, additional medical equipment, and other items that could easily be retrieved by a member of the team. Although this plate carrier backpack is useful, it may not be practical for your needs. These backpacks are not able to hold a lot of gear and can be difficult to find. However, this pack style may be appropriate for some situations. This Crye model is only compatible with a few Crye-brand plates carriers. There are many generic models, but compatibility is important to remember when browsing the zip-on style. The MSRP for the Crye Precision Pack Zip On Panel 2.0 is $221.70. Combination Style: Zip-On/Strap Combo Combination styles such as this Grey Ghost Gear SMC1 to 3 Assault Pack include traditional shoulder straps that can be removed. This allows the plate carrier backpack to be transformed into a traditional assault bag. Grey Ghost Gear’s model has an additional feature: the inner compartment can be extended for longer trips. This model requires an adaptor to attach it to plate carriers. However, it is more flexible about which models it can be attached too. The MSRP for the GGG SMC 1 to 3 Assault Pack costs $185. First Spear VEP First Spear’s Vertical Embedment Pack (or VEP) was also designed for plate carriers and has several unique features. Because of their thickness and location, the straps are not bulky like traditional backpack straps. They also make it easier and quicker to remove the pack from the carrier and access its contents. The tube attachments of the bottom two straps to the plate carrier allow for quick release and reattachment. After removing the bottom straps, the VEP can then be swung over the user’s head and draped over their carrier’s front. This allows them to quickly and comfortably retrieve any gear they need, before swinging the bag back over their heads and reattaching both the bottom straps. This feature allows the wearer to manage their gear much more easily than a traditional backpack with a zip-on plate carrier. Although the VEP appears to be a very useful system with many innovative features, it comes at a cost. The MSRP for the First Spear VEP costs $359.81. )More tactical gearNEXT STEP – Download Your Storm Tactical Printable Target pack62 Printable MOA Targets with Drills – Rifle Ranges in YARDSThis impressive target set comes from Storm Tactical and contains62 printable targets for rifle and handgun range usage. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be found in MOA. Get Free Targets