PLATE CARRIERS

RTS Tactical plate carriers are engineered to keep elite operators protected and mobile in the most high-risk environments, from patrol to direct-action response. From covert concealable plate carriers to full-scale military protection, this collection defines the standard for tactical gear designed for modern-day heroes who routinely put their lives on the line.

7 products

PLATE CARRIERS

We have high-performance plate carrier systems and body armor, a complete lineup of concealable-to-overt options built to accept soft and hard armor inserts. Whether you need a lightweight plate carrier for plainclothes work or a full-system plate carrier setup for entry teams, these rigs let you customize ballistic protection and load-out to the mission.

PURPOSE-BUILT PLATFORMS FOR PROFESSIONALS

Law enforcement, SWAT, military personnel, private security, first responders, and trained civilians trust our products because they enable a high degree of mobility, durability, and mission adaptability.

Each plate carrier is designed to accept NIJ-certified armor inserts and armor plates (common 10×12 and 11×14 footprints). This lets you move from Level IIIA soft armor to ceramic plates or steel armor plates as the threat dictates. That means one chassis can serve as a lightweight patrol vest one day and a rifle-rated body armor kit the next. These versatile body armor carriers make it possible for police officers and other personnel to adapt their protection quickly.

DESIGN INNOVATIONS THAT MATTER IN A FIGHT

  • Quick-release systems: Rapid don/doff and emergency medical access are a must for dynamic entries and casualty care.
  • Laser-cut MOLLE and modular mounting: Run plate carrier accessories and pouches exactly where you need them without excess bulk.
  • Reinforced stitching and Mil-Spec textiles: Critical seams and attachment points withstand breaching, vehicle egress, and prolonged duty cycles.
  • Tactical mesh lining and breathable fabrics: Manage heat and moisture so you retain stamina during long shifts.
  • Trauma pad compatibility and retention: Front and back plates ride secure, and trauma pads layer in to improve blunt-force protection.
  • Dual-purpose design: Each carrier provides a versatile, customizable platform to securely hold ballistic plates while offering ample space to mount pouches, comms, IFAK med kits, and other mission-critical tactical gear.

These features form the backbone of a resilient plate carrier system whether you prefer a minimalist plate carrier for speed or a modular plate carrier for maximum load-bearing capability.

MISSION-READY PERFORMANCE

A tactical plate carrier must balance coverage and mobility. Our carriers were engineered with that tradeoff in mind: optimized ride height, low-profile cummerbunds or elastic side-panels for concealability, and scalable mounting points for radios, med kits, mag pouches, and other accessories.

For close quarters, a compact plate carrier vest with ceramic plates offers stopping power with minimal interference. For patrol or convoy duty, a more robust setup with side plates and additional ballistic panels provides expanded protection.

When you assemble a plate carrier plates plus soft armor combination, think in systems: proper plate placement, retention, and balance are what turn high-quality body armor inserts and armor plates into an effective body armor kit.

Our Department Testing Program lets agencies field-test fit and real-world performance so units can standardize on configurations that work in training and on deployment.

INTEGRATED NIJ-RATED PROTECTION

RTS Tactical armor inserts and plate options are built to NIJ standards and certified for the threats they claim to stop. That certification matters, as the ballistic panels and body armor inserts have been tested under controlled conditions to meet defined performance thresholds.

Combining NIJ-rated inserts with a purpose-designed armor plate carrier ensures your ballistic protection is both measurable and dependable. Every ballistic plate and panel is tested to perform under the harshest conditions.

WHY OPERATORS CHOOSE THESE PLATE CARRIERS

  • Maximum mobility without sacrificing coverage: Engineered to make each rig a dependable law enforcement plate carrier or tactical solution for military operators.
  • Modular systems that adapt: Covert to overt, soft armor to ceramic/steel plates.
  • Durable craftsmanship: Mil-Spec fabrics, reinforced stitching, and solid hardware.
  • System integration: Carriers engineered for RTS body armor plates and trauma pads.
  • Real-world validation: Operational feedback from police officers and military personnel.

Elite teams choose RTS for mission-proven military plate carriers and operator-focused tactical vests built to perform.

FAQs

What makes RTS Tactical plate carriers stand out?

They’re purpose-designed systems with features like fast quick-release mechanisms, reinforced stitching at stress points, and breathable tactical mesh for comfort. These carriers are tested as a complete plate carrier system with NIJ-certified armor inserts so the platform and protection perform together.

Can I use RTS Tactical carriers for both soft and hardarmor?

Yes. The lineup accepts soft armor (Level IIIA) and hard plates (ceramic or steel armor plates) in standard sizes. That lets you adjust protection to the mission: lightweight concealment one day, rifle-rated ballistic protection the next.

Are your platecarriers suitable for civilian use?

Absolutely. Soft armor inserts are thinner, lighter, and more flexible than ceramic or steel hard armor plates. This makes them ideal for all-day wear, when mobility and comfort are just as important as protection.

Do your carriers support side plates?

Select models support 6×8 side plates through dedicated pouches and compatible cummerbunds, expanding coverage while maintaining balance and ventilation for sustained operations.

Ready to configure your plate carrier setup? Browse our collection to compare plate carriers, choose the right armor inserts, and specify accessories that match your mission. We’re proud to offer the best plate carriers on the market today.

TRUSTED BY

  • Free Shipping

    Free

    USA Shipping

  • US Department of Justice NIJ Listed Model

    100% NIJ  CERTIFIED ARMOR

  • Soldier

    DESIGNED WITH THE OPERATOR IN MIND

  • Buy now pay later

    BUY NOW, PAY LATER WITH 0% INTEREST

Help when you need it

Help when you need it

CUSTOMER SUPPORT 

Monday - Friday

9AM - 5PM

Questions? Issues? Just want to chat? Our team is here for you.

OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

We’ve got an active & vibrant community of law enforcement members, first responders and everyday gear-loving citizens.

FAQ

If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.