Battle Belt vs Plate Carrier

Many fine combat folks have failed to choose between either Battle Belt vs Plate Carrier. This years-long debate has left many amateurs in great confusion. The truth is there is no simple answer to the question of battle belt vs. plate carrier. However, in this article, I will try to guide you about the benefits of each of these contestants and let the selection up to you.

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Battle Belt vs Plate Carrier
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Features	Battle Belt	Plate Carrier
Armor plate	No	Yes (x2)
Throwables pocket	No	Yes
Sidearms	2	4(+ assault)
Max load	15-20lbs	40-60 pounds
Weight distribution	Hip and legs	Body

When it comes to tactical gear, there are a lot of options available on the market. Two of the most popular choices for chest rigs are battle belts and plate carriers. But which one is right for you?

Design

Battle belts are designed to be worn around the waist, and they typically have pouches attached for carrying essential gear. Plate carriers, on the other hand, are designed to be worn over the shoulders and often have space for inserting ballistic plates.

Weight

So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your specific needs. If you need a rig that is more lightweight and less bulky, then a battle belt may be a better option. However, if you need more protection, then a plate carrier may be a better choice.

Choice factor

Here are some other things to consider when choosing between a battle belt and a plate carrier:

-Your budget

-The type of gear you need to carry

-The level of protection you need

-Your personal preferences

No matter which option you choose, make sure that you select a quality product from a reputable manufacturer. This will ensure that your tactical gear lasts for many years to come.

Load carriage:

Let’s start with a simple question, how much weight should an average soldier carry? According to former US marines, your payload weight should never exceed 30% of your total body mass. For example, if you weigh 176 pounds, it would be best to carry no more than 40-50 pounds on you. This answer helps you narrow down your preferences. If you are carrying 15 pounds or less weight, a battle belt is best for you. Equipment weighing 30-40 pounds requires a plate carrier. Last but not least, if you are going full commando, you need a combination of both belt and chest rig on your body.

army officer wearing plate carrier — Battle Belt vs Plate Carrier

Mobility:

Human anatomy suggests that the hip and legs are the strongest muscles and bones in the body. This is the reason why most effective tracking kits shift all the weight on the hip region, and military equipment is no exception. Up until the ’90s, battle belts were among the most commonly used military equipment. However, as most military action takes place through vehicles, the trend is shifting towards chest rigs and plate carriers.

In general, if you want better mobility while on foot, you should get a battle belt. Vehicle-based missions allow you to carry larger weights without straining your muscles. So, in that case, the plate carrier seems to be more of a suitable option. Finally, if your mission consists of a mixture of vehicular action and ground combat, you should get a combination of both a belt and a rig.

Advantages of a Battle belt:

Easy access to all your essential gear like magazines, sidearms, and throwable gadgets at any moment.
It offers a lot of mobility in-ground as you can bend your torso in any direction and crouch without any problems.
The battle belt is closed tightly on your waist and doesn’t interfere with your movements.
It offers a batter manageable access to your equipment as you know exactly where everything is held.

Disadvantages of battle belt:

It doesn’t have enough room for heavy equipment and multiple sidearms.
The belt is only suitable for carrying 15 pounds or less, so you have a limited choice.
It doesn’t have space for an armor plate.

Advantages of plate carrier:

There is more than enough room for all your gadgets, sidearms, throwables, ammo, and first aid kits.
The X-strap equally distributes the weight to key points on your body.
There is room for a body armor plate at both sides of the plate carrier.
You have the freedom to take your favorite gadgets to the battlefield.

Disadvantages of plate carrier:

Plate carriers put a lot of strain on your spine as there is no weight at the back to counter the weight of equipment on the front.
The more the pockets, the more you will be confused about where to look for a specific gadget.

Conclusion:

In the war of battle belts vs plate carriers, everyone is the winner. The usefulness of any of them depends on the circumstances and the number of equipment that you want to carry.

Author

Robert Bennett

Robert M. Bennett is an author and military enthusiast with a passion for tactical gear and equipment. He has extensive experience in the field of military and law enforcement and has worked closely with soldiers and law enforcement officers to design and develop equipment that meets their specific needs.

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