With the ever-changing trends, we know how hard it can be to keep up with what’s latest in the market. Plate carriers have long been a part of safety gear but they have massively improved in quality, features, and durability over the years. We have better alternatives to small Rothco, condor cyclone, condor sentry, and velocity systems plate carriers.
This time, we are going to talk about the best lightweight plate carrier out there.
These plate carriers or tactical vests as some of you may call them don’t just make a fashion statement. They provide you excellent protection in a dangerous situation and sometimes are even bulletproof.
But having a plate carrier that doesn’t weigh a lot can be a plus. We know how most people dread carrying extra weight on their body which is why they rather don’t put on plate carriers at all. So, to solve that problem, we have created a list of the best lightweight plate carriers out there. Take a look!
Related: Best Low Profile Minimalist Plate Carrier
Top Ultra Lightweight Plate Carrier List
- Weight: 1.77 Kilograms
- Density: 600D
- Size: S-XXXXL
- Material: Polyester
- Purpose: Airsoft and games
- Pouches: Glory Zipper
- Density: 1000D
- Size: Adjustable
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 1.95lbs
- Purpose: Direction, and motivation in combat
- Pouches: Adjustable cummerbund
- Density: 500D
- Size: Adjustable
- Material: Nylon
- Weight: 2.05lbs
- Purpose: you can use it to serve a wide range
- Pouches: Velcro to secure the plate
- Density: 500D
- Size: Adjustable
- Material: Nylon
- Weight: 1.96lbs
- Purpose: EVA padding. Airsoft, paintball, hunting, shooting
- Pouches: MOLLE
- Density: 600D
- Size: S-XXXXL
- Material: Oxford fabric
- Weight: 1.82lbs
- Purpose: quite well
- Pouches: 2 Integrated magazine
- Density: 500D
- Size: Adjustable
- Material: Nylon
- Weight: 1.8lbs
- Purpose: Breathability, durability, and versatility
- Pouches: Molle
- Density: 600D
- Size: S-XXXXL
- Material: Invista Cordura
- Weight: 2.05lbs
- Purpose: High mobility operations · Heavy duty
- Pouches: built-in
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GLORY FIRE Tactical Bulletproof vest
The Gloryfire Tactical Modular Assault Vest is a great option for most people because not only is it available in different sizes but because you can use it to serve a wide range of purposes.
Manufactured by using 600D Oxford cloth, the vest feels light to the touch and very easy to put on. You’re going to be thrilled to see how many attachments you can have installed on this baby. It is a great, affordable option for hunting and deployment.
We know how hard it is to find a tactical vest with the perfect size which is why Gloryfire Modular Vest came as one of our top choices. It is available from small to extra-extra-extra-extra-large size so anyone can fit in easily.
The Gloryfire Tactical Modular Assault Vest offers you one feature that you're most probably not going to find with any other plate carrier which is a detachable pistol pouch. You can detach it and attach the pouch to either side of the jacket making it a good choice for both, left and right-handed people. And this isn't just one pistol holder in the vest. You will find other pockets as well to keep your armory in.
The oxford cloth, out of which the plate carrier is made is elastic and lightweight. The cloth itself enhances your mobility and features straps on both sides for a customizable adjustment/fitting.
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Breathable and lightweight
- Highly durable
- Great for both; left and right-handed people
- No detachable magazine pouches
Final verdict
The Gloryfire Tactical Modular Assault Vest is a commendable plate carrier for such an affordable price point. It offers a whole set of features that come in handy for combat training and mountaineering. The vest also has excellent coverage that keeps you protected against severe injuries.
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GFIRE Lightweight Body Armor Breathable
Backed by a 2-year warranty, the GFIRE Tactical Modular Breathable Vest is one of its kind. Lightweight, affordable, and loaded with features, if you want a one-in-all kind of tactical vest, don’t skip reading.
It comes with padded shoulders that will make it a whole lot easier for you to perform in the field. The vest improves your movement and allows you to be swift when battling against terrorists or in a friendly training session.
The GFIRE Tactical Modular Breathable Vest features MOLLE webbing so you can always enhance your storage space by installing more attachments to the jacket. Since it’s lightweight in design, constructed out of 1000D polyester also makes it a breathable plate carrier.
No doubt, the MOLLE attachment adds strength and power to the vest. You will not have any trouble facing any kind of dangerous scenario if you have this safety gear on.
There are pockets on the front of the vest and the inside where you can keep your maps, torchlight, mobile phone, and various other accessories to keep them handy.
- Durable construction quality
- Available in different sizes
- Lightweight
- Cost-effective
- We didn’t find any significant cons
Final verdict
If all you need is a quality tactical vest with a simple design and no added tweaks, the GFIRE Tactical Modular Breathable Vest might be a good option for you. There are various reasons why it’s an excellent choice such as the comfort and mobility it offers. The vest is also available in a variety of colors if it is something that interests you.
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WarTechGears Tactical Chest Rig (Rothco alternative)
Moving on, we have the WarTechGears Tactical Fast Vest that comes in a variety of colors and sizes. This is another lightweight and affordable plate carrier that we thought you might like. It comes with buckles and Velcro straps that can fit it around your body well, making it a highly customizable tactical jacket.
It protects you against unforeseen dangers in the battleground. You can add bulletproof plates to the jacket on the front and the back to enhance your overall protection. Also, the WarTechGears Tactical Fast Vest is very budget-friendly.
Ever heard about a multi-functional plate carrier? Well, we have one right here. This specific vest from WarTechGear can not only be used for counter-terrorism and combat training but, if you remove the bullet-proof plates, you can also wear it for shooting sports and adventures.
The WarTechGears Tactical Fast Vest can conveniently fit in most magazines and pouches. It’s quite spacious so you will never have to leave any of your belongings behind.
And as mentioned earlier, you don’t specifically have to use it under dangerous circumstances. It can easily be worn for training and exercising. It will enhance your mobility and is capable of handling extreme weight because of the impeccable tailoring.
- Lightweight and breathable
- Very easy to wear and takeoff
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Comfortable enhances mobility
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Final verdict
If you need a tactical vest that can provide you long-term commitment, then WarTechGears Tactical Fast Vest has got you covered. It is super comfortable, very easy to take off and put on. Not to mention, the plate carrier can also effectively resist wear and tear.
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OneTigris Multicam Tactical Vest
Looking for a more high-end option for lightweight plate carriers? Take a look at the OneTigris Multicam Tactical Vest. This specific vest is available in various sizes and color options. Not to mention, it is loaded with features that you’re going to enjoy if you love shooting sports.
The vest is made out of 500D nylon that makes it lightweight and breathable to put on. Also, it features polyester padding on the inside which keeps the user comfortable throughout.
The OneTigris Multicam Tactical Vest features a MOLLE webbing, giving users a lot of space to install attachments. It’s very adjustable and you can even insert plates at the back of the vest, a feature that only comes in more expensive vests of this range.
You will be thrilled to know that OneTigris Multicam Tactical Vest is capable of adjusting more than thirty rounds of magazines. It also keeps you safe from sustaining life-altering injuries by covering your heart and lungs. Although, we do feel coverage requires improvement.
However, OneTigris has integrated these latest vests with shock-absorbing properties, making them safer than they used to.
The overall fitting of the plate carrier is also commendable. There are various buckles and Velcro straps to help you adjust the size according to your build. It is highly suitable for people with bigger bodies who have difficulty finding the right plate carriers for their body type.
- MOLLE attachment compatible
- Lightweight and breathable
- Protects the heart and lungs area
- Bulletproof
- Coverage needs improvement
Final verdict
The OneTigris Multicam Tactical Vest is a kind plate carrier that has features we only find in very expensive tactical vests for that matter. It is highly recommended for combat training and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Related: Condor XL chest rig
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BYHai Tactical CS Field bulletproof vest
BYHai Tactical CS Field Breathable Vest is another lightweight plate carrier you can use for military training or shooting sports. It is an affordable option that can carry all your requisite items on a dangerous mission.
It has a polyester density of 600D and is crafted out of high-quality, waterproof oxford material for maximum durability. The fact that this vest has high tensile strength makes it very easy to vary and breathable to put on.
It weighs 1.82lbs, one of the lightest plate carriers in the market that offers incredible mobility. The vest itself is very comfortable to wear and take off. It doesn’t restrict your movement and you can even customize the fitting as per your preference.
As far as space is concerned, there are various pockets and pouches on the vest for you to store all your belongings in. There is an embedded pocket design at the front of the jacket with MOLLE adjustments. You can have extra attachments with the vest for additional things that you would like to take along.
Furthermore, the BYHai Tactical CS Field Breathable Vest is waterproof and heat resistant, perfect for outdoor activities such as combat training, outdoor camping, or even mountaineering. Last but not least, it also boasts coverage and prevents you from getting injured during a battle.
- Durable construction
- Great resistance against wear and tear
- Affordable plate carrier
- Customizable size
- Not recommended for bigger guys
Final verdict
BYHai Tactical CS Field Breathable Vest is an outstanding, multipurpose vest that you can use for various outdoor activities. It is breathable, comfortable, and offers impeccable protection against life-altering injuries. Highly recommended for military use and otherwise.
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Rothco Lightweight MOLLE Utility Vest
The Rothco Lightweight MOLLE Utility Vest is another option that you can bring under your considerations. This is a lightweight, MOLLE-compatible plate carrier that comes at a very affordable price point but still lets you carry a whole set of essentials.
This is a particular kind of vest that features adjustable sizing. The Rothco Lightweight MOLLE Utility Vest is one fit for all. There are buckles and Velcro straps that will help you fit it well according to your body type.
With great coverage and having weight of around 1.8lbs, the Rothco Lightweight Utility Vest is a featherlike vest for combat training and mountaineering. It has four dedicated pockets on the insides and a MOLLE panel that will let you have all the space you need to keep your things in one place.
The main reason behind getting a lightweight plate carrier is that it enhances your mobility and allows you to stay functional for longer hours. It also comes in really handy when you’re hiking through higher elevations.
The Rothco Lightweight MOLLE Utility Vest has proven its worth over time. The brand has backed it by a three-year warranty. And since it’s MOLLE compatible, you can attach an extra set of pouches to the panels conveniently to carry more stuff. Moreover, it features a zipper, unlike many plate carriers we have seen, making it much easier to wear and take off.
- MOLLE compatible
- Features four inside pockets
- Hydration pack at the back
- Lightweight and affordable
- The stitching needs a tad bit of improvement
Final verdict
Considering the affordability aspect and how functional Rothco Lightweight Utility Vest truly is, we’d say it’s a remarkable lightweight plate carrier to invest in.
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DLP Tactical Phantom Low Profile MOLLE Vest
DLP Tactical is a popular name in the tactical industry. It is a family-owned business that manufactures tactical equipment for the longest time, including tactical tools, clothes, and various other accessories. They have expanded their business across the country and even the globe.
DLP Tactical Phantom Low Profile MOLLE Vest is an incredible option for lightweight plate carriers. It comes at an affordable price point with some features you’re going to love.
It is composed of a lightweight, 600D Invista Cordura nylon for better mobility and functionality. This vest is also MOLLE compatible with panels at the back, front, and sides for installing additional attachments.
The Phantom Low Profile Vest can carry medium and small-sized plates making it fall under the category; best lightweight plate carriers. It is available in various colors, including Multicam, and can be fitted and customized according to your size.
There are several dedicated pockets available to carry all your magazines and ammunition conveniently. Not to mention, the built-in pouches at the front can take more than 224 magazines which are incredible for a plate carrier of its caliber and price.
- Durable, made out of excellent fabric
- Very affordable
- Lightweight webbing
- Great capacity
- Won’t work with ballistic plates
Final verdict
The DLP Tactical Phantom Low Profile MOLLE Vest was the last product on our list and it is just as good as the others. It's a low-profile but commendable safety gear that serves its purposes well. It feels lightweight and is spacious enough to carry all your belongings.
Buyers Guide for Light Body Armor
To find a plate carrier that suits you well and serves its purpose on the battlefield promising maximum results, there are a few things that you have to consider before making a purchase. We did a whole lot of research to find the ideal lightweight plate carriers for you.
But, to enhance the outcome of our article, even more, we have crafted a brief buyer's guide that will help you make an informed decision.
Since you're considering the best lightweight plate carriers, the very first that you need to consider is the weight itself of the vest you plan to invest in.
It isn't something hardcore or difficult. Just take a look at how much the jacket weighs and, you will have your answer. We accumulated this entire article so, you won't have to roam around on the internet.
The material is an important thing to consider when buying any plate carrier for that matter. It greatly determines the quality of your vest and whether it will be able to put up with your body weight or not.
The most commonly suggested material for plate carriers is nylon. It's breathable and lightweight. When you combine nylon with polyester padding, the performance unparalleled.
Lastly, you obviously cannot perform well on the battlefield or a hike if the tactical vest you have put on isn't true to your size.
Always buy an adjustable plate carrier so you can customize the fitting as you need. There are several options available with Velcro straps and buckles that offer a customizable fit.
Conclusion
A plate carrier is available in two different weight variations; lightweight and heavyweight. Both are used for a wide range of purposes. However, the best lightweight plate carrier can be used for training or performing tasks that don't endanger your life.
However, as you must have noticed, there was one bulletproof vest in our above recommendations, offering solid protection. So yeah, it varies from brand to brand as well. You should opt for the product that resonates the best with your needs.
Here are our top 3 choices for the best lightweight plate carrier,
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