Types of tactical vests - which model to choose?
Tactical waistcoats are not only a piece of equipment for soldiers, but also a popular piece of gear used by shooting sports enthusiasts, paintballers, airsofters and those working in security. The main purpose of tactical waistcoats is to protect the wearer's body and provide comfortable carrying of essential equipment.
When many people think of a tactical waistcoat they imagine a heavy and built-up waistcoat, but not everyone knows that there are at least several types. In this article we will look at several types of tactical waistcoats. We will discuss the basic features of the different types of tactical waistcoats, their purpose, as well as the criterion for choosing a tactical waistcoat.
What types of tactical vests are there?
Tactical waistcoats are a specific piece of tactical equipment that has evolved over the years. Modern waistcoats can be divided according to various criteria, for example modular and non-modular.
Most commonly, however, tactical waistcoats are divided according to their purpose. Accordingly, there are two main categories. The first is tactical waistcoats whose primary function is to protect the body, and the second is tactical waistcoats for carrying ordnance, and it is on this division that we will focus.
Tactical Plate Carrier Vest
The Plate Carrier tactical waistcoat is a typical waistcoat whose main purpose is to protect the body (chest and back, especially the heart and lungs). The waistcoat is usually equipped with two pockets, front and back, in which ballistic inserts (usually Kevlar or ceramic) are placed, making the waistcoat bulletproof.
The Plate Carrier allows you to carry magazines and other accessories that are useful to have at hand. Such a waistcoat is a specialised type of equipment and is used in the military and uniformed services. Protection of vital organs is unfortunately associated with less comfort and breathability. The Plate Carrier waistcoat can also be purchased without ballistic plates so that they can be used, for example, in ASG games. Such a waistcoat will increase the realism of the game, without increasing the weight of the armour.
The Plate Carrier Tactical Vest is very often equipped with a MOLLE attachment system, so that additional pockets or equipment can easily be added.
Chest Rig Tactical Vest
The Chest Rig Tactical Vest is a lighter weight waistcoat that is mainly used to carry equipment such as spare magazines. This type of waistcoat consists of a large front panel with pockets and a harness with buckle-fastening straps.
The Chest Rig allows you to carry quite a lot of gear while leaving your back exposed, which translates into wearing comfort, especially in high temperatures (the Chest Rig was first used during the Vietnam War, used by Vietcong and North Vietnamese soldiers). The Chest Rig, however, is not characterised by its high protective qualities.
The Chest Rig waistcoat is significantly lighter than the Plate Carrier. The MOLLE system is also used here. It is also worth mentioning that Chest Rigs can be modular (the user arranges the pouches on the front panel himself) or non-modular (the arrangement is imposed by the manufacturer). The Chest Rig will also work well outside uniformed formations. It will be a good choice for airsoft fans, for example.
Tactical beltkit vests
A beltkit is essentially not a waistcoat per se, but rather an accessory to it, although it performs similar functions. The Beltkit is a waist belt, which is a combination of a waist belt and harness in an X or H configuration. Beltkits allow you to carry your equipment, much like a Chest Rig. The advantages of beltkits are better breathability, a free back, direct access to equipment while walking and good weight distribution of the items carried.
Beltkit is worth choosing as an accessory for first-line* equipment. The first line of equipment should be essential items that should be at hand and allow you to survive for a short time. Beltkits will work very well for shorter field trips.
*Three lines of equipment are used, for example: a belt for essential items, a waistcoat for communication equipment and spare equipment, a rucksack for equipment to last a few days.
How do you choose a tactical vest for yourself? What to look out for?
A tactical waistcoat is a type of equipment that should be chosen with care, as your comfort in wearing and moving around later depends on it. How do you decide which type of tactical waistcoat is right for you?
Be guided first and foremost by its purpose. Looking for a waistcoat that should shield your vital organs? Choose the Plate Carrier. Or are you looking for a lightweight waistcoat that can carry your equipment? A better choice would be the Chest Rig.
Tactical waistcoats have also found applications outside of service and tourism. You can use the Plate Carrier with ballistic inserts for weight training. The Chest Rig or Beltkit can prove themselves during DIY, as an accessory for storing EDC equipment or as an escape belt.
Tactical equipment and waistcoat accessories at Militaria.pl
Regardless of what type of tactical waistcoat you are looking for, you will find a wide selection of waistcoats of various types in the Militaria.pl shop. It's worth familiarising yourself with the different models and their features - manufacturers of tactical/outdoor equipment use different materials, among other things, which affect the weight of the waistcoat, for example. Still can't decide? Contact us and our experts will give you the necessary advice and assistance.
