1. Made in the USA and able to fit into most plate carriers, the BulletSafe Level IV Standalone Ballistic Plate is composed of a durable alumina-oxide ceramic material that protects 120 square inches of your most vital regions: heart, lungs and liver. It can stop projectiles from most high-velocity calibers, up to a single .30-’06 Sprg. armor-piercing (AP) round—and multiple hits for non-AP rounds. A shooter’s cut permits full upper-body range-of-motion, breathability and comfort. MSRP: $199.97, bulletsafe.com
2. Full Forge Gear’s Shelter Plate Carrier is constructed from high-strength ballistic nylon for maximum durability and ballistic protection. It is compatible with standard Small Arms Protective Insert plates for enhanced ballistic protection. Quick-release straps and buckles allow for quick donning and removal. MOLLE webbing along the exterior provides a means of adding accessory pouches for magazines, first-aid kits, light pouches, radios and more. Available colors include black, green and tan. MSRP: $179.99, fullforgegear.com
3. The Original Tough Hook Gen 2 Tactical Hanger incorporates I-beam construction combined with high-impact resin resulting in a tool capable of suspending more than 200 pounds. It’s an ideal piece of kit for keeping your fully loaded plate carrier handy and at the ready, without worrying about the hanger failing. The addition of a built-in gripper handle makes transport easier. Choose from a half-dozen colors. MSRP: $19.95, tough-hook.com
4. The thinnest vest capable of Level IIIA ballistic protection, Safe Life Defense Hyperline Armor provides an unprecedented degree of bullet resistance and weight savings. Despite being a mere .19-inch thick, its proprietary material defends against handgun rounds up to .44 Mag., shotgun pellets and strikes/slashes from edged weapons. Its water-resistant fabric is capable of being worn comfortably directly on the skin while contouring to your body. MSRP: $1,128, safelifedefense.com
5. Built from advanced ballistic fibers, the Premier Body Armor Fortis Ballistic Helmet offers solid protection for your skull and what’s inside it. Tipping the scale at a mere 3 pounds, its high-cut design enables the user to comfortably wear hearing protection and/or earmuffs. It boasts practical tactical features like ARC rails made of glass-reinforced polycarbonate and a 7075 aluminum NOD-attachment shroud. It is available in multiple color options. MSRP: $574.99, premierbodyarmor.com
