Some of y’all’s articles will have a specific “best for most” pick, perhaps with some alternatives for different contexts. The headlamp article for example has this approach, and also gives a short description of the pros/cons of several alternatives. 

This article though is similar to the one on GB packs, where you lay out general guidelines for what to look for, and then provide a few picks in different categories.

How do y’all decide between these different approaches? Are all the medium plate carriers, for example, pretty equivalent, and readers should just pick what seems best in terms of budget and features?

For GB packs, I ended up getting the 5.11 Rush 72 just because it was in the GB kit builder and I was overwhelmed by all the options in the article and just wanted *something* to put my gear in. Maybe I’ll do the same for plate carrier and just get the TacTec because something is better than nothing and I don’t yet have expertise to know what I really want?? 

 

Certain aspects of prepping are so individual and unique to each person. It’s hard to give a definitive answer that this is the absolute best item for everyone when we all come in different shapes and sizes.

It’s easier to give a ‘best for most’ pick on something like a headlamp or water filter because it doesn’t change as much between people. Where as with a plate carrier, you have to consider what level of protection people want, body size, their ability to carry weight, and more. So in those cases, you teach people what to look out for when shopping and have them make the decisions for themselves according to their situation.

 

What’s y’all’s approach to plate carrier + go bag? Wearing both seems extremely unwieldy!

Similarly, how do y’all wear a holstered handgun with a GB? Wouldn’t the GB’s belt get in the way?

 

Like I had mentioned on a previous thread, I still am working on my bag so don’t have many recommendations there, but I do remember a forum post from a few months ago that might answer your second question. 

My current plan is to have a plate carrier and a go bag. The military seems to be just fine doing that and they get used to it. The military also, from what I’ve seen, straps their pistol to their chest on their plate carrier. 

 

sweet thank you very much!

 

Sharing a Tweet that Josh found on How to Wear a Plate Carrier: