Pros and cons of body armor. Is it even needed for your prep kit?

[Aimtite]

Picture this. Economical collapse and you are in the suburbs or in a rural area where you team up with neighbors. You share duties to protect your small community which include security detail. It would make sense to wear it.


Or, you got stuck at home with wife and kids and a gang of thugs is raiding a house across the street from you. Throw on your armor and make sure you have spare mags.

There are countless scenarios where it would be useful.

you are right. I guess there will be scenarios.
If we are moving and since we have limited weight capabilities ( We are humans, lets say we have to walk 200 miles to our destination and lets also say large scale chit like mentioned above)
we will have to make hard choices on what we are going to take that is going to guarantee our survival.

Lets take one extreme, like the military for example.

Infantry has 3 equipment priorities and 3 problems at the same time.

1-Weight
2-Weight
3-Weight

This was a problem 70 years ago and it is even a bigger problem now.

 

[FLA45fan]

What about the Interceptor OTV, wouldn't that be a good idea for home defense in a shtf situation?

 

[carpediem]

What about the Interceptor OTV, wouldn't that be a good idea for home defense in a shtf situation?

Go big! I bet it really hampers mobility!

 

[3GunDad]

Mayflower and Velocity make great plate carriers. The LWPC with a Haley Strategic DC3 chest rig can be worn under a jacket and nobody has to know you are wearing it. Ceramic plates reduce weight, but are much more expensive than AR500.

 

[Toecutter]

I'd rather have it sitting around my house just in case and never need it , even a bedside set up with a pistol and spare mags that i can throw on if someone breaks in at night.i don't think it would be a bugout item .

 

[carpediem]

Mayflower and Velocity make great plate carriers. The LWPC with a Haley Strategic DC3 chest rig can be worn under a jacket and nobody has to know you are wearing it. Ceramic plates reduce weight, but are much more expensive than AR500.

The ceramic plates also have a much lower multiple hit capability. They will stop the higher velocity rounds though. I saw a test of AR500 plates vs. .223 AP and ball. From a short barrel, they both failed to penetrate.
Edit--From a 22" bbl. bolt action rifle the AP did NOT penetrate and the M193 ball did.

 

[FLA45fan]

Go big! I bet it really hampers mobility!

Well, I don't think that in a shtf situation I'm going anywhere far, just sticking around home base so mobility vs "standing guard". I don't know, never had any military action, so fill me in. I guess if I had to go to town for whatever, I would rather have something concealed, grey man style under a shirt or jacket. But if I'm at home wouldn't it be better to have a higher level of protection?

 

[3GunDad]

IFAK would be a good idea. I have a Dark Angel kit with Halo Vent Seals, SOFTT-W and Celox. Carry it. I bring it to the range and all competitions. There was an ND at a local match this past month and the RO was hit in the thigh, someone had their Dark Angel kit and saved a life. The moment chooses you, carry it.

 

[carpediem]

Well, I don't think that in a shtf situation I'm going anywhere far, just sticking around home base so mobility vs "standing guard". I don't know, never had any military action, so fill me in. I guess if I had to go to town for whatever, I would rather have something concealed, grey man style under a shirt or jacket. But if I'm at home wouldn't it be better to have a higher level of protection?

I wouldn't know either, but the thing reminds me of an old suit of armor. I guess it is, in a way. They make the small plate carriers for the discreet situations. Soft armor could be an option for easier concealment. Have you seen the Spartan Armor swimmers cut plates? They are small.

IFAK would be a good idea. I have a Dark Angel kit with Halo Vent Seals, SOFTT-W and Celox. Carry it. I bring it to the range and all competitions. There was an ND at a local match this past month and the RO was hit in the thigh, someone had their Dark Angel kit and saved a life. The moment chooses you, carry it.

IFAK is a good albeit pricey idea.

 

[FLA45fan]

What about the Interceptor OTV, wouldn't that be a good idea for home defense in a shtf situation?

Ok I'll fest up. Got some for just in case. Older IIIa vest that I keep under the bed for "alarm incidents" and a brand new IIIa Palm mini throw over that I ordered sight unseen. The latter is a bit small in regards to coverage for chest and back and has no side protection whatsoever. In regards to OTVs I thought they were illegal to have, government property or something like that.

 

[Cooolone]

So... My thoughts have centered on the fight, or any anticipated encounter in SHTF scenarios. The plate carrier and protection from rifle caliber is and has been noted here. But I didn't see anyone talk about protection from handgun caliber or the most likeliest encounter possible if mobile trying to bug out... We forget in that scenario there will be thousands moving, whether in foot, on wheels, in the air... You won't be alone, so you may want to avoid interaction and encounters but is that reality? And not all anticipated encounters will be as you have planned, arranged or expect. Expect the unexpected even once in your safe zone. I believe wearable armor, in handgun rated ballistic protection is worthwhile and in the form of clothing, vest/jacket are even better as they conceal their purpose. Most are good for blade attacks as well and something worth considering and should not be dismissed

Just some thoughts...

 

[GOPerfect]

Too me, it is not a Pro/Con discussion.

Way to many different situations you can find yourself.

There is a place for body armor at times; other times, not so good.

If trying to trek through the wilderness to escape gang violence in the cities, maybe not so good.

While deployed, there were times when I would wear what was given, other times, it stayed behind. When I was an MP, sometimes I would wear my vest and other times I would not. Same with my current job, there is a time and a place for all different types of equipment.

 

[carpediem]

I thought I saw something really similar to the OTV for sale on AR500.com. It was really expensive, and I didn't see if it said restricted sale. If I recall correctly, the thing was thousands of dollars.

 

[carpediem]

So, maybe a good concealed vest for a bug out and steel plates for a shelter in place type scenario. I feel like those of us off the beaten path would have better luck avoiding people, and may be better able to somewhat control contact. I don't plan on doing much moving, there are some nice, quiet and defensible areas close. They're also largely unknown. I guess as @GOPerfect says, it has it's uses and it can be a drawback. I think it is something good to have available, and if we are cursed with that sickly woman as president, may be banned.

 

[Celt]

IFAK would be a good idea. I have a Dark Angel kit with Halo Vent Seals, SOFTT-W and Celox. Carry it. I bring it to the range and all competitions. There was an ND at a local match this past month and the RO was hit in the thigh, someone had their Dark Angel kit and saved a life. The moment chooses you, carry it.

Im putting the finishing touches on my ifak now.. but it willstay in my truck so it can go everywhere with me.

 

[Celt]

Ill also be investing in soft armor i can wear under a shirt. Ill keep it in my truck in case i get caught out there.

 

[Airborneguy]

Why does everyone always talk about "moving" in a SHTF scenario?

Without a clear destination, movement is pointless and far more dangerous than hunkering down in a known location.

I recognize one may HAVE to move at some point, but I don't consider it the main focus of preparations.

 

[MilesTeg]

Why does everyone always talk about "moving" in a SHTF scenario?

Without a clear destination, movement is pointless and far more dangerous than hunkering down in a known location.

I recognize one may HAVE to move at some point, but I don't consider it the main focus of preparations.

Agreed I don't understand it at all. If I'm up and roving a lot of bad things have happened and I don't know if I want to survive in that fashion. I would probably counter attack to my peril just to make the people that forced me out to feel real pain.

 

[Celt]

Why does everyone always talk about "moving" in a SHTF scenario?

Without a clear destination, movement is pointless and far more dangerous than hunkering down in a known location.

I recognize one may HAVE to move at some point, but I don't consider it the main focus of preparations.

For me, i need to move from my home to my bugout location many, many miles north.

And if it were a terror attack, i expect that to be during a work week when im stuck in new york shitty, so ill have at least 50-60 miles to get home.

Then there will be scavenging that is needed, or hunting, or perhaps raids on warring clans when it goes on for an extended time frame.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I think avoiding conflict should be a primary strategy in any shtf enviornment.

This is the set up i was looking at. https://catiarmor.3dcartstores.com/mobile/Tan-Sentry-Carrier-with-2-10x12-Armor-Plates_p_90.html

It seems streamlined enough without molle pouches where perhaps you could even wear a loose hoody or light jacket. If you could conceal the plate carrier if walking in town for example it would probably be wise, you would want to attract as little attention as possible.

However if you are planning or expecting an armed conflict then that's a different scenario...

 

[Celt]

Avoiding is good of course. But being a student of history tells me thats not how it will always be, and "the walking dead" does a decent job of capturing this.

People will ultimately form clans/communities as we are social creatures. And clans will war with each other over natural resources. This is a natural human behavior that we have been doing since the dawn of man.

This is a very real possibility.

The only downsides to armor is weight/mobility, and the "visual aspect" of being seen with it when by yourself.

 

[speedkills27]

I thought abut investing in IFAK but dont have the skills or knowledge to use one, YET. If anything it would be someone else using it on me (hopefully never need it). during training i do carry a commercially avaible kit with combat gauze and all the other goodies, just not the chest seal and decomp needle

 

[Airborneguy]

Ill also be investing in soft armor i can wear under a shirt. Ill keep it in my truck in case i get caught out there.

I have an extra set I've been considering selling. Used but in great condition and too big for me. I have it under my dresser just in case, but really have no use for it any more. It's Second Chance Level IIIA, no trauma plate.

 

[carpediem]

Why does everyone always talk about "moving" in a SHTF scenario?

Without a clear destination, movement is pointless and far more dangerous than hunkering down in a known location.

I recognize one may HAVE to move at some point, but I don't consider it the main focus of preparations.

There will be a mass exodus from the large population centers I would imagine. With the density of residents and the amount of available resources, not to mention the likelihood of violence, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near NYC when those people start fleeing. If I lived near there, I might move with the intent of just getting away from there. Where I currently live, not planning on much movement unless things get bad. But you bring up another thought I once had. Would it be advantageous to build a hardened survival structure, or "bunker" to some? Most houses aren't designed to survive an "attack". Fire, battering with large objects, multiple points of entry that are hard to defend all make a standard home somewhat less desirable to hunker down in.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Why does everyone always talk about "moving" in a SHTF scenario?

Without a clear destination, movement is pointless and far more dangerous than hunkering down in a known location.

I recognize one may HAVE to move at some point, but I don't consider it the main focus of preparations.

For me, moving will be walking home from NYC like Celt said or escaping home if I get wind of something on my Ham radio or by word of mouth.

Escaping home could be escaping mandatory evacuations or voluntary evacuations issued by myself if staying home becomes hazardous.

In that case, I escape deep into the state park nearby by home.

Otherwise, I stay put.

 

[Celt]

I have an extra set I've been considering selling. Used but in great condition and too big for me. I have it under my dresser just in case, but really have no use for it any more. It's Second Chance Level IIIA, no trauma plate.

Im about 6', 200 lbs with 48" chest. Would it fit me? And how much are you lookingvto get for it?

 

[Celt]

For me, moving will be walking home from NYC like Celt said or escaping home if I get wind of something on my Ham radio or by word of mouth.

Escaping home could be escaping mandatory evacuations or voluntary evacuations issued by myself if staying home becomes hazardous.

In that case, I escape deep into the state park nearby by home.

Otherwise, I stay put.

walking home with some teammates of course.

 

[3GunDad]

You need someone to cover your 6 !

 

[Celt]

There will be a mass exodus from the large population centers I would imagine. With the density of residents and the amount of available resources, not to mention the likelihood of violence, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near NYC when those people start fleeing. If I lived near there, I might move with the intent of just getting away from there. Where I currently live, not planning on much movement unless things get bad. But you bring up another thought I once had. Would it be advantageous to build a hardened survival structure, or "bunker" to some? Most houses aren't designed to survive an "attack". Fire, battering with large objects, multiple points of entry that are hard to defend all make a standard home somewhat less desirable to hunker down in.

Great point, and something im always thinking about. Ideally, a hidden home/bunker will increase your chances. But unless you have a "super bunker" with multiple hidden exits, and well disguised air vents in fake trees, etc... then a good tracker is likely to find signs of human activity, and they can wait you out.

So if your hinkering down in your home, board the windows (leave peep holes) make it look like it was ransacked by throwing shit in the front yard. Maintain light discipline, and hopefully you have teamed up with trustworthy people to maintain a security watch. But again, location and shtf scenario can change everything.


Now, this topic was about body armor, but it has evolved well.

 

[dsdmmat]

There will be a mass exodus from the large population centers I would imagine. With the density of residents and the amount of available resources, not to mention the likelihood of violence, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near NYC when those people start fleeing. If I lived near there, I might move with the intent of just getting away from there. Where I currently live, not planning on much movement unless things get bad. But you bring up another thought I once had. Would it be advantageous to build a hardened survival structure, or "bunker" to some? Most houses aren't designed to survive an "attack". Fire, battering with large objects, multiple points of entry that are hard to defend all make a standard home somewhat less desirable to hunker down in.

There is an old saying: civil engineers build targets, engineers build weapons. Another one is never baracade yourself in something that can be burned down around you ( Waco). If you see the mob coming and it is they type of mob that is raping, looting and pillaging, you will have to take them out long before they see your property or leave before they get to you.

Now you know why I practice shooting at distance.