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What is the purpose of side armorError #1: Choosing only “by photo” without understanding the tasksError #2: Overloading the gear — buying “everything at once”Error #3: Uncomfortable height and body placementError #4: Incompatibility with the plate carrier format and attachmentsError #5: Ignoring height and buildError #6: Lack of testing with the full set of gearError #7: Ignoring interaction with the belt, load-bearing vest, and medical elementsError #8: Lack of periodic inspection and maintenanceWhat to consider when choosing side pockets for armor plates
This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
When military personnel or volunteers choose side armor and the format for placing plates, they often look at ready-made solutions like https://balistyka.ua/bichni-kysheni-pid-bronezahyst, but the choice of pockets alone does not guarantee convenience, compatibility, and an adequate level of protection. It is important to understand how side pouches for armor plates affect the weight of the gear, mobility, work with the belt and plate carrier, as well as which mistakes during selection most often create problems in the field.
What is the purpose of side armor
Side armor plates and pockets for them are an element that:
- partially covers the sides and lower ribs;
- complements frontal and rear protection;
- may be relevant for certain types of tasks, roles, and threat intensities.
At the same time:
- not all units require side protection;
- additional weight on the sides affects mobility, work with the belt, and entry into vehicles;
- the actual level of protection depends on the class of the plates themselves, conditions of use, and a number of other factors.
The mere presence of “pockets for side plates” does not guarantee that this configuration will be the best option for every fighter or for any task — the appropriateness of their use should be assessed considering the role, working conditions, and real needs.
Error #1: Choosing only “by photo” without understanding the tasks
One of the most common mistakes is focusing solely on appearance:
- “I like how the plate carrier looks with side plates”;
- “I saw something similar in a photo from another unit”;
- “it’s important that everything is maximally covered.”
Without answering basic questions:
- what real threats are more likely;
- are there unit requirements for configuration;
- how much time does the fighter actually spend in full gear;
- is there a need to work a lot in vehicles, in trenches, indoors,
side pockets can turn into more of a “checkmark” than a practical element of protection. As a result, the gear feels heavy, uncomfortable, and the benefits of side plates are unclear.
Error #2: Overloading the gear — buying “everything at once”
Another typical problem is the attempt to install:
- frontal and rear plates of the highest possible class;
- full side protection;
- a significant number of pouches all around.
Consequences:
- significant increase in overall weight;
- additional strain on the back, knees, pelvis, and shoulders;
- faster fatigue during movement;
- more difficult work in confined spaces (vehicles, trenches, shelters).
Side pockets for armor plates themselves add:
- mass;
- volume;
- possible points of snagging on surrounding objects.
If you also “attach everything that fits” (additional pouches, covers, accessories), the overall gear becomes too bulky. As a result, the fighter may feel that:
- it’s hard to sit normally in a vehicle;
- it’s uncomfortable to work with the belt;
- it’s difficult to make sharp lateral movements.
Therefore, before making a choice, it is worth honestly assessing: is the maximum level of side protection really needed for a specific role, or is there sense in fewer plates/lighter solutions, but with better mobility.
Error #3: Uncomfortable height and body placement
Even if the pockets themselves are chosen correctly, problems often arise due to:
- incorrect mounting height;
- too high or too low placement;
- conflict with the belt or clothing elements.
Typical manifestations:
- pockets press into the ribs when sitting;
- they dig into the pelvic bones and hinder walking, running, squatting;
- they protrude too much outward, making it difficult to pass between obstacles.
Practically useful:
- try on the gear in motion (squatting, running, getting in/out of a vehicle);
- check how the pockets “sit” with full gear, not just on a bare plate carrier;
- if necessary, adjust the height or format of the suspension (if the design allows).
Error #4: Incompatibility with the plate carrier format and attachments
Side pockets for armor plates can differ in:
- attachment method (MOLLE, pockets/slits for the cummerbund on the side of the plate carrier, integrated pockets, etc.);
- width and height;
- what specific plate sizes they are designed for.
Typical situation:
- the plate carrier has one format of cummerbund;
- the pockets have a different attachment standard or are designed for a different width;
- all of this is held “on half a strap” or with play.
Consequences:
- shifting of pockets during movement;
- misalignments;
- additional tension points that increase wear on straps and fabrics;
- the feeling of “instability” of the gear.
Before purchasing, it is worth:
- checking what size of cummerbund the plate carrier has (width, number of straps, type of MOLLE);
- comparing the dimensions of the plates that are planned to be installed;
- ensuring that the pockets are intended for that specific type of attachment.
Error #5: Ignoring height and build
The same configuration:
- may be relatively comfortable for a person of average height and build;
- and at the same time unsuitable for a very tall/short or more robust fighter.
Problems arise when:
- side pockets “eat up” useful space for arm and body movement;
- it’s hard to tighten the cummerbund without excessive pressure;
- the waist load or belt starts to conflict with the area where the plates are located.
Useful:
- try on the gear on the person who will wear it;
- assess whether the person can freely:
- bend;
- squat;
- take steps with a large leg extension;
- pay attention to where the side plates end in relation to the ribs and pelvic bones.
Error #6: Lack of testing with the full set of gear
Often, side pockets are tested:
- in the store or at home;
- without the full weight:
- without the full combat load,
- without the complete set of pouches,
- without a backpack, belt, helmet, etc.
In reality, the situation is different:
- the weight of magazines, water, medical pouch is added;
- belts, cables, radios appear;
- the time spent in gear increases.
In this mode:
- minor inconveniences turn into constant discomfort;
- the risk of chafing, pain in the sides, back, shoulders increases;
- any protruding detail can snag on elements of equipment, doors, trenches.
Therefore, side pockets and plates should be evaluated in the exact “set” in which the fighter will actually work, not just on an “empty” plate carrier.
Error #7: Ignoring interaction with the belt, load-bearing vest, and medical elements
Side pockets for armor plates are located in an area where there are often:
- elements of the waist load-bearing vest;
- holster;
- pouches on the belt;
- part of the IFAK or other critically important elements.
If this is not taken into account:
- the belt presses into the lower part of the pocket;
- it becomes harder to reach for weapons or medical supplies;
- additional pressure points appear when sitting and bending.
Practical approach:
- when adjusting gear, look at the overall picture around, not at each element separately;
- if necessary, slightly shift or rethink what should be on the belt and what should be on the plate carrier;
- check if it’s possible to comfortably access the most important elements (medical supplies, weapons, magazines) even with side plates.
Error #8: Lack of periodic inspection and maintenance
Side pockets, like other elements of gear:
- constantly work under load;
- come into contact with dirt, moisture, dust;
- experience tension from straps and the weight of plates.
If they are not inspected:
- worn straps, weakened seams, damaged areas may appear;
- hardware (buckles, Velcro) may start to work worse;
- there is a risk that something will tear off or unfasten under load at an inconvenient moment.
It is useful to periodically:
- check seams, attachments, MOLLE straps;
- clean and dry pockets after working in harsh conditions;
- ensure that the cummerbund is not constantly over-tightened, creating excessive strain on the fabrics.
What to consider when choosing side pockets for armor plates
To reduce the risks of typical mistakes, it is useful to go through a few key points:
-
Tasks and role
- is side protection really needed for a specific role;
- what types of threats are more likely.
-
Compatibility
- format and width of the cummerbund of the plate carrier;
- dimensions and type of plates that will be installed;
- type of attachment (MOLLE, integrated solutions, etc.).
-
Weight and balance
- overall weight of the gear considering the plates;
- weight distribution around (front, back, sides, belt).
-
Mobility and comfort
- ability to sit, run, work in vehicles;
- absence of excessive pressure on the ribs and pelvic bones.
-
Testing with the full set
- checking pockets in a real set of gear, not “bare”;
- assessing access to medical supplies, weapons, magazines, communication devices.
-
Maintenance and resources
- understanding how to clean, dry, and store gear;
- periodic inspections for wear.
In summary, side protection and side pockets for armor plates are a useful tool, but only when they are selected considering real tasks, the format of the plate carrier, the anthropometry of the fighter, and the overall configuration of the gear. Typical mistakes — overloading, uncomfortable placement, incompatibility of attachments, and ignoring the impact on the belt and movement — often become noticeable in the field when something presses, hinders movement, or worn attachments start to “give out.”
A more measured approach is to:
- first determine the need for side protection for a specific role;
- check compatibility with the existing plate carrier and plates;
- definitely test the gear in a full set and in motion;
- regularly inspect and maintain pockets and attachments.
This approach helps to more consciously shape the configuration of the gear so that side protection is a logically integrated element, rather than an accidental or formal addition.
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