Best Plate Carriers of 2025: DATA ONLY

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Best Plate Carriers of 2024 

IceAge Ecosystem Integration Comparison Chart

The tables below represent the thermal shift data from the plate carriers we featured in Best Plate Carriers 2025:

These tables show how the Best Pate Carriers of 2025 contestants stack up against the entirety of other plate carriers we've tested in our technical review series: 

 
Below is a comparison of plate carrier's Thermal Shift that we have tested. Let’s talk about what Thermal Transmittance actually is and why it matters.

Learn more about Methods of Heat Transfer here.

Flexibility in attachment options ensures you can adapt your loadout as needed. Limited attachment options restrict modularity, reducing a plate carrier’s adaptability. Let’s see which of the plate carriers we’re analyzing today have the most versatility. 

Most Attachment Mechanisms: ICEPLATE EXO® GEN 3
With five possible attachment mechanisms in the form of Velcro®, Molle, Swift Clip, G-Hook, and Zipper back panels adapters, ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 offers maximum versatility.   

Least Attachment Mechanisms: US Army MSV
The MSV has the least amount of versatility, with MOLLE being its primary means of attachment. However, products like the AXL Army AVP do allow swift clip and G-hook mounting.

Variety

Customization options for color, size, and configuration offer a wide variety of choices, enabling users to select the best combination to meet their specific operational and personal preferences. So let's see which of the options have the most variety. 

Country of Origin

Country of origin is a critical consideration when selecting a plate carrier. It is a dependable but not absolute indicator of innovation, quality, and craftsmanship. So, where do all of these plate carriers come from?

Made in USA: 
ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, Strandhogg V3, Slickster, IOTV, MSV, and PC Gen 3 are all Made in the USA, supporting domestic manufacturing excellence

Not Made in USA: 
The Armored Republic Testudo Gen 3 is Made in Vietnam. 

Country of Origin Comparison Chart

Price

Price is the least important factor when it comes to choosing a plate carrier because this is life preserving gear. How much is your life worth? The priority is ensuring that the equipment can perform when needed most. So what are the lowest and highest priced options in this lineup?

Conclusion

That wraps up our data-driven review of the best plate carriers for 2025. From integration with cutting-edge accessories to performance under extreme conditions, this analysis ensures you can make the best choice for your needs.

Let us know in the comments which plate carriers you want to see in future videos.

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About Qore Performance

For those of you who are new to Qore Performance, we live for Building A Superhuman Future. It is why we exist. We help customers be the greatest version of themselves, to create competitive advantages where none previously existed. We design, build, and manufacture thermoregulation and hydration solutions that weaponize temperature to improve performance and survivability for military, law enforcement, prepared citizens, pilots, outdoor enthusiasts, and industrial professionals at America’s greatest companies. If you’ve purchased chicken or coffee from a drive thru in the United States, there is a high probability you’ve seen our ICEVEST HiVis Safety Vests, our ICECASE iPad Cooling cases or both in use while rolling through one of these corporate powerhouses.

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