The Tactical Games: Sergeant Loadout – Plate Carrier, Battle Belt

In the event you’ve been following together with my army sergeant loadout for the Tactical Video games in Iowa. You then already know we’ve coated loads in Part I and Part II – from firearms and optics to ammo, holsters, and magazine pouches. And, simply as vital, we explored the “why” behind every alternative. At this time in Half III, we’re diving into the often-overlooked particulars: plate service, clothes, and battle belt. These may appear to be minor gear decisions, however in a sport the place each rep, second, and ounce of vitality issues, the small issues could make a giant distinction. For instance, having a correctly fitted plate service could make lifting a 150-pound sandbag over a yoke really feel an entire lot extra manageable. Let’s soar into this week’s loadout breakdown!

Health/Competitors Protection on AllOutdoor

The Tactical Video games, the place we push the boundaries of precisely partaking targets and bodily endurance.

Our group is constructed on the muse of adaptability and endurance, difficult people to change into the perfect variations of themselves by means of intense, difficult competitions.

Herein, the entire info supplied is the opinion of the creator by means of his private experiences in The Tactical Video games, in addition to his background main as much as the occasion. The gear and techniques advised forward are a method, however not the one method. Take it with a grain of salt.

The Tactical Video games Loadout – Plate Service

After years of competing in CrossFit, I had one trusty piece of drugs I knew I may depend on—my 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Service. It was my go-to just because I already owned it. Let’s be trustworthy—plate carriers aren’t low-cost, and I wasn’t attempting to drop one other couple hundred bucks earlier than my first Tactical Video games.

That stated, I’ll admit the 5.11 TacTec was an okay alternative. It bought the job carried out throughout the levels, nevertheless it wasn’t essentially the most snug choice on the market. It sits a bit of low, and I struggled to dial within the match and cinch it tight to my physique. All plate carriers bounce a bit if you’re shifting, however this one had noticeably extra bounce, particularly whereas working.

The Tactical Video games requires plate carriers to fulfill minimal weight requirements: 15 kilos for males and 12 kilos for girls. Your setup will get weighed at check-in, and when you’re gentle, you’ll want so as to add weight on the spot.

There are many methods to fulfill the burden requirement, however the best (and most snug) is utilizing the precise plates for the job. Most individuals suppose “laborious plates”—however these are both too gentle or method too heavy. Enter Jacked Rabbit Plates: versatile, gentle coaching plates that make an enormous distinction.

Whether or not you’re working or tossing sandbags, Jacked Rabbit plates transfer along with your physique, making it simpler to breathe and keep cellular. No, they gained’t cease a bullet—however they’ll positively save your lungs and shoulders throughout competitors.

Why Jacked Rabbit?
“Our rugged but versatile plates have been created to resolve the wants of the tactical athlete. In contrast to normal metal coach plates, our weighted inserts are crammed with metal shot, permitting them to type and flex with the athlete—with out the majority of conventional sand plates.”

The Tactical Video games Loadout – Garments

When it got here to garments, consolation and a full vary of movement have been high priorities for me. One factor I knew for positive—I wasn’t going to compete in shorts. I can’t stand the sensation of being sweaty after which getting grime and dust throughout my legs. It’s a combo I simply don’t take pleasure in. That’s why I went with pants—even within the warmth.

I selected the Born Primitive Frontier Pant Mild 2.0. They’re sturdy, light-weight, stretchy, and include built-in vents. I may hit deep squats with out feeling restricted or worrying about them ripping. And when the temperature climbed, the vent zips have been a lifesaver for airflow. I had zero points with these pants all through the weekend.

For shirts, I stored it easy—simply common t-shirts beneath my plate service. Nothing fancy right here. I might suggest bringing a pair of shorts, although. There are often 1–2 fitness-only occasions in a Tactical Video games competitors. Ours included a mile-and-a-half run and the Ranger ACFT. Having shorts for these made a giant distinction. I ran each occasions in RSVLT Athletic Shorts with built-in liners—snug and practical.

For footwear, I adopted recommendation from the Tactical Video games Athlete Fb group and introduced two pairs of footwear: one waterproof and one with an aggressive tread. The group’s go-to suggestions have been the Salomon XA Professional 3D Gore-Tex Path Runner and the TYR Males’s CXT-1 Turf Coach. I’m glad I listened. Lastly, for socks, I ran with the 5.11 Tactical Obligation Prepared Plus OTC Socks—the identical ones I used throughout my time in regulation enforcement. They’ve by no means let me down. No blisters, no bunching—simply dependable efficiency.

The Tactical Video games Loadout – Battle Belt

I ran a battle belt setup with each an internal and outer belt, and I actually appreciated the combo—it felt far more safe total. One in all my favourite elements was having the ability to peel off the outer belt after a stage. That little little bit of consolation between occasions goes a great distance if you’re attempting to recuperate.

My outer belt was from Javelin Ideas (sadly, they don’t make it anymore). I truly snagged it from The Tactical Video games Gear Fb group, which helped me avoid wasting cash. My internal belt was the Blue Alpha Inside Belt—a strong piece of equipment. It retains its form properly and cinches tight with none problem.

General, the battle belt setup was the precise name for me. It was straightforward to throw on and take off, felt safe throughout motion, and didn’t get in the way in which when squatting or slinging sandbags. The load wasn’t a difficulty both, which was a pleasant bonus.

The Tactical Video games Loadout – Closing Ideas

Trying again, I’m glad I didn’t blow my funds chasing the flashiest setup. My mid-tier gear did precisely what I wanted it to: it held up, stayed practical, and let me deal with performing—not twiddling with my equipment. The Tactical Video games are demanding sufficient with out having to battle your tools. In the event you’re gearing up, deal with reliability over hype—you’ll thank your self later.

Each piece of drugs I ran at The Tactical Video games was self-funded and chosen with intention. From my ammo to my pouches, I trusted my setup—and it held up beneath stress. Gear solely takes you up to now, although. The actual take a look at got here on the course. In my subsequent submit, I’ll break down the complete expertise: the highs, the teachings, and what I’d do in a different way subsequent time. You gained’t wish to miss it. Drop a remark when you’ve bought gear questions or wish to share your personal loadout!

Photographs supplied by Rosie’s Lens & The Tactical Video games Media Group

Alex Rueda

Alex is a former U.S. Military Infantryman and former regulation enforcement officer with years of expertise in firearms, techniques, and hand-to-hand fight. His background contains fight deployments, patrol operations, and coaching in high-stress environments. A former MMA fighter and CrossFit athlete, Alex now channels his skillset into aggressive taking pictures, actively competing in The Tactical Video games and sometimes sharpening his edge by means of 2-Gun & USPSA competitions. With a deep understanding of real-world functions and field-tested gear, Alex brings a no-nonsense, knowledgeable perspective to each article he writes.