Body Armor for Survivalists: Gear Essentials for Preppers

body armor for survivalists

There is a saying which goes like “ We are only as civilized as our circumstances allow us to be”. Very few people understand the value of modern civilization, where for the most part, at least in first-world countries, the lives and livelihoods of people are safe. Yet, those who truly value this civilization understand the precariousness of this order and how swiftly it can unravel into chaos. Whether it is a natural disaster, a Pandemic, an all-out war like in Ukraine and the Middle East, or the unlikely demise of society as we know it, these people, as some may call them Survivalists or preppers, understand the importance of staying prepared for such situations. 

In such a situation, the first and foremost priority of every survivalist is personal protection. This is why body armor has become an indispensable asset for such people. So, if you are a survivalist, this post is for you. We will discuss everything you need to know to get the best body armor setup for your survival. From best practices to gear preferences…keep reading to learn more. 

What to Look for when buying body armor as a survivalist. 

In general, there are loads of things you should keep in mind when buying body armor, but to be more specific, we’ll talk about things from the perspective of a Survivalist or prepper. Here are the main things you should consider when you go body armor shopping. 

Reliable Protection:

First and foremost, you need to choose reliable armor. This means looking for Trusted, NIJ Certified body armor manufacturers, who make high-quality Armor panels and plates. The NIJ, or National Institute of Justice sets industry standards for body armor, and you can trust that an armor panel that meets these standards will offer reliable and consistent protection against the calibers that it is rated for. 

Versatility:

Next up, the most important thing to keep in mind is versatility. As a survivalist, you need to be prepared for a wide range of scenarios. Those diverse situations require different gear setups and armor specifications. Therefore, ideally, you should have a personal protection system that can fit both soft armor panels and hard armor plates. It should be MOLLE or Laser Cut Compatible, and should offer some level of concealability as well for situations where you want protection, but don’t want to attract attention. 

Finding all of these features in a single-body armor setup can be nearly impossible. However, we have a solution in the form of our Skeletac Hybrid vest… but more on that later. 

Weight and Mobility:

You also don’t want your body armor to be too heavy. Ideally, your personal protection system should be light, and more importantly, comfortable. In a survival situation, you need to be mobile and agile, and an ill-fitting vest can be quite detrimental to your mobility. 

Durability and Shelf Life:

As a survivalist, you must rely on their gear in unpredictable and prolonged scenarios. Therefore, you must look for body armor that has a long shelf life and is fairly durable. 

You see, most people don’t realize that body armor can expire as well. For instance, Kevlar and other aramid fibers, commonly used in soft armor, can degrade when exposed to moisture, UV light, and extreme temperatures. Similarly, ceramic and polyethylene plates, can suffer from micro-fractures or chemical degradation. 

These environmental factors can degrade the effectiveness of body armor over time, especially if it isn’t stored properly. You can learn more about the proper storage and maintenance of body armor plates here.

Now, you may be wondering, where to find an Armor system that checks all the boxes. Well, the Skeletac Hybrid Bulletproof vest is the way to go. 

The Skeletac Hybrid bulletproof vest is designed for maximum versatility. You can wear it as a concealed vest for discreet protection, but it also features discreet laser-cut webbing, allowing you to attach various gear and accessories. It’s compatible with Kangaroo Pouch systems, so you can easily convert it into an overt tactical vest for more demanding situations.

Additionally, It is compatible with soft armor panels that provide level IA ballistic protection, and it is also engineered to accommodate front and back 10×12″ hard armor plates, which can offer up to NIJ Level IV protection

The Skeletac Hybrid vest is built to last, featuring construction from durable 500D nylon fabric. It includes reinforced, rubberized shoulder straps and cummerbunds for added strength and longevity. Both the shoulder straps and cummerbunds are adjustable, allowing you to achieve the perfect fit for a comfortable and secure experience.

So, if you’re looking for a complete armor system, that can adapt to any situation, is extremely durable, and offers reliable protection, there is no better option than the Ace Link Armor Skeletac Hybrid Ballistic Vest. 

Men waring Skeletac Hybrid Tactical Bulletproof Vest

Skeletac Hybrid Bulletproof Vest

Tactical & Concealable at The Same Time

The Skeletac Hybrid Bulletproof Vest redefines the concept of tactical body armor with its unique combination of concealability and tactical versatility.

Whether worn covertly or overtly, this vest is a remarkable solution for individuals seeking reliable protection without compromising on style. Its seamless transition between these modes ensures that wearers can seamlessly adapt to different environments and potential threats, making it an ideal choice for Survivalists

COMES WITH ARMOR:
  • Level of Protection: NIJ.06 IIIA (stops multiple rounds of .44 Magnum)
UP ARMOR :
  • Optional Level 4 – Up Armor : This vest can accommodate front and back 10×12″ hard armor plates, which can provide additional protection against high-velocity rifle rounds.

What Sort of gear to carry on your body armor as a survivalist? 

Generally, being a person who takes prep and survival seriously, you’ll need a wide range of gear. Some of it may be stored in a fallout shelter or bunker, Some may be on an emergency grab-and-go bag, and some you can mount directly on your armor. 

The key idea behind the gear you carry on your armor is to ensure that, if you ever get separated from your main survival pack or get lost, you’ll still have all the essential items on you to survive until you can regroup and gather your complete survival kit. This approach ensures you’re never caught unprepared, no matter the situation.

Overall, here is a concise list of gear that you should have on your person in a survival situation. 

First Aid and Medical Supplies

  • An Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK): Includes bandages, tourniquets, hemostatic agents, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and medical tape.
  • Personal Medications: antibiotics and general use medications like Advil. 

Navigation and Communication Tools

  • A Compass and Map: Essential for navigation if GPS fails or is unavailable.
  • GPS Device: A durable, handheld GPS for more precise location tracking.
  • Radio/Walkie-Talkie: For communication with other team members or in emergency situations.
  • Whistle: For signaling in case you need to attract attention or alert others.

Self-Defense and Tactical Gear

  • Extra magazines for your firearm, securely fastened but easily accessible.
  • A Multi-Tool
  • A small, high-lumen flashlight for illumination in low-light conditions.
  • A sturdy, reliable knife for self-defense and utility purposes.

Survival Tools

  • A Firestarter Kit: Waterproof matches, lighters, and fire-starting materials.
  • Paracord: Great for building shelters, securing gear, and creating traps.
  • An Emergency Blanket
  • Duct Tape.
  • Signaling Mirror
  • Glow Sticks

What about a Ballistic helmets for survivalists?

If you want to take your personal protection survival gear to the next level, consider including a ballistic helmet. These helmets don’t only offer ballistic protection against shrapnel and small arms fire but are a crucial defense against blunt force trauma as well. 

These helmets help absorb and distribute the impact from blows to the head, reducing the risk of serious injury in scenarios ranging from civil unrest to natural disasters. 

Additionally, many ballistic helmets feature mounting systems for night vision devices, which significantly enhance situational awareness and operational capability in low-light conditions. By adding a ballistic helmet to your gear, you ensure a higher level of protection and preparedness for any unpredictable and hazardous situation you may encounter.