By Police1 Staff
Once seen as tactical-only gear, today’s police load bearing vests are designed to reduce injuries, improve officer comfort and maintain a professional appearance on patrol.
This FAQ guide answers common questions about police load bearing vests — what they are, why officers wear them, the advantages and disadvantages, and which products are most commonly recommended.
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Police load bearing vests: Frequently asked questions
Curious about how a police load bearing vest works, what it carries and whether it’s right for your agency? This FAQ covers the most common questions officers and administrators ask about police load bearing vests:
What is a police load bearing vest?
Why do police officers wear load bearing vests?
What gear can be carried on a load bearing vest?
What are the advantages of using a police load bearing vest?
Are there disadvantages to wearing a load bearing vest?
Should your department adopt police load bearing vests?
How should a police load bearing vest fit?
Do load bearing vests make officers hotter?
Do load bearing vests look professional?
| RELATED: Where to place your hands on your load-bearing vest
Where you rest your hands on your load bearing vest can mean the difference between reacting in time or being caught off guard. This short video demonstrates how reaction time changes depending on whether your hands are tucked inside, hooked at chest level or resting on the vest collar — and why position 1 offers the best chance to defend against a sudden attack.
Recommended police load bearing vests and accessories
If your department allows or issues load bearing vests, these popular models highlight the variety of options available. Each offers different strengths depending on your operational needs and budget.
- BlueStone Safety vest: Made in the USA, this load bearing vest from BlueStone Safety is custom-tailored to fit both the officer and their issued body armor. It offers a clean Class A uniform appearance while allowing custom-sewn pouches for personalized gear placement. Built with durable Cordura material for a perfect color match, it combines professional style with long-term comfort.
- Armor Express Traverse Dress Vest: The Traverse Dress Vest features a zippered front for easy donning, multiple storage pockets and hard armor plate compatibility. Built with AEVent and brrr cooling technology, it helps keep officers comfortable and focused during long shifts while offering MOLLE and laser-cut configurations for versatile gear setup.
- Safariland Bothell 2.0: The Bothell 2.0 offers a cleaner, more professional look with reduced MOLLE webbing, ambidextrous shoulder tabs and chest pockets for added function. Designed with officer feedback in mind, it balances professional appearance with everyday patrol utility.
- Safe Life Defense Uniform Shirt Carrier: Built to maintain a crisp Class A appearance, the Safe Life Defense Uniform Shirt Carrier combines external wear with Level IIIA multi-threat protection. Designed for comfort and coverage, it includes side straps and customizable patches while offering defense against handgun rounds, shotgun slugs and edged weapon threats.
- Point Blank Guardian: Engineered for adaptability, the Guardian Series offers a fully modular design that can be customized to each officer’s needs while maintaining full protective coverage. Built from durable 500D nylon with cooling spacer mesh, front-zip entry and multiple adjustment points, it delivers comfort, mobility and mission-ready versatility in a professional patrol carrier.
Pop quiz! Before you buy or issue a load bearing vest, make sure you can tell fact from fiction. Here are some of the most common myths about load bearing vests and the truth behind them:
Final thoughts
Police load bearing vests are more than just a comfort upgrade — they’re a wellness and performance investment. By shifting the weight of essential gear off the hips and onto the torso, officers can reduce long-term injuries and work more efficiently in the field. While challenges like cost and climate considerations exist, the overall benefits have led many agencies to transition away from belt-only systems.
Departments evaluating the switch should start with pilot programs, officer feedback, and careful product selection to ensure both safety and professionalism. For officers, adopting a load bearing vest may mean less strain, better mobility and more focus on the job that matters most: serving and protecting their communities.
