PIG Plate Carrier (US Pat. Nos. 9,222,757 & D781,000)
by Sean
PIG Plate Carrier - The PIG Plate Carrier is the most versatile PC I have ever worn. The LIK Kit is a huge plus for limiting the amount of straps hanging off of my body armor. Having the ability to change the attachment points for the Double D ring (I love saying that) to fastex is great for my weak side. I can still ditch it quickly on one side but don't have anything that interferes with my my rifle stock on my firing side. The super small profile of the PIG rig is amazing. i no longer feel like the state puff marshmallow man in my Armor. I was a little worried when i first put it on that it wasn't giving me enough coverage. Then I realized MY ESAPI plate was in it.... made me realize how poorly I had covered my vital organs in the past. The high riding PIG PC keeps my thoracic area covered better than any other PC I have ever worn and I have a full range of motion. The way I see it, I'll survive a gut shot more than likely (although the pain may make me want to die) but my chances of surviving a collapse lung due to trauma are slim.
The Patrol Incident Gear Plate Carrier (PIG PC) is a Patented (US Pat. Nos. 9,222,757 & D781,000) design that was over two years in the making. Starting off as a modified Eagle Plate Carrier Pre-production model in 2007, we threw out the drawing board altogether and performed a complete ground-up metamorphosis based directly on a list of functional attributes we wanted to feature. The result is the most versatile, and most highly-rated plate carrier on the market. The PIG PC is a lightweight plate carrier system that allows the user to configure the kit to work optimally with their mission profile. It is proudly Made in the USA, and offers some of the most unique features available on a plate carrier today.
Approx. weight (w/ Molle Cummerbund): 2 lbs 11 oz
- Elevated Plate Profile - Most plate carriers on the market tend to carry the plate extremely low in relation to the most vital organs and vessels in the upper-thoracic region they are meant to protect. One of the main goals of this carrier was to get both front and back plates high enough to maximize protection of your vitals. An adjustable plate harness pushes each plate to the top of the plate pocket, and keeps plates centered left and right through internal velcro stabilizers. The PIG PC also places the top of the rear plate ABOVE the connection point to the shoulder straps. This allows both front and rear plates to be optimally positioned without sacrificing comfort.
- One Size Fits Most – The adjustable plate harness and the internal Velcro stabilizers allow the wearer to use any size SAPI/ESAPI plate from Small through Extra Large (or similar corner cut plates) without having the plates bottom out or swim around in the carrier. The PIG is the only plate carrier that can secure this wide range of plate sizes while maintaining such a low footprint on the wearer.
- Rear Padding System - The rear plate carrier features two vertical back pads that keep contact off of your spine and creates an air-flow channel to aid in increased ventilation and heat dissipation. These vertical pads flow into the integral padded shoulder straps, creating a continuous shock-absorbing feature that is extremely comfortable for extended use.
- Hybrid Construction - Utilizes 500 Denier Cordura and lightweight Pack Nylon in different areas according to abrasion exposure to minimize weight.
- Multiple Cummerbund Options - Now you can get all the features you want, or just those you need with regards to the cummerbund. With 2 cummerbund options and 3 side plate carrier options, you have multiple configurations to select from.
- Scalable Side Plate Pocket Options - Now you can use 6"x 6" side plates as well as 6"x 8" & 7" x 8" models with the extended retention strap feature on both of our Side Plate Carrier models. The elastic expansion capability allows you to run just a side plate, or both a side plate and a soft armor backer behind it with no slop or movement in the pouch. The PIG Modular Side Plate Carrier (MSPC) adds the most versatility, securing most any size side plate with or without soft armor backer to any Molle surface.
- Dedicated Plate-backer Pockets - Each PIG PC ships with a custom cut foam panel that sits inside a dedicated pocket to increase comfort for the wearer. You can access and replace this panel with a soft armor insert without having to touch your plates and visa-versa. This makes plus-ing up or scaling down a much simpler operation.
- G-Hook Applications - The PIG PC is the first production Plate Carrier to utilize ITW G-Hook, easily one of the most versatile pieces of hardware available to the tactical market today. Used in the primary shoulder strap attachment, it allows the user to replace hardware in the field and select between a side release buckle or a metal D-ring assembly. The PIG PC Load Integration Kit also uses G-Hooks to seamlessly integrate the popular Eagle Yote pack to the PIG PC.
- Semi-Rigid Drag Handle - The tubular nylon drag handle houses a length of plastic tubing to increase surface area and comfort when gripping.
- Split Cummerbund Retention Flaps - By splitting the cummerbund flaps, the user is able to keep one side attached at all times through repeated don/doff cycles. The flaps' outer corners are retained by snap tabs that come up from underneath to keep the corner retained. Each flap includes a kangaroo pouch for hasty item storage or integration of dedicated flap pouches.
- Front & Back Velcro PALS - Now you don't have to settle for either just a velcro panel, or PALS without velcro. Both front and back plate compartments have velcro-covered PALS webbing that lets the user configure the Plate Carrier with ID patches or modular pouches as necessary.
To order a functional PIG-PC system, at a minimum you must select 1 x PIG PC Chassis and 1 x PIG PC Cummerbund. This Ala Carte system allows the user to custom configure their carrier for their specific mission straight from the vendor.
Want a Low-Profile High Mobility configuration with slick sides? Select the PIG PC Chassis with PIG-PC-CBE (Elastic Cummerbund). This is easily the most comfortable and adjustable combination.
Want to maximize load capability and run with side plates? Choose the PIG-PC Chassis with PIG Plate Carrier Molle Cummerbund (previously named: Soft Armor Compatible Molle Cummerbund) and PIG-PC-SPC-CBM (Side Plate Carrier, Molle Cummerbund). Want Cummerbund Soft Armor inserts and the Side plate in front of the soft armor? Select the PIG Cummerbund Soft Armor Inserts and the MSPC.
Options are as follows:
- PIG-PC-CBE / Elastic Cummerbund - A simple 4" wide elastic cummerbund attaches via velcro to the rear cummerbund channel on the PIG-PC Chassis. When configured, user should affix the cummerbund on the bottom-most 4 inches of the rear cummerbund channel, and correspondingly secure the front of the cummerbund at the bottom-most 4 inches under the front cummerbund flaps.
- PIG Molle Cummerbund (previously named Soft Armor Compatible Cummerbund)- Offering 10 columns and 3 rows of PALS webbing on each side, this cummerbund allows for a host of modular mounting options. Adjustments to the shock cord can be made through an adjustment slot in the rear cummerbund channel of the PIG-PC Chassis. The offset paracord pull handles aide in removal when doffing. The inside of the cummerbund is lined with loop velcro to incorporate the PIG-PC-SPC-CBM (Side Plate Carrier, Molle Cummerbund) with a webbing loop for a retention tether. *This item can be used with the Eagle Molle Plate Carrier with Cummerbund.*
- PIG Elastic Cummerbund Sleeve - Instantly provides you with 6 columns and 4 adjacent rows of Molle to increase your load bearing capability. The Elastic Cummerbund Side Plate Carrier: allows you to carry any side plate from 6" x 6", 6" x 8" and 7" x 8". The Elastic Cummerbund Molle Sleeve w/ Side Plate Carrier: combines the features of both of the previous systems into one product.
- PIG-PC-SPC-CBM / Side Plate Carrier for Molle Cummerbund - This velcro pouch offers the user a side plate capability for the PIG-PC-CBM. Due to the large velcro engagement area inside the cummerbund, the user has a host of placement options, fore and aft, as well as by turning the orientation of the pouch. The pouch will hold 6"x 6" side plates as well as 6"x 8" & 7" x 8" with the retention strap oriented up or down. The cord supplied with each PIG-PC-SPC-CBM is for a tether to be tied through the grommet on the cummerbund for additional retention in extreme environments.
- PIG-MSPC / Modular Side Plate Carrier- When running Soft Armor in the Cummerbund, it is important to keep the Side Plate in front of the soft armor. The MSPC allows the wearer to do just that. Utilizing Malice clips, the MSPC attaches to the PIG Molle Cummerbund and any other Molle interface.
- PIG-PC-LIK / Load Integration Kit - Utilizing the innovative G-Hook from ITW, this kit includes all the necessary hardware to allow for the seamless integration of load and/or hydration systems such as the popular Eagle YOTE.
- PIG-PC-GH-SRB / G-Hook Side Release Buckle Kit (2) - Each PIG-PC-Chassis includes this item as a primary attachment for front and back plate carriers. This kit provides 2 additional assemblies to use as field replacements, or to attach additional accessories to the array of G-Hook anchors on the PIG-PC padded shoulder straps.
- PIG-PC-GH-DD / G-Hook Double D-Ring Kit (2) - This double ring assembly allows the user to replace a G-Hook Side Release Buckle assembly on the PIG-PC Chassis to allow for a reduced profile, and very quick strap adjustment.
For plate carrier fitting advice, please see the SKD post: How to Choose the Right Size Plate Carrier
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PIG Plate Carrier Plate Installation
How to install plates in the front and back plate pockets for ...
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PIG Plate Carrier Soft Armor Compatible Molle Cummerbund
3 part video detailing the installation of the Molle Cummerbun...
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PIG Plate Carrier Elastic Cummerbund
Details and installation of the Elastic Cummerbund for the PIG...
Reviews
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UNBEATABLE!
The features of this plate carrier are what sell it. I was looking at the Banshee and the Mayflower units as well, but the number one feature that sold me was the split bib. This makes donning and doffing this carrier EXTREMELY easy. Another feature that I really like is the plate pouch system is very versatile and I don't have to worry about accidentally dropping a plate when I lift the bib as you do with the Banshee. SCORE! This plate carrier comes with some "semi-firm" foam pads in it which comes in handy if you are not running soft armor backers. The G-hook system seemed hokey to me at first, but they are made out of METAL and make height adjustments a breeze. For people worried about the quick disconnect buckles interfering with your rifle stock, DON'T! If you have this plate adjusted properly, the stock will rest directly on the plate. A+ to SKD on this home run!
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Outstanding
Never really used a plate carrier before so I will be a bit biased but since my time in the Corps ended a few years ago I've looked for a good chest rig. We still used the OTV back when I was in Iraq and didn't care much for the lack of mobility while Vehicle Commander. I absolutely love this carrier. I'm a big athletic built guy and it is perfect for my .308 loadout I have for my PTR91. The shoulder straps stay close to your neck, so that you can actually use the pocket of your shoulder to get a tight and secure stockweld, yet they don't rub against it. Sits high and comfortable and allows you to be very mobile. Couldn't be happier with my purchase.
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C'mon--You Know.
What can I say that hasn't already been said about the PIG. Recieved like three days after I ordered it (awesomeness), and I have to say, this is the best Plate Carrier I have come across yet. I have a Mayflower APC and an LBT 6094B, and this carrier just shelved them both. Quality is Top Notch, and the adjustability and fit of this thing is just out-fricking-standing! Wasn't sure about the split middle, then you kit it up, and wonder, where the hell has this been all my life? And the Plate Pouch, BRILLIANT! As every plate size I own was locked down tight and snug by the perimeter velcro around excess areas--no wiggle, no shift, no shit. Everything this company does is just...well...right, and has become my go-to vendor for all my tactical nees. Keep it up fellas, and thanks again for all you do
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PIG PC
Absolutely the best PC I've used. Im Army EOD and have put this thing through the ringer and it has done everything I have asked and more. I've used it with a battle belt system and it rides just right on the chest covering all vitals and does not rub against belt. It is clear that all features on this were carefully thought out and works as designed. I love the fact that the front flaps are spit and have 4 rows of molle each. All and all I am very pleased with my purchase and plan on buying more PIG gear.
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Fantastic
No complaints, I'm in love with this carrier. Puts the side plates where they belong for best protection and one of the most comfortable carriers I've worn.
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Awesome, but...
Overall this is a great carrier. I actually should have given it five stars and written a separate review of the side plate carriers because that's what I have issues with. I ordered the PIG plate carrier with MOLLE cummerbund and side plate carriers. The Velcro/cord tie down combination is not sufficient to hold the side plates securely. I have to make minor adjustments every time I put the carrier on for the side plates to be positioned correctly. I think the side plate carriers would be greatly improved if they could be attached to the cummerbund with MOLLE straps.
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PIG Plate Carrier
Very nicely made. Fits perfect right out of the box...I'm a thin framed guy and this is the first carrier that I do not have to bungee cord the cumber bun in back to get it to fit me snug/correctly. Thank you PIG! I do wish that there was more female Velcro covering a larger portion (top half would be great) of the back of the carrier.
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I beat my PIG up
Purchased a PIG, MOLLE cumberbund, and side plate pockets for my deployment to Afghanistan. Great comfort upgrade over issued IOTV and awesome weight savings. Size range was great as it accomodated my roughly 25lb weight loss with no problems. XL ESAPIs will hang out on the bottom a little but still are secure. Only complaint was after three months the stitching on the top of the front flaps where the "map/notebook" pockets are started to come undone. Most guys on my squad sold all their Gucci gear after the deployment but I'll be keeping mine for the next trip.
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Worth Every $
This PIG is on my top five for quality, confort and functionality. It's 100% customizable to fit any chest and waist size (I have a 40" CS), there's enough MOLLE in every inch of this PIG to run a combination of kangaroo pouches specific to the mission and it's the lightest PC I've ran with in quite some time. Ahh yes, the PIG is a great solution for addressing the use of different plate sizes. It took me approximately 1 minute to simulate the replacement of a damaged plate while wearing complete load. It's easy to remove, adjust and put on during SHTF or hurry up and wait missions. Last, my order arrived in 2 days. @SKD, you did a kick-ass job with this PIG!