Armor & Preparedness
Protection beyond the firearm — because the best fight is the one you walk away from.
A practical, no-hype guide to body armor, medical gear, communications, and emergency preparedness. Built for our community, by our community. Knowledge is armor too.
Why this page exists
Firearms are one tool in a broader safety ecosystem. Body armor, medical training, communications, and emergency preparedness are equally important — and often overlooked. This guide cuts through marketing hype and gives you honest, practical information so you can make informed decisions about your safety investments.
NIJ Protection Levels
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standard for body armor testing in the United States. Understanding these levels is the foundation of informed armor purchasing.
Old Standard vs. New Standard
NIJ 0101.06 has been the standard since 2008. The new NIJ 0101.07 standard (released 2023) replaces Roman numeral levels with "HG" (Handgun) and "RF" (Rifle) designations. Both standards will coexist for years as manufacturers transition. When shopping, look for the NIJ certification mark — not just "tested to NIJ standards."
| Level | Standard | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIA | 0101.06 | 9mm FMJ, .40 S&W FMJ | Lightest soft armor. Rare today - most manufacturers skip to II. |
| II | 0101.06 | 9mm +P, .357 Magnum JSP | Most common concealed soft armor. Standard for law enforcement patrol. |
| IIIA | 0101.06 | .357 SIG FMJ, .44 Magnum SJHP | Maximum handgun protection. Available in soft or hard plate form. |
| III | 0101.06 | 7.62x51mm NATO FMJ (M80 Ball) | Rifle-rated. Hard plates only. Does NOT stop M855 "green tip" unless specifically tested. |
| IV | 0101.06 | .30-06 M2 AP (Armor Piercing) | Maximum single-hit protection. Heavier plates. Single-hit rated only. |
| RF1 | 0101.07 (NEW) | Similar to old Level III + M855, M193 | New 2023 standard. Replaces Level III. Requires defeating common 5.56 threats. |
| RF2 | 0101.07 (NEW) | 7.62x51mm NATO M80 Ball | New standard. Roughly equivalent to old Level III but with updated test protocols. |
| RF3 | 0101.07 (NEW) | .30-06 M2 AP | New standard. Replaces Level IV with multi-hit requirements. |
Standalone vs. ICW (In Conjunction With)
Standalone plates provide their rated protection by themselves. ICW plates require a specific soft armor backer behind them to achieve their rating. ICW plates are lighter and thinner, but if you wear them without the matching soft armor, you may NOT get the rated protection. Always check the label.
ICW Plates: Read the Fine Print
Some budget plates are sold as "Level III" but are actually ICW-rated, meaning they require soft armor behind them. Without the backer, they may fail against the very rounds they claim to stop. Always verify: does the plate say "STANDALONE" or "ICW" on the label? If the listing is vague, contact the manufacturer directly.
Plate Materials Compared
Not all armor is created equal. The material your plate is made from dramatically affects weight, protection level, and how it fails when hit.
Steel (AR500/AR550)Not recommended
Pros: Cheap ($50-80), multi-hit capable, long shelf life
Cons: HEAVY. Spalling danger. Cannot stop M193 at velocity.
Ceramic (Alumina/Silicon Carbide)Best all-around
Pros: Lighter than steel, defeats AP rounds, no spalling
Cons: Can crack if dropped hard, limited multi-hit in same spot, thicker
UHMWPE (Polyethylene)Best for weight-conscious
Pros: Lightest option, buoyant, multi-hit capable
Cons: Cannot stop M855 or AP rounds alone, thick, heat sensitive (>200F)
Composite (Ceramic + PE)Premium choice
Pros: Best weight-to-protection ratio, defeats AP, thinner profile
Cons: Most expensive ($300-600+/plate)
Steel Plates and Spalling: A Serious Danger
When a bullet hits a steel plate, it fragments into high-velocity shrapnel called spall. These fragments travel along the plate surface and can hit your neck, arms, and face. "Anti-spall coatings" (truck bed liner) degrade over time and offer inconsistent protection. Steel plates also cannot stop M193 5.56mm at close range due to velocity-dependent fragmentation. For these reasons, most credible armor experts recommend ceramic or UHMWPE over steel for personal protection.
Plate Carriers by Tier
A plate carrier is only as good as its fit. A $400 carrier that doesn't fit your body is worse than a $100 one that does. Try before you buy when possible.
Budget
$60-120RMA Defender, Tacticon
RMA is well-regarded for plates AND carriers at the budget level. Honest quality for the price.
Mid-Range
$150-250Ferro Slickster, Spiritus LV-119, Defense Mechanisms MEPC
Excellent balance of comfort, modularity, and durability. Slickster is the gold standard for low-profile wear.
Premium
$250-400+Crye Precision JPC 2.0, Velocity Systems SCARAB, Shaw Concepts ARC
Industry standard. JPC 2.0 is the benchmark all others are measured against. Worth it for extended wear.
Recommended Plate Brands
RMA Armament— Best budget plates. Iowa-based, NIJ-certified, excellent customer service. The RMA 1155 (Level IV, ~8.3 lbs) is the go-to budget plate. Hesco— Wide range from budget to premium. Look for L210 (lightweight "special threat") or 4401 (Level IV). Highcom — Premium lightweight options. LTC/Hoplite— Premium ceramic/PE composites.
A Note on AR500 Armor
AR500 Armor is heavily marketed in the firearms space with aggressive advertising. While their steel plates function as rated, the spalling concern applies to all steel plates (see above). Additionally, some in the LGBTQIA+ community have noted AR500's political affiliations and marketing tone. We are not telling you what to buy — just encouraging you to research brands and spend your money where your values align. There are excellent alternatives at every price point.
Chest Rigs vs. Plate Carriers
Plate Carrier
- Holds armor plates for ballistic protection
- MOLLE webbing for pouches and accessories
- Heavier (plates + carrier = 15-25 lbs)
- Hot, fatiguing for extended wear
Chest Rig
- Lightweight — carries magazines, IFAK, radio
- No ballistic protection (that's the tradeoff)
- Much cooler and lighter for long wear
- Good option: Haley Strategic D3CRM, Spiritus Micro Fight
Ballistic Helmets
Helmets are IIIA rated only (handgun rounds). No helmet stops rifle rounds. Their value is protecting against fragmentation, ricochet, blunt impact, and pistol threats.
Team Wendy EXFIL
IIIACut: High / Mid | Price: $800-1,400
Gold standard. Used by US SOF. Excellent retention system.
Ops-Core FAST
IIIACut: High / Super High | Price: $900-1,600
Industry benchmark. ARC rail system is the standard.
Galvion Caiman
IIIACut: High / Mid | Price: $700-1,200
Modular boltless system. Growing military adoption.
Hard Head Veterans ATE
IIIACut: High | Price: $300-450
Budget option. Genuine NIJ-rated. Good entry point.
High Cut vs. Mid Cut
High cut helmets sit above the ears, leaving room for electronic ear protection (like Peltor ComTacs or Walker Razors). This is the most common choice. Mid cut provides slightly more side coverage but may interfere with ear-pro. For most civilian use, high cut with electronic ear protection is the way to go.
IFAK: Individual First Aid Kit
Medical gear should be your FIRST purchase - before armor, before extra magazines, before optics. You are statistically far more likely to need a tourniquet than a rifle plate.
Medical Gear > Extra Ammo. Always.
The number one preventable cause of death in trauma is uncontrolled hemorrhage (bleeding). A $30 tourniquet and the training to use it will save more lives than any amount of ammunition. Carry medical. Train medical. This is not optional — it is a responsibility.
Recommended IFAK Contents
Tourniquet x2 (CAT Gen 7 or SOF-T Wide)
One for self, one for buddy. ONLY buy from verified sources - NAR or direct.
Chest Seals x2 (HyFin Vent)
Treats penetrating chest wounds. Vented design prevents tension pneumothorax.
Compressed Gauze (Z-Fold)
Wound packing for junctional hemorrhage. Minimum 1 pack.
Emergency Pressure Bandage (Israeli)
For wounds not suitable for tourniquet (torso, neck proximity).
Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) 28Fr
Maintains airway in unconscious casualty. Requires training.
Hemostatic Gauze (QuikClot Combat)
Accelerates clotting. Use for wound packing in heavy bleed.
Nitrile Gloves (2 pair)
BSI - body substance isolation. Protect yourself first.
Permanent Marker
Mark tourniquet time on casualty's forehead. Critical for EMS handoff.
Casualty Card
Document interventions and times. Velcro to casualty.
Counterfeit Tourniquets Are Killing People
Amazon and eBay are flooded with counterfeit CAT tourniquets that look identical to genuine ones but fail under pressure. A counterfeit tourniquet will not stop arterial bleeding. Only buy from verified sources:
- North American Rescue (NAR)— narescue.com (manufacturer)
- Rescue Essentials— rescue-essentials.com
- Phokus Research Group— phokusresearch.com
If the price seems too good to be true ($10-15 for a "CAT"), it is a counterfeit. Genuine CAT Gen 7 tourniquets cost $28-32.
Get Trained: Stop the Bleed
Gear without training is just expensive dead weight. Take a Stop the Bleedcourse to learn tourniquet application, wound packing, and chest seal placement. FST offers Stop the Bleed training — check our Stop the Bleed page for upcoming sessions.
Communications
When cell networks go down (and they do - see Portland ice storms, wildfire smoke, Cascadia subduction zone), radio is your lifeline. Plan for it now.
| Type | License | Power | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRS (Family Radio Service) | None required | Up to 2W | 0.5-2 miles typical | Legal out of the box. Limited range. Good for short-distance group coordination. |
| GMRS (General Mobile Radio) | $35 FCC license, 10 years, covers family | Up to 50W | 2-25+ miles with repeaters | Best balance of legal ease and capability. Can use repeaters. Recommended starting point. |
| Amateur (Ham) Radio | Technician exam required (free-$15) | Up to 1,500W | Local to worldwide | Maximum capability. Requires study and exam. Huge community support. |
| Baofeng UV-5R (and similar) | GMRS or Ham license required to transmit | 4-8W | 1-5 miles typical | Cheap (~$25) but transmitting without license is illegal. Legal to receive/listen only. Not FRS legal. |
Baofeng Legality: Know Before You Transmit
Baofeng UV-5R and similar radios are not FCC Part 95 certified, meaning they are illegal to use on FRS/GMRS frequencieseven with a GMRS license. They CAN be used legally on amateur (ham) frequencies with a Technician license. Listening and receiving on any frequency is always legal. The fine for unlicensed transmission can be up to $100,000. Get your license first — the Technician exam is straightforward and study materials are free at hamstudy.org.
Our Recommendation: Start with GMRS
For most people, a GMRS license ($35, no exam, covers your immediate family for 10 years) plus a quality GMRS handheld (Midland GXT1000, Wouxun KG-805G, ~$50-80) is the best starting point. You get reliable 2-5 mile range, repeater access for extended range, and full legal compliance. Add ham radio later if you want to go deeper.
Night Vision: An Honest Assessment
Night vision is fascinating technology, but let's be real about what it means for civilians.
The Reality
Quality night vision starts at $2,500+ for usable Gen 2+ and $3,500-12,000+for Gen 3 / white phosphor units. Budget "night vision" under $500 is digital, laggy, and not comparable.
NVGs require extensive trainingto use effectively — depth perception is reduced, field of view is narrow (40 degrees vs. 180+), and you must learn to navigate, communicate, and manipulate gear in the dark.
For most civilians, a quality weapon-mounted light (Streamlight TLR series, Surefire, Cloud Defensive) and a handheld flashlight (600+ lumens) provide more practical capability per dollar.
If You Still Want In
PVS-14 monocular— The standard entry point. Single tube, can be helmet-mounted or handheld. Buy from reputable dealers (TNVC, Steele Industries, Gooningear) who hand-select tubes and provide spec sheets.
Thermal optics are a more practical alternative for detection. Handheld thermal monoculars (AGM, Pulsar, iRay) start around $500-1,500 and are excellent for situational awareness without the training overhead of NVGs.
Priority check:If you don't have body armor, an IFAK, a reliable weapon light, and communications sorted — those come first. Night vision is a force multiplier, not a foundation.
Emergency Preparedness
Portland sits in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. We experience ice storms, wildfires, and infrastructure disruptions. Preparedness isn't paranoia - it's responsibility.
Everyday Carry (EDC)
Always on you72-Hour / Go Bag
Grab-and-go in 5 minutesVehicle Kit
In your car at all timesExtended (2+ Weeks)
Sustained disruptionThe Cascadia Factor
The Cascadia Subduction Zone has a roughly 37% chance of producing a magnitude 8.0+ earthquake in the next 50 years. FEMA estimates that a full Cascadia rupture could leave Portland without water, power, and road access for weeks to months. The standard "72 hours" is a minimum — serious preparedness means planning for 2+ weeks of self-sufficiency. Start small, build consistently, and involve your household.
LGBTQIA+ Safety Considerations
Our community faces unique threats. Preparedness planning should account for these realities without paranoia, but with clear-eyed honesty.
The Threat Landscape
FBI data consistently shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals are disproportionately targeted for hate crimes. Anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes have increased significantly in recent years, with transgender individuals facing the highest per-capita rates of violence.
Historical events remind us why community preparedness matters: Stonewall (1969)showed us that the state will not always protect us — and sometimes is the threat. Pulse nightclub (2016) demonstrated that our gathering spaces can be targeted specifically because they are ours. Club Q (2022) reinforced that these are not isolated incidents.
This is not about living in fear. It is about making informed decisions from a place of empowerment rather than anxiety.
Mutual Aid & Community Networks
Build Your Network
- Know your neighbors — especially other queer folks nearby
- Establish communication plans that don't rely on cell service
- Pool resources: shared supplies, skills, and knowledge
- Connect with local mutual aid organizations
- Cross-train: medical, comms, navigation, de-escalation
OPSEC & Gray Man
- Gray man principle:Blend in. Tactical gear in public draws attention you don't want. Earth tones, generic brands, low profile.
- Digital OPSEC: Use Signal for sensitive communications. Limit what you share publicly about your preps and capabilities.
- Home security: Good lighting, quality locks, and a dog are more effective deterrents than advertising your armory on social media.
- Vary routines: Predictability is vulnerability. Small changes to routes and timing meaningfully reduce targeted risk.
Body Armor Legality in Oregon
Oregon: No Restrictions on Body Armor
Oregon has no state laws restrictingthe purchase, possession, or wearing of body armor by civilians. There is no permit required. You can buy it online, in stores, and wear it anywhere. Federal law prohibits possession by convicted violent felons only. Some states (Connecticut) require in-person purchase — but Oregon is not one of them. You are free to protect yourself.
Priority Framework: Where to Start
Overwhelmed? Here is the recommended order of investment, from most to least critical:
Medical Training + IFAK
Stop the Bleed course ($0-25) + quality IFAK ($80-150). This saves lives immediately.
Emergency Prep (72-Hour Kit)
Water, food, shelter, documents. Build over 2-4 weeks for ~$100-200.
Communications
GMRS license ($35) + handheld radio ($50-80). Total: under $120.
Firearm + Training
Quality firearm + professional training. Budget $400-800 total to start.
Body Armor
Plates + carrier. Budget option (RMA 1155 + budget carrier): ~$300-400.
Advanced Gear
Helmet, chest rig, night vision, extended preps. Build as budget allows.
Ready to Build Your Safety Foundation?
Start with training. Medical, firearms, and preparedness skills compound over time. Every step you take makes you and your community safer.