What is a “loadout” and what are the common variations?

Are their standard loadouts for plate carriers? Not really because the very reason your plate carrier offers so many load-out options is to make it mission specific, mission-adaptable. The long list of pouches and carrying options is driving towards being unlimited and includes the expected standards – ammo pouches, medical kits, communications equipment, back-up weapon, bleeder/blowout pouches, dump pouches, water and flashlight holders, patches, shoulder pads, and side plate inserts, depending on the design of your carrier. Police agencies have defined standards by mission as does the military and these are based on the threats they have faced and the ones they expect to encounter. All of which were calculated to meet expected mission needs while providing the necessary munitions, safety, medical and communications equipment required while being as non-restrictive as possible in order to give their personal the freedom of movement to meet and neutralize the threat while staying in the fight. 

In response to a “show us your carrier” contest a couple of years ago we received a memorable photo of one of our Warrior Carriers being worn by a guy pushing a stroller and it was “loaded out” with diapers, extra pacifiers, wet-wipes, baby bottles, a blankie, and a change of clothes for the baby. A serious mission specific load out for the important mission at hand.