5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier vs Rogue Echo Weight Vest

To most people, one of these companies is not like the other.

…and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that…but we gotta be real about things. When people think of Rogue, they think of elite and other top-level athletes, indestructible training gear, and innovative equipment. When people think of 5.11 Tactical…well…I can’t speak for everyone, but I’d be willing to argue that it’s pretty different, especially when comparing the…

5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier vs Rogue Echo Weight Vest

…and that being said, there is nothing wrong with this: 5.11 makes a lot of legit outdoor gear and offers some excellent, “hidden gems” gear for more “functional fitness” ventures…gems like the 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier.

“Introducing the TacTec Plate Carrier from 5.11 Tactical®, a high-performance, lightweight, and mobile plate carrier designed to provide you with exceptional comfort and maximum range of motion. Whether you’re using it as a fully functional ballistic plate carrier or as a weighted fitness vest, our patented TacTec Plate Carrier is the most comfortable you’ll ever wear.

Constructed with rugged, lightweight 500D nylon, the TacTec Plate Carrier features padded yoke shoulder straps, perforated mesh, and front and back padded panels with built-in airflow channels. The innovative design allows for optimal mobility and breathability, ensuring that you stay comfortable and protected during even the most demanding situations.

The TacTec Plate Carrier accommodates medium and large ESAPI ballistic plates and includes a low-profile Grab-Drag handle for emergency exfiltration. The adjustable shoulder straps and skeletonized waistbands with stretch provide a secure fit for sizes S-XL. The one-handed quick-release cable system allows for a fast and efficient escape when needed.

Designed with oversized airflow panels and a laser-cut loop MOLLE and web MOLLE platform, the TacTec Plate Carrier offers exceptional functionality and customization options. The top admin front pocket features a hook/loop closure and pull tab for easy access to essential gear.

The TacTec Plate Carrier is an ideal choice for professionals seeking a high-performance, comfortable, and mobile plate carrier. Its versatile design makes it perfect for duty or your next workout, providing the protection and functionality you need. Invest in the TacTec Plate Carrier and experience the difference in comfort and performance.”

In contrast, the Rogue Echo Weight Vest is the current reigning best weighted vest on the market. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get as much hype because of all of Rogue’s top-level gear. Regardless, you can tell that Rogue put a lot of time and effort into their description of it:

“NEW PATENTED DESIGN

The Rogue Echo Weight Vest features a minimalist design paired with enhanced functionality. Compatible with Rogue USA Cast Plates and Echo Cast Plates, it comes in three adjustable sizes (see Measurement Guide) and is available in three military-inspired colors: Black, Ranger Green, and Coyote Brown. For a similar, American-made vest design, see our original Rogue Plate Carrier.

DESIGNED FOR A CUSTOM FIT

All sizes of the Echo Weight Vest include adjustable Velcro® shoulder straps with integrated shoulder pads. The belt features an overlapping Velcro® closure with built-in elastic in the back, allowing the strap to stretch with the rib cage for easier breathing and reducing excess movement. Once adjusted to a custom fit, the vest maintains a glove-like feel, providing structure and bounce-free stability while still giving the athlete the freedom to move through training comfortably.

ROGUE QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

Constructed with front and back padded pockets that each hold up to 20LBS Echo Cast Plates, the built-in retention straps and Velcro® flap closure keep plates secure during intense workouts. The interior pockets are crafted from 1000D Cordura® for superior durability, while the exterior utilizes abrasion-resistant 500D Cordura®, with a stretch woven fabric lining for comfortable wear directly against the skin.

Stability and customization are key, with a webbing MOLLE platform providing stabilizing loops for accessories, and a large loop Velcro® platform for nameplates or patches. As an added feature, a Velcro® front pocket provides convenient storage for small personal items. Reflective branding enhances visibility in low light conditions, making the Rogue Echo Weight Vest a perfect combination of comfort, durability, and functionality.”

To be honest, I wouldn’t expect anything else from Rogue.

Those intros aside…

Rucking

There are going to be a couple of recurring themes that are going to be seemingly ever-present throughout this review. The first of these is comfort…

…comfort.

I know that you’re probably wondering why this is the first thing I’m mentioning here (and maybe even how it applies to an item as inherently uncomfortable as a weighted vest). Well, it’s because the 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier happens to be the most comfortable weight vest I have ever put on.

By. Far.

Now think about how it feels to walk for 1, 3, 5, 12, or more miles in gear that isn’t comfortable. Yeah…for the first few hundred yards, no big deal, but soon enough…no bueno.

If you happen to be one of the dedicated weighted vest ruckers out there (and if you’re not, you should be since walking with added weight significantly increases exercise intensity and skeletal loading (Puthoff, 2006)), the TacTec Plate Carrier may be the vest that you’ve been searching for.

The padded and slightly over-sized straps feel more like those of a GORUCK bag and the extra cushioning around the vest plate pockets creates an extra layer of impact resistance between your chest/back and the plates.

Additionally, although they aren’t exactly dedicated gear storage compartments, the vest plate pocket’s large and generally “accommodating” structure allows for smaller items (phone, wallet, small water bottle, small snacks) to easily be stashed inside. This quality alone sets it apart from the vast majority of, usually more minimalist weight vests.

Speaking of “minimalist” weight vests, the Rogue Echo Weight Vest’s multiple size options (Small, Medium, Large) allow for a degree of customization that is very uncommon among weight vests. Although the vest itself doesn’t have the same comfort-enhancing qualities as 5.11’s offering, the fact that trainees have more discretion over the general size of this vest allows it to catch up a bit.

The thinner, skinnier straps aren’t nearly as comfortable as the TacTec Plate Carrier’s but aren’t really bothersome either. Additionally, the inherent “high-and-tight” positioning of the plates promotes more of an upright posture, enhancing comfort during longer rucks. However, the Echo Weight Vest’s storage capabilities are essentially non-existent.

We’ll talk much more about capacity later on, but the TacTec Plate Carrier’s is roughly 1.5 times that of the Echo Weight Vest’s…and important are of consideration for more experienced ruckers who can handle larger loads.

Overall, the Echo Weight Vest could easily be classified as an above-average rucking vest…but the TacTec Plate Carrier, mainly due to its superior comfort is an excellent vest for rucking. It wins out here.

Winner: 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier

“Dynamic” Rucking/”Murph”

I’d be willing to wager that this is the category that people scroll to when they click on this article. After all, weighted vest training has been shown to improve body composition and reduce insulin resistance (i.e. your chances of getting diabetes!), in trainees (Kim et al., 2024).

It also happens to be where we introduce the second running theme of the post.

Freedom of movement

Don’t get me wrong, the TacTec Plate Carrier’s extremely high comfort level applies to all types of weighted vest activities, but when it comes to more “functional fitness” types of workouts, nothing compares to it. I have never worn a vest that allowed me to so easily get (and keep for extended periods of time) my arms above my head or to squat without altering my stance.

You know…the best way to describe the Plate Carrier is that in it, I’m able to move just like I am when I don’t have it on…just with extra weight. Unlike most vests, the dimensions and the vest itself aren’t the challenges.

If you’ve never trained in a weighted vest before, this may not make a whole lot of sense to you, but if you have…you know exactly what I’m talking about. Combined with how comfortable it is, this is the vest you want if you want to PR something like Murph (particularly the run, pull-up, and squat…hell…never mind…).

Unfortunately, for the Echo Weight Vest, it happens to be up against the best weighted vest for CrossFit in this matchup…because it is a really good option in itself. Due to its more exact sizing and almost form-fit, it also does a better job of promoting movement freedom than the vast majority of other vests.

Due to how tight the front plate is against the chest, I don’t experience that almost “dribble”-like feeling on each push-up (if you know, you know…) as it bounces off the ground nor that constant shake during runs. I wouldn’t say it’s as easy to get arms overhead (this is the downside to the tighter fit as it somewhat restricts movement), but its shorter overall length helps to not impeded squats/squatting form.

Another underrated strength of the Echo Weight Vest, but something that should never be overlooked is how easy it is to get off during the “post-WOD plop”.

(one of the best feelings in the world, if you ask me!)

A final thing to note is that neither of these vests are all that great at being training implements by themselves…like, you’re not gonna want to do “vest swings” or things of that nature with them (sorry GORUCK GRT crowd!)

In another somewhat surprising outcome, the Echo Weight Vest loses again…although, to be fair, it loses this point to the CrossFit weighted vest GOAT.

Winner: 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier

Load Capacity

Frankly, I think that this category is a bit overrated.

Of course, I understand that the whole point of a “weighted vest” is to…ya know…use excess weight to make more common movements (ex. pull-ups, push-ups, running) more difficult than they normally would be, but some people just take it too far.

I am a staunch believer in only working with a weighted vest when you can handle bodyweight stuff really well and that the vast majority of people are going to be able to do just about everything they need to do with 20 pounds of added weight or less.

(Yeah, I know you’ll want to go for a 1-rm weighted pull-up max at some point, but these activities are few and far between)

That intro aside, we nevertheless know that many of you do want to go as heavy as possible. If this is the case, the nod goes to the TacTec Plate Carrier.

Because the weight vest plate pockets on the Plate Carrier are larger and more accommodating of differently-shaped plates (although “long” ruck plates aren’t gonna work here), it can pretty easily fit a couple of 30-pound plates pretty well.

In contrast, the Echo Weight Vest is a bit more…stubborn with the types of plates it is willing to accept. It isn’t as stubborn as many others that will only accept hexagonal, ESAPI-sized, but you’re gonna be hard-pressed to fit many plates other than those shaped like the Rogue Echo Weight Vest Plates into it. These don’t go as heavy (they max out at 20 pounds), but they’re decent.

I don’t think I’ll find too many people out there who feel like they’re gonna be short-changed by only working with 40 pounds of additional weight (as opposed to 60…), but nevertheless, the TacTec Plate Carrier has a higher ceiling in this category.

Winner: 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier

Customer Reviews

Sometimes when I do these reviews, I feel kinda bad when I have to declare a “winner”, even for a single/specific section. This mainly occurs when there are two pieces of equipment that are both really good, but one just happens to slightly nose out the other, whether it is for a specific category or for a collective score.

It’s worse when it’s two pieces of gear that I personally really like…like the two we’re discussing today.

Now that I’ve effectively killed any suspense that may have been building, I’ll just be straight with you: the Echo Weight Vest (with scores exclusively tabulated on Rogue’s main site) currently enjoys a collective review score of 4.7 out of 5. Meanwhile, the TacTec Plate Carrier slightly edges it out with a 4.8 (across both Rogue and the 5.11 Tactical main site).

Close…really close.

What’s more is that both have a decent number of reviews, creating large enough sample sizes to be confident in what the masses have to say on these topics.

Of course, we have to highlight some of our favorite “bad” reviews (of which there are very few for both offerings). First, let’s hear from “CyrusA” on the plate carrier:

Complaining about a lack of instructions…for a weighted vest?

No, Cyrus…I cannot, in fact, dig it.

In Echo Weight Vest news, apparently it’s the vest’s fault that this user overlooked (or ignored) the “*plates sold separately” note on the product page:

“Weights not included

Thought these came with a pair of 5lb weight plates as attempted to order together. Unfortunately they did not, now have to pay for another shipping for weights. Considering returning due to the frustration.”

In my opinion, if these are the worst the people have to say about these two, they’re doing pretty well with the fitness masses. However, the TacTec Plate Carrier does do a little better here than the Echo Weight Vest.

Winner: 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier

Price

Score another point (and a pretty major one, in our humble opinion) for the Rogue Echo Weight Vest here, although to be fair…it doesn’t really “excel” in this area; the TacTec Plate Carrier just happens to be a particularly expensive vest option.

At $145, the Echo Weight vest is on the slightly lower-end of the price range for “premium” training weight vest options. Granted, it’s not exactly cheap for a training accessory, but relative to other name-brand vests, it doesn’t demand all that great of a premium, if any.

On the other hand, 5.11’s option has recently risen to a mouth-watering $250…over $100 more than Rogue’s.

Even at $220, it was more expensive than most other training vest options (outside of those niche, “900-pound capacity” vests), and has now crossed solidly into “should I get a new (cheap) barbell instead?” territory.

Something else about these two: during the holiday season, it isn’t uncommon for Rogue to discount this vest ~10-15 percent, potentially saving you ~15 to 30 bucks on it. In contrast, the TacTec Plate Carrier is one of the few items that 5.11 never seems to put on sale…so if you really want it, you’re gonna have to pay full freight.

No contest here: the Echo Weight Vest is the clear winner.

Winner: Rogue Echo Weight Vest

Overall Winner

According to our metrics, the 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier is today’s winner!

In a previous category, I mentioned that I was slightly crestfallen that I have to put two really good vests up against each other and declare one to be the “winner”. Here, it is pretty clear cut that the 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier is the superior vest.

…but that doesn’t mean that the Echo Weight Vest is a “bad” vest…and it’s an especially good choice if you’re not ready to put out $250 for your next vest. Also, despite how comfortable the TacTec Plate Carrier is, the multiple size options of the Echo Weight Vest is a unique and very attractive characteristic.

Ultimately, we don’t see a situation where you’re going to be upset with either of these vests…the TacTec Plate Carrier just happens to perform a little bit better in most of our measured categories.

Our Testing Process

I got my hands on these vests at just the right time…a few weeks before Memorial Day (aka “Murph Day”). Because of this, I was not able to work both of these into my Murph training, but then into many of my outdoor running workouts that seem to be much more frequent in the summer months.

Although I don’t get too crazy during these workouts, just about all of these have numerous push-up, pull-up, and squatting reps worked into them as well as the aforementioned running. For most weighted vest enthusiasts, these are going to be your “bread and butter” movements in these vests.

Although I usually opt to ruck in an actual weighted backpack/bag, I have worn each of these (although the TacTec Plate Carrier is my preferred option for this activity) out on a few, but not an insignificant number of outings to get a feel for how each of them perform in these contexts.

The best weight vest overall…lost today?

If you’re really into weighted vests (and we assume you are, being that you’re reading this post) you should check out our article profiling the 10 best weight vests. If/when you do, you’ll be surprised (well, actually you won’t now that I’m spoiling the surprise) to learn that the Echo Weight Vest was crowned as the best weighted vest.

The TacTec Plate Carrier? It only took home the best weighted vest for CrossFit distinction.

In that multi-vest matchup, we tabulated total point averages (as opposed to simply comparing category wins) to find the “champion”; the TacTec Plate Carrier’s price, unfortunately, sunk it.

This odd circumstance should tell you two things:

• Our measurement/assessment process is…weird
• On any given day, if you select between these two, you’re going to either get the best weighted vest on the market today, or the vest that actually beat it

Personally, I’d take those odds any day of the week!

References

• Kim, J., & colleagues. (2024). Weighted vest intervention during whole‑body circuit training improves serum resistin, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk factors in normal‑weight obese women. Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness, 22(4): 463–473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesf.2024.10.002
• Puthoff, M. L. (2006). The effect of weighted vest walking on metabolic costs, relative exercise intensity, and skeletal loading. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 38(4): 746-752. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16679992/