External Armor Carriers
Cowell Tactical external armor carriers are custom made to your specifications, size, pocket configuration, color, and identification. We work closely with our customers when designing their equipment pockets and layout, making sure vital gear is efficiently organized and easily accessed. Click here to download the external armor carrier design template.
- Armor Carrier body designed for your fit and comfort
- Clean, uniform appearance
- Customized for your equipment and specifications
- Manufactured in the USA with the highest quality materials
The external armor carrier body is constructed from 1000 denier Cordura nylon. This durable fabric resists tears, scuffs, and abrasions, and is easy to clean and care for. The vests body is lined with breathable anti-microbial spacer mesh which allows the armor panels to air out between shifts.
The external armor carrier includes an inside sleeve that will accommodate rifle and trauma plates in the front and back of the vest. The padded shoulders and Velcroed side closure are adjustable, and our buckled fight strap provides added security while wearing the carrier.
Ordering Information
Click to expand.
None
Ordering Overview
- Orders are initiated by:
- Emailing us your completed design template. (Templates)
- Mailing tracings of your ballistic armor panels. (See below for sizing instructions)
- Response:
- Design will be reviewed, and we will email confirmation of receipt of order.
- We will email a quote based on your design.
- Production and delivery:
- We are approximately 16 weeks out on delivery of external carriers. For 15 or more vests there may be a longer delivery time frame.
- When your carrier goes into production we will contact you to finalize design and order details.
- Your carrier should ship within 2 weeks once production is started.
- You will receive a UPS tracking number when your order ships.
- Payment:
- We accept personal checks, credit cards, and PayPal.
- Departments will be invoiced with 30 day terms when their order ships.
Vest Features
-
Vest Body
-
Antimicrobial 3D Mesh
-
Plate Sleeve
-
Armor Access
-
Belly Strap
-
Velcro Side Closure
-
Fight Strap
-
Adjustable Shoulders
-
Mic Tabs
Gallery
-
Crescent City PD, CA
-
Crescent City PD, CA
-
Arena PD, WI
-
Arena PD, WI
-
Charleston Co. Aviation Auth. PD
-
Charleston Co. Aviation Auth. PD
Pricing
| External Carrier Pricing | ||
| Carrier with sewn on pockets start@ | 407.50 | |
| Carrier with full MOLLE front start@ | 422.50 | |
| Carrier with MOLLE below chest pockets start@ | 422.50 | |
| Pockets | Sewn | MOLLE |
| Small Utility | 21.50 | 29.50 |
| Large Utility | 21.50 | 29.50 |
| Pistol magazine with flap, double | 43.00 | 54.00 |
| Pistol magazine with flap, single | 21.50 | 27.00 |
| Pistol magazine open top, double | 51.00 | 62.00 |
| Pistol magazine open top, single | 25.50 | 31.00 |
| Radio | 21.50 | 30.50 |
| Handcuff, single or double | 21.50 | 29.50 |
| Pepper Spray | 21.50 | 27.00 |
| Flashlight | 21.50 | 27.00 |
| Baton | 21.50 | 27.00 |
| Taser | 21.50 | 37.50 |
| Tourniquet | 21.50 | 27.00 |
| Folding Knife | 21.50 | 27.00 |
| Gloves | 21.50 | 29.50 |
| Rifle magazine, 20 or 30 round | 21.50 | 30.50 |
| Map Pocket | 17.50 | N/A |
| Silent Key | 21.50 | N/A |
| Identification | ||
| Rear ID 4×11″ | 12.50 | |
| Front ID 2×5″ | 9.50 | |
| Name Tape 1×5″ | 7.50 | |
| American Flag | 3.50 | |
| Other Options | ||
| Gumdrop Buttons | 14.00 | |
| Drag Strap | 12.50 |
Sizing Instructions
Chest without armor – measure at the widest part of your chest.
Stomach without armor – about an inch above your navel, this measurement is for the Velcro strap that secures the back of the vest to your body.
Chest with armor – measure at the widest part of your chest while wearing your armor.
Stomach with armor – measure around the bottom of your armor while wearing your armor.
These measurements will allow us to see how much the armor adds to your body measurements, how your armor fits, and how to correctly size your vest.
Trace the outline of front and back armor panels. Remove armor from its external or concealable carrier and trace just the ballistic portion of the panel on a large piece of paper. Specify front and back along with the officer’s name and department.
Mail tracing to:
Cowell Tactical
PO Box 899
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Specifications
Cleaning Instructions
Two pieces of loop Velcro are included with your vest to cover both pieces of side-closure hook Velcro during washing and rinsing. Hand wash your vest, or machine wash it on a gentle cycle, using cold water and a mild detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach. Do not iron your vest or dry it in a dryer; either of these actions could cause the fabric and webbing of your vest to shrink. Instead, it should hang or lay flat to dry.While drying, open the pocket flaps to straighten and stretch them. Square up the pocket fronts and corners. Ideally, the fabric should dry smooth and flat. When a thorough washing is not required, an air compressor works well for removing dust or dried mud. Feel free to call if you have any questions or concerns regarding the care of your vest.
Zach Yeaman-Sanchez –
I purchased my External Armor Carrier approximately two years ago. Our department was very specific in what the vest needed to look like. Cowell worked with us to develop a vest which met the specifications required for our department.
The vest is outstanding. Tough, incredibly well made, and easily cleaned. I am constantly getting asked by officers from other agencies where I purchased my vest, as it looks so clean.
Cowell also worked with us to develop a form so officers can order their carrier, while keeping a uniform look across the department. This helps our agency keep a uniform appearance while bridging from traditional class-b uniforms to a modern policing uniform.
Our department chose to use molle on the front. The pouches we purchased are still in great shape, and the velcro is functioning great. The molle still holds the pouches tight to the vest.
The fit was perfect out of the box. The vest is comfortable, while still being durable.
My experience ordering with Cowell was great. They are quick to respond to inquiries, and work to come up with solutions.
I cannot recommend Cowell enough. These are truly top tier vests.
Nick-WI LEO –
I purchased my vest 7 or 8 years ago and still wear it today. My vest has been through just about everything from chest high swamps to thick wooded terrain and remains just as solid as the day I received it.
The craftsmanship is superior and built to last. I’ve sent it back for some changes I wanted and they had it back to me in very little time. The custom options make it simple to suit whatever gear needs you have.
The vest themselves are very professional in appearance compared to some others on the market. Aside from their look, the functionality can’t be beat. Taking the strain off your back and hips is crucial as every LEO knows.
Matt and the crew at Cowell Tactical provide outstanding customer service and a product I will continue to use for the rest of my career.
Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, MI –
Our deputies love these vests. The vest is outstanding. Tough, incredibly well made, and easily cleaned.
Shawn Cowans –
10
Kevin- MN Law Enforcement –
I’ve been wearing Cowell Vest for almost four years now and it still looks new. Working in Minnesota with the heat in summer and cold in winter, the vest has held up, even while working in hazardous conditions, including the train and having a K9. The color and overall durability looks better than other officers with the outer carries from other manufactures; their vests are falling apart and look bad.
I recently sent my vest in for modifications and while it was there, I asked them to take a look at anything that needed TLC, well they swapped out all of my attachments. They did the right thing without hesitation.
Matt and crew, have been very easy to work with and any idea I’ve had, they taken suggestions and made it work, this also helps them better their vest and happiness of officers, as we carrying more tools than ever. For example, I asked Matt if it was possible to add a row of buttons to appear more of a uniform shirt, his answer was absolutely.
I wish my department and others would spend the time and money to make sure not only the vest officers are wearing are functional but also look professional.