Kellogg, ID – Grey Ghost Gear has been working intently on a new plate carrier system for over 2 years, and after countless hours of designing, sewing, field testing, redesigning and retesting downrange by legitimate U.S. warfighters, it’s finally making its debut to the rest of the world. So, buckle up, because there’s a lot to cover here! Meet the Grey Ghost Gear SMC Plate Carrier and Back Panels.
As you may know, the Minimalist Plate Carrier has been the one and only carrier offered by the PNW based nylon gear manufacturer. Just like the name implies, the Minimalist was designed as a no frills, one size fits all carrier that lacked extra bells and whistles like a cummerbund and side plate pockets, but hit a sub $140 price point that made it a favorite among firearm instructors, on and off duty officers, and even CrossFit weight trainers. Despite its obvious simplicity, many GGG fans have been clamoring for a more “jocked” up carrier that would accommodate more features that professional users demand.
The SMC Plate Carrier (Shoot, Move, Communicate) is Grey Ghost Gear’s contender in the elite ring of carriers that only a small group of gear manufacturers compete in. Designed specifically for SOCOM and JSOC end users who are already accustomed to using modular zippered back panels, quick release systems and laser cut laminate designs, the SMC line of gear brings a whole new level of innovation to the company’s tactical product lineup. “It’s everything we’ve wanted in a lightweight, combat-ready plate carrier, and we’ve worked closely with some of our nation’s most radical individuals to design a carrier and supporting back panels that fit their needs right now, right as you are reading this sentence” says GGG SOCOM Special Projects Manager David Hannah.
“We’re an end-user focused company, and we’ve designed the whole SMC line specifically for warfighters and law enforcement professionals across the spectrum of operations. These elite units and individuals have special needs and requirements that can change at the very last minute even as you are on route to the mission. Imagine, you’re already on the bird with your team and the mission changes from Direct Action, to Hostage Rescue to SSE (Sensitive Site Exploitation), the ability to rapidly change your squad’s loadout is paramount. You don’t have time to unweave your pouches and reconfigure each squad member’s carrier. Rigging up secondary carriers for your whole team on the fly takes up too much valuable time and focus. That’s why most SOCOM units already utilize a modular system consisting of zippers that allow back panels to be rapidly swapped out in a matter of seconds.” Grey Ghost Gear has designed the SMC Carrier and SMC back panels to work with this already established footprint and expound on the different custom panels and packs that are desperately needed by these JSOC operators currently deployed.
The SMC panels that Grey Ghost Gear has designed almost outshine the carrier itself. For those who already have an issued carrier with zippers in the back, you’re in for a real treat. First off, the 1 to 3 Assault Pack. It is an expandable backpack that can not only scale from a 24 to 36-hour pack with its internal zippered gusset, but also has its own hidden shoulder straps for when you just want to roll in plain clothes. It has been tested for freefall operations, with no spider harness required. When the pack is expanded into the 3-day configuration, a dry bag closure keeps all your goodies inside dry.
Next, the SMC Assaulter Panel: three permanent yet adjustable double mag pouches and a built-in utility pouch, perfect for keeping your squad mates topped off with fresh mags, smoke and frags. The pouches have flaps that can adjust in length to perfectly envelope your mag of choice, no matter the size. There’s even an internal loop for securing grenades, because bending a spoon is a rough way to end the day. It will also hold one full MRE, a log of snuff and three 16oz cans of your favorite beverage.
For the DIY type, GGG also has released a MOLLE or Laser Cut Laminate back panel for you to customize yourself with those extra pouches you’ve got laying around the garage. To quote GGG’s website description: “It’s like a blank canvas, but for violence.” For those who don’t have zippers equipped on their existing carrier, Grey Ghost is also offering Zipper Adapters. Simply use the MALICE® Clips to attach the adaptors to your Minimalist or other carrier and WHAMO, you’re now ready to use the SMC back panels. Last but not least, every SMC Back Panel has an internal compartment that can open up to accommodate bolt cutters, charges, or a water bladder (anti-sag built in)
The SMC Carrier is adjustable for most warrior body types via the cummerbund interlocking system in the back as well as adjustable shoulder straps for torso height
Designed to carry a pair of 10×12 hard plates, thicker composite plates with a second change backer (soft armor) or large ESAPI plates, the SMC Plate Carrier features laser cut laminate, giving you all the modularity of traditional MOLLE webbing at a significant reduction in weight. Longevity is also increased as cut edges resist fraying after they are heat sealed with the laser. The included adjustable cummerbund features MOLLE/PALS style webbing for the addition of pouches for side plates if desired, and the front panel also features an open pocket for maps, water/cable retention or enough room for a fleece watch cap or gloves.
This carrier is “one size fits most” thanks to its adjustable shoulder straps and cummerbund, ensuring a snug fit for just about every warrior’s body type. Should you find yourself on fire, trapped in a tight spot or unexpectedly going for a swim, the ROC buckles on each shoulder strap and either side of the cummerbund can be rapidly released in case of emergency. These also make putting on the carrier much more convenient when you are in a hurry. The shoulder ROC buckles are easily removable if you prefer to use the metal common loop that is already attached.
The SMC Plate Carrier can be found now on GGG’s website with an MSRP of $302 for Black and Coyote Brown and $322 for MultiCam® with the first week of April being the estimated delivery. As for each of the back panels that are available now:
- SMC 1-3 Assault Pack has an MSRP of $175 ($185 for MultiCam®)
- SMC Assaulter Panel has an MSRP of $115 ($120 for MultiCam®)
- SMC MOLLE Panel has an MSRP of $95 ($105 for MultiCam®)
- SMC Tall Zipper Adaptor has an MSRP of $35 ($38 for MultiCam®)
Looking for a back panel with a little more Chutzpah? Seen at SHOT Show 2020, Grey Ghost Gear and sister company Tactical Tailor collaborated on a back panel that holds 15 40mm grenade rounds. Available from Tactical Tailor, this back panel shares compatibility with the Grey Ghost Gear SMC line as well as many issued carriers with integrated zippers on the back.
With the launch of the SMC Back Panels, Grey Ghost’s sister company Tactical Tailor helped produce 40mm grenade back panels for DOD customers by request
Visit http://www.greyghostgear.com for more details.
