The RTS Tactical Overt / Covert Vest Bundle pairs two advanced carriers with one set of Level IIIA (HG2) soft armor panels. Wear the Slim Tac when the mission calls for a rigid outer carrier with MOLLE attachment points, a drag handle, and room for rifle plates. Switch to the Athletic Vest when you need discreet covert protection.One size. One set of panels. Two carriers ready for whatever the mission brings.
The Slim Tac: low profile, full capability. A sleek, body-hugging outer carrier with laser-cut MOLLE webbing for add-on pouches and accessories. It accepts additional front and back rifle plates (sold separately) when the threat calls for more.
The Athletic Vest: protection that wears like athletic gear. Breathable, moisture-wicking mesh and four-way stretch keep you cool and moving. The skin-hugging, low-visibility design conceals under everyday clothing.
The Commander panels: the armor behind both. NIJ-certified Level IIIA (HG2) soft armor, tested against today's most common handgun threats. Made in the USA. Flexible panels move with your body and carry a 5-year shelf-life warranty.
LEVEL OF PROTECTION
NIJ-Certified Level IIIA (HG2) Protection Certified to NIJ Standard 0101.06 Level IIIA (HG2), the Commander panels deliver advanced handgun protection against today's most common duty threats.
Stops NIJ-tested rounds:
9mm Luger FMJ RN, 124 gr @ 1470 ft/s
.44 Magnum JHP, 240 gr @ 1430 ft/s
Coverage against common threats: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 SIG and .357 Magnum. Also provides strong resistance to most shotgun slugs and buckshot. Ballistic protection applies to the Commander panels. Carriers are not ballistic-rated on their own.
WEIGHT & THICKNESS
Model: Commander Level IIIA
Areal density: 1.24 lbs per sq ft
Thickness: 0.35 in
WARRANTY & FIT GUARANTEE
5-year manufacturer's shelf-life warranty on the Commander panels
2-year warranty on both carriers
Line of duty replacement: RTS Tactical replaces your armor at no cost if it is wounded in the line of duty.
Fit guarantee: One-time free exchange on the full kit within 14 days of delivery, in original condition.
SIZE GUIDE
WHAT'S IN THE KIT
RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Body Armor Vest
Low-profile outer carrier for duty and high-visibility work
RTS Tactical Athletic Body Armor Vest
Concealable carrier for off duty, plainclothes and everyday carry
Front and backhandgun protection that fits both carriers
Two Vests, One Set of Armor
Armor is the most expensive part of any vest. Your panels move between both carriers, so you never buy armor twice.
Protection for Every Setting
Wear the Slim Tac over your clothes or the Athletic Vest under them. Covered on duty, at home or on the move.
American-Made, NIJ Certified
Made in the USA and certified to NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA (HG2). Stops common handgun rounds from 9mm to .44 Magnum.
The Right Fit, Guaranteed
Armor only works when it fits. If any part of your kit doesn't fit, you get a free one-time exchange within 14 days.
Slim Tac Vest
Low-Profile Silhouette: Sleek, body-hugging fit for unrestricted movement.
MOLLE Platform: Customize with pouches and accessories.
Plate Ready: Accepts front and back rifle plates (sold separately).
Integrated Drag Handle: Supports rapid extraction or relocation.
Modular Front Panel: Removable MOLLE panel reveals two zippered pockets for small essentials.
Athletic Vest
Breathable Comfort: Low-density mesh and moisture-wicking fabric keep you cool, dry and odor-free.
Four-Way Stretch: Flexible performance materials with durable stretch Cordura move with you.
Concealable Profile: Low-visibility design minimizes printing under everyday clothing.
Versatile Wear: Wear it over or under clothing.
Tailored Fit: Adjustable cummerbund and shoulder straps.
Easy-Access Panel Pocket: Fast insertion and removal of the Commander panels.
Trauma Plate Pocket: Accepts a trauma plate for added vital protection (sold separately).
Commander Panels
NIJ-Certified Level IIIA (HG2): Handgun protection against today's most common duty threats.
Made in the USA: Commander armor panels are manufactured in the USA.
Flexible Construction: Moves with your body during high-movement work.
Removable: Easy to transfer between carriers and to maintain.
5-Year Shelf-Life Warranty: Plus replacement at no cost if your armor is wounded in the line of duty.
FAQ
What comes in the On/Off Duty Armor System?
One Slim Tac Vest, one Athletic Body Armor Vest, and one set of Commander Level IIIA (HG2) soft armor panels (front and back). All items ship in the size you select.
Why one set of panels instead of two?
You wear one carrier at a time. One set of Commander panels moves between the Slim Tac and the Athletic Vest, so you get two ways to carry without paying for armor that sits unused.
Do the Commander panels fit both carriers?
Yes. Choose one size, and the front and back panels fit both the Slim Tac and the Athletic Vest in that size.
How do I move the panels between carriers?
Remove the panels from one carrier and insert them into the other. The Athletic Vest has an easy-access panel pocket for fast insertion.
What level of protection does this kit provide?
The Commander panels are NIJ-certified Level IIIA (HG2). They stop 9mm Luger FMJ RN (124 gr @ 1470 ft/s) and .44 Magnum JHP (240 gr @ 1430 ft/s), and cover common threats including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 SIG and .357 Magnum. They also provide strong resistance to most shotgun slugs and buckshot.
Is the Slim Tac concealable?
The Slim Tac is a low-profile outer carrier built for wear over a uniform or clothing. For concealed carry, move the panels to the Athletic Vest, which is designed to wear under everyday clothing with minimal printing.
Can I add rifle plates?
Yes. The Slim Tac accepts front and back rifle plates (sold separately) for elevated threats. The Athletic Vest has a pocket for a trauma plate (sold separately).
Who is this kit for?
Law enforcement officers who need protection on and off duty, security professionals who move between visible and low-profile assignments, and responsible armed citizens who want one armor system for home and everyday carry.
How long do the panels last?
The Commander panels carry a 5-year manufacturer's shelf-life warranty. Both carriers carry a 2-year warranty. RTS Tactical also replaces your armor at no cost if it is wounded in the line of duty.
What if the kit doesn't fit?
The fit guarantee covers the full kit. RTS Tactical offers a one-time free exchange within 14 days of delivery, as long as the items are in original condition.
I bought this vest in response to a spinal injury that made duty belts almost impossible to survive in for a full shift. I typically work 12-16hr days and needed to get back to full function. Well, this vest was the key. I took everything except my sidearm holster and tac gloves off of my belt and placed it all on this vest. It's solid, doesn't sag, doesn't warp, doesn't hang to one side or the other, and looks really good! All of the guys in my agency love the way it looks and functions. Everyone praises how sharp it looks. I'll admit there are lower cost options out there, but the quality of this vest is unmatched. The only thing I feel was missing, was a more modular siding. MOLLE instead of just smooth fabric would be nice to mount IFAKs or TQs, but there's enough space to mount that elsewhere. There's so many ways you can modify this kit to be mission specific.
I’ve been an RTS customer for years, and the Slim Tac fits right in with the quality I’ve come to expect. I wear it on night shifts and it’s been easy to work in from the start. It sits close to the body, doesn’t feel bulky, and stays comfortable while moving around the vehicle, handling radios, and being on scene for hours. Cables stay out of the way, gear stays put, and nothing feels like it’s pulling or shifting. Overall, I’ve been very happy with my experience.
I bought this for a specific setup, so I made sure to review the product details and sizing first. It was worth taking that extra time rather than guessing.
I'm very happy with the purchase. What stands out most to me isn't one particular feature, but how well the whole vest comes together as a complete setup.
I've worn these on several long days and never felt the need to take them off early. The panels sit flat and don't bunch up or shift around.. That's a huge compliment.
Been wearing this vest for a little while now and it’s honestly more comfortable than I expected. It stays close to the body and doesn’t feel oversized.
Good panels and easy to use. Everything fit right away and the flexibility helps a lot with movement. Happy with the purchase. The comfort is what surprised me the most.
Really impressed with this setup. The Slim Tac vest keeps a low profile while still offering solid Level IIIA protection. The ergonomics are on point—it hugs the body well without restricting movement.
The panels are really flexible and fit your body well. They sit comfortably in a carrier or concealable vest, which makes them easier to wear for long periods.
I recently bought this vest and I’m really happy with it, especially the dual concealed utility pockets.
The hidden zipper pockets are very useful. I can store my stuff in it. Everything stays secure and out of the way, which I really like. It keeps a clean look and doesn’t get in the way while wearing it.
Overall, it’s a well-designed vest that does exactly what I need.
The balance between weight and protection is excellent. They feel light enough for daily wear, yet solid and confidence-inspiring knowing they meet Level IIIA standards.
I use these every day for work and feel much safer with them. They fit well, are comfortable, and offer strong Level IIIA ballistic protection. Highly recommend!
We’ve worked with thousands of satisfied law enforcement departments, and growing.
Big Stone Gap Police Department
"From the ordering process through delivery, RTS Tactical demonstrated professionalism and excellent customer service. The construction quality of the shields is outstanding, providing confidence that the equipment will perform as intended when needed most."
- Chief Russell
Thomson Police Department
“The shield... will hopefully give officers the edge when dealing with violent offenders/encounters.”
Nash County Sheriff's Office
“These shields will allow for a more efficient response and, in turn, keep students safer.” “I don’t see myself going into a hallway if a shooter is in the building without one of these.” - Nash County School Resource Officer
Rector Police Department
"We love our vests, and I can truly see a difference in the way my officers work with the confidence they have in their gear." - Chief Kelly
Marin County Sheriff's Office
"Our Special Response Team (SRT) purchased RTS LEGION Shields recently, and they are above and beyond what we expected. They are lightweight, with great ergonomics and features. Having the ability to see through the ballistic glass, coupled with the LED light and cut-outs for proper presentation with a pistol, means we don’t lose a gun, just to add a shield.
We are looking forward to using these more and keeping them available in all our tactical vehicles."
Chattanooga Police Department
Chattanooga PD's Lt. Rusty Morrison praises RTS Tactical's Level lll+ Rifle Shields for operational satisfaction, resilience, and ideal weight, balance, and maneuverability. “The seamless integration of 70 shields highlights their compatibility with evolving policing needs, backed by RTS Tactical's responsive support”.
Seagoville Police Department
‘’We recently invested in RTS Tactical's Ballistic Shields, impressed by their quality and professional service. The enhanced safety and confidence these shields provide make a crucial difference for our officers in high-stress situations. We highly recommend RTS Tactical for Tactical Gear and Ballistic Products’’.
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
‘’RTS Tactical delivers top-notch service and supplies over 40 Medium-Level III+ Special Threat Mini Shields.” The Police Chief endorses RTS Tactical, emphasizing their commitment to officer safety and recommending them for reliable and effective equipment.
Sumter County Sheriff's Office
‘’Thank you to RTS Tactical for the quality and functionality of their recent shield purchase, citing confidence and efficiency for officers.” They plan to turn to RTS Tactical for future needs, expressing gratitude for the invaluable impact on their team
