Discreet Everyday Carry with the Grayman CCW Armored Vest

How would you like to go through a chilly day with the peace of mind that you have protection from handgun fire and are able to “return to sender” in a matter of seconds? Wearing a Grayman Vest can provide you with exactly that sense of security.

This isn’t just a possibility, it’s a reality with The Grayman, CCW Armored Vest. This discreet garment provides numerous tactical advantages if or when push comes to much more than a shove and a stylish addition to your corporate casual attire. Here, I’ll strip down this vest to its bare essentials, from its weather-resistant outer shell to its protective panels, to its ease and accessibility to a concealed firearm; no category will be ignored as I explore its numerous features.

Should this possible lifesaving garment be hanging in your closet, or should you take a pass? Read on, and by the end, your decision, I guarantee, will be crystal clear.

First Impressions

In the medical field, the word unremarkable is used quite often. Here, I’ll use that word to describe the Grayman Vest, and it’s hardly an insult. Unremarkable merely means everyday, ordinary, and unlikely to be noticed, and this is precisely what you want in a CCW vest, especially one with bulletproof panels within its non-descript design.

The Grayman offers a gunmetal gray color with a crisscross pattern covering the entire surface. It features one vertical zipper in the front that seals the vest from the bottom seam to its stout collar. Two large side pockets are almost invisible upon first viewing the garment and only noticeable upon closer examination. The combination of the crisscross pattern and the side seam camouflage the lateral pockets and makes them virtually disappear with front-on viewing.

The design of The Grayman doesn’t reveal the ballistic panels or your CCW to anyone nearby. — (Photo by BulletproofBodyguard.com)

Material and Added Extras

Setting aside the tactical functions of this vest for now (don’t worry, all will be divulged soon), the materials and construction of The Grayman can’t be ignored. The entire outer shell offers full nylon waterproof and lightweight material so that it won’t bog you down throughout your travels. This vest is meant to not only protect but to be worn regularly as you would any other vest in chilly weather. The unit also offers ripstop pockets that ensure durability and reliability for year after year use.

The vest is also free of emblems, branding, or anything that may aid in others identifying you in a crowd. It is meant to allow you to blend into nearly any group of people or fade into the background of an event or assembly. The unit also offers two cellphone pockets, just a few inches below the neckline. These are easily accessible and can hold, of course, your cellphone, but really any small-sized items. Like the overall design of the vest, these pockets are invisible to any curious people on the street or by prying eyes from those sitting near you.

When you do want to go out on the town for a causal dinner or drinks, this vest is perfect for any social setting, too, without attracting attention to the numerous tactical goodies hidden inside.

Under the Surface

The real stars of The Grayman are the concealed front and back ballistic panels. These offer NIJ Level 3A ballistic handgun protection, with the armor pockets able to accept soft armor plates up to ten by twelve inches in size. The back panel slides downward easily just in front of the lined collar, while the front torso protection slips easily within the front containment pocket.

Together, they offer full center-line target area protection on the front and back of the garment. But there is more to this protective wonder than panels. It also sports a breakaway concealed carry system that makes securing your firearm a few seconds or less. Time is of the essence with personal defense, and The Grayman doesn’t lag behind your reaction time with breakaway access to your weapon.

What is truly remarkable about this vest is that all ballistic panels and firearm carry location do not leave a noticeable outline on the exterior of the garment revealing its secrets to the world around you. You can wear this just about anywhere, and no one would be the wiser about its contents.

The breakaway panel allows for quick access to your firearm. — (Photo by BulletproofBodyguard.com)

At Arms Length

Circling back to my first question at the start of this review, should this be hanging in your closet? I’m sure you guessed by now that the answer is an absolute yes. The Grayman achieves the perfect trifecta of non-descript style, personal protection from handgun fire, and lightning-fast accessibility to your firearm.

On top of its ballistic features, it is also the perfect lightweight, weatherproof choice for everyday use for both comfort and protection from the elements. When things go bad, The Grayman has your back covered, and luckily for you, your front, too!