Be sure you have somewhere to hold them in reach as well.

If you don't have plates don't worry about a carrier, the battle belt and a backpack takes a load to your body better for extended periods of standing or walking. Don't need to make things too excessive either: carry what you need like water, ammo and trauma kit.

Keep a basic kit somewhere you can grab it and go, or something nearby you can fight your way to your kit.

I live in an urban area, I'm not waiting to get fucked and look for help.