A body armor system includes a pouch and an armor plate and hydration bladder disposed within the pouch. The shape of the hydration bladder corresponds to the shape of the armor plate and is dimensioned such that the hydration bladder is hidden behind the armor plate during use. The pouch includes a front pouch in which the armor plate is disposed and a rear pouch in which the hydration bladder is disposed. The hydration bladder can be filled with fluid, which is configured to absorb and disperse ballistic energy transferred from the armor plate when struck.