The best way to start off would be to get anything with Armor as the core attribute. Regardless of the set, you'll be able to take more damage the more of this attribute you have, especially if one of your skills is a ballistic shield.
To take your build further, a list of the Armor-focused Brand and Gear Sets and what they specialize in are listed below:
| Set name | Set bonuses |
|---|---|
| 5.11 Tactical | Health, incoming repairs, and hazard protection |
| Badger Tuff | Shotgun damage, total armor, and armor on kill |
| Belstone Armory | Armor regeneration, armor on kill, and incoming repairs |
| Gila Guard | Total armor, health, armor regeneration |
| Golan Gear Ltd. | Status effects, armor regeneration, and total armor |
| Gear Set name | Summary |
|---|---|
| Foundry Bulwark | Specializes in total armor, armor regeneration and shield health regeneration. (This set's backpack and body armor can only be found in the Operation: Iron Horse raid.) |
| System Corruption | Specializes in PVP-situational attributes, such as disrupt and pulse resistance and instant bonus armor. (This set can only be found in the Dark Zones.) |
| True Patriot | Specializes in debuffing enemies, decreasing their damage and defense, as well as minor party armor regeneration. |