What Is Considered As Tactical Gear?

Collocations like “tactical gear” or “tactical outfit” have been around for several years now. If you’ve been searching for such goods, you’ve probably seen “tactical” categories on the pages of hunting and outdoor sports stores. But what does “tactical” mean?

Tactics are actions taken to achieve a goal. In military and law enforcement operations, it refers to a set of maneuvers used to achieve a respective goal. So when we talk about tactical apparel and tactical gear, the concept behind is the same: tactical things are made and used for specific practical purposes.

Gear is considered tactical when made durable and comfortable, allows increased mobility and concealment, and accommodates weapons and tools.

Durability

Tactical gear is intended for use in harsh combat situations, complex terrains, and various weather conditions. It should survive through such extensive use. That’s why tactical brands use tough materials and fabrics and employ construction techniques that promote long life.

Comfort

Regular clothes are often made comfortable as well, so what’s so special about that? In a tactical context, comfortable means clothing that you don’t pay attention to when you move and take action. It shouldn’t distract you from concentrating on your task. As tactical activities usually involve a lot of moving around with plenty of gear and heavyweight firearms, climbing ladders or mountains in cold, hot, dry, or humid conditions, the clothing should ensure comfort for a long time.

Concealment

To give you a tactical advantage, tactical apparel is made of color that blends you with the surroundings. In the daytime, you’d better wear something with a camo pattern that matches the environment. In the nighttime, black clothes will ensure better coverage.

Mobility

In combat operations, wearing gear that slows you down will take a toll on your performance. Mobility is essential, so the gear and clothing should allow for a wide range of motion.

Weapon Accommodation

Carrying a weapon in your hand all the time won’t promote efficiency. So tactical gear features straps, pockets, and holsters to keep it there. Some of the applications may require concealed carry, so the gear should allow that too.

Well, as you see, tactical gear is designed for pretty specific tactical applications by military and law enforcement personnel. As the majority of the readers are likely common civilians, why are we talking about it?

The reason is the growing popularity of tactical gear among hikers, campers, and hunters who can’t but notice the obvious advantages such purpose-specific equipment offers.

The word “tactical” was chosen to market abundant military gear to civilians. The idea of having military-grade equipment was appealing to many people.

The fashion industry also contributed to the promotion. Though fashion puts style over practicality, it aids the image to settle down in minds.

Then manufacturers snatched up the new market and started to produce tactical gear and equipment from scratch. That’s how the whole industry was born. And that’s why we are talking about tactical gear for civilians.

What makes up a tactical outfit?

Remember we’ve talked about tactical gear serving a specific purpose? Well, don’t forget about that. Choose gear for what it is used for, not for what it looks like. In fact, people even have a word for gear that prioritizes appearance over function. This word is tacticool. Stay away from such gear if you are seeking something to really accomplish an end.

For you to choose the right gear, we’ll enumerate items that are made for tactical applications and describe functions they typically feature.

Pants

To ensure durability, high-quality tactical pants are made of ripstop material with good stretch properties. They also can use reinforced stitching for harsh uses. The pants are anatomic cut, and the crotch can be gusseted for increased mobility. For better protection, tactic pants feature external and internal knee pads. Deep pockets allow comfortable carrying and prevent things from falling on the move.

Inner layer

The inner layer garment should ensure a proper level of air permeability and allow for the correct work of the cooling mechanism of the body. You sweat, the moisture evaporates, and, thus, the body releases heat and cools itself. But a garment with the wrong properties can mess the mechanism up. If a shirt circulates too much, it leads to extensive loss of fluid, and if it doesn’t allow enough air, it accumulates moisture and prevents it from evaporating.

Mostly you’ll come across shirts made of either synthetic fabric or cotton. Cotton is light, breathable, and absorbs moisture very well, but it takes a long time to dry.

Synthetic fabrics may not be as pleasant as cotton, but they dry faster and are more robust.

From all mentioned above, we can conclude that cotton will do great in hot and dry conditions, whereas synthetic materials will perform better in hot and humid environments.

Outerwear and Vests

Tactical outerwear is made from tough fabric that lasts and protects you from elements. For humid environments, moisture-wicking fabric will be a great choice. Some apparels also feature pockets for placing body armor.

Boots

The main purpose of tactical boots is to protect you from the elements. Smartly constructed, lightweight, and robust boots will prevent strain and injuries. Choose footwear that provides a good balance between being waterproof and breathable as you can’t have both.

Backpacks

First of all, tactical backpacks often utilize MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) design with heavy-duty nylon straps to attach a rifle or other equipment. They can also feature internal frames to distribute weight. To conceal-carry a weapon, there can be hidden zipper pockets. And finally, a bag or backpack can’t be considered tactical if it doesn’t have enough capacity and several compartments for organized storage.

Belts

Tactical belts handle weight from several tools and equipment attached to them. That’s why they feature increased robustness and durability. Unlike backpacks, belts allow you to keep all necessary things right at hand. By the way, tactical pants can also have reinforced belt loops to securely carry heavyweight stuff.

Gloves

There are many ways to damage your hands when outdoors. Tactical gloves do an even better job protecting them because of padding.

Tactical gear

Flashlights

Having a capable flashlight won’t go amiss to any person. Tactical flashlights are designed to be even more compact, lightweight, and powerful. It can be used to illuminate the field, spot objects, communicate signals, and also disorient your opponent by directing the light beam in their face.

Holster

Holsters are meant to give you fast access to the firearm. They can be open-carry and concealed-carry holsters that can be worn on the waistband, shoulders, or legs. Some open-carry holsters feature special retention devices to prevent an ill-minded person from getting hold of your weapon.

The market for tactical gear is developing today. Tactical products are equipped with new functions, and the overall quality is increasing. Tactical gear today is not just another word for army gear as it’s designed to not only serve tactical but also hunting, camping, and hiking applications.

Shopping for the best tactical gear has become easy because tactical brands now have a certain established reputation by which you can judge the quality of their products. Check the brand’s history and here you go.