Tactical Gear and Apparel 101

What if the two main factors of your clothing and equipment were versatility and functionality? With tactical apparel and gear that is easily the case. If you were to rely on both every day, be it for generic tasks or surviving in the outdoors, you would notice a big difference in productivity. It’s not that the apparel and gear alone will make your day more productive, but the two together will certainly help you in getting more done. But what military field gear and clothes are known for is their extraordinary protection and ruggedness. You also have the option to use tactical equipment either to be more visible or concealed.

Tactical Apparel

Belt

It may look just like any belt out there, but a tactical belt is somewhat different. It’s not just there to keep your pants in place. A tactical belt is a piece of military tactical gear that can hold other items such as a multi-tool, a torch, magazines and so on. The best belts are made of nylon as they are the lightest and also the most rugged.

Boots

man tying laces on tactical boots
Source: menswearstyle.co.uk

The same ruggedness and lightweight design goes for boots too. Especially if you’re carrying a heavy backpack, lighter boots are a must. But you shouldn’t skimp on ankle support if you’re going to walk a lot with lots of combat tactical gear on your back. Gore-Tex boots are the perfect example of such boots.

Shirt

Finding the right shirt for the right climate is easy even with tactical shirts. Those made of cotton will serve you well when it’s hot while those made of wool will keep you warm on colder days. Cotton is also great at soaking fluid which is why cotton shirts are best during summer when you’ll sweat a lot.

Vest

A vest is one of the most notable pieces of tactical apparel. Its main task is to provide multiple pockets and pouches for easy access. Vests can also accommodate armour plates and Velcro patches.

Jacket

Tactical jacket
Source: tactree.co.uk

There’s nothing special about getting a jacket, but with a tactical jacket, there is since it can be made with a Teflon finish. The basics of tactical jackets are that they need to be windproof and waterproof and with a Teflon finish, this is easy to achieve.

Pants

In order for tactical pants to be tactical, they need to have multiple pockets. These allow you to have tools and supplies close by so that you don’t waste time searching through your backpack.

Gloves

A pair of shooting gloves is a must when you’re going to be dealing with firearms a lot. While usually gloves are disposable, with a pair that has heavy-duty stitching and added padding you will end up using them for quite a long time.

Helmet

While they’re simple in design and use, tactical helmets can be quite high in the price range. But this largely depends on the level of protection they offer as well as comfort. Typically ballistic helmets are the more expensive ones since they also offer night vision support.

Tactical Gear

Torch

tactical torch
Source: rollingstone.com

A tactical torch can be used for more than just illumination. In certain instances, you can rely on a torch for communications and even self-defence. With the right setting, which in this case is strobe mode, you can blind an attacker and give yourself time to get to safety.

Multitool

The hint is in the name of this combat tactical gear. Multitools are made to help you in any possible situation. These tools can have up to 20 different tools from bottle openers to a knife and scissors. You can even have certain types of screwdrivers and wire strippers.

Navigation & Communications

tactical compass
Source: thesoldiersproject.org

The two most important pieces of military field gear when it comes to communicating with others and navigating through thick woods are a compass and a phone. No, your smartphone won’t do the job but if you go for a satellite phone then you will ensure that even without a cell tower close by you’ll be able to reach whoever you want. A compass can be a digital one on your phone but it’s best that you go with an analog compass since it’s more reliable.

Watch

Another important piece of combat tactical gear in regard to survival is a watch. Alongside being able to tell the time, a tactical watch will let you in on your altitude, coordinates, as well as some connectivity functions.

Backpack

Tactical backpacks are known to be rugged and light but what you should also look for is PALS and MOLLE compatibility as well as frames. Frames allow you to adjust the backpack to your supply needs and trekking capabilities. PALLS and MOLLE systems both offer versatility when it comes to easy access storage.

Gas Mask

While not as common as some other tactical equipment a gas mask will help you stay safe when an airborne potent threat is released. You may not ever be in the need to use a gas mask, which is what you’ll want, but it never hurts to bring one with a 40mm filter.

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