What is tactical gear?
Tactical gear covers a huge range of products specifically used by those who practice tactics and strategy daily, such as military, law enforcement, public safety officials, hunters, and yes even those who do airsoft and paintball. Also, we all have that civilian neighbor who insists on always being decked out in tactical gear, and he is NOT wrong (if you don’t have a neighbor like this, it’s probably you). The civilian public utilize tactical clothing for not only being prepared for the day, with flashlights and multipurpose tools, but also for self defense weapons and such. We at D&C insist on not making fun of anyone for having ample supplies of technical gear and weapons, and wearing them on the daily, because it never hurts to be prepared. Also it might be that “nut” that wears tactical gear all the time that happens to be ready when you aren’t.
So getting into more of what tactical gear is: it can be anything from clothing like vests and boots, to breaching tools (like a battering ram) or night vision goggles. Tactical gear is designed first and foremost for safety, and to make you more efficient and better at what you’re doing. Imagine if a police officer, for example, showed up to work in normal work slacks, a nice button-down, and loafers… He would be putting his life on the line without proper protection, weapons and gear. It would be a disaster. So tactical gear is there to make your job, hobby, or even life, easier.
Benefits of Tactical Gear.
There are huge benefits to tactical gear. Of course there’s the most important benefit: Safety. Different types of tactical clothing ultimately protects the wearer in extreme situations such as helmets, goggles, vests… For instance, some police and military vests have handles on them that will help the wearers team easily move to a safe area if he is unable to do so himself. Also we’re all aware of the benefits of tactical weapons, but they’re also a source of safety, self defense, and security for the general public. Tactical gear supports good weapons usage by giving proper support and safe ways to carry, as well as bettering the performance you get when you use your weapons. Those who train with their tactical gear get to a point where they are extremely efficient and fast. For instance, a swat member could empty a clip from their firearm, know exactly where their other clips are, swap in a new clip, and go through several weapons doing this in a matter of seconds.
what is tactical gear best suited for (hunting, training, self-defense etc…) This is where the line gets blurry. We like to say tactical gear is best for, above all else, our military and law enforcement, because they use their tactical gear on the daily to protect our lives. After that, tactical gear is best suited for pretty much anyone. It never hurts to be overly prepared, whether you’re hunting, practicing self defense, or playing paintball or airsoft. So what is tactical gear best suited for? Upping your game, tweaking your performance.
However, we at D&C believe its your right and duty to protect your family and yourself, so tactical gear for self defense is very important. As for this article, that’s what we’re going to cover. The top 9 best tactical gear for self defense.
Defend and Carry tactical gear top 9 picks
1)
We are telling you, no matter what you’re doing, you’re going to need and constantly use a good flashlight. So we found the best one for you. If you’re serious about tactical necessities, you understand you get what you pay for. So coming in at $79.95 is the Klarus Improved XT11S SUPER BUNDLE w/ XT11S LED Compact Tactical Rechargeable Flashlight. This flashlight has it all, it has a huge amount of functions, will last a long time and be on a long time without using a lot of battery, is lightweight and very bright, is waterproof and compact, and can be used one handed. This bundle also comes with a lot including a rechargeable battery, a car charger and a holster.
2)
Another good tactical staple is an all around versatile tactical boot. You don’t have to be in a job that requires tactical boots to enjoy all the benefits of wearing one. Good ankle support, comfort, lightness, nice on your joints if you need to run, durable and noise reducing… Again- we are all about quality over quantity so expect to spend a good amount, as an investment. Our pick is the Bates Men’s GX-8 8 Inch Ultra-Lites GTX Waterproof Boot. They cover pretty much everything we listed as the benefits of a good tactical boot and they have waterproof and Gore-Tex lining. They start at $118.45 and they’re company has been around a good amount of time to know a thing or two about boots (since 1885).
3)
Yep, you guessed it. We have to recommend a good tactical folding knife to you. And that we will do! Check out the Cold Steel 27TLT Recon I Tanto Point by Cold Steel. Now there are a bazillion knives out there that people will absolutely swear by, and if you have a great tactical knife already, keep scrolling! We understand to each his own, this is just a recommendation. At $104.99, it will put a sizable dent in your wallet- but if you take care of it, it will last you a lifetime. It’s vaccum-heat-treated and has a sub-zero quenched Japanese stainless-steel blade. The blade is a nice 4 inches long, and the whole knife comes in at 9 and 3/8 inches, weighing a mere 5.3 ounces. It has a thumb disc for easy opening and is extremely sharp and tough as they come.
4)
It’s time to put some meat in this stew, we are going to recommend you a good utility belt. Yes, we would rather recommend you a good utility belt than a vest, because for you to carry every-day in a lot of situations, we don’t want you standing out too much. Tactical belts can be modified to what you would like to carry depending on whether you’re seasoned or just starting out, and you can ad as you go. They are also more discrete in our opinion. Our pick is the FDG Tactical Utility Belt with Holster – Modular Duty Gear – OD GREEN. It comes with a holster and you can add what you think is necessary. It also is versatile and can be used hunting and doing various tasks, and starts at a very low price of $17.95.
5)
We are going to get controversial and recommend you a laser sight for your defense handgun. Yes, you practice at the range, and yes you are very accurate. A laser sight is basically backup, for those times when your preparation and readiness are not ideal and you are in a compromised shooting position. Accuracy is huge in very close combat situations and can save your life, why be against increasing your odds of hitting your target? Also a side benefit of a laser is that it could stop your threat in an instant when they see that bright green or red light appear on their body. So our choice are the Crimson Trace Laser Grips line that are price anywhere from $188.95 to $339.00. They don’t require you to fiddle around with the laser to switch it on, simply grip your handgun and the laser is activated.
6)
Ahhh holsters. It is absolutely crucial that you have a comfortable concealable holster for your firearm. There are many holsters out there, but there are few that fit the bill comfort, durability and customization that you must have in a holster for every day carry. The Cloak Tuck 3.0 holster from Alien Gear has it all. At $43.88, the price is pretty unbelievable for what you’re getting. The IWB (inside the waistband) holster allows you to customize retention, your cant, and how high or low it sits inside your pants and it has a spring-steel core that and neoprene back that will make it softly hug your body but retain shape so you don’t get any of that sagging lip bullcrap. Ever try to holster or draw your gun but get caught on your holster? That won’t happen with this one. Also, it is so crazy comfortable you will forget you’re wearing it (Yes I own one).
7)
So we did a holster, now to those who are familiar with wearing a heavy gun in a holster around your waist, you know you’re going to need a good gun belt. If not, you will discover annoying and dangerous sagging of your waistband, that could even potentially drop your gun. So belt up! Our choice? The Steel Core Leather Gun Belt by Bigfoot at $64.88 for the 18 oz. Your waist is the integral part of your posture, and your tactical advantage so why not reinforce it with some good ol’ steel.
8)
You know you’re going to need a good tactical jacket! We recommend the 5.11 Tactical #48017 5-in-1 Jacket for a starting price of $187.49. This jacket “covers” (wink wink) all situations, comes in a huge variety of sizes, and just has too many cool features to name. It allows easy access to your firearm and gear, and can be modified to the weather and setting.
9)
Tactical is a ever-ready mindset, you must have your priorities in order for whatever the future might hold. We think it’s smart to always carry a first aid kit with you, especially the 5ive Star Gear First Aid Trauma Kit for an affordable price of$30.64. It covers all the basics, and you can add more to it depending on your level of first aid knowledge. This first aid kit was designed by a former pararescueman and can attach on to vests, utility belts, or bags.
Advantages of Using Tactical Gear
Tactical gear is not just for EMT’s, law enforcement or military. In fact it would be smart if more people who carry daily or take defensive carry as serious as we do, would wear more tactical gear. Those who do wear tactical gear, whether for hunting, hobbies or their profession, can tell you how much it improved their lives. We challenge you, pick one item from the list above and see how much it ups your game. See how much you use that item and how much it makes things easier, safer and more convenient. The point is to be always ready, to be in that tactical mindset where you’re one step ahead of the game. Start with a flashlight, or a holster, and not just any, give yourself the best and watch your mindset change. So this has been our top 9 best tactical gear, let us know what you think in the comments, we love hearing from you! Disagree with our choices, let us know what you use and why it’s better (we pride ourselves with having open minds!).