16th Sep 2021
Looking to Buy Tactical Gear? Here are a few pointers that would come in handy before you do!
Looking to Buy Tactical Gear? Here are a few pointers that would come in handy before you do!
What is Tactical Gear?
To begin with, Tactical Wear or Gearwas chiefly and for the longest time unique for the military and law enforcements, with the sole purpose of carrying extra ammunition, body protection and an easier and more accessible way of carrying firearms. From being called Military Wear to Tactical Gear the demand for the same grew more and more not only amongst those serving and protecting but also among those who could afford them as an ‘Every-Day Carry’ (EDC). Let’s deep dive into key points you should know and what you should look out for!
What does Tactical Gear consist of?
If you are amongst the few who could afford Tactical Gear, you may want to do your research before you go spending all that money on those Tactical Goodies! Here’s a list of what exactly should be added to your shopping cart.
Footwear is the most important integrant of your tactical gear! When choosing the right TacticalBoots, you must always bear in mind the mission at hand. Whether you are out on a hunt, trek or moving through rough and swampy terrain, your boots should be – Waterproof, Durable, Light-weight & Comfortable. Yes, it is going to be hard to get all those boxes checked out but these are the bare minimum requirements to ensure the mission does not manage to sweep you off your feet!
Initially at its time of inception known as ‘Cargo Pants’ (explanation in the name itself, assisting to hold more Cargo/Supplies) to being better known as Tactical Pants now. One must always keep in mind whilst purchasing tactical pants would be the enforced stitching that helps carry the excess weight of weapons and or the ‘cargo’ in its deeper, larger than normal pockets. The material should be flexible and breathable with or without the baggage within!
Well as much as you would like to you cannot carry everything in your TacticalPants! That’s where your Rucksack or Tactical Backpack comes into play. Apart from being the perfect size to carry your equipment, you must ensure it’s waterproof and durable. You wouldn’t want to be scoping out your target with soggy binoculars now would you? There are variants of Rucksacks you could choose from depending on the load you would be carrying with you. Personally, the type that has comfortable straps and a around the chest and waist clip on band is my go to option here because of the surety of it being in place no matter what sudden movements I make.
There is no such thing as the perfect Tactical Watch in the world! Each individual has his own choice of what he finds perfect, however there are a few features the watch should entail to know you’re heading down the right track! For starters, your watch should be able to withstand the ‘wear and tear’ or else it’s going to start being difficult for you to read anything from it thus turning your watch into an absolute waste. Its features may vary depending on what you’d like it to have, but selecting a watch whose lens is made out of Sapphire mineral is the ONLYway to go! Sapphire is a runner up from diamonds and is one of the most scratch resistant minerals in the world! Another pointer for when you select watches is to NEVER go mechanical! Though it may seem to be the more fashionably accurate selection. ALWAYS choose Quartz mechanism and preferable Swiss! Quartz is known to be superbly accurate and precise, which will not leave you stranded trying to fix your time every now and then. Accuracy and Excellence all in one! Sign Me Up!
What good is a gun if you have no means of efficiently carrying it and easily accessing it! Now that’s where the right holster comes into play! There are a variety of holsters to choose from depending on where you would like to carry the firearm. Some of the more common options are Waistband holsters (Inside & Out), Shoulder Holsters, Pocket Holsters, Ankle Holsters and many more! Picking the right Holster ensures not only easy access and mode of carrying but plays a key role on your reflex and usage of the firearm! The two materials you might want to choose from are Leather or Molded Plastic. Leather Holsters get more comfortable and take shape over time, and if ever were to get too loose can be dipped into hot water and will retake its original shape. Molded Plastic Holsters will remain the same over the period of time however do have the tendency to warp and be ruined under hot weather conditions or direct heat from the sun.
An absolute must for your Tactical Gear collection has to be a TacticalVest! The part of the body with the most exposure is the chest which would need good quality protection! Depending on the mission at hand you can choose from a lighter more breathable vest or an insulated heavy duty vest. Always and I mean Always remember to try your vest on when you are purchasing it. Move about in it inside the store, maybe even duck-and-roll if that's how you want to make sure it’s comfortable. But a vest that’s been purchased that isn’t comfortable on the wearer is a lost cause.
Key elements to take note of before you buy Tactical Gear -
- Fabric
When choosing your Tactical Gear, always choose synthetic fabrics for the sole reason of its durability over other fabrics like cotton. Synthetic fabrics are also great adapters to any climate and the colour isn’t going to fade very easily
- Pockets
Tactical gear without pockets? Madness! You can never have enough pockets to keep your stuff. However, make sure that the pockets are not an inconvenience to you or holding you back when you’re trying to move about or leaving stuff falling about. Choose Wisely!
- Fit / Size – YES! Size Does Matter here!
Of course size matters! Your Tactical Gear should be the perfect fit and should be as if it were rightfully tailored for you and you alone. Always try your gear on and always ensure that you don’t rush to buy something that doesn’t fit you well.
- Quality
The quality of your Tactical Gear depends again on the mission at hand and well on how much you are willing to spend! State of the Art Vests, Boots, Watches etc will fall real heavy on your pockets but are built to last an entire generation. Keep in mind the use of the gear before you can decide the materials required. Thicker insulated bulletproof vests will cost much more and keep you nice and snug under your clothing in colder climates, but the same will cause your body to heat up around a harsher, more desert-like surrounding.
- Choosing the Correct Pattern/Colour
Tactical Gear or Wear was used by the military for protection and aid during the time of a crisis or war, but was also used to blend into and camouflage with their surroundings with perfect synchronization so as to not be spotted by enemies. Choosing your Colour and Pattern will completely and only depend on where you are going to be. You best do your homework on the area and environment you are going to be surrounded by to blend in. Whether it is the rainforest or the desert, there is a perfect pattern and colour for your tactical gear and if you look hard enough I am positive you will find what you are looking for!