Tactical gear is a term that covers clothing, equipment and tools designed to protect you from the hazards of modern life. It was originally created to aid military and law enforcement, but now it is used by many people around the world.
Among civilians, tactical gear has become increasingly popular over the past few years. This is because more people are becoming aware of the dangers that exist in the modern world and want to be prepared.
Clothing is a large part of tactical gear, with many garments and accessories designed specifically to support the wearer in an array of practical applications. For example, a pair of tactical pants might include systems for holding ammunition magazines or dedicated knife pockets, belt loops and waistbands for securing sidearm holsters and thigh-level pockets to keep essential tools handy.
The market for tactical clothing is growing rapidly. According to a Technavio report, this segment is expected to hit $4.26 billion in value by 2022. The trend is fueled by consumers looking for a product that will make them more efficient, simplify their day-to-day, and keep them safe.
Tactical clothing has a unique aesthetic that can appeal to a broad range of consumers. Those who enjoy hunting, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits are just as likely to invest in these products as those who are trained to use them as part of their job or vocation.
As a consumer, you need to be sure to choose a brand that has a reputation for producing quality products and can deliver a pair of tactical pants that will stand up to your demands. Some of these brands have decades of military apparel experience, and others are known for their cutting-edge designs and innovative technologies.
The best tactical pants are lightweight, durable, and provide a high level of functionality in a variety of situations. They’re typically made from ripstop materials to prevent fraying and have a wide range of pocket sizes and layouts for keeping your gear close at hand.
In addition to these functional features, tactical clothing is often crafted with smart details that help the wearer stay as comfortable and efficient as possible. For instance, quarter-zips on shirts allow for quicker put on/take off and ventilation if needed, while cargo pockets on trousers can be used for carrying documents, keys, a gun and other items.
The rise of tactical gear is a sign of how American society is slowly becoming more aware of the importance of functional gear in everyday life. This is reflected in the popularity of companies like Ten Thousand and 5.11 Tactical, which have grown exponentially thanks to their ability to connect with a diverse, passionate group of customers.
Gloves are a vital piece of tactical gear that protect hands and fingers from cuts, abrasions and other injuries. They are used by military, police and special forces personnel as well as correction officers, law enforcement, and sports enthusiasts for a variety of reasons.
Tactical gloves are made from various materials that offer varying degrees of protection, durability and breathability. Some are made from leather, while others are made from rubber and nylon. They often include a knuckle guard, which protects against slashes and blades.
Another common material used in tactical gloves is Kevlar, which is slash-resistant and protects against abrasions. It’s also incredibly tough, and it can resist water as well.
Nylon is also a popular material for tactical gloves, and it’s used for its abrasion-resistant properties. It’s also a good insulator and helps keep hands warm at cold temperatures.
Neoprene is a breathable and water-resistant material that also offers good insulation. It is a popular choice for wetsuits, but it can also be used to make gloves that are effective against both hot and cold weather.
When buying gloves, it’s important to find a pair that fits your hands snugly but not too tight that they interfere with your dexterity. Ideally, they should be about one size smaller than your actual hand measurements.
Some of the best tactical gloves come with Velcro straps, which provide a secure fit and help prevent them from sliding off your hands. These straps are especially useful if you’re using them to hold onto your firearms or other equipment.
If you’re looking for gloves with great dexterity, choose a glove with a stretchy material like spandex. Spandex gloves are usually more comfortable, and they don’t restrict your hands’ movements as much as other types of tactical gloves.
Before purchasing a pair of tactical gloves, check their sizing chart to make sure they’re the right size. For small hands, go down a size; for large hands, down a half-size.
A ballistic vest is a type of tactical gear that protects against bullets and other projectiles. They come in a variety of forms and have varying levels of protection, but all are designed to slow or stop penetration by a bullet.
They’re often used by soldiers, police, and others as a means of protecting against both rifle and handgun rounds. They can be made of a variety of materials and are available in different sizes to fit most users.
Most ballistic vests are made of either Spectra Shield or Kevlar and can be quilt-stitched or box-stitched. Both are durable and tough, but box-stitched vests are easier to move around in.
In order to test a vest for safety, it is wrapped around a clay dummy that is shot at various angles. The dummy should not show any signs of penetration. When this is done, the vest should pass the NIJ Standard.
The standard tests a vest wet or dry, and the results are used to determine its rating. During this testing, a vest is fired six times. The first shot is fired from a 0-degree angle, the second from a 30-degree angle, and so on.
Depending on the material and level of protection, bulletproof vests can be anywhere from 3-7 lbs. The more plates a vest has, the heavier it is.
A NIJ level IIIA bulletproof vest can protect against nearly all handgun rounds, and a Level IV plate carrier can protect against most rifle rounds. A Level IV vest is more heavy than a Level 3A, but it can also provide better protection and is much easier to carry than a Level IIIA.
In addition to stopping bullets, a vest can also prevent stabs and slashes. This is why they are also called stab and slash protectors, or SSVPs.
Most ballistic vests are designed to be concealed under clothing, but some can be worn on top of clothes if they have Velcro panels on them. This makes them an excellent choice for police and other security guards, as they can be tucked under shirts and other garments to keep their vest hidden. They are also an excellent option for people who are looking for a way to prevent a robbery from happening to them.
A helmet is a staple piece of tactical gear for both law enforcement and military personnel. It provides a high level of protection against bullets, as well as other threats, like shrapnel and falling debris. It can also help you mount additional equipment, such as a flashlight or night vision goggles.
There are several different types of tactical helmets to choose from, including ballistic, bump, and full-coverage models. Each type of helmet is designed for a specific purpose, so choosing the right one depends on your needs and budget.
When it comes to ballistic helmets, make sure you buy a model that has a specific ballistic rating. These ratings are determined by the National Institute of Justice and identify protection against a certain range of firearm rounds. These include 9mm,.45 caliber pistols,.22,.32, and.44 Magnum rifles, as well as shotgun blasts.
In addition to protecting your head, a good ballistic helmet should have padding that is thick enough to reduce the impact of a bullet. This can reduce the damage you may suffer from a violent attack or a natural disaster.
You should also choose a helmet that has a comfortable fit and feels good on your head. Most modern ballistic helmets are designed with custom pads that can be moved and repositioned to fit your head.
The best ballistic helmets are also lightweight. Some are surprisingly light for their size, weighing in at less than three pounds!
Another benefit of a lightweight ballistic helmet is that it can be more comfortable to wear over long periods of time. Some are made with a breathable fabric, which will keep you cool and dry during extended periods of activity.
Many of these helmets are compatible with rails and mounts, allowing you to install lights and cameras for maximum visibility during missions in dark areas. These mounting systems are a great way to customize your tactical gear and increase your overall performance.