Military Gear

Military gear serves a variety of purposes. SWAT teams use their black-and-gray uniforms to blend in on nighttime raids, and 18th century Prussian grenadiers wore tall mitre caps to appear bigger and more intimidating.

Kevlar has become a standard-issue item in the last few decades, providing stopping power that’s superior to that of earlier armor. Tactical shirts like the one from UF Pro feature torsos with ceramic disks to prevent wear and tear under body armor.

Armor

Armor is protective clothing that is capable of deflecting the force of projectiles and other weapons that could harm the wearer. It is also referred to as body armour, and it has been an essential piece of military gear throughout history. It is generally a garment that covers the body from head to foot, and it may be made of leather, cloth, steel, horn, or plastic. Its purpose is to shield the soldier from enemy fire and to protect him from stabs, blades, and blows.

The most basic form of armor is a helmet, which protects the head and neck from blunt injuries. This is often accompanied by a breastplate and gauntlets, which provide protection for the chest, shoulders, arms, and hands. Plate armour consists of shaped metal plates that cover the entire body, and it is typically worn with a helmet and heavy leather boots. Its use was common among knights in Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Another important type of armor is chain mail, which consists of interlocking metal rings that form a mesh. It is padded with quilted cloth to prevent chafing and to cushion the impact of blows. The armour is fastened with buckles and straps. It is a very lightweight and efficient form of armor, and it is suitable for dextrous characters who want to gain a defensive advantage.

It is often claimed that the development of armor was closely correlated with the growth of more effective weaponry. This is certainly true for many types of armor, including the lorica hamata and lorica squamata of Roman legions, the mail hauberk of medieval and renaissance knights, and the full-plate harnesses worn by European heavy cavalry during the early modern period and up to 1914. The Samurai warriors of feudal Japan used a range of different forms of body armour, too.

While armor is very useful, it does have its drawbacks. Three major ones are weight, temperature, and bulk. A full suit of armor adds between 15 and 35 lbs to the total weight a soldier must carry, which can make it hard for him to run or climb. It also increases the amount of water he must drink to avoid heat casualties.

Tactical Clothing

Despite the clear military origins of much tactical gear, its use isn’t restricted to soldiers and law enforcement officers. It’s a term that’s increasingly found in product descriptions for sneakers, T-shirts and pants targeted at an ever broader group of consumers. It’s also found on body armor and other combat-adjacent items. The question is whether this booming interest in military-grade products stems from a genuine need for such equipment by civilians, or whether it’s the result of savvy marketing strategies used by some of the industry’s most well known brands.

Tactical clothing is designed to be a versatile workwear option for emergency medical technicians, fire service professionals and plainclothes police officers, among others. It’s characterized by features that help these workers address the challenges of their jobs, including a need to carry tools and other supplies on the go, as well as a requirement for comfort in stressful situations.

For example, the best tactical pants are able to support a full range of motion without restricting movement or tearing. They also feature pockets to store essentials, such as water bladders and ballistic plates. Many have special straps to keep side arms secure, and some have sheaths for carrying knives or other weapons.

Another key piece of tactical clothing is a tactical vest, which is worn over the top of a uniform and can carry a variety of essentials. It can also be worn as a stand-alone piece of clothing, and it’s available in various sizes to suit different needs.

The same goes for tactical backpacks, which are commonly marketed as being suitable for military and law enforcement use, but are often described as being useful for firefighters, paramedics and even parents. These backpacks, for instance, often have features like adjustable straps and hidden zipper pockets that can accommodate rifles and other weaponry.

The truth is, it’s nearly impossible to attribute the soaring popularity of some of these goods to an actual need for their functionality by any significant number of civilians. Instead, it seems more likely that the use of the word tactical as a marketing ploy has helped these companies capitalize on a growing desire among certain consumers to show off their connections to a distinct and growing community united by a shared ethos.

Footwear

Footwear is used to protect the feet and lower legs from various elements. It can cover the ankle, calf or even the entire leg. It has a flexible upper and a sole that can be made from leather or plastic. Boots are typically shaped to fit the foot and have laces or zippers for closure. They may also have a steel shank for stability and protection from heavy objects. Some boots have special provisions that can accept spikes, studs, cleats, stops, clips or bars for use in sporting activities.

During World War I, soldiers wore uniforms that included boots that were interchangeable so they could quickly get into the footwear they needed to fight a battle. This wasn’t a great idea, however, as the boots did not fit well and caused blisters and other painful foot issues for many soldiers. Today’s military combat boots are much more advanced and provide a better fit for the wearer.

They are also more comfortable and designed to protect against a variety of conditions, from sandstorms to snowy environments. Some of these boots feature reinforced toes and heels that can withstand the impact of bullets, blades and grenades. Some are even treated with flame-retardant material that will prevent second degree burns if the wearer is exposed to fire or hot liquids.

There are also a variety of other features that make these military boots better than ever before. The toes have a molded design for a more secure fit and the outer soles are durable enough to withstand the roughest of terrain. Some of these boots are also waterproof, which is important for those operating in wet and muddy conditions.

The inner lining of these boots is designed to keep the foot cool and dry, while the soles are crafted from tough rubber that can withstand shock. Some of these boots are even treated with anti-microbial materials that will help to prevent odors and fungus. Some of these boots are also insulated to prevent cold feet while on duty and offer cushioned support while running. These features are what have led to a rise in civilian interest in these tactical military boots.

Accessories

Whether you’re an active military member or simply a guy who enjoys hunting and camping in the great outdoors, tactical gear can help you stay prepared for any situation. But the use of the word “tactical” in marketing — and even in the names of some brands — can be misleading for the consumer, especially as it has been used to rebrand civilian products with military-inspired features that have no relation to military uses at all.

For example, the phrase “tactical gear” has been used to market products made from ripstop fabrics that are lighter, more durable and offer more stopping power than canvas fabrics from years ago. It has also been used to describe products that have features such as hook-and-loop fasteners, better known by the genericized trademark name Velcro, that are found on military uniforms and allow for attachment of equipment and accessories such as the Condor Ronin Chest Rig, which provides a platform of horizontal webbing to hold medical pouches, mag pouches, flashlights and other items.

Tactical gear is designed to be able to handle the rigors of war and all its physical consequences, which include anything from shrapnel to roadside bombs. To meet those demands, every piece of military clothing and accessory is carefully crafted to ensure a soldier can work safely and efficiently, which includes everything from pocket placement and range of motion considerations to closure elements and felled seaming. At Propper, we offer an extensive selection of UCP uniforms and accessories in the official operational camouflage pattern that military personnel wear on the job, from field jackets and uniform pants to helmet covers, boots and flight suits. Choose from men’s and women’s styles and fabric options, including 100% cotton, 50/50 NIR compliant NYCO and flame resistant options sewn to precise military specifications.