A quality tactical vest is a piece of individual kit that can be used in any surroundings or climate. It’s made from durable materials like nylon and polyester, which tend to be the most lightweight and comfortable. They feature sturdy metal components and often include a harness with straps for added comfort and mobility.
The main function of a tactical vest is to keep you safe while carrying your load. To do this, it must be properly fitted and worn according to your requirements. Not everyone who wears a tactical vest is a soldier, but everyone who wears one should know how to use it properly. If you think this kind of gear is only for special forces operatives or movie stars, you may want to take a closer look. These vests are now available for the general public at an affordable price point.
You just have to decide what features would suit your needs best before choosing the right model.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Tactical Vest
When shopping for a tactical vest, there are many factors to consider. The following section looks at these in detail and explains how they apply to your situation.
Intended Use
The use of a tactical vest has a big impact on what features and materials should be included in a good one. For instance, if you’re looking for a new work uniform, then durability might not be as important as fitting well with the rest of your gear.
However, if you’re gearing up for a job that requires climbing or crawling, then fit is more likely to be important. Also, if you’ll be using it in hot weather or cold weather, then temperature resistance could be an issue. Finally, if you’ll be doing a lot of moving around, then mobility may be a concern.
Material
Materials used for vests vary greatly depending on whether it’s a traditional leather jacket or a fabric version made from synthetic fibers. Fabric vests tend to be lighter weight and more flexible than their leather counterparts but often come at a higher price tag. Synthetic fiber vests usually consist of a mesh of polyester or nylon fibers that stretch over time to accommodate movement and wear. These fabrics are durable and easy to clean but can feel restrictive during heavy activity.
On the other hand, leather jackets typically incorporate thicker material layers that offer better protection against the elements and provide a more comfortable feeling while wearing them. Leather also tends to breathe better than synthetics and feels less tight after washing.
Size Options
A large part of choosing the best tactical vest for you depends on how much space you have to store it. If you don’t plan on carrying it with you everywhere you go, then you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t take up too much room in your vehicle or office. However, if you do intend to strap it on your body every day, then storage size might matter more.
For regular users, the average height and weight will help determine which size is optimal. A tall, heavy person would benefit from sizing up, whereas someone who moves around a lot would probably fare better with a smaller size.
Mobility Features
If you’ll be hopping between vehicles or walking back and forth across a yard, then mobility is essential. In this case, the waistband of the tactical vest needs to be wide enough to allow for some flexibility without compromising the seal created by fastening the front and rear together. This is particularly true if you plan on doing a lot of running or jumping.
Also look out for pockets and loops designed specifically to facilitate quick drawing of a weapon or performing first aid.
Fit
Finding the perfect fit for a tactical vest isn’t just about having the right amount of material. Sizing up ensures the vests suitability for your frame and won’t cause undue fatigue when worn. This is especially important if you plan on wearing the vest for long periods of time. Waist sizes differ among men and women and measure differently depending on whether it’s measured at the hip or mid-waistline.
To get the most accurate measurement, we recommend measuring at both locations and taking the larger of the two measurements.
Hip measurements refer to the circumference of the hips at the top of the legs. Measured at the hip, the size options are small (28 inches), medium (30 inches), large (32 inches) and extra-large (34 inches). Mid-waist measurements refer to the natural waistband above the hip bones. At the waist, the sizes are small (24 inches), medium (26 inches), large (28 inches) and extra-large (30 inches).
Sizes run small so it’s important to order according to the manufacturer’s description. It’s also worth checking the chest size listed because sometimes the manufacturer uses inch measurements instead of centimeters.
Seam Construction
One of the biggest advantages of a tactical vest is the seam construction along each side. Most vests feature three or four seams that serve to divide the garment into different sections like the front and rear panels and sleeves. We find that quality seams that close tightly resist moisture, water, and abrasion damage. They also enhance comfort by preventing rubbing where skin meets the metal of the zipper or where shoulder straps meet the neck.
We prefer double stitching along seams that will be exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity conditions. Triple stitching is even better, though rare in the civilian world, it adds strength and stability.
Zippers
Zippers are a vital component of any garment, including a tactical vest. Good zippers perform efficiently and securely; they needn’t be bulky, but rather should complement the shape of the face. Cheapies tend to either tear or stick open. Quality products zip smoothly without catching or binding.
Look for a product with teeth that grip firmly when closed. Also check that the slider doesn’t become loose easily. Loose sliders are uncomfortable and hard to zip.
Types Of Tactical Vests
Tactical vests are designed for specific purposes. Some are meant to be worn over street clothes, while others are intended to be worn in the field. There’s a reason why they’re called “tactics” vests.
Lightweight vs. Heavyweight
The first thing you need to know is how much weight you want to carry on your back. The next step is figuring out what kind of loadout you’ll require to accommodate that weight. For most people, carrying more than 10 pounds isn’t necessary and should be avoided if at all possible. You also don’t need to carry more than 40 pounds on any given day. If you weigh more than this, you’re putting yourself at risk for serious injury or death.
That being said, there are plenty of options available for anyone looking to increase their capabilities beyond what standard issue provides.
Pouch vs. Plate carrier
A pouch vest is like a normal backpack but with pouches instead of straps. These can be used for carrying magazines, radios, or other small items. They’re great for keeping organized and staying prepared because you won’t have to worry about digging through a bunch of junk to find something you need. On the negative side, they aren’t very effective when it comes to carrying large loads. This type of tactical gear tends to distribute weight more towards your shoulders and upper back compared to wearing a plate carrier.
It’s not ideal for combat situations where you need to move quickly and efficiently. In addition, these types of vests tend to be bulkier and harder to wear during warm weather conditions.
Plate carrier
A plate carrier is similar to a bulletproof jacket in that it protects you from small projectiles such as shrapnel and bullets. However, unlike a regular bulletproof jacket, a plate carrier leaves your arms free to swing naturally without getting in the way of your movement.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
When deciding which tactical vests to recommend for this post, we relied on our own personal experience with a wide range of options available from a variety of brands. We considered things like cost, concerns over quality control, and feedback from previous buyers to compile a list that addresses the majority of your questions and concerns regarding military-style vests.
After that, we reduced our choices down by applying particular criteria, such as the materials used in construction, the design concepts that were applied, and the unique features offered by leading businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tactical Vests
What is the difference between tactical and combat?
The main difference is that while combat uniforms are designed for use in military operations, tactical uniforms are designed to withstand the rigors of active duty or a job that requires you to go into battle quickly.
How tight should my tactical vest be?
Your tactical vest should fit snugly enough where your arms don’t fall out when they’re relaxed at your sides. It shouldn’t bunch up anywhere, and it shouldn’t slide down your shoulders. Make sure you have room to comfortably walk around without having to keep adjusting it.
Are tactical vests worth it?
If you work in an office all day but want something ruggedized for your lunch hour or weekend away from your desk, then definitely plan to drop some coin for a quality tactical vest. If, however, you spend most of your time working outside, in fields or at home, then save your money for something more comfortable like a nice pair of running shoes or a new jacket.