Here’s a couple of truisms: You are living on the edge of personal safety if you're a soldier, law enforcement officer, or part of a private security team, and a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. These words ring true for the gear used in these professions; one faulty piece of gear at the wrong time, and it all falls apart. For professionals looking to keep themselves and the people they're protecting safe, advanced tactical gear is absolutely needed.
This article aims to explore different types of advanced tactical gear available today. From cutting-edge helmets to specialized clothing, we will cover how these tools meet specific needs in demanding scenarios while incorporating key elements such as comfort and mission readiness.
What is Advanced Tactical Gear?
Tactical gear refers to equipment designed for use in military, law enforcement, and other high-stress environments. Its primary purpose is to provide protection, enhance performance, and ensure the safety of professionals during operations.
Over time, tactical gear has evolved significantly. Basic items like simple body armor and standard-issue helmets have given way to advanced tactical gear that offers superior protection and functionality. This evolution has been driven by technological advancements and the increasing demands of modern missions. Reputable gear manufacturers also adhere to modern military specifications such as NATO specs, various national specs (Finnish Defence Forces etc.), and ISO standards – not to forget the playing field of national/international supply security in general.
Advanced tactical gear plays a crucial role for professionals across various fields. For military personnel, it can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield. Law enforcement officers rely on it for effective crowd control or high-risk interventions. Private security teams use this gear to protect clients in unpredictable situations.
Go-to Tactical Gear for Professionals
Advanced Tactical Helmets
Features
Modern tactical helmets offer a range of features designed for enhanced protection and comfort. These helmets often include advanced materials like Kevlar aramids, which provide superior durability while keeping the weight manageable.
The benefits extend beyond just safety. Enhanced comfort is crucial during long missions, and these helmets are designed to be compatible with other gear such as night vision goggles or communication devices. This compatibility ensures that you stay covered in various operational environments.
When choosing a helmet, consider the specific needs of your mission. Urban settings might require different features compared to non-urban operations. Look for options that balance protection with ease of movement.
Popular Models of Advanced Tactical Helmets
ARCH High Cut Helmet by PGD Protection Group Danmark is a budget-friendly choice for professionals looking for reliable ballistic protection. It features a ballistic protection level of NIJ IIIA, which is the general standard for military personnel and law enforcement.
If you're looking for something to protect your ARCH High Cut Helmet from rough times, look no further than the Särmä TST Helmet Cover. This helmet cover is part of Varusteleka's in-house brand of clothing and gear designed for military and law enforcement end-users.
Advanced Plate Carriers
Features
Plate carriers provide varying levels of protection while still keeping you mobile. This tactical gear combines a carrier vest that holds the structure together and ballistic plates, which provide the protection. Armor plates can be made from materials like ceramic, steel, or polyethylene, each with its own benefits. Nowadays steel is not preferred in personal armor items, as it is heavy and can induce deadly spalling.
Protection from ballistic and other light projectiles, along with mobility, are the key benefits of plate carriers. Their versatility is also exceptional, as the ballistic plates can be changed based on your needs. The carrier vest also allows for attaching other pieces of tactical gear to the plate carrier. You can also wear chest rigs on top of plain and slick plate carriers.
Recommended Brands and Models
Särmä TST LVPC Plate Carrier w. Elastic Mag Pouch cumme*rbund is a great plate carrier for missions that require blending into the environment more discreetly. The lightweight slender cut, materials, and careful detailing allow it to be easily concealed under a jacket. Laser-cut slots also provide excellent modularity beyond the PALS system's normal limits.
Advanced Tactical Chest Rigs
Features
Chest Rigs play a crucial role in providing both storage and tactical readiness. Modern chest rigs are designed with modularity in mind, often featuring MOLLE systems that enable professionals to tailor their gear to specific needs. This flexibility ensures that vital items are within easy reach in critical moments.
Integration with other equipment is vital. Proper weight distribution ensures comfort during extended missions, reducing fatigue and enhancing mobility.
Top-Rated Tactical Chest Rigs
Särmä TST LW18 Chest Rig is a lightweight and simple but effective MOLLE/PALS platform for your custom loadout. Our gear selection also includes various items, such as front panels, side wings, and X-harnesses, which you can use to hand-tailor a setup to your own particular taste.
For the history buffs SADF Pattern 83 Chest Rig is still usable today. The South African Pattern 83 Chest Rig is the lightest part of the load-bearing system, designed to carry important items like ammo and grenades during patrols while remaining rucksack-compatible. Unlike the bulky battle jacket, this rig makes carrying a rucksack easier, holding magazines, grenades, and first aid items, while other gear goes in the rucksack. It’s inspired by the famous Chicom Chest Rig, with even direct copies made for special operations.
Enhanced Tactical Clothing
Features
Enhanced tactical clothing offers durability, comfort, and functionality. Materials like ripstop fabric provide resistance to tearing and wear, which makes them ideal for tough environments. Features such as reinforced stitching and winter-proof buckles add extra strength where it's needed the most.
Quick-drying fabrics are crucial in wet conditions, while flame-resistant materials offer protection in hazardous situations. These elements ensure that tactical pants, combat shirts, flight suits, and tactical polos perform well under stress.
Choosing the right clothing depends on your operational environment. Along with typical outer layers such as your field uniform, other layers of clothing are also vital in colder environments.
Best Pieces of Tactical Clothing
We have our layered clothing down to a science here at Varusteleka. Our Särmä TST clothing system is a comprehensive approach to all terrains and weather conditions one can encounter. We are enthusiastic proponents of merino wool and all its glorious features!
The Särmä TST L1 Balaclava is a multifunctional piece of headgear that can be worn as a balaclava, cap, or tube scarf depending on how you fold it. Its lightweight merino wool construction is highly breathable, comfortable, and moisture-wicking, making it suitable for chilly and cold seasons as well as cooler summer temperatures. In certain situations you can also use it to hide your facial features for a level of camouflage to blend in your surroundings.
The Särmä TST L4 Combat Pants are another excellent example of tactical clothing. This supremely designed, adjustable, and robust pair of ripstop combat pants will last you a long time while making its presence barely known – they fit so well you might as well forget about them altogether! These pants are available in both solid colors and camo patterns, making them suitable for all sorts of endeavors.
Specialized Tactical Boots
Features
Tactical boots provide features like ankle support, slip resistance, and waterproofing. These features ensure stability and safety in various environments. Materials such as leather and synthetic blends are used for durability and comfort. Leather provides the necessary toughness and longevity while synthetic materials add lightness and breathability. Most combat boots also feature protection from oils and sharp objects like nails.
Choosing the right pair of military boots or work boots can make a significant difference in performance. Consider factors like terrain, climate, and mission requirements when selecting your tactical footwear. Proper boot fitting is vital to prevent injuries. The break-in process should not be overlooked either; it ensures the boots mold to your feet for optimal fit during missions.
Top Models of Tactical Boots
Haix Black Eagle Tactical 2.0 GTX High Wide are tall and super lightweight leather tactical boots with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. These durable military boots are enhanced with comfortable and shock-absorbing technology. Their anti-slip sole maintains traction on various surfaces, both dry and slippery.
AKU Selvatica Tactical Mid GTX are waterproof tactical boots suitable for multiple terrains and climates. The key features of these boots are the Air 8000 membrane, which provides superior breathability compared to many competing models; the Elica Natural Stride System, which enhances comfort by avoiding pressure points in your feet; and Vibram Megagrip, which offers better grip than most shoes.
Tactical First-Aid Gear
Features
Tactical first aid gear encompasses equipment and tools designed for use in high-stress, urgent situations where immediate response is critical. Designed to be simple to use, this versatile equipment is suitable for varying medical needs from stopping the bleeding to preventing hypothermia and treating open wounds.
Must-have Pieces of First-Aid Gear
CAT Combat Application Tourniquet Gen 7 is a widely accepted (incl. the US CoTCCC) tourniquet designed for quick application in field conditions to stop catastrophic bleeding in limbs.
Sharkmed Trauma Wound Dressing is a top-notch bandage designed for managing bleeding in emergency situations. It includes a non-stick wound pad, elastic gauze, pressure applicator, and a closure bar, eliminating the need for additional securing tools like tape or safety pins.
Sharkmed Tactical Survival Blanket is a high-quality emergency blanket designed to prevent hypothermia by reflecting heat without breaking concealment. An invaluable piece in any first aid kit, these are the same blankets issued by the Finnish Defence Forces.
Tactical Pouches
Features
Tactical pouches are important pieces of tactical gear designed for carrying and organizing gear in the field. Made from durable materials like nylon or Cordura, these pouches attach to tactical vests, belts, or backpacks via MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) systems. They come in various sizes and configurations to hold items such as magazines, medical supplies, tools, and communication devices.
Key features include quick-access closures, secure fastening mechanisms, and specialized compartments to keep equipment accessible and protected. Tactical pouches enhance operational efficiency by allowing professionals to customize their loadout according to specific mission requirements, ensuring that your fighting gear is always within reach.
Recommended Pouches for Professionals
The most important pouches are for items that either are for making holes or patching them up. This means magazine and frag pouches as well as IFAKs (individual first aid kits). Varusteleka has a comprehensive mag pouch line-up for different magazine types with different mag retention designs.
General purpose or utility pouches hold your non-combative items in order. They might have internal organization features and/or hook and loop panels for inserts. The pouches are usually equipped with MOLLE/PALS and belt attachment options, while there are also other types of pouches with other designs such as hanger-type pouches.
Key Takeaways
Tactical gear has evolved significantly to meet the increasing demands of modern missions, offering superior protection, functionality, and versatility.
Advanced tactical gear, such as helmets, plate carriers, vests, clothing, boots, and emergency equipment, plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance and safety of professionals in military, law enforcement, and security roles.
Key features like modularity, comfort, and durability ensure that these items meet the specific needs of various operational environments. By investing in high-quality tactical gear, professionals can be better prepared for critical situations, ensuring their safety and effectiveness in the field.
