The Essential Nature Of Tactical Gear

Whether you consider yourself to be well-versed in tactical gear, or you are only just learning about the crucial nature of this equipment, this guide will have something for you. In this quick read, we will examine exactly what tactical gear is and what it is used for, as well as provide a few useful pieces of advice about purchasing the correct gear for your purposes.

This kind of equipment is invaluable when working in the field, regardless of your profession, and it makes sense to invest in high-quality options that will allow for optimal performance in challenging scenarios. Luckily, at Futurama, we have some of the best tactical gear on the market, with offerings from brands like Condor, Zebra Armour, ESS, Zartek, Camelbak, Hard Head Veterans, and more. Allow us to walk you through the ins and outs of purchasing this important gear.

Factors To Keep In Mind When Purchasing Tactical Gear

Whatever your reason for purchasing this type of gear, it makes sense to be intentional about it and invest in products that will stand the test of time. Let’s have a look at a few key considerations which should ensure that you are buying the ideal equipment for your unique needs:

 

1. Consider Conditions And Overall Quality

It is crucial to consider the kind of conditions and use the tactical equipment will be subject to. If you foresee that you or your team will be carrying out missions in locations that are extremely hot, it makes sense to seek out breathable materials that will make dealing with these conditions much more bearable. The same goes for intense cold, humidity, rain, etc., you should aim to equip yourself for the environment you expect to encounter. If you purchase thick, winter gear before heading into a scorching desert, the experience becomes substantially more challenging and unpleasant.

Oftentimes, tactical gear is worn consistently, for days on end, and it is for this reason that it makes sense to invest in high-quality fabrics and materials, like Cordura, Gore-Tex, and ripstop nylon, for example. These sorts of materials are well-known for their weather resistance, durability, and general ability to withstand the wear and tear that comes with frequent use. To add to this, keep your eyes open for reliable zippers, hardy closures, and reinforced stitching, as these are features that should ensure that the tactical equipment lasts well into the future.

 

2. Conduct Some Research And Read Reviews

One of the foremost benefits of purchasing equipment online is that you have a large database of information to draw from – including reviews and customer testimonials. It pays to have a look at the feedback of others, as this can offer valuable insight into the quality of the product you are considering. It’s possible that some of these reviews may have been written by individuals in the same field, or those engaging in similar activities – this can help you make an informed decision about which equipment is worth your while.

 

3. Make Sure That You Have A Good Grasp Of Sizing And Fit

As you can imagine, ill-fitting gear and equipment can be frustrating in the least, and downright dangerous at worst. The last thing you want in a combat scenario is to be fiddling with your clothing or equipment because it’s too big or uncomfortably tight. Some companies may size their products differently from others as well, so it makes sense to study the brand’s sizing guide before committing to any purchases. Measure yourself, and your team as accurately as possible and run these measurements through the sizing chart.

 

4. Intended Use Of The Tactical Equipment

It’s essential to factor in the specific purpose of the gear in question. Do you work for a security company, are you involved in law enforcement, or perhaps you are an outdoor enthusiast? There are distinct differences between professions and activities, and it makes sense to find equipment that complements your role or activity. For instance, if you want to embark on lengthy hikes through the wilderness, it doesn’t make sense to purchase a backpack designed for use in combat situations, as it more than likely won’t have enough storage capacity, and the same works in reverse.

 

The Benefits Of Adequate Storage And MOLLE

Depending on your profession, MOLLE and decent storage can be some of the most essential parts of a tactical uniform. It allows you to attach crucial pieces of equipment to your person, like flashlights, holsters, first aid kits, canteens, food, and more. The ability to keep items like this with you at all times is incredibly important when carrying out work in the field, as you truly never know when something might be needed. MOLLE bags, attachments, pouches – and the storage capabilities they provide – have often meant the difference between success and failure in a mission. It is crucial not to overlook this aspect of tactical preparation.

One fantastic example of a product that uses MOLLE to great effect is the Camelbak BFM Mil Tac Hydration Pack. This ingenious hydration pack can be a real lifesaver in challenging situations. It comes standard with low-profile composite MOLLE panels on the front of the pack for secure attachment of pouches and accessories, as well as four zippers to enable ease of access when quickly grabbing essential gear. It is surprisingly lightweight and includes shoulder harnesses to keep it in place, no matter how fast you are moving – not to mention the 3L, leak-proof tactical bladder that is surely one of the finest on the market today. If you are looking for an excellent all-in-one backpack/hydration pack solution, this is certainly worth your consideration.

 

The Importance Of Protective Eyewear

In many lines of work, you never know what sort of problems you might run into on a day-to-day basis. It is for this reason that it is critical to protect your eyes, which are easily one of the most sensitive organs in our bodies. For those who might engage in combat or are involved in law enforcement, eye protection can help prevent dust and debris from causing damage, and ballistic eye protection can even stop shrapnel and explosive debris. For those involved in firefighting or rescue work, it is equally as crucial to proactively protect yourself – goggles can protect your eyes from smoke, dust, and debris on the job.

If you are searching for an excellent pair of hardy ballistic goggles, you can’t go wrong with the ESS Profile Turbo Fan Ballistic Goggles. These goggles are about as tough as they get, and are a long-time favourite of the U.S. special forces. These goggles use a TurboFan system to bring fresh air in through the lower edge of the frame – this prevents overheating and fogging while wearing the goggles. They can also be worn for multiple hours without causing any discomfort whatsoever – not to mention the extra-thick, 2.8mm polycarbonate lenses which offer unprecedented eye protection when in the field.

The Difference Between Tactical Clothing And Regular Apparel

Since they can look similar, you might be wondering what the practical differences are between everyday clothing and tactical wear. Well, allow us to explain the defining characteristics of high-quality tactical clothing:

 

• Enhanced Durability: Tactical equipment has been painstakingly designed to handle intense environments and variable weather conditions. Oftentimes, they are made to be considerably more breathable for warmer climates – alternatively, those created for colder conditions will feature thermal materials which insulate the heat and keep the wearer comfortably warm. Tactical attire is also created to be stronger and more resistant to tearing, stretching, or ripping, meaning they will last significantly longer than regular clothing would.

 

• Comfort Is A Top Priority: Most clothing companies indeed put a fair amount of emphasis on the comfort of their apparel, the same goes for tactical wear, but to a larger extent. The brands we collaborate with take into account that buyers may likely be wearing these garments for extended shifts, and with this in mind, they take steps to ensure that their products do not irritate, restrict, or overheat the wearer. This is important for reasons beyond general comfort; in intense situations, it is challenging to keep a clear head when you are constantly frustrated by your equipment and clothing.

 

• Range Of Motion: Equally as important is range of motion and the ability to move freely, without being hindered by clothing or equipment. When performing difficult tasks under pressure, tight, restrictive clothing can quite easily get in the way and make things substantially tougher than they need to be. Tactical apparel is designed to allow for improved mobility, allowing the wearer to turn, twist, and rotate with ease.

 

An excellent example of this is the Condor Trident Battle Top, which features anti-microbial, moisture-wicking materials for optimal comfort in warm conditions. For those working on hot summer days, this type of gear can be a real game-changer. The Raglan cut sleeves allow for a full range of motion and each side features a loop and hook closure pocket where one can display crucial identification or rank patches.

Who Uses Tactical Gear?

Tactical equipment, gear, and clothing are used across a wide range of professions and recreational activities. Many people might assume that tactical gear and military gear are one and the same, however, this is not necessarily true. There is certainly some overlap in the sort of gear implemented by the military, but military personnel are issued specific pieces of equipment designed exclusively to assist in combat scenarios. This gear undergoes stringent testing and must meet the criteria set by the military organisation in question. Generally, their gear consists of helmets, body armour, combat uniforms, and specialised weaponry.

Outside of the military, ‘tactical gear’ is a more generalised term, which encompasses gear and equipment utilised by individuals from various professions – emergency responders, law enforcement, firefighters, security personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and more. Tactical gear is designed and manufactured to match the same principles of durability and practicality of military gear, but without needing to meet the exact requirements set by a military organisation. Another major difference between military gear and tactical gear is that one cannot purchase military equipment, as it is usually restricted to military use exclusively, whereas tactical gear can be bought by anyone, including civilians.

Oftentimes, military personnel are equipped to deal with a very specialised environment, and their gear is catered to assist them in navigating through it. Tactical equipment and gear is more versatile in that regard, as there are products and options which can help in a wide range of environments and terrain. To add to this, there are additional features like MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment), which are optional attachments you can place on your clothing or equipment, and it helps with on-the-go storage and quick access to important equipment. Ultimately, tactical equipment can be used by anyone who thinks it is necessary, and it can make the lives of many professionals significantly safer and easier.