Tactical vests are essential gear for military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts. These vests are designed to provide protection, storage, and easy access to essential items such as ammunition, communication devices, and other equipment. They are also used to improve mobility, reduce fatigue, and increase overall efficiency.
Tactical vests are heavy duty vests that can be worn over clothing in order to provide protection and carry gear as required. Tactical vests are usually considered to be made of more durable material and are more versatile than say a regular plate carrier. There are many different options with tactical vests and you will have to decide what you need to vest to do for you to know which one would be the best fit.
Tactical vests have become increasingly popular among civilian users such as hunters, hikers, and airsoft players due to their versatility and functionality. These vests are available in different designs, sizes, and colors, allowing users to choose a vest that suits their specific needs and preferences.
The importance of tactical vests cannot be overstated, as they provide a means of carrying essential gear and protecting against potential hazards. In addition, tactical vests have become an iconic part of the uniform for military and law enforcement personnel, representing a symbol of authority and preparedness.
Table of Contents
- Criteria for selection
- UTG Swat Vest
- GZ Xinxing Tactical Combat Vest
- UTG 547 Law Enforcement Tactical Vest
- Yakeda Tactical CS Field Vest
- Gloryfire MOLLE Tactical Plate Carrier Vest
Criteria for selection
When choosing a tactical vest, there are several important factors to consider. Here are the four criteria we used to choose the top 5 tactical vests:
- Comfort – A tactical vest must fit comfortably and securely, without causing any discomfort or restriction of movement. The materials used in the construction of the vest, such as breathable fabrics and adjustable straps, can contribute to overall comfort.
- Durability – Tactical vests need to be durable enough to withstand harsh environments and frequent use. Durable materials such as nylon, ripstop, or Cordura® are commonly used in the construction of tactical vests. The durability of the vest also affects its ability to hold gear without sagging or tearing.
- Functionality – A tactical vest must be functional, providing ample storage space and easy access to essential items. The layout of the vest’s pockets and pouches should allow for efficient and organized storage of gear. Additionally, the vest should be designed to accommodate different types of equipment, such as radios or hydration bladders.
- Price – Tactical vests come in a wide range of prices, and it’s important to consider the price when choosing a vest. A more expensive vest may have more features or be made of higher-quality materials, but it’s essential to find a vest that fits within your budget.
By evaluating these criteria, we were able to narrow down our selection to the top 5 tactical vests that excel in these areas. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at each of the top 5 tactical vests and discuss their features, pros, and cons.
UTG Swat Vest
This is a modern take on a classic vest that SWAT teams used to wear. It is strongly believed the tactical vest started as a need for early SWAT teams. The UTG Swat vest takes that early version of the vest and adapts it. There is still a large focus on being designed for entry teams and as such the pouches are ideal for what one might carry on an entry team. There are 3 large rifle magazine pouches and two small pistol pouches. There is also a large main pouch that can easily fit several 12-gauge shells. This vest has a cross draw holster that will accommodate most duty sized pistols.
GZ Xinxing Tactical Combat Vest
The GZ Xinxing Tactical Combat vest is a very diverse tactical vest. It has adjustable shoulder straps with Velcro closures and tension straps. You can really make this thing fit snuggly to the body. It’s one of the few vests on the market with a ventilation system built into that will allow your body to breath rather than focusing on being made out nylon mesh. You can carry 3 standard magazine pouches, a flashlight pouch, 2 communication pouches, and a medic pouch. There are loops on the bottom of the vest that will allow you to thread the gun belt through. An excellent choice for anyone ranging from hunters, private security professionals, to military and police.
UTG 547 Law Enforcement Tactical Vest
One of the most popular vests on the market, the UTG 547 Law Enforcement Tactical vest has lots to offer. The UTG 547 vest is sold as basically a one size fits all vest but does have lots of options for adjustments. There is a universal cross-draw holster for your side arm, 4 rifle mag pouches, 6 loops for shotgun shells, and a couple other pockets for more gear. Like many of the other vests, the UTG 547 Law Enforcement Tactical vest is made from breathable nylon mesh which acts as the base and nylon forms the rest. Finally, it features breathable materials which releases moisture and provides ventilation.
Yakeda Tactical CS Field Vest
One of the more heavy duty tactical vests on the list, the Yakeda Tactical CS Field vest is made from 600D polyester. It is one of the lightest vests on the list thanks to it’s foundation which is made from nylon mesh. The Yoked Tactical CS field vest features a multi-use platform that allows you to adjust the height to wherever you basically need it. There are lots of pockets and compartments to hold all your gear. On the very bottom there is a pistol belt which you can secure the vest to your torso with. It also features 3 pistol mag pouches and large pouch for carrying shells. A vest that is used by many in military, law enforcement and security. It also includes 4 vertical and 16 horizontal rows of MOLLE for any additional pouches you need.
Gloryfire MOLLE Tactical Plate Carrier Vest
The most simple tactical vest on this list. It is light on pouches but has lots of MOLLE loops and webbing so that you can really make this thing your own. This vest is designed to be a plate carrier first and a MOLLE vest second which means it’s compact but still versatile. The shoulder pads are anti-slip and there is a pad lining for extra comfort. On the side you have release buckles with an adjustable waist strap which makes it easy to get on and off, while remaining comfortable to wear. This vest is designed to be a base on which you build and customize as needed which makes it the most versatile vest on the list.
The best tactical vest for you ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you need a vest for military or law enforcement purposes, hunting or hiking, or airsoft or paintball, there is a tactical vest out there that will meet your requirements. We hope this article has provided helpful insights to assist you in choosing the best tactical vest for your needs.
Ben