Tactical gear was originally developed for the military and police, but it has become quite the norm for civilians, survivalists, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts to buy and use high quality tactical gear for their shooting applications.

In fact, if you want to maximize your potential as a shooter, you must seriously consider some tactical gear: using the high-quality materials and practical designs of tactical gear will enhance your skills and propel you to new levels of accuracy and efficiency. 

So, what exactly is “tactical gear”? And what types of tactical gear would you need?

What is Tactical Gear

Tactical gear refers to specialized equipment that is designed for self-defense, survival, and law enforcement applications. It usually includes tactical clothing, body armor, weapon accessories, and survival equipment. 

Here are some important points to note about  tactical gear:

i. Tactical gear is not only used in military and law enforcement. 

• Hunters and various shooters who engage in outdoor activities make use of tactical gear with camouflage and waterproofing. Even airsoft and paintball players wear plate carriers, helmets, and tactical vests.
• Even civilians use items like tactical flashlights, multi-tools, and self defense for their shooting needs.

ii. Tactical Gear has Practical Use.

• Putting on tactical gear is not just about appearances or displaying professionalism. 
• Each piece of tactical gear serves a specific purpose, and is designed to enhance mobility, protection, and efficiency in the field.

What Does Tactical Gear Comprise Of?

Tactical gear mainly comprises clothing, footwear, load-bearing and storage gear, weapons and accessories, self-defense and survival gear, communication and navigation gear, and much more. 

Here are some essential tactical gear items you might find useful.

1️. Tactical Clothing & Footwear

Tactical clothing and footwear comprise pants and shirts, boots and body armour, and tactical gloves, which are designed to protect and give you flexibility while carrying gear.

These items are extremely durable and made for rugged use. 

i. Tactical Pants & Shirts

• Tactical pants and shirts are typically made from reinforced, moisture-wicking, rip-resistant fabrics.
• They are ideal for law enforcement, military operations, hunting, and outdoor activities.
• Some include built-in knee pad slots and extra pockets for carrying essentials.

ii.  Tactical Boots 

• Tactical boots are good for combat, law enforcement duty. 
• They are usually waterproof, slip-resistant, and have reinforced toe caps for protection. 
• Built for durability, comfort, and grip on various terrains. 

iii. Plate Carriers & Body Armor 

Tactical gear involves plate carriers and body armor designed for ballistic protection against gunfire and shrapnel. 

• Plate carriers hold ceramic or steel armor plates, while soft body armor offers protection against handgun rounds. 
• They are mainly used by military, police, and preppers.

iv. Tactical Gloves 

• Tactical gloves are used in combat, survival, and outdoor work, and they offer cut resistance, grip, and protection.
• Many have reinforced knuckles to prevent injury. 

v.  Balaclavas & Shemaghs

Balaclavas and shemaghs are less frequently used, but they provide face and neck protection against dust, cold, wind, and sun.

• They are mostly used in military and desert environments.

2. Load-Bearing & Storage Gear

Carrying extra ammunition, medical kits, tools, and water is essential in tactical situations. The essential load-bearing and storage gear includes backpacks, chest rigs, and utility pouches.

i. Tactical Backpacks

• Tactical backpacks feature MOLLE webbing (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment), which allows for the attachment of extra pouches and gear. 
• They are hydration-bladder compatible, weather-resistant, and have reinforced stitching for heavy loads.

ii. Chest Rigs & Battle Belts 

• In tactical scenarios, you need quick access to ammunition, radios, tools, and first aid kits. This is where chest rigs and battle belts come in. 
• Chest rigs distribute weight across the torso, while battle belts keep essentials at the waist.

iii.  Dump Pouches & Utility Pouches 

Dump pouches are mainly used for quickly storing empty magazines, while utility pouches can hold flashlights, tools, or survival gear.

3. Tactical Weapons & Accessories

A tactical rifle or sidearm isn’t complete without the right accessories for accuracy and performance. A firearm like the  AR-15, AK-47, or Glock 19 is modular, reliable, and easy to customize for personal use, but with the right accessories, you can elevate your performance even further. 

i. Optics & Scopes 

Tactical shooters often use Red Dot Sights or LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics) 

• Red Dot Sights are best for fast target acquisition in close-quarters combat (CQB).
• LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics) offer 1x for CQB and zoom (4x-10x) for mid-range precision.

LPVOs for Tactical Use

Simply put, an LPVO is great for tactical use: they typically range from 1x to 6x, 8x, or even 10x, and they allow you to quickly switch between close-quarters and medium-range engagements.

In fact, compared to red dots, an LPVO provides greater clarity at distance, reducing the chance of misidentifying targets.

• At 1x magnification, an LPVO functions like a red dot, providing fast target acquisition for CQB (Close Quarters Battle) situations.
• When zoomed in, an LPVO enhances accuracy at medium to long ranges, making it ideal for engaging threats at varied distances.
• Most LPVOs feature an illuminated reticle, which improves visibility in low-light conditions and maintains rapid target acquisition.
• Modern LPVOs work well with throw levers, allowing shooters to switch magnifications quickly in dynamic situations.
• Tactical LPVOs often feature BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation), MIL-dot, or MOA reticles for improved precision and holdover calculations.
• Tactical LPVOs are built to withstand harsh environments, recoil, and extreme conditions.

4. Night Vision & Thermal Optics 

Night vision and thermal optics help in low-light combat and hunting. Here are some options to consider:

 i. Suppressors & Muzzle Devices.

Suppressors are used for reducing noise, recoil, and muzzle flash. They help maintain stealth and improve your accuracy. improving stealth and accuracy.

ii. Tactical Slings 

A single-point tactical sling allows quick weapon transitions, while a two-point sling provides better weapon retention and stability.

iii. Weapon Lights & Lasers 

Mounted lights are used to improve low-light visibility, while lasers enhance fast target aiming. 

4. Self-Defense & Survival Gear

Tactical gear isn’t just for combat. These survival gear will be useful for self-defense and emergency preparedness.

i. Tactical Knives & Multitools 

• A fixed-blade knife is useful for combat and survival
• Folding knives and multitools are great for everyday carry (EDC).

ii. Flashlights & Headlamps 

Tactical flashlights work because they have high-lumen output, strobe functions for disorienting attackers, and waterproof casings.

iii. Fire Starters & Paracord

These are essential for survival situations. Paracord (parachute cord) can be used to build shelters, traps, and secure gear.

iv. Emergency Med Kits (IFAKs – Individual First Aid Kits) 

A med kit for tactical use must include tourniquets, chest seals, hemostatic gauze, and trauma shears to treat gunshot wounds and injuries.

5. Communication & Navigation

For tactical operations, reliable communication and navigation tools are essential.

• Tactical Radios & Headsets

Think of secure two-way radios (walkie-talkies) or military-grade communication headsets that allow teams to stay connected.

• GPS Devices and compasses are used for land navigation in remote areas or during SHTF (Survival, Hunting, Tactical, Field) situations.

GUNNR’s ODIN LPVOs for Your Tactical Applications

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