If you are looking for the best tactical vests, then youโve come to the right place. Before we go any further, tactical vests are not to be confused with vests that are designed to serve as a form of armor. If you are looking for an armored type vest, consider looking at plate carriers.
A tactical vest is perfect for everyday wear or if you are outdoors and need to store your EDC items just in case you need them. At the same time, youโll want to wear something that will stay durable while keeping you warm in various environments.
Weโll be taking a look at the best tactical vests coming up next. First off, weโll be discussing when would be a good time to wear a tactical vest and how you can choose one for your own personal use.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Tactical Vest
Comparison of the Best Tactical Vests
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When Would I Use a Tactical Vest?
There will be a few instances where a tactical vest will come in handy. Here are some of the best times when it would be appropriate to wear a tactical vest:
Every Day Wear
If you are looking to wear a vest regularly, there is no shame in wearing one on a daily basis. But it might seem unusual to wear it on days where it might not be warranted (i.e.--summer days). You might carry a tactical vest just for the purpose of carrying some kind of EDC items that you will be using throughout the day.
While You Are Camping or Hunting
A tactical vest will stand out as one of the best things to wear if you are enjoying time out in the wilderness. You could be hunting and in need of carrying additional rounds or if you are camping in the outdoors and use the pockets for storing the tools that will be useful (i.e.--a knife, paracord for fire-starting, etc.)
At the Range
If you conceal carry, then you are probably looking for something that will allow you to carry extra rounds, magazines, and whatever else that youโll probably use when firing off at targets. A tactical vest can be perfect for when you will be spending a day at the range. The more pockets you have, the better the chance youโll be able to use this vest to your advantage.
How Do I Choose a Tactical Vest?
Choosing a tactical vest might be a daunting task. But if you have a good idea of which characteristics and features will stand out as the best, then you may find a tactical vest that will fit you perfectly. Here are some things to look for:
Price
The price might be a cause for concern for those who are on a budget. But it shouldnโt be the โbe all, end allโ reason why you chose the tactical vest of your choice. You should invest in the best quality possible if and when it fits your budget. You donโt want to invest in any cheap or flimsy vest that will rip or fall apart on you after short-term use.
Material
The material should matter to you most when it comes to quality. You should check out any vests made from high-quality materials like nylon (and other similar materials) so you are able to find one that will last you a long period of time. The better the quality, the better the chance it will last you a long time.
Size
Of course, you want a tactical vest that will fit you perfectly. So youโll need to find one that is the right size. You can consider the idea of measuring yourself to determine which size works best for you. Be sure to consult the size charts that you can find before making a final decision.
Review of the Best Tactical Vests
The following is a list of the best tactical vests that are available on the market. As you go through the list, be sure to look for some interesting features or characteristics that might be a benefit to you as if it were the vest you were looking for.
Letโs begin with the โbest overallโ choice on our list:
Best Overall:
Leapers Deluxe
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were happy with the vest in many ways. They were able to store all of their EDC tools in the pockets provided. It was perfect for people who were at the shooting range all day and also served a purpose for most law enforcement officers that have purchased this vest. Overall, it was very comfortable to wear and it provided extra protection against the environmental elements on days when nature doesnโt do you any favors.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a very rugged tactical vest that will prepare you for just about any application where you need to store extra tools and items. In fact, youโll have plenty of pockets that come in different sizes. Some of them will be used for some specific items like two-way radios. Not only that, itโs made from high-quality polyester so it is guaranteed not to rip and tear easily even after long-term use.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be perfect for those who are frequent guests at the range or for those who are defending our communities from danger, day in and day out. This tactical vest will have plenty of storage space where you can access any tool you need that is within your reach. Not to mention, this vest will last you a long time and the material made from this will prove it.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a vest that might stand out as the best in the business, the Leapers Deluxe tactical vest will be great for applications where a vest with this amount of ruggedness and storage space will be needed. Donโt be surprised if this will give you a lot more than you expect out of a tactical vest.
Runner-up:
Voodoo Tactical MSP-06 Entry Assault Vest
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This drew lots of praise from a lot of new users. They were mostly civilian users (but a third were law enforcement officers using this as part of their attire. Of the positives that they described, they were able to fit this without any issues and stored a good number of EDC items that were vital to their application of choice. One user said that even when fully loaded, he was still able to move around freely without having to feel weighed down.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This vest is beefy like our โbest overallโ option. But it will be great for any concealed carry user that is looking to draw their pistol from the built-in holster quickly and with ease. You can also expect this to be one of the best vests you can find for outdoor use whether itโs camping, hunting, or shooting off targets at the range.
Who Will Use This Most
Most of the users will be civilian users that are looking for something that will be part of their outdoor attire. Alternatively, it can serve as a vest that will work the best with those who conceal carry and in search of alternatives of where to carry their pistols (preferably compact size pistols). If you want a super tough vest that will be a force to be reckoned with no matter how much stuff you store in the pockets, this might be right up your alley.
Bottom Line
The Voodoo Tactical MSP-06 Entry Assault Vest is without a doubt one of the proven options that you may need to choose from if you are looking for the perfect near-universal vest that will be useful for outdoor use. Whether itโs for range shooting, hunting, or while conceal carrying, this vest will definitely serve its purposes (like storing tools and keeping you warm on most days when the weather tends to be cooler).
Best for the Money:
BlackHawk Omega Elite
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many new users say that they were able to easily buckle and the fit was perfect. This was perfect for so many concealed carry users and outdoor enthusiasts. Plenty of storage space and very comfortable to wear most of the time, according to plenty of users. The vest was also very sturdy in quality despite being considered a โbudget vestโ.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What makes this tactical vest stand out as the best for most budget shoppers is the quality. Itโs not a cheap or flimsy vest that will wear and tear after short term use. This is made from a high-quality nylon mesh that will not rip easily. Plus, it wonโt snag at any given point if and when you are using one of the larger pockets as a holster for your concealed carry pistol.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great multi-purpose tactical vest that will be available at an affordable price. Sometimes, the best tactical vest doesnโt have to be made from a high-end brand name or comes with a steep price tag. But it can be reasonably priced and have the quality of something that is worth twice as much. If you are an outdoor enthusiast or switching it up as far as concealed carry is concerned, this vest might be worth the investment.
Bottom Line
Are you looking for the perfect tactical vest that wonโt suck the life out of your bank account? If thatโs the case, then youโll be able to find the BlackHawk Omega Elite Tactical Vest as your best possible option. It has a solid construction and plenty of storage space for you to use. It can be used for magazines, EDC tools, or whatever else will be useful for your desired application.
Best Molle Tactical Vest:
Rothco Cross Draw MOLLE
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many of the new users were looking for a vest that would be fitting for the various Molle attachments they were able to tack on. They were really happy with the vestโs overall quality and the ability for users to quickly access their tools whether they were stored in pockets or Molle attachments. One user said that the construction was nice and solid (plus light in weight when loaded with items). So far, so good he added.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Molle attachments are probably one of the best things you can have on any tactical backpack, vest, or anything where Molle straps are available. The more attachments you have handy, the better the chance you will be able to carry some additional tools that you might need for your application of choice. Plus, itโs a pretty solid vest that can withstand any weather conditions possible. Whether itโs the dead of winter or a rainy day, you are looking at a tactical vest that wonโt quit or be inappropriate to wear no matter what time of year it is or what nature is cooking up.
Who Will Use This Most
This vest will be useful for most law enforcement officers or military personnel. But donโt write it off as useless for civilians. If you want a vest that will be excellent for any kind of application where youโll need to carry a good number of EDC tools, this might be right up your alley.
Bottom Line
The Rothco Cross Draw Molle tactical vest will give you more opportunities to carry a good number of extra tools so you are prepared for any kind of application. Plus, you might put yourself ahead of the curve in dangerous situations. While you should consider looking at a vest like this for your own use, consider the amount of Molle attachments you might have (or are planning to use).
Best AR-15 Tactical Vest:
Barska Loaded Gear VX-100
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The vest was quite useful for many AR-15 users who hunt or target shoot. They were able to fit their extra magazines in their pockets along with a good number of needed tools. Even when it was loaded, users say that they were able to move around without feeling like they were carrying way too much.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What makes this stand out is the number of materials that were used to make this vest a lot more durable compared to others. Itโs a mix of polyester, nylon, and other materials that will make this vest almost indestructible compared to the others. So if you are looking for the best quality tactical vest (and something that has the potential to last you years), this just might be your cup of coffee.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great tactical vest if you are at the range or hunting using your trusty AR-15 rifle. Alternatively, law enforcement officials who are usually in tactical situations might put this vest to good use assuming they donโt have too much on their backs. Itโs one of the best vests that you can use due to its toughness and its ability to handle a good amount of items that will be vital to your application.
Bottom Line
The Barska Loaded Gear VX-100 Tactical Vest is probably the roughest, toughest tactical vest youโll come across on the market. This was built for the harsh conditions and even the applications where you may be spending the whole day firing off your AR-15 (or when you are using it in a tactical situation). Itโs a great multi-purpose vest with pockets large enough to fit a few AR-15 magazines.
Best Airsoft Tactical Vest:
GZ XINXING Tactical Airsoft Paintball Vest
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost every buyer was a paintballer looking for a tactical vest that would be not just stylish to wear during a paintballing contest, but it was great for storing additional CO2 cans and other accessories. All of their items managed to stay in place despite them constantly moving around at a fast pace. While there was plenty of space, a lot of users were satisfied that everything stayed in place and didnโt fall out of the pockets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We now turn our attention to the recreational tactical vests. Granted, this is used for paintballing and that alone. But you can still use the tactical vest as something that you can use for light outdoor use (such as fishing and hunting). For the quality, it isnโt too bad. It doesnโt rip or tear after short-term use. Plus, it can take on the impact of plenty of paintballs and projectiles headed your way.
Who Will Use This Most
Obviously, this will be useful in recreational activities like paintballing. This will look good on you along with the gear that you will be wearing during contests. You still get a good amount of storage space that is large enough for CO2 cans and extra paintballs if you have any handy. If you've got the stuff, you've got the storage space to use if and when you need to.
Bottom Line
The GZ Xinning Tactical Airsoft Paintball Vest will be the only vest on the market that can withstand plenty of recreational activities. It will last you a good while and wonโt easily rip apart after short term use. If you enjoy shooting paintballs and not so much getting shot at, this vest will be the best fit for you.
Advantages of Using a Tactical Vest
If you are considering the idea of purchasing a tactical vest, itโs important to find one that will give you the best benefits possible. Here are some advantages that youโll get to enjoy:
Ample Storage Space
There will be times when youโll be bringing plenty of tools that will be vital to your survival. Whether you are spending the day outdoors or the weekend camping, a tactical vest with the right kind of tools and accessories will come in handy in case you need them in even the direst situations (like getting lost in the woods).
Long-Lasting Quality
If you are looking for a vest that will be better in quality, then a tactical vest might be what you need. In fact, anything that is considered tactical will almost be guaranteed to have better quality compared to some other vests on the market.
Perfect For Any User
Whether you are a civilian, an officer of the law, or even a first responder, a tactical vest will be perfect for any attire. Especially when youโll be using tools like a two-way radio for communication and some medical equipment or survival tools for those urgent life-saving situations. The sky is pretty much the limit when it comes to how you will use your tactical vest.
How to Use a Tactical Vest?
A tactical vest can be useful, but knowing how to use it properly will be important. The following is a brief guide on how you can use a tactical vest to your advantage. Hereโs how you use it:
- Be sure to wear something that will look like it can easily โbreak upโ the color. This could include clothes that are camo colored.
- Wear any tactical clothing, like hats or balaclavas in the event of weather conditions that are cold and rainy.
- While not mentioned in the video, itโs important to know which pockets will be appropriate to place your EDC tools. These include but are not limited to pistols, magazines, knives, and other survival tools.
Conclusion
If a tactical vest is what you want, you can certainly find one just by looking through the list again if you need to. Find one that will be the best fit for you so you can wear it for as long as possible regardless of your intended use. A tactical vest is just another part of your attire that can save your life if and when a situation warrants it.
People Also Ask
Below is a list of frequently asked questions that you can use as a guide. These questions are often asked by new buyers interested in tactical vests. Here are the following questions:
What Vest Does the US Army Use?
The US Army often uses tactical vests that are used to carry accessories and even armored plates. These vests are known as Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor or IMBA.
How Much Does a Tactical Vest Weigh?
A fully loaded military tactical vest will typically weigh around 30 pounds. This is assuming you have loaded it with armored tactical plates for your protection. It may weigh slightly more with additional accessories.
What Does Jumpable Plate Carrier Mean?
A jumpable plate carrier is lightweight and will allow you to move around freely without any feeling of heaviness. In other words, you can still pack light and be able to move fast to ensure you are out of harmโs way.
