What Counts as Tactical Gear?

When did tactical gear become widely used? What do most people consider as tactical gear? The only way that you can learn the foundation and relevance of tactical gear is to understand its purpose. Here is a rundown on the different types of tactical gear, as well as a background on these.

Every type of tactical gear has its own mission and purpose, from plate carriers to pants. And in this scenario, we are referring to the work clothes and tools that are used by law enforcement officers and the military.

You might want to wear a shirt to make a statement. However, tactical gear is meant to be worn with a certain purpose such as holding magazines and extra ammo, protection against fire, or even as a support for the hips when carrying a firearm.

During the early days, those who use tactical gear are people who likely needed it. But times have changed and now we can see tactical gear worn by anyone who wants to wear it and can afford it.

Throughout the years, tactical gear has evolved with some modifications in technology and warfare. The latest twist in the development of tactical gear is its expansion in the civilian market. The demand for more tactical gear innovation and the tough competition in the market will guarantee that the evolution of these products will continue further.

The godfather of tactical pants is actually Dan Costa. He, along with his business associate Francisco Morales, created 5.11. Its company name is taken from mountain-climber slang.

In 1992, 5.11 had a meeting at the FBI training academy where the Marine Corps were sprawling in their base in Quantico, Virginia. It so happened that a lot of FBI instructors and trainees were wearing those pants, which they were interested in. Furthermore, the FBI wanted to make them a standard for the whole agency.

As a result, the 5.11 team obtained a contract to produce an FBI-specified version of the pants that are flush with features. Consequently, tactical pants were conceived as a product category. Tactical and cargo pants are similar in that both of them have deep pockets. However, this is where the similarities end.

Aside from having deep pockets, tactical pants include reinforced stitching, so it can withstand the weight of a heavy gun-belt and carry a firearm. Typically, they are made of ripstop material and come with padded knees.

During the 1990s, 5.11 pants were considered revolutionary. Over time, tactical pants have dramatically evolved. Aside from offering necessary features such as sturdiness, knee protection, and pocket capacity, today’s tactical pants can also provide excellent comfort. With this innovation, its functionality is preserved, while offering superior movability.

The seat of the pants is made of stretch fabric, making it possible for a hybrid cut. This fabric is manufactured by Schoeller, a Switzerland-based manufacturer, and is known for its extreme durability and superior stretch properties.

American forces are now wearing fresh types of clothing and redesigned camouflage while fighting. In January 2007, combat shirts made of desert multicam pattern and fire-resistant Nomex became an integral part of the U.S. Army’s uniform.

Moving forward, the combat shirts of the next generation would be ballistic proof. According to researchers, they will combine filaments and fibers to create a material that is strong enough to avoid penetration by low-velocity rounds.

Cargo pants were made popular by the people in the music and entertainment industries. They are worn by popular performers such as Pantera and other urban hip-hop singers. These pants were greatly admired for their functionality, but most of all, because of their ability to make a fashion statement. Nevertheless, combat pants are not just about making fashion statements, they are about making a successful mission.

The evolution of combat pants started way back in the 1990s through the soldier modernization program called Objective Force Warrior. The work being done with load-bearing, combat clothing, and armor components has paved the way for Crye’s creation of the Modern Soldier System and encouraged the use of some elements such as integrated knee pads, which is evident on the G3 and G4 combat pants that they’ve created.

It seems that the combat pants market has been dominated by Crye. That is why it is not surprising that they are a favorite choice of the special operations community. For several years, it appears that the market consists mostly of Crye combat pants and imitations from its competitors.

However, in 2015, everything changed when the European law enforcement units started to shift to UF PRO Striker Combat Pants.

Due to the extensive rise of the EDC crowd, tactical gear manufacturers are inspired to develop what they wish would become the most talked-about product in the market. Consequently, they are now showcasing their latest products in large media events, including Shot Show in Las Vegas.

There is no doubt that this pressure from the tactical market will push producers to manufacture top-quality tactical gear using the most advanced materials that are currently available for civilian use as well as military applications.

Boots

Mobility is a necessity, and one of the most important items that you will need to remain mobile is a good pair of boots. Having an effectively constructed and well-designed pair of tactical boots allows the wearer to travel to various types of terrain with minimal risk of injury and less strain. Whether you are attacking or retreating, wearing the right pair of boots can always lead you in the right direction.

When choosing the right pair of boots, there are certain things that you need to check such as breathability, durability, waterproofing, and most of all, it should have a lightweight design.

Body Armour

Body armor plays an important role in saving lives. Its increasing demand can be attributed to how often we see it on television. Body armor is now modernized that they can simply be inserted into the pockets of tactical vests and shirts or they can also be loaded into a plate carrier. This is how versatile body armor hasbecome. The rating of body armor is based on its ability to stop specific types of rounds.

Tactical Backpacks

During recent years, we have seen a marketplace expansion of tactical backpacks for civilians and operators. Regardless of where you are marketing these products, these bags have certain similarities, from moral-patch Velcro to MOLLE webbing. For instance, tactical backpacks commonly feature straps intended to help carry rifles. Generally, they also include concealed zipper pockets for storing concealed-carry firearms.

These bags also come with deep-organizational capability, for example, the capacity to bring plenty of gear. Sometimes they also come with expansion capabilities and areas where you can place body armor plates and water bladders.

Holsters

Holsters are always going to be a key element in any tactical gear. The best holsters can be beneficial to you since it allows you to access your weapon easily and quickly. There are two ways of carrying holsters, either by concealed-carry or open-carry. You can choose to strap them to your shoulder, waistband, or your lower legs.

Tactical Belts

Tactical belts are designed to handle the weight of your other gears such as firearms, holsters, cases, pouches, and almost anything that you don’t want to carry around in your hands.

Tactical gear was conceived due to military necessity and since then it became a popular choice of clothing for those who simply desire the look. From boots to backpacks, tactical gear has been transformed for civilian use.

It is expected that the popularity of tactical gear will continue to grow. However, it is not just due to the fact that these products are superior and more diverse. It is also because there are enormous threats in our world today. That is why people are now eager to equip themselves so they can keep their families safe during difficult times.

LCR Services manufactures high-quality tactical gear and more. If you require tactical gear, then you can always send us an email at sennsour@lcrsvcs.com or call us at 602-200-4277.