The importance of a having a high quality tactical vest cannot be overstated. It can significantly help increase the amount of gear you can carry without decreasing your mobility in the field. Having the best tactical vest equipped is a must for many professionals.
What is a Tactical Vest?
Tactical vests incorporate several carefully placed pockets. These pockets are weaved around the vest in a manner that it does not affect your maneuverability and offers a balanced distribution of weight throughout your torso. It is designed to carry extra ammo magazines and shotgun shells, flashlights, radios, first aid kit, water bottles, knives and grenades. There are actually a couple of tactical vest to choose from. Here is the breakdown of the types of tactical vest available in the market.
Tactical Cross Draw Vest
This is a single configuration tactical vest. It utilizes 4 M4 double magazine pouches, 3 pistol magazine pouches, a cross draw sidearm holster, a tactical belt equipped with utility pouches, an admin pocket and a radio pocket.
Tactical Plate Carriers
This one is a completely blank canvas that can be customized based on the wearer’s needs. It has front, back and side armor plate pouches for enhanced defense. As this is designed to carry armor plating, expect it to be heavier and is made for assault sorties and missions.
Tactical Chest Rigs
Another customizable tactical vest. This one is designed more for mobility and has a map pocket and no rear attachments.
Each type of tactical vest has their advantages and disadvantages. The cross draw tactical vest is a good choice in terms balance in both price and usability; however it does not have a versatile pocket placement. Plate carriers on the other hand offer high quality molle webbing but are quite expensive. Chest rigs are light ad offers excellent mobility but does not have the capability to carry enough extra equipment.
If you want a well-rounded tactical vest that is easy to setup then choose the cross draw. The environment you will wear it in should also be taken into account (black/dark blue for urban environments and forest camouflage for outdoor settings).
To help you narrow down your choices, we have compiled a list of the highest rated tactical vest in the market today.
The Best Tactical Vest — Top 5
Lancer Tactical CA-310 Cross Draw Vest
The Lancer is a fully adjustable tactical vest that uses Velcro shoulder straps equipped with 2D rings and is designed to fit most body types. The pistol holster can be removed along with the magazine pouch. It has a quick release buckle on the left side so that wearers can draw the pistol easily with their right hand.
It comes with 6 pistol ammo pouches, 4 rifle magazine pockets that you can stack together to carry a maximum of 8 and 2 larger zippered interior pockets. It also comes with a hydration pocket that can carry a 2.5 liter water bladder.
Buy Lancer Tactical CA-310 Cross Draw Vest here!
Condor MCR5 Recon Chest Rig Tactical Vest
Chest rigs are made for mobility and the Condor MCR5 Tactical Vest offers that in spades. It comes with 3 built in stacker type magazine pockets that can hold 6 M4 magazines and 6 pistol magazines.
It also features a swivel push button type release buckle for a quick and easy take off/put on experience. It has a padded cross back shoulder strap which significantly helps in terms of comfort and also prevents noise when moving.
Buy Condor MCR5 Recon Chest Rig Tactical Vest here!
UTG Law Enforcement SWAT Vest
This is a highly durable tactical vest that is designed for not only for law enforcement personnel but also gun enthusiasts. The UTG Law Enforcement SWAT Vest is designed to practical in the field. It comes with a heavy duty nylon material for the exterior and is quilted on the inside for extra comfort.
It comes with several front pockets and one large rear pocket that can carry magazines and extra accessories as well as an organizer. The vest can be fully adjusted from the shoulder and waist for a better and more comfortable fit. This tactical vest also comes with a limited one year manufacturer’s warranty.
Buy UTG Law Enforcement SWAT Vest here!
UTG-547 Law Enforcement Tactical Vest
The UTG-547 comes with an amazing design and is made with practicality and performance in mind. The sniper shoulder guard is a nice addition for those who favor the use of rifles with a significant kick. It also utilizes breathable mesh material for added comfort.
The stitching and seam lines are also made with top-notch craftsmanship and are guaranteed ideal for heavy duty activities. It has a tough and durable rescue drag handle and all the magazine pouches and holster are interchangeable for a more personalized configuration.
Buy UTG-547 Law Enforcement Tactical Vest here!
UTG Modular 10 Piece Complete Kit Tactical Vest
When it comes to versatility in terms of the amount and variety of accessory you can bring, few can match up to the UTG Modular 10 Piece Complete Kit Tactical Vest. The front and rear Velcro system allows wearers to fully customize their LBE. The various types of pockets on hand also cover almost all accessories you can think of.
If you are looking for a highly flexible tactical vest then check out the UTG Modular 10 Piece model as it is a superb lightweight tactical vest.
Buy UTG Modular 10 Piece Complete Kit Tactical Vest here!
Having the best tactical vest on the field whether you are on law enforcement, military mission or even if you are simply participating on an air soft competition can really make things easier. The ability to carry all the essential gear is imperative and having a high quality tactical vest is the answer.