Top 18 Tactical Vest Brands in 2025

The most popular brands for Tactical Vest Includes Rothco, 5.11 Tactical, Shellback Tactical, NcSTAR, Condor, TMC, BLACKHAWK!, Lancer Tactical, Voodoo Tactical, CORDURA among many others.

1

Rothco

Popular Brand
2

5.11 Tactical

Popular Brand

5.11 Tactical is a trailblazing, mission-driven company that creates purpose-built gear for those who expect more from themselves and want to make a difference. It's a global footwear company specializing in gear for the military, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders. 5.11 Tactical has a long history of finding an optimal solution for the harshest environments. They are delighted to provide the best gear possible to those who protect freedom worldwide. The genuine, purpose-built items are made to help you accomplish at your peak in any activity that puts you one step ahead of the competition, either on or off work.

3

Shellback Tactical

Popular Brand

Shellback Tactical, a firm established in 2003, was quick to showcase the eminent banshee rifle plate transporter, which is, as of now, worn by individuals all around the world to safeguard those approaching their work in tactical administrations, policing, and first help. With the assistance of field administrators, a wide determination of items that put an emphasis on toughness, ease of use, and mission-explicit necessities have been made.

4

NcSTAR

Best Brand

Be a star player and ace every sport with NCStar! One will find a great deal of gear for the adventure of hunting, shooting, and travel—all at NcStar. Explore the ingenious optics on its website. The multipurpose alpha trekker jacket has been minutely curated and has headphone pass-throughs and vent zippers. And when it comes to backpacks, the GuardianPack is the people’s choice. The brand pledges to deliver the best customer service on its standard quality products.

5

Condor

Best Brand

Condor took roots back in 1980. They manufacture outdoor gear for extreme situations. The company's founder, Spencer Tien, spent most of his life forming close relationships with the army and the navy. These relationships form the very foundation of the company. Condor is always looking for better solutions and models to improve the tactical outdoor gear. They have a wide assortment of products and keep adding more to their inventory. They launched their elite product line in 2016.

6

TMC

Best Brand

TMC is a leading wholesale retail store that manufactures combat and tactical gear for all wargame fans. Its product portfolio is spread across three categories: ‘Tactical Gear,’ ‘Tactical Communications,’ and ‘Tactical Helmets.’ Each of their products is designed with precision, high-quality material, and technology. Its product offerings include gear vests, tactical backpacks, military pants, headsets and earplugs, helmets, and more. With an accurate quality management system, the brand provides its customers with reliable innovative products.

7

BLACKHAWK!

Best Brand

Blackhawk Aerospace is a significant provider of aircraft upgrades and enhancements in the military, commercial, and business aviation sectors of the United States. Its goal is to provide customers with the most cost-effective and great quality aviation solutions today. Their innovative technology blends the best materials and electronics to provide a superior flying experience for their customers. Blackhawk Aerospace is a leading provider of commercial and government aircraft aftermarket improvements. Faster acceleration, lower fuel consumption, larger payload capacity, lower operating costs, and longer lifespan are benefits of their patented technology.

8

Lancer Tactical

Best Brand

Who wouldn't want to live out their video game fantasies? Lancer Tactical is the company you need; its items are...

9

Voodoo Tactical

VoodooTacticals is a tactical gear company making items like protection and shooting gear. They also make boots and eyewear and...

10

CORDURA

CORDURA is a fabric brand that produces and manufactures apparel and shoes. Their fabric material is durable and sustainable. They...

11

Warrior Assault Systems

Warrior Assault Systems is a company that strives to make top-quality tactical nylon products accessible to all. It manufactures carriers,...

12

Second Chance

13

Safariland

Safariland offers products and accessories related to law enforcement, military, tactical, fire, and rescue needs. The company provides high-quality multi-designed...

14

Barska

Barska was established back in 1994, and today they are well known as a sports optics company. Barska supports a...

15

Tactical Tailor

Tactical Tailor is a leading American brand that makes innovative and durable tactical gear designed for the patriots of our...

16

Leapers

Leapers, Inc. manufactures and sells a diverse range of creative and technologically sophisticated hunting and shooting sports items across various...

17

FirstSpear

18

OneTigris

OneTigris was launched in 2014 and is considered to be an important manufacturer of tactical supplies for people and pets...

Tactical Vest Buying Guide

When it comes to purchasing a tactical vest, there are many factors to consider. Selecting the right vest for your situation can be paramount for both your safety and effectiveness at achieving your goals. In this guide, we will explore different types of tactical vests, the materials they are made from, and key features you should look for and consider before making your purchase.

Types of Tactical Vests

Before diving right into the features, it is important to understand the different types of vests available. There are 5 main types:

  • Chest rigs: These are the most basic and lightweight vests. They are designed to help you carry only the essential items without adding extra weight.
  • Plate carriers: These vests are specifically designed to hold armor plates. They are the most popular choice for military and law enforcement scenarios.
  • Molle vests: These vests use a modular attachments system that allows you to fully customize where you attach your gear, holsters, and pouches. This design offers you great versatility in your setup.
  • Load-bearing vests: Often used in long-range patrols, these vests are made to distribute weight evenly across the body. With numerous pouches and compartments, they offer similar functionality to Molle vests with the added benefit of distributing the load.
  • Chest rigs with armor: Most commonly found in recreational shooting environments, these rigs offer basic armor protection.

Materials That Tactical Vests Are Made From

The material of your vest will affect its weight, durability, and breathability. Here are the top materials used:

  • Cordura Nylon: This material is extremely durable and abrasion-resistant. This fabric is used by many manufacturers due to its strength and ability to withstand heavy use.
  • Ballistic Nylon: It is the most common material used for tactical vests. It is designed specifically to stop bullets and other projectiles.
  • Polyester: More lightweight than the other options, it is considered the go-to material for keeping you cool in hot weather.
  • Mesh: A breathable option for hotter climates, mesh has limited durability but will provide sufficient ventilation.

Key Features to Consider

Now that we have discussed the types of vests and the materials they can be made from, let’s dive into key features you should consider before making your purchase.

Size and Fit

The first thing to consider is whether you will need standard sizing or a custom fit. If you are a standard size, most vests should fit comfortably. However, if you have a unique body type, custom fits are available. Furthermore, the fit can have a direct impact on your mobility, which is crucial in tactical situations. Make sure to consider the type of clothing you will be wearing, and whether the vest needs to fit snugly or have wiggle room. Proper sizing will guarantee that your vest is secure and won’t shift during use.

Weight

Depending on the weight of the materials used, vests can range from extremely light to more than 10 pounds. The weight of your vest can impact your mobility, stamina, and overall comfort. Lighter vests typically offer a greater range of motion and breathability. Heavy vests, on the other hand, offer greater protection and durability. Make sure to consider your usage scenarios and weight tolerance before deciding on your vest’s weight.

Mobility

Your vest should not hinder your ability to move- it should actually enhance it. Consider the activities that you will be doing while wearing your vest, and ensure that the vest is compatible with those activities. The weight and fit of your vest can impact your speed and agility. You should still be able to run, duck, and move around nimbly.

Protection

Picking a vest that offers the right level of protection is important. If you are simply using your vest for shooting range recreation, a vest with basic soft armor will suffice. However, if you are working in dangerous situations, you will want to look for vests that have plates and panels that can stop bullets and shrapnel. Make sure to always pay attention to the vest’s UL Rating, and ensure that it meets your needs.

Attachment Points

Attachment points such as MOLLE, Velcro, or other attachment systems are crucial in customizing your vest to your specific needs. MOLLE offers the greatest versatility when it comes to attachment points since it is compatible with a wide variety of pouches, holsters, and other pieces of gear. Velcro, however, is the quickest way to move gear around but is less customisable. Make sure to consider which attachment system will work best for you depending on your needs.

Utility and Storage Space

The number, size, and positioning of pockets, pouches, and other storage options are critical when it comes to utility and storage space. Depending on your use case, you may need a vest with multiple pockets to carry your weapons, ammunition, and other gear. However, if you are only using the vest for recreational shooting, you may only need a few slots for pockets. Consider what you will be packing, and the layout of the storage space before deciding on a specific vest.

How to Choose the Best Vest for Your Needs

Selecting the right vest for your needs is crucial. The following are some aspects to consider when making your decision.

Budget

Establish your budget ahead of time so you can narrow your options. Most commonly vests range in price from $50 USD to $500 USD. It is important to remember that you get what you pay for. Higher end vests are typically made from better quality and more durable materials.

Usage

Determine how you will be using your vest. Choose a vest that is specifically designed for your needs. For example, if you are going to be in hot weather, choose a vest made of lightweight material. If you’ll be in situations that will require a lot of gear, select a vest that has lots of attachment points and pockets.

Material and Durability

Always prioritize quality materials for your vest. The last thing you want is for your vest to deteriorate rapidly, especially if you are in a dangerous situation. Look for materials such as Cordura Nylon or ballistic nylon. When it comes to durability, you should aim for vests that are built to last under heavy use.

Comfort

Make sure that the vest you choose fits you well and is comfortable to wear for extended periods. Weight, mobility, and breathability are factors that can increase comfort. Extra padding, adjustable straps or lumbar support systems can all contribute to making the vest fit well.

Armor Protection

Armor plates provide the highest level of protection available in tactical vests. They come in several levels of protection, depending on the threat level, and can be made from a variety of materials. Make sure that the vest you choose is compatible with the type of armor plates that you require. Also, make sure that the plates are placed accurately for full protection, and that the vest is compatible with advanced armor systems.

Conclusion

When selecting a tactical vest, remember that your choice should be influenced by your needs. Ensure that the vest you choose is durable, comfortable, and effective for your specific use case. Consider also how the vest will affect your mobility, protection requirements, and storage needs. Remember to stay within your budget while keeping in mind the features you prioritize. We hope that this buying guide has given you the insight required to consider all the potential aspects that you may require when investing in a tactical vest.

Categories Similar to Tactical Vest

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