What Is The Best Tactical Vest? A Buyer’s Guide

A tactical vest has an array of uses, from providing protection to strategic pocket space. But there are many vests out there available to buy and the differences between them can be subtle. That’s why we put together this guide, to share our expertise, knowledge and insight on the best tactical vest available to buy right now. 

We look at all different types of vests, from those used in the military, vests for men and women, and even ideal vests for bigger guys. 

But first, let’s explain what a tactical vest is.

What Is A Tactical Vest?

It’s easy to assume that a tactical vest and a plate carrier are the same thing. But there are big differences between them, with the main one being that many vests aren’t fitted with ballistic plates to protect from gunshots. 

Tactical vests are commonly worn by police officers, with different types offering protection under uniforms and those that can be worn over your clothes. Given that tactical vests often come with lots of great, well-placed pockets, it can be better to opt for the vest worn over your clothes. 

Let’s take a look at some of the key features of tactical vests.

The Key Features Of Tactical Vests

So we’ve explained what a tactical vest is. Let’s zoom in further and look at the key features so that you understand what makes them truly unique:

• Durable Materials - tactical vests tend to be made from high-strength materials like 500D or 1000D nylon. These materials can withstand wear and tear and also offer water resistance. 
• Adjustable - Some types of tactical vests come with adjustable straps and side panels so that you can get the perfect fit. This makes it ideal for the likes of smaller women and bigger guys too. 
• Pouches And Pockets - One of the biggest perks of tactical vests is that they come with lots of integrated pockets and pouches. You can store pens, notepads, radios, hydration packs and first aid kits, or other military gear like magazines and grenades. 
• Plate Carrier Compatibility - Not all tactical vests come with the ability to use plates, but some do. They come in the form of compartments where you can slot in hard or soft ballistic plates for protection against projectiles. 
• Hydration Compatibility - Some people like to wear more lightweight tactical vests when running, hiking or if they have to wear the vest for long periods at work. If so, a vest that can come with hydration pockets could be ideal, allowing you easy access to water. 
• Compatibility With Other Gear - If you’re wearing a tactical vest for work then you may have to wear other gear too. If so, if you buy the wrong tactical vest then you may run into problems with other equipment. For example, the pockets may be too small for your radio. 

Tactical vests come in all different shapes and sizes and each one may have all of these features or just some. Let’s take a look at the different types of vests.

What Are The Different Types Of Tactical Vests?

Tactical vests come in all different shapes and sizes and each variety offers different functions. Some of the different types of tactical vests include:

• Military Vests - these vests often come with a plate carrier function to provide maximum protection from ballistics. They’re also ideal for carrying heavy loads.
• Load-Bearing Vests - this type of vest is ideal for carrying lots of equipment. They’ll often come with lots of pouches for the likes of ammunition, water, radios and medical gear. They can be ideal for hunters and survivalists as well as law enforcement. 
• Concealable Vests - some vests you can wear underneath your clothes. They offer discreet protection as well as handy gear storage. They’re ideal for more covert operations. 
• Paintball Tactical Vests - if you want to take your paintball game to the next level then you could invest in a lightweight tactical vest. You can stock your paintball pods and get a camouflaged design to give you the edge in the field.
• Medical Vests - these vests are often hi-visibility so that operators are more easily visible. They could be ideal for medics, law enforcement, search and rescue and security personnel. 

What Tactical Vest Does The Military Use?

If you’re looking for a tactical vest, you may want to use those found in the United States Army. If so, the standard issue is the IOTV, which stands for Improved Outer Tactical Vest. These vests are ideal for military situations, offering protection to the lower back, groin, shoulder and neck.

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What Is The Best Tactical Vest?

So now you know what a tactical vest is, its features and potential uses, let’s take a look at some of the best vests you can buy right now. 

Best Plate Carrier Tactical Vest - Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Plate Carrier

One of the most popular and best tactical vests you can buy right now is the Shellback Tactical Rampage Plate Carrier. This tactical vest offers excellent protection for extreme scenarios while being flexible enough to maintain mobility. 

This vest allows you to add 10” x 12” ballistic plates to maximize protection and it also has laser-cut MOLLE on the front, which stands for Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment. This means you can attach different pouches, holsters and accessories with ease. 

Shellback has developed a terrific reputation for producing great products and have hit the mark again here. Many users love this product for its customizability, as well as the robust quality, all for an excellent price. 

Best Tactical Vest For Flexibility - Blackhawk Omega Elite Cross Draw Tactical Vest

Another quality tactical vest that you can buy right now is the Blackhawk Omega Elite Cross Draw Vest. This product has been designed with the help of field operators who have tested out its practical uses. 

With this product, you can find lots of well-placed pouches and a cross-draw holster. 

It’s also one of the most flexible of tactical vests, having the ability to adjust to girths up to 32 inches. 

This vest is also ideal for more intense scenarios. It comes with a reinforced drag handle for evacuations and plenty of pouches to fit first aid kits and ammunition or magazines. 

Users have commented on how robust this vest is, able to sustain even the toughest spells of wear and tear, as well as the ability to adjust the size. 

Best Tactical Vest For Protection - Condor ETV Elite Tactical Vest

If you’re looking for a tactical vest that can protect you in the most dangerous of situations, then the Condor ETC Elite Tactical Vest may be for you. Made with durable, high-quality materials, it’s designed to be long-lasting and to offer maximum protection while maintaining flexibility and movement. 

It comes with six magazine pouches and two utility pouches on the front for easy access. It also has a drag handle and hook and loop patches for locking in your holster, and it also comes with a pistol belt too. 

Wearers of this tactical vest compliment it for its breathability, allowing you to wear it for long periods in hot weather. It’s also a popular product with fans of paintball and airsoft due to its ammunition capacity, protection and flexibility. 

Best Lightweight Tactical Vest - The 5.11 Tactical VTAC LBE

If you’re looking for a thinner, more lightweight tactical vest, the 5.11 Tactical VTAC LBE may be the ideal choice for you. It’s made from durable, stiffened nylon mesh, making it robust but breathable. 

It comes with neat utility pockets, hidden from view, as well as a hydration pocket at the back. There are straps for girth adjustment, and it’s also MOLLE compatible, allowing you to customise it.

So if you’re looking for a more subtle tactical vest and one that offers a hydration function, this could be the best choice for you. 

The Best Tactical Vests For Women

We’ve covered a lot of different tactical vests above, but which one is the most ideal for women?

While many of the products we’ve covered offer adjustability for body shape and size, some products have been specifically designed for women.

For example, the Condor tactical vest mentioned above also comes in a women’s version, which has more features to aid comfort. 5.11 also offers numerous types of women’s tactical vests, such as their softshell vest and their TACLITE plate carrier. 

What Is The Best Tactical Vest For Big Guys?

Investing in a tactical vest that’s adjustable is vital. Many of the vests we’ve covered above can be adjusted to suit big buys, but there are some specific brands that manufacture for the larger man. 

5.11, for example, has a Tactical LBE vest that offers a wide range of adjustment options, including waist straps. Shellback also produces flexible vests, such as their Banshee Elite 2.0. This is a top-level plate carrier vest with an adjustable cummerbund and shoulder straps for people with larger frames. 

Get Help Choosing The Best Tactical Vest For You

If you’d like to invest in a tactical vest but aren’t sure which is the best one for you, we can help. Here at LA Police Gear, we have years of experience selling only the highest quality products. If you have a question before you purchase, we can answer it, and with an excellent returns policy, you can send your vest back to us if you don’t quite like it or isn’t the right fit. 

You can get in touch with us here, or call us on the number at the top of this page.