Tactical Gear Blog

Came across this image over the weekend… not sure doing yoga shirtless in the snow is the best way to prep for battle. Entertaining? Yes. Tactical? No.

Forget lemonade stands, bandstands and witness stands—tactical gear stands are where it’s at.

You’ve worked hard to collect all that gear. Now it’s time to properly show it off. ITS Tactical posted a how-to on gear stands last year that’s very helpful for DIYers.

The video above shows the essential elements of a stellar gear stand. Now dig out that hammer, and hop to it.

Babies are probably the least tactical beings on the planet. And why should they have to be? As a parent, you’re there to protect them from anything harmful that might come their way.

Yet we can’t conceal our need for all things tactical. Yeah, yeah, we know it’s a mindset, but it’s also fun to dress the part. Bulletproof diapers or binkies aside, there is loads of gear out there for babies. Here are nine items that will ready your newborn for the jungle gym from head to toe.

1. The Onesie – Having an accident in your pants is bad enough. While the smell can’t be masked, having a camouflage or black diaper cover will keep it on the down low.

2. The Bulletproof Stroller – Wait, this actually exists? Yes! Or at least it did at one time. Unfortunately its website no longer works. But there’s an awesome product testing video still on YouTube.

3. The Sling – Forget Baby Björns. Your tactical baby needs something that is as inconspicuous as a diaper genie. And what is more covert than a camo baby sling? Well, there are probably a few things…

4. The Crib Set – Rock-a-bye baby military style with extreme camo crib gear. Prefer the all-black look instead? Check out a ninja-like set.

5. The Booties – While your little one might not be mobile just yet, keeping their teensy footsies warm and cozy with camo or black booties is just as important.

6. The Bib – Disguise that dinnertime spittle wisely. The ACU Digital Camouflage bib more than gets the job done.

7. The Binkie –There’s nothing tactical about losing a binkie. Never misplace one again with a camo binkie bungee.

8. The Cap – Get ahead in this world with a precious…uh, we mean fierce cap. These are available in woodland, digital and baby pink.

9. The Vest – This one is for those tactical daddies out there… because if you have a tactical baby, that means you need to be that much more efficient to keep up.

If you ever wanted a 14-plus minute explanation about what tactical is (and isn’t), MrLockandload serves it up on a bullet-proof platter. And his points appear to be mostly valid.

While we poked fun at some ridiculous tactical items previously, there’s no doubt that tactical gear does not an operator make. But it sure helps.

With a scruffy beard, a khaki American flag hat and a gray T-shirt, MrLockandload doesn’t exactly look the part. However, by the end of the video, there’s no doubt he’s a seriously motivated (and tactical) guy. We won’t be messing with him anytime soon.

If you don’t have 14 minutes to spare, here are some great takeaways from the video:

• “Tactical is not a physical item,” he says. “It is not what kind of night sights you have on your weapon.”
• “Tactical is a mindset. It is a lifestyle mindset. You cannot turn it on or off.”
• “It doesn’t matter if you wear MultiCam or Carhartts on the gun range. Tactical accessories better complete your kit, but they are not your kit.”
• “It’s not just knowing how to gun and run, but when you walk into a store, you are looking for danger areas; you are looking for fatal funnels; you are looking for cover/concealment.”
• “[It] comprises of your situational awareness, your physical capabilities; being able to summarize the area that you’re at and the people you’re dealing with. It’s understanding different threat levels.”
• “Your motivation isn’t because it’s cool or sexy. The motivation is because one day it might save your life.”

Man, that’s deep. Seriously. The video itself garnered more than 3,000 views and 161 comments.

So, what does tactical mean to you?

Law enforcement, EMS and fire departments across the country have a new option when it comes to customizing uniforms.

Created by Whisper Knits, a North Carolina-based knit garment manufacturer, the III Alarm Series boasts tactical apparel designed specifically for first responders. These action-ready wares include custom tactical polos, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, hats and jackets.

What’s great about this line is that much of the gear can be branded with a department logo, including the tactical polo.

Available in navy, black, heather gray and white, the durable polo ($12.50) is made from 100 percent combed ring-spun cotton pique, making it incredibly breathable when the heat is on. Along with a light fabric, there’s a no-curl collar to keep you professional looking at all times. Mic clip pockets on each shoulder as well as a three-button placket with a loop to store either a mic or sunglasses.

It isn’t hard to believe there is more utterly ridiculous tactical crap out there. Especially floating around the Internet. Prepare for shock and awe as we continue the “ridiculously tactical” series. A thanks to those who sent us links to some of the items below.

1. Tactical Beer – Something interesting is brewing on the other side of the pond. As one of the strongest beers in the universe, Tactical Nuclear Penguin will knock you out with 32 percent alcohol by volume.

2. Tactical Snuggie – Clever. But we think someone else can do better. The essential tactical snuggie should, of course, be black in color, have some hidden pockets for weapons and … a built in TV remote control perhaps?

3. Tactical Pet Clothing – Everyone knows that the coolest dogs in town are of the tacticool persuasion.

4. Tactical Dip Holder – Never has chewing tobacco been so conveniently stored. Now your can doesn’t necessarily have to hold tobacco. It could also be a can of Dapper Dan hair gel à la O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

5. Tactical Tether – It’s like playground tetherball for your waist or wrist. Ouch.

6. Tactical Mug – Enter daily combat armed with a 24-ounce, USA-made battle mug. Carved from a 13.5 pound solid block of 6061 T6 billet aluminum, this bad boy will fend off perps until it’s time for a cold one.

7. Tactical Pens – You’ve heard of “the power of the pen”. Well, this takes it to a whole new level. Totally.

And then there’s this…

8. Tactical Kilt – There’s nothing tactical about a skirt. But a kilt. A tactical kilt? Now that’s dangerous.

9. Tactical Grill – And you thought barbecuing couldn’t get any more intense. So wrong. The 1000D Cordura apron keeps you concealed and your beverages nearby with three rows of modular attachments.

10. Tactical Sporran – The proper accessory for any tactical kilt, the nylon cargo sporran is made out of heavy-duty black ballistic weave and leather trim. It has multiple zipper compartments and foam padding to keep all your tools and gadgets safe and concealed.

11. Tactical Underwear – We see London; we see France. We see tactical underpants! Advertised as the “most comfortable technical underwear you will ever wear,” this undergarment hosts an array of technology regulates body temperature and prevents odor-producing bacteria.

12. Tactical Sandals – Are you heading to the battlefield or the beach?

13. Tactical Toilet Paper – Obviously a gag gift that can really come in handy.

“Is there a more overused word than the word ‘tactical’ nowadays?”

This question, posed on Kel-Tec Owner’s Group forum in February, further proves that “tactical” is indeed the buzzword darling of the gear and guns industry. Therefore, it’s only natural for that word to be applied to some traditionally non-tactical products, which has created a recent onslaught of the most ridiculously tactical items in the world.

And at the other end of the spectrum? OK, some included on this list are truly tactical products that will blow your mind with radical ingenuity.

With that said, we’d like to give a special shout-out to one of our favorite bloggers Say Uncle, who pointed to many items below and always keeps an eye out for tactical insanity.

1. Tactical Energy Drink – With a heavy dose of carbonated water and high fructose corn syrup, Thor Global Defense Group’s energy drink packs a tactical punch with taurine, guarana and ginseng. That’s enough to keep any tactical ninja kicking.

2. Tactical Paper – What exactly makes paper tactical? Good question. Firstly, the paper must have a green or desert-tan tint, because white sheets would certainly alert enemies to you location. Secondly, it must be able to withstand any inclement weather. And for just $28.95, this tactical all-weather copier paper can all be yours.

3. Tactical First Aid Kits – During a medical emergency, it’s best to turn to a tactical first aid kit rather than some old run-of-the-mill kit. The difference? Absolutely nothing. That is, unless you step up and spend the big bucks for a Tactical Medical Solutions R-Aid Bag. For $265, it includes materials for hemorrhage control, airway management, penetrating chest trauma and more.

4. Tactical iPhone Case – And you thought having a 3G or 3GS still was completely untactical. Beef it up with a MagPul Field Case, which appears to be back ordered until infinity.

5. Tactical Car – For a toootally reasonable $295K, you can own the most luxurious and tactical car ever created. It’s bulletproof, biofueled and built by hand. Oh, and there are only 100 out there.

6. Tactical Bacon – The Internet’s love affair with bacon doesn’t end at tactical. If you haven’t checked out this canned bacon or viewed the taste testing videos, it’s a must-see.

7. Tactical Blinky Balls – Say what?! Designed specifically for police officers, these tactical balls roll on the ground to distract and disorient criminals—because who doesn’t get flustered when they see bright blinking balls? Don’t answer. With 20 hours of light, the mobile illumination device comes in a three pack along with a handy storage belt.

8. Tactical Speakers – Nothing says tactical like a Kevlar boom box. Seriously.

9. Tactical Golf Cart – This is probably something you wouldn’t use during a regular 18-hole game. That is, unless someone invites a terrorist. The $45,000 armored golf cart developed by MetalTech was built to endure grenade blasts and gunfire.

10. Tactical Contacts – While a little demonic looking, performance-enhancing contact lenses have been compared to wearing sunglasses without having to actually do so. It also assists athletes in picking up extreme visual details like the seams of a baseball while at bat. If it can do all that, imagine how these contacts could help while on patrol.

11. Tactical Corset – Featured in such high-brow publications as The New York Times, tactical corsets elicit eye rolls from many in the tactical community. But for fashionistas? They’ll definitely give it a shot.

12. Tactical Toiletry Bag – How do you tactical up a toiletry bag? Simply add 1050-Denier water- and abrasion-resistant ballistic nylon, mix in some Dupont Teflon, a touch of Duraflex nylon, stir in some bar-tacks, and tah-dah … it’s tactical!

13. Tactical Cheese Holster – At this point anything can be tactical, right? This one looks real, but we truly doubt its authenticity. And if it’s not? Well, that just stinks.

Did we leave out your favorite tactical item? Leave a link in the comments section, and we’ll be sure to post it.

Sun glasses on. Sun glasses off. Repeat.

For Lt. Horatio Caine (played by David Caruso), it’s just another day on the mean streets of Miami. Or New York. His tactical approach to sun glasses application has really struck a chord with fans across the globe.

While his talents have been previously summed up in chart form, we decided to take a more in-depth view of this artistic portrayal of a very-sensitive-to-sunlight CSI investigator.

1. Happy

2. Sad

3. Angry

4. Grumpy

5. Sleepy

6. Terrified

7. Bashful

8. Mesmerized

9. Confused

10. Bored

If further evidence is needed to prove Caruso’s pivotal emotion range, watch a shocking scene-by-scene replay on film below. Kinda makes you wonder how he ever won a Golden Globe, right?

What exactly is tactical gear?

This question might sound silly to someone immersed in law enforcement or the Special Forces. Yet with the word “tactical” being tacked onto everything from energy drinks to bacon, confusion abounds.

Tactical is defined as of or relating to combat tactics occurring on the battlefront/in the air or relating to tactics of small-scale actions serving a larger purpose. Obviously tactical gear would be the items that assist in executing those strategic operations.

Use these 11 simple questions to decipher whether an item is truly tactical or just a pile of junk. Do note, this does not cover items that are strictly ‘tacticool’. We’ll save that for another time.

1. Is it black?
2. Does it have multiple pockets/storage units?
3. Can you imagine Steven Seagal pictured on, near or within the vicinity of the item?
4. Is it shiny?
5. Could it potentially withstand an atomic bomb blast or something along those lines?
6. Does it appear to be used by someone in charge—particularly a LEO, military official or SWAT/FBI type?
7. Will it promise to help you perform an action quicker and with more precision?
8. Has it been reviewed by Tactical Tim?
9. Does it give off an overall menacing feel?
10. Was it spotted in the Tactical Girls 2010 Calendar?
11. UPDATE:  From @2ndCitysFiveOh -  Does it say it’s specifically made for operators or at least have “operators” or “breach” on it?

If you answered yes to half or more of the questions, then your item is most likely tactical. And if you answered yes to all of them, please send us a link because we’d have to see it to believe it.

Have any other defining factors for tactical? Leave a comment, and let us know.

(Image via Flickr)