Why settle for anything but the best? We laid out the definitive list of the best tactical gear of 2021. Browse tried-and-true favorites from popular categories and outfit yourself with the best gear on the market.
Best Military Boots
Stay comfortable, light on your feet and on regulation in our favorite pair of military boots.
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Best Tactical Pants
CCW, durability and comfort are no problem with our pick for best tactical pants.
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Best Tactical Boots
Our best tactical boots of the year are tough, comfortable and ready for any challenge.
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Best Tactical Polos
A professional look with the features you need — this tactical polo is up to the task.
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Best Tactical Backpacks
Carry all your EDC essentials in our pick for the best tactical backpack of 2021.
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Best Combat Shirts
This battle-ready combat shirt is tough, reliable and built for the ultimate maneuverability.
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Best Plate Carriers
Stay protected and carry the gear you need on the best plate carrier money can buy.
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Best Tactical Knives
This classic tactical knife is a true staple for any well-rounded EDC collection.
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Best Tactical Flashlights
Night ops are no problem with this reliable, ultra-versatile, everyday carry flashlight.
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Best Shooting Glasses
For protection and clear visibility at the range, you need our top shooting glasses of 2021.
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When we were choosing the best products of 2021, there was no question that the NIKE SFB Gen 2 Boots would be our pick for best military boots. The innovative webbing support system, the fast roping arches, the cloud-like comfort — these boots blow their competition out of the water. The next generation of military footwear is here, and anyone who wears the OCP uniform needs these boots on their feet.
Pros
Authorized for wear with Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform
Ultra-light (17 oz. per boot)
Webbing support system enhances stability
Aggressive traction pattern provides multi-surface grip
Cons
Potential for heel/ankle rubbing
Long break-in time
Tends to run small (order a half size up)
Try on a pair of 5.11 ABR Pro Pants and you’ll immediately understand why they’re our pick for the best tactical pants of the year. Designed from a durable, cotton/polyester ripstop blend, these pants hold up against tough use as well as any pair out there. The nine-pocket design offers plenty of storage, and there’s even a right thigh pocket for your cell phone or an extra magazine. Try these pants once, and you’ll be hooked.
Pros
9 pockets
Durable ripstop fabric
Reinforced seat & knees
Front right phone pocket
Cons
Phone pocket can be tough to access
Back pockets are a little shallow
When things get hairy, it's good to be light on your feet, and the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boots are ready to perform. Their durable water-repellent finish keeps feet dry without sacrificing breathability, and their side zippers mean you can get in and out of them at a moment's notice. Choosing the right footwear is tough, but with our pick for best tactical boots of the year, the choice is easy.
Pros
Tough leather / 900D nylon upper
Side zipper for easy on/off
Durable water-repellent (DWR) coating
Cons
Long break-in time
Zippers may get stuck
Tight fit on wide feet
Don't let the professional appearance of the Propper Uniform Polo fool you — this thing is packed with plenty of useful, tactical features. The quick-drying, wrinkle and shrink-resistant fabric will keep you looking your best, no matter what the day brings. Dual pen stalls on the sleeve and a sunglasses clip on the front placket ensure important items are always close at hand. You won't find a better tactical polo at a better price anywhere.
Pros
Quick-drying fabric
Wrinkle, fade and shrink-resistant material
Two pen stalls on sleeve
Sunglasses clip on front placket
Cons
Tends to run large (order one size down)
May snag when washed (use gentle cycle)
First Tactical may be new on the scene, but they wasted little time grabbing our spot for best tactical backpack of the year. The Specialist 1-Day Backpack has room for all your gear — and then some. With a huge 36-liter capacity, integrated MOLLE webbing system and 1000D nylon construction, this pack is simply a dream bug-out bag. This may be the best tactical backpack of 2021, but it will last you for years to come.
Pros
Durable 1000D nylon construction
36 liter capacity (2,200 cubic inches)
5 external pockets, 3 internal pockets
YKK zippers
Cons
No internal laptop sleeve
No waist strap
Our best combat shirt of the year is ready for combat and authorized for wear with the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform. The TRU-SPEC OCP Combat Shirt combines no-melt, no-drip body fabric with ultra-tough nylon / cotton ripstop sleeves for unbelievable performance in the field. With an adjustable quarter zip collar and adjustable button cuffs, this shirt conforms to your comfort however you like it. It really is the undisputed best of the year.
Pros
Authorized for wear with Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform
No-melt, no-drip body fabric
Tough nylon / cotton ripstop sleeves
Cons
May not pair well with some plate carriers
Sleeves may run long
There are plenty of plate carriers to choose from, but to us, the Condor MOPC Gen II stands head and shoulders above the competition. Featuring MOLLE webbing all over to mount your gear and compatible with the best ballistic plates and soft armor on the market, this plate carrier offers the greatest value with all the essential features. It's on our list, and it should be on yours, too.
Pros
Adjustable shoulder straps and cummerbund
MOLLE webbing
Breathable, 3D mesh liner
Cons
Not a good fit for smaller waists
Stiff shoulder pads
Hundreds of positive reviews can't be wrong; the customers pretty much decided this pick for themselves. Crafted from 440-grade stainless steel with a combo edge blade and liner lock system, the Mission Made Raptor is the quintessential tactical knife. It's spring-assisted for rapid deployment, and it even has a built-in bottle opener. If you don't have one in your EDC, your EDC is truly lacking.
Pros
Combo edge blade
Spring-assisted opening
Liner lock system
Lightweight aluminum handle
Cons
Stainless steel edge can be difficult to sharpen
Thumb flipper is hard to engage for big hands
We knew our best tactical flashlight would be a Streamlight; we just didn't know which one. Turns out it's the ProTac HL-X USB. At 1,000 lumens, this light is incredibly bright. The USB port makes charging easy, and there are even three light modes (high, medium and low) to preserve battery life. The aircraft grade aluminum and IPX-7 waterproof protection mean you'd almost have to intentionally damage the light to break it. Add this one to your EDC.
Pros
1,000 lumens
High, medium and low intensity modes
Strobe for signaling and disorienting
Aircraft grade aluminum construction
Cons
Relatively low beam distance
Complex controls
And finally, shooting glasses: the Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 shades take this spot with ease. For starters, they're on the U.S. Army's Authorized Protective Eyewear List, so their durability is outstanding and unquestionable. They also offer an anti-fog coating, protection from UV rays, and they're even compatible with helmet-mounted night vision devices. If you're heading to the range, these are the glasses you'll want to have with you.
Pros
APEL approved
UVA, UVB and blue light protection
Anti-fog lens coating
Interchangeable lenses
Cons
Sweat may cause condensation
Protective case not included
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