Best Tactical Gear of 2023
Never settle for less than the best. We curated the ultimate list of the best tactical gear of 2023. Browse tried-and-tested favorites from top categories and stock up on some of the best gear on the market.
Best Military Boots
Stay comfortable, light on your feet and in regulation with our favorite pair of military boots.
View Our PickBest Tactical Pants
Storage, functionality and comfort are no issue when it comes to the number one pair of tactical pants.
View Our PickBest Tactical Boots
The best tactical boots of the year optimize performance in the field without compromising safety.
View Our PickBest Tactical Polos
Functional and discreet, our pick for the best tactical polo of the year is ready for any challenge.
View Our PickBest Tactical Backpacks
Organize and carry all of your daily essentials in the best tactical backpack out there.
View Our PickBest Combat Shirts
This tried-and-true combat shirt is durable, reliable and built for optimal mobility in the field.
View Our PickBest Plate Carriers
Get the ultimate protection and storage with the best plate carrier on the market.
View Our PickBest Tactical Knives
This go-to versatile tactical knife is an essential for your EDC collection.
View Our PickBest Tactical Flashlights
Rely on the best tactical flashlight of 2023 to enhance visibility and give you the upper hand.
View Our PickBest Tactical Glasses
For ultimate protection and discretion, look no further than our top tactical sunglasses for 2023.
View Our PickBest Military Boots
The NIKE SFB B1 is the most-anticipated boot of 2023. As the newest addition to the SFB family, they set a new standard for footwear while living up to the SFB namesake. These redesigned boots are ultra-lightweight, come equipped with NIKE's Air Zoom cushioning technology and dual-zone lacing. One drastic difference is the addition of side ventilation ports which enhance breathability and double as drainage ports. With an internal rock shield and anatomically placed flex grooves, this boot is one of the toughest NIKE has ever crafted.
Pros
Authorized for wear with Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform
Ultra lightweight (14.4 oz. per boot)
Air Zoom cushioning for extreme comfort
Cooling ventilation ports
Cons
Not available in wide width
Not waterproof
Best Tactical Pants
Try on a pair of 5.11 Stryke Pants and you'll immediately understand why they're our choice for best tactical pants of the year. Designed from a durable cotton/ripstop fabric, these pants hold up in the toughest circumstances. The 12-pocket design offers plenty of room for storage, with specific pockets to fit cell phones and knives. There's even badge holders on the front belt loops. Articulated knees, a tunneled elastic waistband and gusseted crotch allow for a full range of motion. These versatile pants are an absolute must-have staple for everyone's collection.
Pros
12 pockets
Durable ripstop fabric
Shrink-resistant
Knee-pad pockets
Cons
Cargo pockets are a little shallow
Pricey
Best Tactical Boots
A good pair of tactical boots are arguably one of the most important pieces of public safety professional attire. That’s why we chose the Bates Tactical Sport 2 Boots as our pick for the best tactical boots in 2023. Launched just last year, these boots are the long anticipated update to the popular tactical sports collection. With a new full traction outsole and lightweight energy-returning midsole, the new style improves on an already top-of-the-line collection. The side zipper allows for increased flexibility while the form-fitting insole absorbs shock and minimizes the overall weight of the boot. Do your job with confidence in boots built for optimal performance.
Pros
Slip-resistant outsole
Full-grain leather and polyester
Energy-returning midsole
Moisture-wicking lining
Quick on/off YKK side zipper
Cons
Durable materials make it slightly heavier
Breathability suffers without mesh
Best Tactical Polos
What do you get when you combine functionality, comfort and discretion? The best tactical polo on the market! Its fabric is moisture-wicking and shrink resistant, keeping you cool and looking your best no matter what the day brings. Hidden collar stays and shoulder mic clips make for a professional appearance and allow you to keep your essentials closeby. At this price, you won't find a better tactical polo anywhere.
Pros
Moisture-wicking fabric
Mic clip on both shoulders
Two-channel pen pocket on left sleeve
Sunglasses clip under placket
Cons
Tends to run large
Polyester construction isn't odor-resistant
Best Tactical Backpacks
You know the saying: stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. The 5.11 RUSH 12 2.0 Backpack allows you to do just that. With a 24-liter capacity, MOLLE webbing and a hidden CCW compartment, this backpack is ready to go at a moment’s notice. This is the best tactical backpack of 2023, and you can rest assured it’ll last forever.
Pros
24 liter capacity
Concealed carry compartment
Padded laptop compartment
Cons
Higher price point than similar bags
No hip belt
Best Combat Shirts
Our best combat shirt of the year is the result of elite craftsmanship and tactical expertise. The Mission Made Combat Shirt is an innovative, modern take on a classic combat design. It combines antimicrobial, moisture-wicking fabric with raglan-cut sleeves for comfort and a full range of motion. The reinforced elbows with Hexgrip anti-skid technology prevent damage from rough environments. Zipper pockets on the shoulders provide storage room while the QuadSquad™ loop field on both sleeves allows for customization. Engineered for durability and flexibility, this shirt is fit to perform.
Pros
Scorpion OCP authorized for wear with the OCP uniform
Moisture-wicking, anti-static and antimicrobial
Reinforced elbows with HexGrip™ anti-skid technology
Dual-pen pocket on left sleeve
Cons
No ripstop material
Heavier compared to other options
Best Plate Carriers
The Condor MOPC Modular Operator Plate Carrier GEN II is without a doubt the most impressive plate carrier currently available. This second generation carrier boasts notable updates curated from direct customer feedback. Some key changes that elevate functionality are redesigned minimalist shoulder pads, a drastically updated cummerbund lacing system and expanded cummerbund storage options, allowing for customizable levels of ballistic protection. Feedback on the new design has been overwhelmingly positive. For these reasons, we’re thrilled to select it as our 2023 top pick.
Pros
Accommodates soft armor and ballistic plates
Adjustable cummerbund with built-in armor pockets
Breathable 3D mesh liner
Removable shoulder pads
MOLLE webbing
Cons
No front kangaroo pouch
Not a great fit for very tall stature
Best Tactical Knives
When choosing the best tactical knife of 2023, we went with an American classic: the Ka-Bar USMC Fighting/Utility Knife. Crafted from 1095 Cro-Van steel with a USMC-stamp, this iconic knife is a fan-favorite. Its full tang and leather sheath ensure lasting durability and protection. Best of all, it's made right here in the USA with roots that go all the way back to World War II. If you value safety, dependability and heritage, this is the knife for you.
Pros
Fixed blade
Stacked leather handle
Made in the USA
Cons
Leather handle isn't great for water
Longer than most tactical knives on the market
Best Tactical Flashlights
And finally, our pick for the best tactical flashlight of 2023: the Streamlight ProTac 1AAA. Despite its small size, it produces a 115 beam of light that can be seen at 60 meters. The push-button tail switch makes one-handed operation simple, and the removable pocket clip and adjustable lanyard ensure easy carry. This is the perfect light to add to your EDC.
Pros
High and low intensity modes
Waterproof
Removable pocket clip
Strobe for signaling and disorienting
Cons
Low battery life on high mode
Small size
Best Tactical Glasses
The Wiley X Peak sunglasses were a no-brainer pick for the best tactical sunglasses of 2023. For starters, their shatterproof lenses block out 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. These sunglasses not only exceed ANSI Z87.1 high impact and optical performance standards, but they are also rated as OSHA grade occupational protective eyewear. Choosing a pair of tactical sunglasses can be tough, but with this pick, the choice is easy.
Pros
UVA and UVB protection
Scratch-resistant lens coating
Shatterproof lenses
Triloid nylon frames
Cons
No anti-fog technology
Don't meet MIL-PRF standards