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.

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Best Tactical Pants


Storage, functionality and comfort are no issue when it comes to the number one pair of tactical pants.

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Best Tactical Boots


The best tactical boots of the year optimize performance in the field without compromising safety.

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Best Tactical Polos


Functional and discreet, our pick for the best tactical polo of the year is ready for any challenge.

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Best Tactical Backpacks


Organize and carry all of your daily essentials in the best tactical backpack out there.

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Best Combat Shirts


This tried-and-true combat shirt is durable, reliable and built for optimal mobility in the field.

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Best Plate Carriers


Get the ultimate protection and storage with the best plate carrier on the market.

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Best Tactical Knives


This go-to versatile tactical knife is an essential for your EDC collection.

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Best Tactical Flashlights


Rely on the best tactical flashlight of 2023 to enhance visibility and give you the upper hand.

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Best Tactical Glasses


For ultimate protection and discretion, look no further than our top tactical sunglasses for 2023.

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Best Military Boots

NIKE SFB B1 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

Streamlight ProTac 1AAA

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