Best Tactical Gear of 2022
Never settle for less than the best. We curated the ultimate list of the best tactical gear of 2022. 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 2022 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 2022.
View Our PickBest Military Boots
The NIKE SFB Gen 2 Boots are our #1 military boots for the second year in a row, and for good reason. From the innovative webbing support system to fast roping arches, these boots are miles ahead of their competition.
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)
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 Reebok 8' Dauntless Ultra-Light Side-Zip Boots as our pick for the best tactical boots in 2022. These tried-and-tested boots feature seamless micro-mesh uppers, all-terrain outsoles and moisture-wicking nylon mesh. The side zipper allows for increased flexibility while the removable EVA-injected insole absorbs shock and minimizes the overall weight of the boot. Do your job with confidence in boots built for optimal performance.
Pros
All-terrain outsole
Seamless micro-mesh upper
EVA-injected midsole
Moisture-wicking nylon mesh
Meets ASTM F2892 standards for electrical hazard safety
Cons
Tend to run small
Zippers may get stuck
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 2022, 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
Heavier compared to other options
Best Plate Carriers
When it comes to plate carriers, the choices are plenty. That's why the Condor Exo Plate Carrier Gen II is so impressive. With features like MOLLE webbing to store your gear and a padded mesh interior lining, this plate carrier offers both convenience and comfort. If this isn’t already part of your kit, it should be.
Pros
Drag handle for emergencies
Adjustable cummerbund with soft armor pockets
MOLLE webbing
Padded mesh interior lining
Cons
Not a great fit for shorter stature
Plate thickness can't exceed half an inch
Best Tactical Knives
When choosing the best tactical knife of 2022, 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 2022: the Streamlight ProTac Dual Fuel Light. At 350 lumens, this light is bright despite its small size. The push-button tail switch makes one-handed operation simple, and the unbreakable pocket clip and nylon holster ensure easy carry. This is the perfect light to add to your EDC.
Pros
High, medium and low intensity modes
Water-resistant
Removable pocket clip
Strobe for signaling and disorienting
Cons
Low battery life on high mode
Relatively limited beam distance
Best Tactical Glasses
The Wiley X Peak sunglasses were a no-brainer pick for the best tactical sunglasses of 2022. 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
