Bulletproof vests are a standard type of body armor designed to reduce the impact and stop penetration of the torso by projectiles and fragmentation. Although body armor has been used militarily for many centuries, the general style of bulletproof vest as we know it today was developed around the turn of the 20th century and first saw mass circulation in WWI and WWII (given to some troops who were at unusual risk of receiving enemy fire).
Over the decades various companies started designing more practical, lightweight bulletproof vests for law enforcement personnel and infantrymen (such as during the Vietnam War). These military vests were designed with armor plate carriers to provide extra protection to vital organs, more storage capacity, and became more fully adjustable than older versions (especially with the advent of the MOLLE system).
Military tactical vests (or modular tactical vests) are the result of these design improvements, and today these tactical vests have become standard tactical gear for Army, Navy, Marines, and law enforcement personnel. Almost all of the best military tactical vests are designed using the MOLLE system (i.e. Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment; aka MOLLE webbing).
Military tactical vests are a must-have piece of equipment for those who need ballistic protection in high-threat emergency situations.
But you don’t need to be a veteran or active military / law enforcement personnel to have the right to own one of these advanced military vests. Anybody wanting personal protection, or just a durable and highly functional piece of apparel, will want one of these tactical vests. After all, they are badass-looking torso vests.
It goes without saying that many sports and outdoor enthusiasts own a tactical vest for utilitarian reasons. If you own a lot of rifles and firearms, or go hunting / shooting quite frequently, then you’re probably going to want to add one of these vests to your collection of tactical gear.
Tactical vests comes in a variety of designs and are made with ballistic nylon material (i.e. Kevlar), polyester, synthetic fibers, fiberglass, ceramic, steel, titanium and more. They provide a comfortable fit for the wearer and come in various sizes.
Things to consider when looking for military vests:
- What accessories are you planning to carry?
- Do you need MOLLE webbing / strip webbing?
- Do you need a cross draw holster, shoulder strap, interphone pouches / pockets?
- What kind of protection am I looking for?
- Do you need body armor or just a chest rig?
- Do you need extra tactical plate carriers?
- How much weight are you willing to carry?
- Do you need a cross draw holster for a side firearm?
- Do you need different types of pouches for extra magazines?
- Do you need extra plates and tactical plate carriers for protection?
- Is your best made of high quality, durable nylon material, stitching, Velcro, Kevlar etc?
- How many of those bells and whistles do you actually need?
- Take notice of how each vest is designed, from top to bottom, and ask yourself which features you really need.
If you answer those questions, then you’ll know exactly what tactical military tactical vest you’ll want to wear. Let’s check out some of the top brands for Military, Army, Navy, Law Enforcement, Recreational tactical vests on the market:
Tactical Vests That Could Be Used In Any Military Situation
- Adjustable sizing S-XXL for US Men's clothing size.
- DURABLE & COMFORTABLE: Well made of 900D high density nylon,well constructed, strong tensile wear-resisting ability.
- ADJUSTABLE S-XXL: maximum chest size is 50 inches. be adjusted to fit max be adjusted to fit shoulder and waist size.
- Carry 3 standard magazine pouches ,1 map and flashlight pouch, 2 communication pouches and 1 medic pouch,all bags are removable.
- 30-Days NO RISK 100% Full Refund Assurance for any reason - The best and only vest you'll ever need. If you are not satisfied for any reason,such as size and any other reason, money back guarantee!
- With numerous pockets, the tactical vest gives you great storage capacity, meeting your all kinds of needs.
- Adjustable side straps design allows you to adjust it according to your needs.
- With mesh design, more ventilative.
- Equipped with a zipper, easy to use and wear. Straps and buckle around waist for easy wearing.
- Made of high quality material, strong and durable enough for long time use.
- Adjustable Size - Adjust Both Side Straps and Belt to Fit You. The Adjustable Size is S - 4XL. Adjustable Belt Size is 35-57 inches (89-145cm);Length 20.5-22.5 inches (52-57cm).Adjust Shoulder Velcro to Better Fit you. 22.83*15.74*4.33inch(58*40*11cm)
- Detachable - Detachable Shotgun Shell Holder , Equipment Pouch , Holster for Pistols , Belt Pouches , Cross-draw Pistol Holster Allow You Install Other Accessories According to Your Needs.Molle Allow You Add More Accessories
- High Quality and Lightweight - Made Of Durable Comfortable Lightweight High-Density 600D Polyester in Mesh Breathable Design
- Holster of Pistols Size - Subcompact/Compact/Standard
- CAUTION - YOU WILL GET 100% Full Refund OR A GREAT TACTICAL VEST AFTER YOU Pay Attention to Size Information Before Ordering
- Adjustable sizing S-XXL for US Men's clothing size.
- DURABLE & COMFORTABLE: Well made of 900D high density nylon,well constructed, strong tensile wear-resisting ability.
- ADJUSTABLE S-XXL: maximum chest size is 50 inches. be adjusted to fit max be adjusted to fit shoulder and waist size.Plaease pay attention to the important size before ordering.
- Carry 3 standard magazine pouches ,1 map and flashlight pouch, 2 communication pouches and 1 medic pouch,all bags are removable.
- 30-Days NO RISK 100% Full Refund Assurance for any reason - The best and only you'll ever need. If you are not satisfied for any reason,such as size and any other reason, money back guarantee!
- S - 4XL Ajustable sizing: PROBABLY fit person 100lb - 350lb.
- Most of the maximum chest of other vests is about 54". We increase the length of the straps on sides and the belt to make the vest suit for most people with larger body size. - Item size: 22.83*15.74*4.33inch(58*40*11cm). Adjustable sizing, S-4XL for adults.The smallest chest size is 35 inch, the maximum chest size is 61 inch
- Tactical vest is mounted on tough nylon mesh material which air ventilation.Vest zips up in front and can be secured additionally with a belt (included) threaded through the loops on the bottom. - Interior of vest has two zip-up document pockets left and right.
- Left side features a pistol holster for most medium-framed pistols, 3 pistol mag pouches that are adjustable to the height of most normal-sized mag.Right side features 3 ammo pouches, large shell carrying pouch, and a shooting pad.
- Shoulders on vest can be adjusted with long velcro strips, and also have 2 mental D-rings for the attachment of carabiners or other equipments.Rear of vest is double-ply mesh which allows for the addition of a hydration bladder(not include). - A carrying handle is provided as well as strips across the back for the addition of camouflage material or other pouches.Left and right sides can be adjusted for width via webbings.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Travel fishing vest are made from a lightweight fabric blend that’s designed to offer a minimal amount of waterproof protection, it’s the ideal vest for those drizzly and damp, early morning starts.
- BREATHABLE & DURABLE: Poplin style vest is thin; Linen style is ventilated betterly; Mesh style vest with plenty of breathable mesh incorporated into design. These jackets are well ventilated as well as durable and quick dry, ensure the wearer remains cool and comfortable all day!
- MULTI-POCKETS: Fishing vest with 16 varying sized pockets, including secure zippered pockets and velcro fastening pockets, you can handily store all your personal possessions. Also ensuring that your hands are free to focus on whatever you are engaged in. It’s a highly practical and versatile summer vest.
- OCCASIONS: This stylish and highly versatile lightweight jacket is ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities from fishing to safari, hiking to camping, travel to photography, climbing to hunting, bird watching to river guide adventures, as well as work to daily casual, etc.
- VARIOUS COLORS & US SIZES: Flygo fishing vest has a wide range of classic and traditional colors as well as various US sizes and styles. You can easily find one or more suit you and your dear families or friends. Do not hesitate, get this functional vest as a thoughtful gift to anyone you want!
- Adjustable Size: Adjustable sizing S-XXL for US Men's clothing size. Tactical vest comes with padded mesh interior lining Freely adjustable waist, shoulder strap size to provide you with maximum comfort. Waist size is adjustable from 30 to 50 inches.
- Tactical Vest with Molle Stytem: The tactical vest made of 600D Encrypted Polyester, well constructed, strong tensile wear-resisting ability. Molle on both front and back for attaching more pouches or other articles.
- Stability & Comfort: The waist side is hollowed out to reduce the weight of the vest, and is equipped with elastic elastic bands to ensure the stability and comfort of the vest when you are strenuously exercising.
- Applicable Scenarios: Very suitable for tactical training, CS live-action games. Can be used for field work and cycling, hiking, camping, extreme challenges.
- Quality Assurance: Regarding any quality problems of this tactical vest, please contact us immediately and we will solve it for you immediately.You will get 100% full refund or A great tactical vest.
- Reliable materials: the clothes vest is made of nylon, solid structure of the fabric gives it nice wear resistance, tear resistance and softness, and makes them lightweight and easy to care; And the sports gloves are made of quality spandex and polyester material, breathable and not easy to wear
- Adjustable size: the length of the gloves is about 13 cm/ 5.11 inches and the width is about 8.5 cm/ 3.35 inches, suitable for kids of 8-14 years old, please measure the length and width of your palm before purchase; The costume vest measures approx. 48 cm/ 18.9 inches long and 39 cm/ 15.35 inches wide, with an adjustable hook and loop strap design, it is flexible and convenient to adjust the size to match your need
- Practical design: the kids gear vest has 4 small pockets in the front and 1 large one on the back, so this comfortable vest can store many available accessories, such as a map, keys, gloves, etc.; And the vest is designed with many straps, which is convenient for kids to hang many necessaries or applicable devices
- Chic and comfortable: there is a patch of approx. 5 x 15 cm/ 2 x 6 inches and it can be attached to the back of the vest, make the vest more stylish; The fingerless gloves with lots of raised wear-resistant silicone particles can provide nice non-slip effect and bring kids comfortable wearing experiences
- Wide application: this comfortable vest and half-finger gloves are chic and practical accessories for children to enjoy army costume party, shooting training games, tactical training games, hunting, cycling, hiking, mountain climbing, skating, rock climbing and other outdoor activities
- Dynamic, durable, and most importantly, reliable
- Abrasion resistant
- Durable lightweight construction
More Information On Selected Tactical Vests
YAKEDA Tactical Vest Outdoor Ultra-Light Breathable Combat Training Vest Adjustable for Adults 600D Encryption Polyester-VT-1063 (Black)
If you’ve ever played the hugely popular first-person shooter game Counter-Strike, then you should be immediately familiar with the look and style of this badass tactical vest.
This multipurpose tactical vest is “one size fits all” for anyone under 6’6″ & 300 lbs. (thin or fat), and is suitable for target shooting, law enforcement, outdoors activities, mountaineering, playing airsoft / paintball, and even cosplay!
The YAKEDA tactical vest is made from the highest quality material which is strong and durable for long, continued use. It’s perfectly suitable for outdoor or indoor applications.
Tacticon BattleVest Tactical Vest | Combat Veteran Owned Company | Fully Adjustable | Breathable 3D Mesh Liner | (FDE Tan)
The Tacticon BattleVest MOLLE Tactical Vest is one of the best mil spec MOLLE vests available. It is designed to accommodate all of the fully adjustable MOLLE needs of its user. Doesn’t matter if you’re military, civilian, law enforcement, or a recreational user — this is one of the most popular and widely used vests / designs that everyone recognizes for being the real deal.
The workmanship is top notch. The stitching, nylon material and Velcro are all heavy duty. The Tacticon BattleVest will never fall apart on you. You can stuff two 10″ x 12″ armor plates with trauma pads into this fully adjustable military vest and you won’t feel them move around. This vest is rugged and able to carry a hefty load without feeling like a burden.
Himal Tactical Vest for Men-600D Encryption Polyester-Military Vest-Adjustable Lightweight Combat Vest
Himal is about providing the most classy and exciting products to their customers, and that includes those who love to wear tactical vests!
The multifunctional Himal Tactical Vest 600D is a great shooting & training vest that’s easy to install and disassemble. It has an adjustable belt to accommodate 37 – 48″ waists. This is one of the more versatile tactical vests given its affordable price. You’ll be able to store different types of magazines for AR and AK rifles. It comes with a holster and an easy access two magazine pouch.
GLORYFIRE Tactical Vest Modular Assault Vest Law Enforcement Vest Adjustable Lightweight Breathable Combat Training Vest
This recently upgraded version of the GLORYFIRE Modular Tactical Vest has a sleek, professional law enforcement design and is most suitable for training, target shooting practice, outdoor activities (e.g. airsoft game), and of course Counter-Strike cosplay (it just has that look and feel)!
This modular assault vest comes with enough pockets to hold up to 8 AR + 7 pistol magazines. That’s a lot of ammo and more than many tactical vests have to offer.
Tacticon BattleVest Lite | Tactical Vest | Combat Veteran Owned Company | Fully Adjustable Lightweight Tactical Vest | 360-degree Laser-Cut PALS Coverage (Tactical Black)
From one of the top brands for tactical vests, the Tacticon BattleVest Lite is a professional Army, Navy, Military-grade vest designed to accommodate all necessary MOLLE / PALS system gear. Its plate carriers are compatible with 8″ x 10″ and 10″ x 12″ plates, and is 2 lbs. lighter than many similar tactical vests.
YAKEDA Tactical Vest Military Chest Rig Airsoft Swat Vest for Men(Black-1)
YAKEDA is one of the top brands for affordable military tactical vests and chest rig. They all have a sleek, professional design and look more like what the counter-terrorists wear in Counter-Strike that other tactical vests.
This military chest rig is designed like SWAT tactical vests and is perfect for training or outdoor activities like airsoft.
Tactical Vests That Could Be Used In Any Military Situation
Don’t forget that when you’re shopping for tactical vests, make sure to be realistic about what you’re going to use it for before purchase. Don’t buy vest that has more features or protection than you actually need. There are many different types of designs for tactical vests. For example, some are designed to support a certain size or number of plate carriers.
Moreover, if you need a tactical vest for serious high-threat situations (e.g. private contractor, security, law enforcement), then the right tactical vest can be critical to the success of your objectives. You will want to make sure your vest / chest rig has all the added features you need to protect and function like plate carriers, detachable pouches, ammo storage capacity, sidearm holster, adjustable size etc.