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
- ⭐️ COMBAT VETERAN OWNED COMPANY! I stand by and produce only the products that I use myself as a soldier.
- ✔ DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Made With Heavy Duty Industrial 500D PVC Nylon With Double-Stitched Molle PALS System and 3D Mesh Liner
- ✔ UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY
- ✔ VERSATILE & ADJUSTABLE (ANY SIZE) - The Tacticon Vest can carry over 100 lb. load out including med kits, survival gear, etc. and can be adjustable to most any size human (up to XXL shirt size).
- ⭐️ LIFETIME WARRANTY AND 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE! A no hassle 100% satisfaction guarantee with every battle belt and a LIFETIME warranty included with your purchase. We're a real USA company with real humans answering phones to answer your questions and honor warranty claims!
- [Adjustable Size] The shoulder belt and belt are adjustable according to your needs, suitable for people of different sizes. The maximum waist is 48 inches (120cm), the smallest waist is 37 inches (94CM); the longest length is 23 inches (58cm); the shortest length is 20 inches (50cm).
- [Excellent Material] It adopts 600D encrypted polyester.Made of large and strong mesh, tear resistant, lighter and more durable, improving service life and comfort.
- [Smarter Design] Two parts are detachable and are combinable according to custom: 1 Flashlight pouch. 2 Heavy adjustable belt.
- [Additional Other Accessories] The adopts the modular webbing structure, which is used to add camouflage equipment materials and mail bags. Two D-rings can help you hold carabiners or other equipment.
- [Usage Scenario] Role play of CS game, army fan, mountaineering, outdoor activities, target shooting,air soft color ball and counter attack game.
- 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!
- 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 & FIT ADULT,S-XXL: maximum chest size is 50 inches.(125cm) be adjusted to fit max be adjusted to fit shoulder and waist size,please note this important size information before place an order.
- DURABLE & COMFORTABLE:Well made of 900D high density nylon,well constructed, with a thick pvc lined nylon,strong tensile wear-resisting ability.
- MULTIPLE DUTY & FLEXIBLE REMOVABLE:Carry 3 standard magazine pouches ,1 map and flashlight pouch, 2 communication pouches and 1 medic pouch,all bags are removable.
- MOLLE & VELCRO:Modular Lightweight Load-carrying System,powerful suspension belt,strengthen tactical load-bearing,designed magic VELCRO.
- USE SCENES: Target for tactical training, shooting,airsoft & paintball and CS game.
- HIGH QUALITY: The weight vest composed of 1000D fabric, high-tensile strength thread, and webbing is equipped with a map pouch and three modular heavy-duty mag panels.It comes with two stable side straps as well as adjustable padded shoulder straps. The weight vests are fully padded with breathable 3D mesh, which are comfortable and keep you cool by allowing air circulation.
- FUNCTIONAL-RAPID OPEN:This weight vest is built with rapid-open connectors on the shoulders and waist that make it easy to quickly put it on and take it off. The unique cummerbund features integrated pockets that can even be accessed through the side for added protection in case it's required. The ideal training tool for combat training, field work, hiking, camping, extreme challenges, and fans alike.
- MOLLE SYSTEM: Throughout the weight vest, there are MOLLE webbing attachment points and optional personalization options. Map pockets with snap-and-hook closures keep important documents within reach, and pockets offer easy access to soft pocket as needed. Shock-cords and cord locks can be hidden in the back of the vest, not only can the waist and size be adjusted, it can also enhance the feeling of comfort.
- PERFECT SIZE: Adjustable shoulder strap and cummerbund fit most people from size S to XXXL size: maximum waist 52 inches, minimum waist 32 inches. Retro kit integrates seamlessly with carriers that use hook-and-loop flap systems to fit different waist sizes. In addition, waist belts and shoulder straps can also achieve the effect you want.
- QUALITY ASSURANCE: This vest is a very nice gift. We provide a one-year warranty. If you encountered any quality issues regarding this weight vest, please contact us immediately and we will make every effort to resolve your issue until you are satisfied.
- ADJUSTABLE & FIT ADULT from S-XXL: Adjustable shoulder and waist side straps, free size range from S to XXL.
- NUMEROUS POCKETS: The tactical vest come with a lot of useful pockets with zippers or buckles, provides large and secure storage.
- HEAVY DUTY: Heavy duty back loop system to carry additional outdoor gear and tools.
- BREATHABLE MESH: Tactical vest is mounted on tough nylon mesh material, more ventilative.
- HIGH QUALITY & DURABLE: Made of high-quality Polyester, strong and durable enough for long time use.
- 【VERSATILITY】Fits S-XXL for men. A versatile tactical vest for airsoft & paintball & cosplay game etc.
- 【MODULAR CUSTOMIZATION】The exterior of the vest is covered in MOLLE for modular customization, with hoop&loop on the front and back molle webbings, available for identifier and patches.
- 【ADJUSTABLE】Adjustable in waist size from 30 in - 60 in (76cm - 152cm). The shoulder and waist straps can be adjusted via the hoop&loop to fit most builds with ease.
- 【Great protection and breathability】The thickened composite flannel lining will give you a effective protection in the games while help make it snug, comfy and breathable.
- 【DURABLE & Lightweight】Well made of 600D oxford fabric, well constructed, strong tensile wear-resisting ability, lightweight build.
- QUICK RELEASE BUCKLES: There are Quick Disconnect QD Buckles on the shoulders and the waist to quickly take it on and off
- ANTI-SWEAT MESH PADS: Front and Back Breathable Black Mesh Pads included for padding against your body
- SIDE POUCHES: Pockets to hold extra gear
- TRIPLE DOUBLE STACKED MAG POUCH: Allows you to put three large mags along the back row and 3 small mags in the front (mag pouches included)
- MILSPEC 1000D NYLON MATERIAL: Built to withstand any mission
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.
