There’s no substitute for high quality gear. From bags and packs to eyewear, bringing you the best of the best from top manufacturers is mission critical. So whether you’re in a wet environment or on patrol, you are ready to take on any terrain. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best tactical gear for 2020 we believe can be trusted in the field or in any situation where you need your gear to help you achieve peak performance.
Bags and Packs
5.11 Rush 12 Backpack
Perfect for the field or any outdoor adventure, the 5.11 Rush 12 Backpack is the perfect carry-all companion. The bag features 16 compartments for multiple storage options. Of the storage units, one is a 60-ounce hydration pocket for liquids, and another is fleece-lined to protect eyewear or glasses. Aside from its storage capacity, the backpack is incredibly lightweight and waterproof—further making the case that it a great tactical backpack for any mission.
Sandpiper of California Rolling Load Out XL Deployment Bag
When it’s time to roll out, you want a bag that is guaranteed to keep your equipment and personal belongings safe. The Sandpiper of California Rolling Load Out is certainly extra-large. It provides approximately 10,300 cubic inches of storage space, with an expandable main compartment. It’s lightweight and sits on three large wheels, so feel free to load it up. And when it comes to safely storing your personal gear, this deployment bag has you covered. It’s made from a 600 Denier poly canvas and reinforced with an abrasion-resistant exterior. The Rolling Load Out’s durability and capacity make it an easy selection as one of our best pieces of tactical gear for 2020.
Condor 40L Raincover
Never get caught in the rain. The Condor 40L Raincover is an ideal piece of equipment for wet environments. Along with its multicam design, the pack is designed to keep water out and features a fire-retardant urethane for an extra element of protection.
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Vest, Rigs and Carriers
Crye Precision Jumpable Plate Carrier
Protection shouldn’t have to come at the cost of mobility. The Crye Precision Jumpable Plate Carrier provides the best of both worlds. In terms of weight, the vest clocks in at around 1.3 – 1.5 pounds, depending on size. Combined with a skeletal cummerbund that is highly adjustable and panels that allow for multiple options for configuration, you’ll maintain your mobility.
Crye Precision JPC 2.0 Jumpable Plate Carrier
The Crye Precision Jumpable Plate Carrier 2.0 provides the same level of protection and performance with a few added features. This model includes vertical loops for detachable chest rings, a front hook back panel for attaching MOLLE, a 2-step doffing system for quick removal and a drag handle in case you must be pulled to safety.
Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier MOPC
The Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier is another great plate carrier for military and law enforcement. It comes loaded with compartments for storage, plate packets for armor up to 10×13 plates (up to 6×8 for side panel plates), and heavy duty MOLLE webbing. Not surprisingly, this tactical plate carrier is NTOA member-tested and approved.
Pouches
Condor Triple M4/M16 Open Top Magazine Pouch
The Condor Triple M4/M16 Open Top mag pouch is everything you’d want in a mag pouch. It will stand up to the rigors of any mission, includes heavy duty elastic retention straps to keep your mags in place and easily attaches to any MOLLE gear. It’s also available in Coyote 498, OD and multicam. Like we said, the perfect pouch.
Condor Single M4/M16 Open Top Magazine Pouch
For soldiers looking for that extra bit of peace of mind, the Condor Single M4/M16 Open Top mag pouch provides the perfect option for an extra magazine. Made from Denier Cordura, this mag pouch is durable and the MOLLE attachment straps ensure the pouch is extremely versatile.
Shellback Tactical Triple Stacker Open Top M4 Mag Pouch
Durable, double stacked and compatible with all MOLLE systems, the Shellback Tactical Triple Stacker is the perfect tactical mag pouch. The pouch holds six M4 30-round magazines. Each magazine is held in place with an adjustable bungee retention cord and is easily accessible through open top slots. And to ensure this becomes your tactical mag pouch of choice, it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Protective Equipment
Team Wendy Zorbium Action Pad
Never sacrifice protection for comfort. The Team Wendy Zorbium Action Pad is standard issue for Army, Marine Corps and Navy ground combat helmets. This system combines a dual-layer Zorbium form and moisture wicking fabric to keep your head comfortable, while exceeding the ACH blunt impact requirements. All we can say is, these pads are a no brainer.
5.11 Tactec Plate Side Panels
Need an affordable plate storage system strong enough to withstand the rigors of any tactical excursion? We’ve got you covered. 5.11 TacTec Plate Side panels are compatible with the 5.11 SlickStick system and the perfect addition for extra storage and protection.
Shellback Tactical Defender Active Shooter Armor Kit
Fully adjustable and lightweight, the Shellback Tactical Defender 2.0 Active Shooter Armor kit is your answer to any active shooter situation. This kit features two M4 magazine pouches, drag handle and two plate pockets for 10×12 shooter cut plates. Additionally, the kit comes with two Level IV Armor Plates. The quality and craftsmanship put into these kits are reason enough to add it to our list of the best tactical gear products for 2020.
Eyewear
Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame Alpha Operator Kit
We’ll start by saying there isn’t anything “standard” about this Oakley Operator kit. Oakley has built an eyewear ecosystem using a single lens that works across multiple modalities. Essentially, the kit contains a frame, gasket and goggle, making this the ultimate eyewear system. The kit comes with Oakley’s High Definition Optics Lenses as well as an electrostatic Microclear bag to keep them clean. What makes this kit the best on the market is that they are incredibly comfortable, durable and the goggles are easy to wear with any combat helmet.
Oakley M Frame Accessory Kit
Complete any M Frame kit with Oakley’s M Frame 2.0 Accessory Kit. This kit allows you to customize your gear by adding two temple sleeves and a nosepiece—allowing for a new look and added comfort.
Wiley X Valor Sunglasses Two Lens System
When vision is mission critical, don’t skimp on sunglasses. The Wiley X Valor Sunglasses provides 100% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays and comes with an anti-fog coating. Each lens comes with an anti-scratch hard coat so your vision will remain clear and accurate for the long haul. This year has been a wild one, so make sure you roll out with one of the best eyewear systems to make our list of best tactical gear for 2020.
After you grab your gear, give our article on the new Arc’teryx LEAF line of apparel a read so you can suit up nutt to butt with the best tactical apparel and gear on the market.
