What Every Security, Combat and Survival Expert Should Know About Tactical Vests?

When engaging in demanding activities that require specialized equipment, organization and quick access are essential. Tactical vests provide a rugged yet balanced solution for efficiently carrying and organizing the gear you need to get the job done, whether that be in a security, combat, hunting, hiking or survival situation.

Discover how tactical vests offer security, combat and survival experts as well as outdoor recreationists an essential advantage by allowing them to remain self-equipped yet unencumbered.

Our previous blog used Yakeda's 500D nylon quick-release tactical vest VT-8225 as an example to introduce "What is a tactical vest?" If you are interested, please click on the title to review it.

This article will further explain what a tactical vest is and what every safety, combat and survival specialist should know about tactical vest through three areas: design and construction, pockets and storage, and common uses.

##I. Design and Construction

Lightweight tactical vests, providing a sturdy carrier for equipment that does not weigh you down. They are typically made from hard-wearing nylon mesh and cordura nylon fabrics that can withstand extensive use and the elements without tearing. Despite their toughness, these materials are also breathable which helps the vest remain comfortable when worn for long periods.

The hallmark of tactical vest design is the MOLLE webbing (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment). MOLLE webbing consists of horizontal nylon rows stitched onto the vest with vertical nylon straps that secure MOLLE-compatible pouches and gear to attach to the vest. This allows tactical vests to be highly customizable based on mission-specific equipment needs. The quantity of MOLLE webbing and stitching on the vest corresponds to how much weight it can endure, with double stitching and wider straps allowing for heavier gear.

To help redistribute the weight from MOLLE attachments and loaded pockets, tactical vests incorporate padded and adjustable straps including shoulder straps, adjustable sides and waists straps . These help to secure the vest in place and distribute weight evenly so that the vest remains balanced and the load feels lighter. Some tactical vests also have padded mesh lining or panel inserts to provide ventilation and comfort, especially when worn for extended periods.

For higher threat uses like law enforcement operations, tactical vests can be fitted with ballistic MOLLE panel inserts for protection from projectiles. Ballistic panels are inserted into the internal pocket of the vest and provide reinforced protection for vital organs. The MOLLE webbing then allows ballistic pouches and other gear to be secured to the ballistic panels within the vest.

Tactical vests are constructed from rugged yet breathable materials, use MOLLE webbing and straps to attach and help bear heavy equipment, incorporate straps and padding to evenly distribute weight, and can be fitted with optional ballistic panels for increased threat protection. These features allow tactical vests to serve the essential purposes of providing a modular and rugged carrier for gear that also helps to comfortably redistribute and bear significant weight when needed. 

##II. Pockets and Storage 

Tactical vests molle provide storage through multiple fixed pockets incorporated in the vest as well as MOLLE webbing allowing for modular attachments of MOLLE pouches, bags and other accessories.

Fixed pockets on tactical vests typically include large front flap pockets, Velcro-sealed hidden pockets and single or dual zippered side pockets. The front pockets allow for quickly accessing or stowing gear, while the hidden and side pockets can hold items securely in place while remaining accessible. These pockets may hold a variety of smaller tools, medical items, navigation tools, food items and electronics like phones or chargers.

MOLLE webbing allows for a near endless configuration of secure storage on tactical vests using MOLLE-compatible components like:

These MOLLE attachments provide modular storage for mission-specific equipment like:

• Ammunition - For combat and tactical use
• Medical supplies - Bandages, ointments, syringes, medications,etc.
• Tools - Knives, multi-tools,wrenches, binoculars, etc. depending on application.
• Navigation - Maps, compasses, GPS devices, etc.
• Survival gear - Water/food, fire starting tools, shelter, signaling equipment, etc.
• Radios and communication equipment
• Various electronics - Chargers, batteries, small electronic devices

The MOLLE interface allows these items to be placed within easy reach on the vest for quick access and utility. Using MOLLE, tactical vests can be adapted to meet the gear carrying needs of their application including combat, law enforcement, survival, recreation or other uses. The storage and organization MOLLE allows makes tactical vests a versatile platform for securely holding essential gear in a balanced and accessible manner during a variety of high-intensity activities.

##III. Common use   

Tactical vests have diverse applications that provide utility for security, combat, recreation and survival. Their modular design and capacity for efficiently organizing and accessing gear makes them useful for:

①Security and Law Enforcement

Tactical vests security hold all necessary equipment from ammunition to radios to restraints while keeping hands free.  Optional ballistic MOLLE panels also provide protection. Tactical vests allow security and law enforcement personnel to respond quickly with all needed resources readily available.

②Combat/Military 

For combat use, tactical vests military carry ammunition, medical equipment, tools and other essential gear. Ballistic MOLLE panels help defend against projectiles. Tactical vests keep combat resources evenly distributed and accessible so that soldiers can operate effectively with both hands. 

③Hunting 

Hunting tactical vests provide pouches for ammunition, calls, licenses and tools as well as attachment points for hauling small or large game. Space for survival equipment addresses emergencies. Minimal MOLLE prevents excess weight. Tactical vests keep hunting gear organized and close at hand for a successful hunt and to address any crises that arise.

④Hiking/Backpacking 

Tactical vests allow essential hiking equipment like food, water, navigation and survival tools to remain accessible without needing to remove heavy packs repeatedly. Limited MOLLE attachments avoid adding significant weight for recreational use. Tactical vests provide convenience and efficiency for enjoying longer hikes with emergency resources remaining close by. 

⑤Survival   

Tactical vests can be heavily loaded with MOLLE gear to contain all critical resources for enduring 72+ hours in a crisis - food, water, fire, medical and defense equipment are all kept securely in one place for quick access when every second matters. Excess weight is less of a concern than emergency utility. Tactical vests keep survival gear organized and instantly available to access in life-threatening situations.

Tactical vests serve essential and recreational purposes by providing a means to efficiently organize, store and access gear for security, combat, hunting, hiking or survival needs. Their modular design allows for configuring the vest by adding or removing MOLLE pouches and attachments to suit different applications. With pocket and pouch space for a range of equipment from ammunition to fire starters to game calls, tactical vests provide resources for enduring demanding situations whether work-related, for sport or in crisis. Hands-free, accessible and customizable, tactical vests have multifaceted utility for both routine and emergency use. 

##IV. Summary

Tactical vests provide an essential organizer and carrier for intensive activities that require access to gear. With a modular design, they can be adapted to fit the needs of security operations, combat, hunting, hiking, survival and more by configuring pockets and MOLLE attachments. A tactical vest keeps your hands free while allowing you to remain self-equipped with the tools and resources your situation demands. An efficient, rugged and balanced design makes tactical vests a practical solution for both professional and recreational outdoor use where mobility, responsiveness and utility are priorities. Choose a tactical vest based on your load and storage requirements as well as intended use to find the best solution for your gear carrying needs. 

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