More men and women are finding an interest in obtaining a tactical vest for various personal and professional reasons, and many underestimate, just how important it is to take your time and make sure you select the best one possible. Tactical vests come in all kinds of varieties and failing to choose the proper one can leave you, at best, unequipped, and at worst, in serious physical pain.

What is a Tactical Vest?

A tactical vest was first used by military personnel but has since expanded to be commonplace in law enforcement. It serves a few different purposes, acting as a vest to be worn either over a uniform. It primarily serves as protection, offering a bulletproof material that, as you can understand, can come in handy in certain circumstances based on your profession. It also offers ample storage as it contains many pockets and compartments that allow you to carry various tools and gear, while keeping them both secure and accessible at all times.

Different Kinds of Tactical Vests

The right tactical vest should offer a balance between comfort and efficiency. They are heavy by nature due to the strong, durable materials that are needed for adequate protection, but they should not be so heavy that they cause pain to the wearer. They do come in various materials and weights, based on how much protection the wearer needs as well as what they are using the vest for. For instance, law enforcement personnel will need a heavier vest than someone who is wearing one while hunting, as less protection is required, generally speaking.

Unfortunately, many get duped into choosing the cheapest option, not realizing that tactical vests are an area where splurging does directly benefit the wearer. Cheaper materials are both less comfortable and less resilient, meaning that the vest could in fact fail you when you need it the most.

Tactical vests also vary greatly in terms of compartments and capabilities when it comes to holding your gear. For instance, some are designed to store guns while others are not. Some come with more compartments than others, so assess your needs when choosing the right one.

Finally, tactical vests come in different colors, including black and camouflage. While this is only a superficial difference, it’s still worth considering if you’re going to invest in a relatively costly piece of gear.

Choosing the Right Tactical Vest According to Your Weight

So, where does body weight come into play? Well, it matters in two ways. One is that your body weight typically determines the weight that you can carry throughout the day in terms of the vest. Generally, the more you weigh, the heavier a vest you can handle on your person, so take this carefully into account as you won’t know if you selected the right choice until you’ve worn it for several hours. A tactical vest should never inhibit your speed or movement and should never be so heavy that your upper body ends up hurting by the end of the day.

Your weight also matters when it comes to the size. It’s always ideal to get properly fitted for a tactical vest by a professional, but if that isn’t an option, you must do your own measurements to select the perfect size. Fit is crucial, as a slightly poor fit could leave areas of your body exposed to danger or could be so tight that it inhibits your breathing and speed.

Other Factors to Keep in Mind

Besides weight, there are other factors to keep in mind when choosing a tactical vest.

• One is the reason why you’re looking to own one in the first place.
• Consider your specific needs
• Look at the selection available before settling on one.
• You may be in a rush to get the perfect vest but may end up overlooking the one that is ultimately the most suitable for your needs.
• Cost. Remember that more costly vests typically have such a high price tag for a reason, which is that they are more durable, functional, and comfortable.

Check Out What Sword N Armory Has to Offer!

Tactical vests come in various sizes, colors, and levels of functionality, but body weight is the first factor you should consider before making a purchase. This determines both how heavy your vest should be, and what kind of fit you require. Take the time to weigh yourself and take measurements to ensure the best vest possible.