In this article, I will share with you the best tactical vests currently available on the market. These are vests that are well-made, multifunctional, comfortable to wear, and can be adjusted to fit better. Without further ado, below are the top ten tactical vests for 2022 and their pros and cons.
Top 10 Best Tactical Vests and Body Armors Reviews
[amazon box=”B001BQZUD4,B01IEF2IR0,B00S3U20L6,B071P6MLCX” template=”horizontal”]1. UTG 547 Law Enforcement
This tactical vest is hands down the best tactical vest on the market! It is the best in several ways. But don’t just take my word for it. When you visit Amazon.com, you will find out that it is one of the best-rated law enforcement tactical vests on the e-commerce site – it has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, which is very impressive.
Like most vests, this vest comes with many pockets. However, that is not what makes it one of the best on the market. What makes it one of the best on the market is that it is very comfortable to wear. No matter how tense situations get or how hot it gets, this vest stays comfortable because it has a mesh design that allows warmth and humidity to escape from the body easily.
Another thing that makes this vest great is that it is fitted with superior quality zippers. The zippers are for ensuring that none of its parts come loose during intense action in the field.
Most accessories and parts of the vest are adjustable, which is very convenient. In addition, you can customize the vest to make it much easier to use.
The only thing you may not like about this tactical vest is that parts of it are sharp and can scratch or annoy you.
PROS
- It is a very comfortable tactical vest
- It is one of the best AR 15 tactical vests
- It is one of the best combat vests
- It is one of the best load-bearing vests
- It does not get hot or humid
- It has got a lot of adjustable accessories
- It has got four magazine pouches
CONS
- It has got some sharp corners
Although this vest has some sharp corners that may scratch you or annoy you, it is one of the best-rated vests. If you wear full tactical gear, you will not notice any “scratching” from it. Instead, you will love how comfortable it is to wear and how convenient it is to use.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B001BQZUD4″ template=”horizontal”]2. GZ XINXING S – 4XL Law Enforcement Airsoft Tactical Vest Reviews
This is one of the coolest-looking and highest-quality vests for law enforcement on the market. It is perfect for law enforcement, for airsoft games, and for paintball games. Just like the tactical UTG 547 above, it is also very well rated on Amazon.com.
I like the most about this GZ XINXING because it is made of a special 600D polyester fabric. This fabric is very special. It is very special because it is both breathable and durable. It is breathable means that this vest will stay comfortable on the body no matter how warm it gets. And the fact that it is durable means that if you buy this vest, you won’t need to buy another one any time soon.
I also like the many storage options on this vest. The options include a medic pouch, communication pouches, a flashlight pouch, and three magazine pouches. In other words, with this vest, you will be able to carry all the essential tactical gear you will need.
The one thing I’m not too fond of about this vest, which you probably won’t like, is that it does not include a tactical belt.
PROS
- It is one of the best military tactical vests
- It is a highly-rated and comfortable tactical belt
- It is one of the best MOLLE tactical vests
- It has a convenient rescue handle
CONS
- It does not come with a tactical belt
Although this vest does not include a tactical belt, it is a cheap but quality vest that comes with all the things you need from a tactical vest.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B01IEF2IR0″ template=”horizontal”]3. BARSKA Loaded Gear VX-200 Right Hand
According to a number of hunting and police blogs, this is one of the best hunting and law enforcement tactical vests.
The highlight feature of this tactical vest is its four magazine pouches. Most tactical vests on the market have three or fewer rifle magazine pouches. So if you want a tactical vest that will allow you to carry more magazine pouches, get this one.
Another special feature about this vest is that it has multiple storage pockets for carrying more tactical gear and MOLLE straps for carrying even more gear.
Like the two tactical vests reviewed above, this one is also made of breathable material. So it is also pretty comfortable to wear even in warm and humid conditions.
This vest comes with a right-hand cross-draw holster. So if you are right-handed and looking for a vest that will allow you to draw your handgun quickly, you should strongly consider this one.
One more thing I should mention about this tactical vest is that it includes a tactical belt that is adjustable and has pouches. In addition, the belt has military-quality latches.
The only thing you might not like about this vest is that it runs small. So it will only fit you if you have a small or lightweight build.
PROS
- It is a great vest with a right-hand cross-draw holster
- It comes with an adjustable belt and four pouches
- It comes with a back mesh pocket that you can use to carry hydration packs
- It has a drag or rescue handle
- It is one of the best combat vests
CONS
- Its size runs small
The only thing you may not like about this vest is that its size runs small. Otherwise, it is a great vest that carries more rifle magazine pouches than standard vests.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B00S3U20L6″ template=”horizontal”]4. Barbarians Tactical Molle Vest
The name of this vest should be a clear indicator to you that it is a tough and combat-ready vest. I really like this Barbarians vest not only because it is tough but also because it is very well-organized.
The organization I am talking about is in the form of its multiple pockets and pouches. The pockets and pouches allow users to carry their tactical gear very organized manner.
They include three magazine pouches, three small equipment pockets, a handgun holster, a flashlight pouch, a communication pouch, a removable bullet holder, a large pocket for hydration packs, and two document holders.
So if you are looking for a vest that will allow you to carry your tactical gear in an organized manner, you should strongly consider this one.
I also like this Barbarians vest because it can be adjusted in several ways to fit better. For example, both its belt and its shoulders can be adjusted.
The only thing I do not like about this Barbarians vest is that Velcro straps attach to its pistol holster, and I do not trust Velcro straps.
PROS
- It is a brilliant tactical vest that allows for the great organization
- It has an adjustable width and length
- It comes with a reinforced belt
- It is a multipurpose vest
- It can be used for combat, assault, paintball, airsoft, and by military
CONS
- Its pistol holster is held by Velcro straps
While I wouldn’t say, I like that this vest’s pistol holster is held by Velcro straps, those who have used it claim that the straps are very strong and that the holster does not fall off even when it has a loaded gun, and one is running. So overall, this is a great vest.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B071P6MLCX” template=”horizontal”]5. YAKEDA
This vest is the best-selling vest on Amazon.com. This shows just how popular it is. It is also one of the best-rated tactical vests on the global e-commerce site. So what is so special about it?
The most special thing about it is that it is a high-quality tactical vest. The quality is evident because it is made of tough and durable polyester fabric. So it will serve you for a long time. The quality is also evident because it is lightweight and comfortable.
It is something you will love wearing, even for extended periods. It isn’t easy to find a vest that is durable and lightweight, but this one is. So it is a one-of-a-kind vest.
What is also special about this vest is its adjustability. You can adjust it in various ways to make it more comfortable. For example, you can adjust its width, length, and belt.
Like most tactical vests, this one also comes with multiple storage pockets and pouches, including two rifle magazine pouches, a communication device pocket, and a holster. It also includes MOLLE straps for attaching additional gear.
The only thing you will not like about this vest is that although some of its product images indicate it comes with a hydration bladder, it does not.
PROS
- It is a great vest for law enforcement and for civilian uses such as mountaineering, fashion, range shooting, airsoft, paintball, and fashion
- It can be made more comfortable by adjusting it in several ways
- It is a great quality tactical vest
- It is an excellent vest for the money
CONS
- It does not come with a hydration bladder despite some of its images indicating so
Most tactical vests on the market do not come with a hydration bladder. So the fact that this one does not have one is not a drawback. Instead, this is a great vest that you should buy if you are looking for a quality product.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B019NZXLSA” template=”horizontal”]6. CONDOR Recon Chest Rig
This is the best-selling airsoft tactical vest on Amazon. I decided to include it in this list of best tactical vests for 2022 because it may just be the kind of tactical vest you are looking for.
As you may have noticed in the image, it is not a vest in the traditional sense of the word. Instead, it is a ring worn on the chest like a vest.
This rig is best for playing airsoft.
The best benefit of using this vest for playing airsoft is that it allows you to carry more ammo than everyone else. It has six rifle magazine pouches and six pistol magazine pouches.
The other benefit of using this vest is that it is adjustable in several ways to make it comfortable.
The vest/ chest rig comes with padded shoulder pads, which are very comfortable to wear.
The only thing you may not like about this chest right is that it does not look as good as a real tactical vest.
PROS
- It is a great airsoft tactical vest
- It is one of the best tactical vests for paintball
- It allows you to carry more ammo
- It can be adjusted in several ways to fit better
CONS
- It does not look like the real thing
Although this airsoft tactical vest does not look like a real tactical vest, it is good enough or perfect for airsoft.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B01N8TOG4X” template=”horizontal”]7. SMARTSTANDARD Tactical Vest Law Enforcement
This SMARTSTANDARD tactical vest is one of the toughest and most durable tactical vests on the planet! In fact, among the tactical vests I have reviewed so far I believe it is the most durable one.
It is the most durable one because it is made of a military-grade fabric (1000D nylon), and it features double stitching in various joints. So if you want to buy a vest that can carry a good load and handle different difficult situations, this is the one you should go for.
Like most tactical vests, this one too comes with multiple pouches, including some for magazines and one for a flashlight. However, unlike most tactical vests, this one features one large medical pouch for carrying all the medical essentials you could need on the field.
You will love how easy it is to adjust this vest in different ways to make it comfortable. You also love how easy it is to use it to carry tactical equipment.
According to the manufacturer of this vest, it is great for shooting training, assault, combat, tactical training, patrolling, camping, hunting, airsoft, and paintball.
The only downside of this vest is that if you are very big and tall, it may not fit you properly.
PROS
- It is one of the best military tactical vests
- It is perfect for playing airsoft and for assault
- It is adjustable and comfortable
- It comes with a large medical bag
- It is one of the best combat vests
CONS
- It does not fit very big and tall people
While this vest does not fit very big and tall people, it works very well for those people it can fit.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B01N4IGDEO” template=”horizontal”]8. Lancer Tactical Cross Draw
According to some cop friends of mine, this Lancer vest is a very decent vest. Some of the things they really like about it include its lightweightness and how it adjusts.
The vest weighs just 3.8 pounds. This means that it is very lightweight and allows you to use its many pockets, pouches, and its belt to carry heavy gear. This is something you will love about it.
You will also love how easy it is to adjust to fit more comfortably. According to the cop friends who said it is a nice tactical vest, this vest can fit most types of bodies.
And it is also easy to wear and remove. I like that it is easy to wear because it means that you can quickly put it on to prepare for an emergency tactical assault or mission.
The only thing you may not like about this tactical vest is that its belt is difficult to adjust.
PROS
- It is a nice tactical belt that is both durable and breathable
- It is one of the best load-bearing vests
- It has special webbing for attaching more gear
- It comes with a special tactical belt
- It is a relatively cheap tactical belt
CONS
- Its belt is a bit difficult to adjust
While it is true that this vest’s belt is a bit difficult to adjust, it is something that you will get used to quickly. Moreover, once you wear the vest at your base and adjust everything, including the belt, to fit you comfortably, it is highly unlikely that you will need to adjust anything again. As a result, this is one of the best cheap tactical vests.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B00YRQG0YI” template=”horizontal”]9. Modern Warrior Junior Digital Camo
If you are looking for a decent vest for your kid, then you should strongly consider this one. This is because this tactical vest is specifically designed for juniors to wear. It mimics real vests and it can give your junior the morale they need to play paintball or to go hunting with you.
Your kid will love the many pockets on this tactical vest. They will allow him to carry plenty of his gear with him.
Your kid will also love that this vest comes with an adjustable torso. This means he will be able to adjust it to fit him more comfortably.
The one thing your kid may not like about this vest is that it does not come with a pistol holster.
PROS
- It is a vest specifically designed for kids
- It is adjustable in different ways for comfort
- It has got strong zippers for durability
- It has got more attractive digital camouflage
CONS
- It does not come with a pistol holster
While your kid may not like that this vest does not come with a pistol holster, he is just a kid who does not need it. This great tactical vest will get your kid properly dressed for paintball or hunting.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B00N47158C” template=”horizontal”]10. Hunter Safety System Elite Vest
This is a special type of tactical vest and I thought I should add it here for those looking for a hunting tactical vest. This is because it is one of the best camo tactical vests for hunting.
It is one of the best because it will help you stay comfortable and quiet throughout the hunting season. It is comfortable because it retains warmth, and it is quiet because it is made using smart fabrics that do not make noise when you make any movement.
The best thing about this vest is its camo design. It makes it very easy to hide in the open.
Another amazing thing about this tactical hunting vest is that it has multiple pockets, including deep pockets, handwarmer pockets, and removable pockets.
The only thing you may not like about this tactical hunting vest is that it is a bit pricey.
PROS
- It is a comfortable and noiseless tactical hunting vest
- It is organized with multiple pockets
- It has a great camouflage design
- It comes with multiple accessories including a climbing strap
- It has a five-year warranty
CONS
- It is a bit pricey
This vest is a bit pricey. However, considering its modern design and smart fabrics, this is not a surprise. In my opinion, it is worth every cent of its purchase price.
This is the current price of these name available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
[amazon box=”B00AU6DI6C” template=”horizontal”]What is a Tactical vest and who this is for?
A tactical vest is a special vest with multiple pockets for carrying tactical gear. The pockets typically found in a vest include holsters and mag pouches.
Tactical vests are normally made for law enforcement agents. They help law enforcement agents to carry all the gear they need for fieldwork in an organized manner.
While initially tactical vests were only worn by law enforcement agents, they are nowadays also made for or worn by hunters, mountaineers, campers, airsoft players, and paintball players.
How to wear a tactical vest?
Using a tactical vest is something you do not need a lot of instruction on. You need to put it on, adjust it, and add your tactical gear.
Some people pre-load tactical gear to their vests before putting them on. This is okay.
In some cases, people do not remove tactical gear from their vests when they are done. This makes it easier for them to prepare for the next mission since they need to wear the vest and move out. This is also totally okay. It depends on what you think is more convenient. If you think it is more convenient to pre-load your tactical vest for the next tactical mission, you should do it.
Types of Tactical vests
There are only two types of tactical vests on the market – multifunctional vests and plate carriers.
Multifunctional vests are the only vests I reviewed in my list of the 10 best tactical vests for 2022. They are known as multifunctional vests because they have multiple pockets and accessories for various uses. As you may have seen while reading the reviews, most multifunctional vests include a pistol holster, mag pouches, a medical pouch, a flashlight pocket, and a radio pocket.
Plate carriers are a special type of tactical vest. They are made just for one thing: to carry hard plates to provide you with ballistic protection. So the main difference between them and multifunctional vests is that they are bullet-resistant, or bulletproof, as some call them.
Plate carriers are typically much heavier than multifunctional vests. And they are the best police tactical vests for dealing with active shooter situations because they resist bullets.
Why Do You Need Tactical vests?
The number one reason people wear tactical vests is to carry extra tactical equipment. Most tactical vests come with different types of pockets and pouches for carrying extra tactical equipment such as pistols, magazines, radio phones, cell phones, hydration packs, emergency medical kits, etc. Tactical vests are worn to carry every item law enforcement agents and other people need when out in the field.
The second reason people wear tactical vests is for shooting practice or combat training. Most tactical training sessions simulate the real environment. Therefore, trainees need to carry the same things they would carry and wear the same vests they would wear if they were in a real environment.
Another reason why people also wear vests is for hunting. Hunting is tactical. To succeed, one needs to carry the right equipment. This is why modern hunters nowadays wear tactical vests to carry all the equipment they need to be successful.
Lastly, people also wear vests when playing airsoft or paintball games. Airsoft guns are kind of like real guns. For example, airsoft rifles have special rifle magazines, and Airsoft pistols have special pistol magazines. So clever Airsoft players wear tactical vests to carry more Airsoft gun magazines.
How to choose the best tactical vest for yourself?
There are several factors you need to consider before buying the best vest.
First, you need to consider the type of vest you need. For example, do you need a multifunctional vest or the highest-quality vest carrier (bulletproof) vest? Buying one type of vest, yet needing the other, will be a total waste of money.
Second, you need to consider the size. Check the size of the vest you want to buy and read customer reviews to see if it is true to size or if it runs small. Checking the size and confirming if it is true to size will help you to buy a vest that fits you well.
Third, you need to consider durability. If you are going to spend a lot of money to buy a vest, you better make sure it is durable. Otherwise, after several uses in the field, the vest you buy could get damaged, and you will need to spend more money to buy a new one.
Fourth, it would help if you considered the comfort of the vest you want to buy. By comfort, I mean you should consider if the vest is breathable. If it is breathable, it does not get too hot or too warm. You also need to consider if the vest is adjustable. The best tactical vests can be adjusted in several places to make them more comfortable. Therefore, do not settle for less when considering vest comfort.
Lastly, it would help if you considered the price. When considering the price of a tactical vest, look at all its features, pockets, and accessories and ask yourself if the price is worth it. If it is, do not mind spending good money on it. If it is not, then consider another vest.
FAQs
1. What is the best tactical vest?
The best tactical vest is the UTG 547 Law Enforcement Tactical vest. It is the best because it is well-made, comfortable, and has all the storage pockets and pouches a law enforcement agent will require to carry tactical gear.
2. What goes in a tactical vest?
The best tactical vests have multiple pockets and pouches for good organization. The things you can carry in the pockets and pouches will depend on the type of pockets and pouches available on the vest you buy.
However, most tactical vests should have storage areas for rifle magazines, pistol magazines, emergency medical gear, a flashlight, and a communication device. Most tactical vests also have a pistol holster.
3. Are our tactical vests bulletproof?
Tactical vests are not bulletproof vests. They look bulletproof to some people, but they are not at all. This is because they do not have armor plates in them. So if you buy a tactical vest and expect it to stop a bullet for you, you will be in for a rude shock.
If you want a bulletproof vest, you should search or look for one.
Conclusion
As it is evident in this article, there are many good-quality tactical vests on the market. The best ones are stylish, comfortable, durable, multi-pocket, breathable, and adjustable.
Out of the 10 best tactical vests for 2022 on my list, the best one is the UTG 547 Law Enforcement Tactical Vest. It is the best because it has everything a law enforcement tactical vest needs, and it is very durable.
The 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, Sgt. Maj Christian Smelling was sworn in on August 11th 2009 and has held every enlisted leadership position ranging from cannon crew member to command sergent major