Our 12 Favorite Tactical Gift Ideas
Whether you’re regularly out on the night watch or just want to be prepared for whatever comes your way, tactical everyday carry is the name of the game.
And with the holidays soon on their way, it’s just about time to buy your hardworking loved one (or yourself) some new tactical gear. We’ve collected a half dozen of our favorite tactical gift ideas here to give you a head start.
Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Backpack
A tactical backpack needs to be three things: Durable, portable, and versatile. Mystery Ranch’s 2-Day Assault Backpack is all that and more, with a lightweight three pound construction, durable 500D Cordura fabric, and dozens of storage options.
Price: $229
5.11 Kubaton Tactical Pen
5.11 made the Kubaton Tactical Pen so you’ve always got a defensive (or offensive) weapon handy in case you need it. The tactical grip makes it easy to grip the pen even if your hands are slick—from sweat after too much writing, or rain, mud, or blood out in the field—and you’ll love how user-friendly and solid the one-piece design is. The twist-open pressurized cartridge is easy to change, always reliable, and ready to write at a moment’s notice.
Price: $34
Oakley Factory Pilot 2.0 Gloves
All weather protection. Top notch comfort. All day breathability. Those are just the main headlines for Oakley’s TAA compliant Pilot 2.0 Gloves, which are also equipped with a generous four way stretch material and carbon fiber knuckle plates for maximum hand protection.
Price: $70
Gerber Downrange Tomahawk
Some axes are made for chopping wood. Others, like Gerber’s Downrange Tomahawk, are made for handling the most dangerous situations around. Designed with a beveled axe head with a hammer on its backside, it’s also equipped with a pry bar at the bottom—all in service of breaching any door that gets in your way.
Price: $240
Dango T-01 Tactical Wallet
Combining the functions of an ultra tough minimalist wallet and a slim multi-tool into one handy device, Dango’s T-01 Tactical Wallet is a convenient and lightweight way to be ready for anything. Better yet, it’s made entirely in the USA.
Price: $89
The James Brand Carter Knife
When a knifemaker with the amount of craftsmanship and cult status like The James Brand calls something their “most advanced” EDC knife, that carries some weight. The Carter is a drop-point, ambidextrous blade with an easy one-handed opening. It will never feel bulky in your pocket but the rock-solid construction will cut confidently and consistently for years.
Price: $159
Suunto Core Alpha Stealth Watch
Tactical aficionados demand more than just time-telling capabilities from their watches. Suunto’s Core Alpha Stealth Watch is a prime example of a tactical timepiece, with a built-in altimeter, barometer, and compass alongside a bevy of sensors and a night vision compatible red backlight.
Price: $299
5.11 Tactical Alta Belt
It’s pretty tough to stay tactical if your pants are falling down from all the gear you’re carrying—and often, standard belts just aren’t up to the demands of tactical work. 5.11’s Tactical Alta Belt is, with a thick and wide nylon construction and parachute grade hardware.
Price: $244
Fenix TK20R V2.0 Rechargeable Flashlight
A decent flashlight will let you see what’s in front of you in the dark. But a flashlight like the Fenix TK20R goes way beyond that—with over 1500 feet of visibility on its highest setting. That’s more than enough to scout your way out of dense woods, or temporarily disorient an attacker.
Price: $130+
Tactica M.100 Multi-Tool
Tactica’s original Talon was the darling of EDC crowdfunding. Now, after extensive feedback from professional users, it’s been refined and redesigned as the Tactica M.100 Multi-Tool. It’s keychain-ready, TSA-compliant, and packs well over a dozen tools into its compact blacked-out frame.
Price: $40
Rothco Spec Ops Tactical Fleece Jacket
Many fleece jackets are designed to be used as a mid layer—heavy enough for a cool spring day, but not quite warm enough to use as a top layer throughout the winter. Rothco’s Spec Ops Tactical Fleece Jacket bucks this trend, as it’s made with a heavyweight fleece exterior and decked out with a tricot inner lining for added warmth. Five zip pockets give it plenty of tactical versatility, and the drawstring waist and foldout cuffs are nice touches that make it easy to customize a perfect fit.
Price: $70
Danner Fullbore Boots
Inspired by the comfort and stability of hiking boots but made extra lightweight and nimble for tactical operators, Danner’s Fullbore Boots are one of a kind. And with their heavily lugged soles, you can really take them anywhere.
Price: $210
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