From sunglasses to sneakers, here are the items that we know every shooter will want this year
by Brad Fitzpatrick
There’s plenty of advice on the internet, especially when it comes to shooting and self-defense. But a sizeable portion of the advice found isn’t worth the price of admission — even if it didn’t cost you anything to view. The top shooters and instructors know how to see through the BS. They know what works and they know what doesn’t, and they stick with the good stuff.
The same applies to shooting clothing and gear. Buying the right clothing and accessories is about more than just looking good. Clothing is a key component to your personal defense preparation and training. Pants that don’t allow you to move when you really need to move, for example, can be a major problem in real-life tactical situations.
We’ve compiled a list of the gear that really work. Every item on this list is built to last, and all of it will make concealed carry, training, and shooting easier and more comfortable. We’ve got something for everyone at every price point here, and with the holidays right around the corner, you might want to pass this list along to your loved ones. Unless, of course, you want another festive necktie.
5.11 Ridge Pant
“The tactical pants that double as your daily work uniform.”
There’s a lot to love about these pants, but my favorite aspect is that the Ridge Pants offer lots of functional features that make it a great tactical garment, yet it blends in at the office. While they may look business casual, the Ridge offers clever add-ons like a hidden cuff key pocket, IWB flex cuff tunnel, and lots of hidden pockets. They’re constructed of polyester and cotton mechanical stretch Flex-Tac canvas with contrast fabric made from blended polyester and elastane plain weave fabric. That means these lightweight pants are flexible and offer a wide range of movement while keeping you cool and dry. There are eight total pockets, including quick-access angled hand pockets (with N6 knife reinforcement), so you’ll have plenty of discreet storage space. The folks at 5.11 have been designing duty and tactical pants for a long time, and the comfortable, utilitarian Ridge pants shows they’ve learned a thing or two over the years.
Crossbreed Minimalist Nylon Holster
“The durable nylon holster that does its job and stays out of your way.”
The Crossbreed Minimalist Nylon Belt checks every box for a quality concealed carry belt. It’s durable enough to hold your firearm firmly in position (and your pants up) yet the belt and buckle are thin enough that they don’t print under light clothing. It’s also comfortable and very secure thanks to its low-profile clasp-style buckle. The nylon construction holds up well to the rigors of daily carry and the no-holes design allows for infinite adjustment. Two sizes are available: small/medium (up to 46-inch waist) and large/extra-large (up to 66-inches). Both belts measure 1.5-inches wide, and since they are a cut-to-fit design, you can customize the belt to your needs. These light belts are extremely durable and well-made, and I have been using one of them for over a year without issues.
Vertx Last Line Flannel
“The new Vertx shirt that’s the last word in comfortable, effective cover garments.”
Last Line flannels are stylish and comfortable enough for everyday wear, but as with all good concealed carry clothing, you must look closer to appreciate all these shirts have to offer. That list includes two front glasses/pen pockets, two front chest pockets with hook-and-loop closures, and a pair of relaxed fit hand pockets. There’s also an internal pocket that’s sized for a cell phone and four mini stash pockets as well. The snap front closure allows you to quickly open the garment if you need to access your firearm and the Last Line Flannel makes an excellent cover garment when carrying. Despite these and a host of other clever design elements, this shirt looks good and is comfortable to wear, which is critical for any daily-use garment. With three different color options and sizes ranging from small to 2XL, you can find exactly the look and fit you want.
Elite Survival Systems Marathon Gun Pack
“The pack system for endurance athletes that’s heads above all the competition.”
A few years ago, I agreed to test every pack-and-band designed for athletes, and after 30 miles of testing, there was one clear winner: the Elite Survival Systems Marathon Gun Pack. Whether you’re an ultramarathon runner or simply want a pack to carry your pistol while working around the yard, this is the best option. The combination of neoprene and ballistic nylon construction makes it light and durable, and the elastic waist strap allows for a proper fit so that the pack doesn’t bounce around while running, biking, or hiking. The ripcord design permits instant either-hand access to your firearm, and there are three sizes available to fit compact, sub-compact, or micro handguns. There are additional zippered pockets that hold your ID, credit cards, keys, or extra mags and two 7-ounce hydration bottles with carriers are included. I suspect I have over a hundred trail miles on my Elite Survival pack, and it has held up exceptionally well. I’d rate it as a must-have item for handgun owners.
Vertx RLT Duffel
“A well-designed travel duffel that stores more than blazers and socks.”
Vertx RLT (Road Less Traveled) Duffels are available in three sizes (50L, 80L, and 100L) and are suitable for a variety of adventures. The 50L and 80L bags feature detachable backpack straps that make them easy to carry at the range or through the airport. The larger 100L bag has wheels, so it is easy to maneuver even when heavily loaded. The interior is customizable for any application and the 1000D nylon floor and 500D top PU coated nylon ripstop fabric are designed to survive rough handling. These are great bags for traveling shooters and hunters because they offer better durability than other soft-sided duffels and are lighter than hard-sided cases. They also provide lots of storage and quick access, making them perfect for any traveler. Whether you’re headed to the boardroom or the backcountry, these bags are a must-have item.
Danner Acadia
“A purpose-built boot that’s great for serious training.”
These are great boots for when the going gets rough. Danner’s American-made Acadia boot features a full-grain leather and 1000D nylon upper, and these boots are equipped with GORE-TEX liners so they’ll keep moisture out while still allowing your foot to breathe. The Vibram Kletterlift outsole offers superior traction even on wet or oily surfaces, and they feature Danner stitchdown, which offers a wider platform and increased stability. Whether you’re working, hiking, hunting, or training, these boots are up to the task, and they are built to survive in the roughest conditions. They offer excellent ankle support and, yes, they are comfortable to wear and will quickly become your favorite duty/range boots.
5.11 Stache Sneaker
“The perfect footwear for an average day around town.”
While the Acadia boot is built for serious training, you’ll want a pair of Stashe Sneakers from 5.11 for your off-duty days. On the surface, the Stache seems like a cool retro-inspired sneaker with deconstructed styling, but as with the Ridge Pants, what’s most important here are the features that 5.11 has hidden in plain sight. There’s a hidden pocket in the upper tongue of the shoes that provides covert storage space for important items. The Vibram Marbani outsole with XS Trek EVO and flexible and breathable 1200D nylon upper make this a sneaker that’s built for serious work. 5.11 has built their brand on offering rugged, duty-ready gear that’s suitable for the daily grind, and the comfortable and stylish Stache is a perfect example of the brand’s hide-in-plain-sight brilliance.
Venture Gear Tactical Heavy-Duty Operator Gloves
“The go-everywhere gear item that’s perfect for protecting your hands on the range — or anywhere else.”
Venture Gear Tactical Operator gloves have been among the best additions to my range bag in recent years. The precision-fit, tailored design with synthetic leather palms and touchscreen capability allow you to work without removing the gloves and provide enough touch sensitivity to perform fine motor tasks like operating a firearm while still offering a high level of protection (they meet ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 standards). The reinforced thumbs, fingers, and palms provide excellent protection when firing a gun, and these are also a great addition to a pack for any hunter, especially those who pursue game in cold climates or in areas where thorns and cactus are abundant. If you’re a serious shooter, you can rely on these gloves to protect you from heated metal parts and hand fatigue during long range sessions.
Leupold Bridger Safety Glasses
“Shooting glasses disguised as appealing casual wear.”
Every serious shooter knows it’s crucial to protect your eyes at the range, but there are very few safety glasses you’d want to wear every day. Leupold eyewear is an exception because the good-looking Bridgers serve double duty at the range and around town. They feature ballistic-rated shatterproof lenses that incorporate In-Fused polarization so you will cut down on glare (which also makes them great for anglers). As with their riflescopes, Leupold adds an impressive list of lens coatings to their glasses, including Daylight Max UV protection, DiamondCoat scratch resistance, and a Guard-Ion hydrophobic coating that repels water. They can also be matched to your prescription. The best range gear can be worn every day — even when you aren’t at the range — and that’s precisely the case with these glasses.
Arrowhead Carrier Joggers Mk.II
“Even when you’re relaxed and lounging around the house, you’re ready.”
For many years, “tactical joggers” weren’t good for tactical applications or jogging, but Arrowhead Carrier Joggers Mk.II are the exception. For starters, they utilize a retention belt (a must-have accessory) which actually secures inside the waistline of the pants. That may sound counterintuitive, but the retention belt serves to secure your firearm close to the body without the need for a standard carry belt on the exterior of the pants. The tapered look is more stylish than the puffy cotton sweats we all wore to gym class in high school, and the articulated knees allow for a wide range of movement and outstanding comfort. As with any good pair of carry pants, there are large pockets front and back, and the rear pockets carry a spare magazine, which is a nice touch. They feature side utility pockets for items like flashlights or knives and the cotton/poly blend fabric is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. These are a great gift for active people who like to carry concealed.
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