Holiday shopping for a lot of the people on your list can be a daunting task, whether it’s a co-worker you don’t really know all that well or a picky mother-in-law who seems to dislike everything (especially if it’s from you). The stakes are pretty low when it comes to these scenarios, but there is one type of person who may be on your list whose needs are a bit more serious. If you’re shopping for someone who serves in the military, works in law enforcement, or otherwise requires tactical gear to do their job, then outfitting them with the best equipment is of the utmost importance. Knowing how critical it is to have gear that won’t let you down in life or death situations, we’ve put together this guide to the best tactical gifts to buy for the tactician on your list.
G-SHOCK GWG2000
G-SHOCK’s latest edition to its legendary Mudmaster line is as rugged and resilient as you’d expect while being a lot lighter and more comfortable than you’d ever dream. The watch’s carbon bezel and Carbon Core Guard structure keep it lightweight without reducing the robust resistance to mud and dust that we’ve come to expect from the Mudmaster range. There’s also 200m water resistance, G-SHOCK’s handy Triple Sensor tech, and a Tough Solar movement.
Arktype RMK Paracord Quick-Release Keychain
Quick-release keychains are so handy and useful that you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one. This American-made example from Arktype goes the tactical route with a hand-woven type III 550 paracord construction, an HK military-grade rifle snap hook, and a black camo colorway that’s exclusive to Gallantry.
STREAMLIGHT ProTac 1L-1AA Flashlight
Obviously, for any kind of nighttime or lowlight mission, having an adequate source of light is paramount. STREAMLIGHT’s ProTac certainly has you covered there, as this compact clip-on flashlight boasts a max brightness of 350 lumens, shockproof construction, and runs on one alkaline or lithium AA battery.
5.11 Tactical Hard Times 2 Glove
With a name like 5.11 Tactical, it should be clear that this brand knows how to deliver on tactical gear. But if there was ever any doubt, these tactical gloves will erase all traces. These TAA-compliant mitts feature a two-piece molded hard knuckle for ergonomic impact protection and a touchscreen-compatible goatskin palm.
Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
Arguably the best tactical pen on the market, Gerber’s Impromptu has found its way into untold numbers of EDC loadouts over the years — and with good reason. American-crafted from machined steel with a stainless steel pocket clip, this tough-as-nails pen can write in any condition and includes a glass-breaker tip.
Dango T01 Spec Ops Tactical Wallet
This Special Ops-themed version of Dango’s revolutionary Tactical Wallet is made from water-resistant DTEX material and aerospace-grade 6061 aluminum, making it a whole lot sturdier than your old billfold, and it also contains the 14-in-one MT02 Multi-Tool within.
Prometheus Design Werx Delta Cargo Pant TRS
While tactical gear is often top of mind when shopping for the tactician in your life, tactical clothing can sometimes fall by the wayside. But it shouldn’t, as what you wear can have a big impact on your performance. Luckily, PDW has you covered in that regard with these U.S.-made submersible pants that feature a bevy of pockets and are built from the brand’s proprietary tough, stretchy, water-resistant TRS fabric.
Leatherman MUT
Leatherman’s “Tactical Multi-Tool” is far from your average knife/pliers hybrid. This multi-tool was built for legitimate tactical uses and features 16 tools, including military gear-maintenance additions like a bronze carbon scraper, a disassembly pouch, and a bolt override tool.
SOG Seal XR
SOG’s American-made flipper version of their hardwearing large Seal tactical knife is loaded with everything you need to get the job done, including a Cerakote-coated 3.875” clip point CPM-S35VN steel blade, a glass-reinforced nylon handle with a strike pummel end, and an ultra-secure XR-Lock.
Danner Striker Bolt
Oregon-based heritage brand Danner has a whole slew of tactical boots, but we’re particularly keen on the Striker Bolt. With GORE-TEX breathable waterproofing, a no-slip Vibram rubber outsole, and Danner’s own TERRA FORCE NEXT platform offering stability via an internal and external shank system, these boots won’t let you down.
GORUCK GR1
If you’re looking for a tactical bag, you simply cannot go wrong with GORUCK’s legendary GR1. Designed by and for Special Forces soldiers and made in the USA, the world’s toughest rucksack features a literally bombproof laptop compartment and comes with a lifetime warranty.
The 12 Best Tactical Military Backpacks
Looking for an appropriately tactical way to transport all of your new gear? Then have a look at our guide to the best tactical military backpacks on the market.
