Best Tactical Vests For the Money: Cross Draw & Chest Rig Reviews
Tactical vests are one of the handiest pieces of gear a shooter can have. From actual firearm users to Airsoft mil sim players, the best tactical vest is a valuable piece of gear. It allows easy access to your ammunition and kit in the middle of an engagement.
If you are a serious shooter, you’ll want to own a tactical vest whether it’s for paintball fun, tactical training, or for a survival scenario. How you plan to use it will determine the best tactical vest for your circumstances, but not owning one really isn’t an option if you are a serious shooter.
With that being said, here are three of our favorites if you feel like skipping a lengthy in-depth read. In the article below we’ve provided you with 7 more to round out our top 10, some tactical vest basics, as well as an in-depth look at each vest.
OUR TOP THREE PICKS
Contents
- Best Tactical Vest Buyer’s Guide
- What’s the Purpose of a Tactical Vest?
- Top 10 Best Tactical Vests
- 1. UTG Law Enforcement Tactical Vest
- 2. Leapers Sportsman Tactical Scenario Vest
- 3. Condor Cross Draw Tactical Vest
- 4. Modern Warrior Tactical Vest
- 5. Northstar Tactical Assault Vest
- 6. NC Star Vest
- 7. Voodoo Tactical Entry Assault Vest
- 8. Condor Elite Tactical Vest
- 9. NC Star VISM
- 10. Leapers Law Enforcement SWAT Vest
- The Best Tactical Vest: Parting Shots
Now that you’ve seen our top 10 picks, let’s dive into some tactical vest basics, and then look at each vest in more detail.
Best Tactical Vest Basics
Tactical vests are vests that are outfitted to carry and store tactical gear. This includes ammunition, magazines, flashlights, handcuffs, and other assorted gear.
Military and law enforcement often use tactical vests to conveniently carry mission essential gear. The overall goal of a tactical vest is to give you easy access to your gear while carrying it comfortably.
Different individuals and their loadouts will have different needs for their tactical vests. The best tactical vest should position your necessary gear in such a way that it is organized and easy to reach. Gear like extra ammo and magazines should be prioritized in terms of easy access because, in a firefight, reloading needs to be done as quickly as possible.
When choosing a tactical vest, the user should consider the weapon or weapons they are carrying. This includes their ammunition and magazine type, the presence of a handgun, and the presumed mission of the user. Tactical vests are not designed to be a one size fit all unit and should be tailored specifically for both loadout and mission.
Best Tactical Vest Styles
Tactical vests come in a wide variety of styles and layouts. The two options tend to fall into customizable and fixed layouts. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Fixed Layout Vests
Fixed layout vests come pre-equipped with tactical pouches. These kits are generally arranged for right-handed operators. These pre-built kits are often more affordable when you factor in the included pouches.
Fixed layout tactical vests are generally designed to outfit a single rifleman. They have enough pouches and space for the modern tactical gear that shooters, police, and soldiers need.
2. Customizable Layout Vests
Customizable layouts give the user the ultimate control of their layout. Their vests utilize MOLLE or PALS webbing to allow the attachment of different tactical pouches. Custom layout tactical vests are more friendly for left-handed shooters, or for shooters who require special considerations.
The customization of these vests does bring their costs slightly higher. This is due to the need to purchase pouches. There is also the considerable time required to weave the pouches in and out of the webbing.
3. Are Tactical Vests Considered Body Armor?
The best tactical vests can be body armor, but they often aren’t. Certain tactical vests will have accommodations for hard plates or soft Kevlar armor. These tactical vests are sometimes known as plate carriers.
Most tactical vests are designed to be load-bearing equipment and not body armor. This simplifies the system and often makes it more affordable. Tactical vests can be worn over body armor in most cases and are the preferred method for police.
Wearing body armor throughout the day is quite common with police, but a tactical vest would not be needed most of the day. If a user chooses to wear a tactical vest over body armor it is wise to go with a size up from your normal-sized clothes.
Best Tactical Vest Buyer’s Guide
There are some important things to consider when purchasing a tactical vest. Let’s look at the three primary issues (Capacity, Size, Weapon Choice) that you will need to address when picking out the perfect tactical vest to ensure you are mission ready.
Capacity
What is the goal of your mission? This is a major consideration when considering the capacity of your tactical vest. An overnight or expanded mission will require more capacity than a daylight raid. Ask the serious questions. How much ammo do you need? How much water will you need? Do you need extra gear like maps, compasses, medical kits, or flashlights? Consider all these factors when purchasing and shopping for the best tactical vests.
Size
Are you utilizing your tactical vest in a vehicle? If so you need to consider the overall size of the vest. A large vest will make climbing in and out of a vehicle difficult. Gear pouches are easily caught on in vehicles, doorways, and on things you’ve never considered. A larger vest with a lot of pouches tended to get caught on the most random of gear. When operating out of a vehicle or in tight quarters, a minimalist approach should be taken with your kit.
Weapon Choice
Different weapons will require different gear to accommodate their ammunition source. A shotgun needs bandoleers to hold shells, and a AR 15 uses magazines. There is no universal ammunition pouch that works for every weapon. Even magazines are not the same size. A AR 15 magazine is much smaller than an AK 47 magazine. This means the same magazine pouches are not compatible with each other. If a pouch is too big magazines may bounce around, causing ammunition to become loose in the magazine.
Loose ammunition can fall out of the magazine, or get in the way of loading the magazine into the weapon. A secondary weapon like a handgun is going to be another consideration. Does your tactical vest have a space to mount a handgun? Are there any magazine pouches to accommodate extra pistol magazines?
If your tactical vest cannot accommodate a handgun, does it have a belt to accommodate a holster? A secondary weapon is almost always a necessity in tactical operations.
What’s the Purpose of a Tactical Vest?
Tactical vests are used for a variety of different applications. There is always the need for police to be capable of quickly donning tactical gear for violent situations. The military basically invented the tactical vest and have been issuing one to soldiers for decades.
These days, the best tactical vests serve a variety of uses. In home defense situations, the tactical vest is an easy and rapid-to-don tool that provides a home defender with ammunition on tap.
Hunters can utilize a tactical vest to carry a variety of gear as well. This allows them to avoid carrying a backpack. It also gives hunters the gear they need at their fingertips. They can access binoculars, maps, compasses, flashlights, laser range finders, and game calls in a flash.
Action sports like Airsoft can make the same use of a tactical vest as a soldier or police officer can, although in a much less violent role. Airsofters in competition need to have immediate access to their gear and ammunition when playing.
The tactical vest is a great piece of gear for someone who needs to carry a wide variety of gear and needs it on hand. The applications of the best tactical vest go about as far as an individual’s imagination.
Top 10 Best Tactical Vests
Now that you have the foundation for picking the best tactical vest, let’s take a look at our Top 10 picks in much greater detail. There are many vests you can choose from but, as discussed earlier, what you choose will largely depend on your application, mission requirements, and/or aesthetic preferences.
We also want to say that this list isn’t all-inclusive. While we have done our best to pick our favorites, there are vests out there that are not sold for public use. The vests we look at below are readily available for purchase and protect any survivalist or firearms enthusiast.
1. UTG Law Enforcement Tactical Vest
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The UTG Law Enforcement Tactical Vest is designed as an entry-level tactical vest. It’s outfitted with a wide variety of tactical pouches to suit most operator’s needs. The UTG Law Enforcement Tactical Vest is designed to be completely adjustable and will fit most people.
The UTG Law Enforcement tactical vest is outfitted and designed to be used with a rifle based system. The layout is part fixed and part customizable. The fixed portion includes three double magazine pouches.
These double magazine pouches can hold up to 6 30 round AR 15 magazines. On the left side is a cross draw holster. Directly above the holster is three pistol pouches that can fit three double or single stack magazines.
There is also a belt that is attached to the vest that is designed as a heavy-duty pistol belt. There are two horizontal magazine pouches on the belt for additional pistol ammunition. The back of the vest is covered with MOLLE webbing that makes the vest somewhat customizable.
2. Leapers Sportsman Tactical Scenario Vest
Product
UTG Sportsman Tactical Scenario Vest, Black
- Comfortable shooting vest with one-size-fits-most design
- 4 deluxe adjustable rifle mag pouches (3 right, 1 left) with...
- Deluxe universal cross-draw holster with extra Velcro double mag...
- Heavy-duty back loop system for carrying additional gear and...
- 2 internal zippered map/document pouches; mesh ventilation system
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Details
- Comfortable shooting vest with one-size-fits-most design
- 4 deluxe adjustable rifle mag pouches (3 right, 1 left) with...
- Deluxe universal cross-draw holster with extra Velcro double mag...
- Heavy-duty back loop system for carrying additional gear and...
- 2 internal zippered map/document pouches; mesh ventilation system
The Tactical Scenario vest by Leapers is mostly a fixed layout design that does incorporate some customizable options. The Leapers vest is set up with three double magazine pouches on the right-hand side allowing the carry of up to six magazines. The Tactical Scenario vest has the option to add an additional magazine pouch on the left-hand side.
The Tactical Scenario vest also features a universal holster on the left-hand side. This holster attaches to the vest via hook and loop. The holster can be removed and replaced with rifle magazine pouches.
The holster also has an additional magazine pouch attached to it. The holster also uses an active retention device that clips into a buckle. The holster will fit most full-sized pistols like the 1911 and Glock 17.
There are also three pistol magazine pouches above the holster and an additional two that are included with a belt on the vest. This gives users the ability to carry 6 pistol magazines and up to 10 rifle magazines. This allows the vest to take on a sustained mission as well as a short one.
With a sustained mission in mind, the vest has 2 internal pouches that can hold maps and other documents that are mission necessary. All of this storage makes it one of the best tactical vests out there.
3. Condor Cross Draw Tactical Vest
Product
Condor Cross Draw Vest/Tactical Belt (Black, Medium/Large)
- Cross draw pistol holster sized to accommodate most medimu-framed...
- Built-in pouches includes 1 utility pouch, 3 pistol mag pouches,...
- Padded rubberized shoulders with built in shock stop
- Condor Tactcial Belt is included
- Mesh back for ventilation with webbing for MOLLE attachments
- Adjustable shoulder and girth
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Details
- Cross draw pistol holster sized to accommodate most medimu-framed...
- Built-in pouches includes 1 utility pouch, 3 pistol mag pouches,...
- Padded rubberized shoulders with built in shock stop
- Condor Tactcial Belt is included
- Mesh back for ventilation with webbing for MOLLE attachments
- Adjustable shoulder and girth
The Condor Cross Draw Tactical Vest is a fixed layout vest that is complete for short, quick, and dynamic actions. The Condor Cross Draw is equipped with a cross draw holster on the left side of the vest. This holster is designed for duty sized firearms and uses an active retention device to hold the weapon in place.
The Condor Tactical Vest is also fitted with a magazine pouch that is attached to the holster. Right above the holster is three additional pistol magazines. On the opposite side of the vest is three rifle magazine pouches.
These three pouches are single magazine pouches that hold only one rifle magazine. This slimline design is easier to use in and out of vehicles and makes it easier to move in the tight quarters of a building or home. The magazine pouches are slightly adjustable and can fit both AR 15 and AK 47 magazine pouches.
The Condor Cross Draw vest is lightweight and quite versatile. Above the rifle pouches sit a large shell pouch that is perfect for carrying shotgun shells. The pouch can also be used to store batteries, a small flashlight, or other utility gear.
4. Modern Warrior Tactical Vest
Product
Modern Warrior Adjustable Tactical Military and Hunting Vest...
- Numerous pocket gives you great storage capacity in this Modern...
- Adjustable torso fits sizes M-XL comfortably
- Padding on right shoulder for recoil, rifle and handgun magazine...
- Strong, large, durable zippers and mesh make this item strong and...
- By Modern Warrior
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- Numerous pocket gives you great storage capacity in this Modern...
- Adjustable torso fits sizes M-XL comfortably
- Padding on right shoulder for recoil, rifle and handgun magazine...
- Strong, large, durable zippers and mesh make this item strong and...
- By Modern Warrior
The Modern Warrior Tactical Vest is an excellent vest for hard-hitting, rapid-fire mission, or for sustained missions. This vest would work well in hot environments. The mesh design of the Modern Warrior Tactical Vest allows the vest to breathe and remain cool regardless of the environment.
The mesh design also keeps the vest lightweight and allows it to easily fit over body armor. The vest is also very adjustable and this also makes it easier to wrap around hard armor. The Modern Warrior Tactical vest is aptly named since it can be used over modern hard armor.
The Modern Warrior vest features 4 large magazine pouches, three on the left side and one on the right side. These pouches can contain AR 15, AK 47, and even M1A, G3, and FN FAL magazines.
There is also a handgun holster that functions as a cross draw holster. The holster is designed for full size and compact firearms. There are three magazine pouches above the holster for extra pistol mags.
The included belt has two utility pouches. These pouches could be used for holding pistol magazines, but are quite long. They are better suited for a flashlight and pepper spray. The Modern Warrior a solid choice among best tactical vests.
5. Northstar Tactical Assault Vest
Product
Northstar Tactical Assault Vest (Medium/X-Large, Coyote)
- Rifle butt stabilizing ribs.
- Adjustable position belt, pistol holster, & heavy duty military...
- Three pistol mag pouches.
- Three 30-round mag pouches.
- Additional mag pouch above pistol holster.
- First aid pouch.
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- Rifle butt stabilizing ribs.
- Adjustable position belt, pistol holster, & heavy duty military...
- Three pistol mag pouches.
- Three 30-round mag pouches.
- Additional mag pouch above pistol holster.
- First aid pouch.
The Northstar Tactical Assault vest is a good vest for both the rifleman and shotgunner. The vest features three magazine pouches that can fit a single magazine per pouch. This gives the user 90 rounds on tap for a AR 15.
The upper chest and shoulder portion of the vest is padded to protect the shooter from recoil. These recoil-reducing pads are not needed with light recoiling rifles, but for a shotgun the shoulder pads really help eliminate felt recoil.
There is a pocket above the rifle mag pouches for shotgun ammo. The Northstar Tactical Assault vest is outfitted with a cross draw pistol holster and the ability to hold 4 pistol magazines. Besides the holster is MOLLE webbing to attach some small pouches as well.
6. NC Star Vest
Product
VISM by NcStar Tactical Vest, Tan, XX-Large (CTVL2916T)
- Constructed of tough PVC on top of mesh webbing for maximum...
- Mesh material will help keep you cool
- Hydration system compatible
- Larger size tactical vest fits: XL - XXL+ t-shirt sizes
- Fully adjustable
- Constructed of tough PVC on top of mesh webbing for maximum...
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- Constructed of tough PVC on top of mesh webbing for maximum...
- Mesh material will help keep you cool
- Hydration system compatible
- Larger size tactical vest fits: XL - XXL+ t-shirt sizes
- Fully adjustable
- Constructed of tough PVC on top of mesh webbing for maximum...
The NC Star Vest is another good option for those on a tight budget. It’s one of the few vests to offer a small size for kids and teenagers. It would be a perfect vest for airsofters or paintballers.
This best tactical vest features three large magazine pouches that can fit AK or AR 15 mags quite easily. The vest is also outfitted with a removable cross draw holster. If the holster is removed, you have a section to weave in any MOLLE or PALs accessory.
The NC Star vest also features a hydration bladder in a rear compartment of the vest. This is a unique feature that gives the user a good option for extended missions. The unit also has four magazine pouches and a rigid pistol belt attached to it.
7. Voodoo Tactical Entry Assault Vest
Product
Voodoo Tactical 20-8112001330 Men's Msp-06 Entry Assault...
- Lifetime warranty
- Our entry assault vest features side-release buckles with...
- We've provided 3 pistol mag pouches plus one extra that's...
- There's also 3 30-round mag holders for use with long guns, a...
- Adjustable pistol belt included
Our rating
Details
- Lifetime warranty
- Our entry assault vest features side-release buckles with...
- We've provided 3 pistol mag pouches plus one extra that's...
- There's also 3 30-round mag holders for use with long guns, a...
- Adjustable pistol belt included
The Voodoo Entry Assault Vest is a slim, and maneuverable vest that excels in close combat and vehicle-borne operations. This vest is well designed to be used with the modern tactical rifle. The vest features three slim magazine pouches that can fit AR 15 or other 5.56 magazine pouches.
The left side of the Entry Assault vest has a section of MOLLE webbing that can fit a variety of pouches. The vest includes a cross draw holster that can be mounted on this section of webbing. The holster features a mag pouch on the holster and three additional pistol mag pouches.
The vest is very lightweight and makes heavy use of mesh to keep the user nice and cool. The Voodoo tactical vest covers both shoulders with stabilizing ribs to ensure a solid fit between the rifle butt and your shoulder.
8. Condor Elite Tactical Vest
Product
Condor Elite Tactical Vest (OliveDrab)
- Built-in pouches includes 2 utility pouches, 6 M4 mag pouches,...
- Padded rubberized shoulders with built in shock stop
- Condor Pistol Belt is included
- Mesh back for ventilation with webbing for MOLLE attachments
- Adjustable shoulder and girth
- Zippered front with two quick-release buckles
Our rating
Details
- Built-in pouches includes 2 utility pouches, 6 M4 mag pouches,...
- Padded rubberized shoulders with built in shock stop
- Condor Pistol Belt is included
- Mesh back for ventilation with webbing for MOLLE attachments
- Adjustable shoulder and girth
- Zippered front with two quick-release buckles
For the dedicated rifleman, the Condor Elite Tactical is the go-to Tactical vest. What designates the Elite Tactical vest as rifleman’s vest is the magazine pouches. It’s outfitted with 6 adjustable magazine pouches.
You can fit 12 AR 15 magazines or 6 AK 47 magazines in the pouches. The pouches are set with elastic bands on both sides that allow the pouches to adapt to different size magazines. These bands hold the magazines nice and tight.
This best tactical vest is also outfitted with two accessory pouches above the magazine pouches. The back of the vest features a section of MOLLE so you can attach a hydration pack if desired. The Condor Elite Tactical is an excellent vest for serious shooters.
9. NC Star VISM
Product
VISM by NcStar Molle/Pals Vest/Black (CPV2915B)
- Available in sizes: M-XXL
- Includes Heavy Duty Pistol Belt Attaches Securely to Vest to Keep...
- 3 Front Buckles, 6 Side Adjustment Straps, and Adjustable...
- Heavy Double Mesh Lined with Reinforced Nylon PALS Webbing Cover...
- Padded Hydration System Compartment Holds Bladder Neatly in Place...
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Details
- Available in sizes: M-XXL
- Includes Heavy Duty Pistol Belt Attaches Securely to Vest to Keep...
- 3 Front Buckles, 6 Side Adjustment Straps, and Adjustable...
- Heavy Double Mesh Lined with Reinforced Nylon PALS Webbing Cover...
- Padded Hydration System Compartment Holds Bladder Neatly in Place...
The VISM vest is the lightest weight vest on this list. This is primarily due to the fact this vest is designed to be fully customizable. The vest is covered entirely by MOLLE webbing. The end-user has the ability to completely customize this vest to their liking.
This is the perfect vest for a user who could fill a variety of roles at any given time. The VISM’s MOLLE system allows the attachment of tons of different pouches and gear. A use could run this vest for a AR 15 and instantly swap out for a shotgun or SMG configuration.
The NC Star VISM vest is simple and lightweight. The mesh material used keeps this vest light and breathable. The rear of the vest has a pouch for a hydration bladder and the vest is complete with a pistol belt.
10. Leapers Law Enforcement SWAT Vest
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The Leapers Law Enforcement SWAT vest is a modern take on a classic vest. SWAT teams were some of the first to adopt the tactical vest concept. No wonder their model rounds out our list of the best tactical vests!
Their vests were surprisingly like the Leapers Law Enforcement SWAT vest. This SWAT vest is a throwback but is still very modern. The vest is complete with three large rifle magazine pouches and two small pistol pouches. The vest has a cross draw holster to accommodate most duty sized pistols.
There is a large main pouch that can fit several 12 gauge shells. On the outside of that pouch is four fast access elastic bands for shotgun shells on hand at any time. The Leapers Law Enforcement vest is the best choice for those in the security and law enforcement realms who want to maintain a traditional appearance.
The Best Tactical Vest: Parting Shots
Tactical vests are the most modern method of carrying the necessary gear into combat, into the arena, or into the field. These vests have come a long way in the last few years and now offer a wide variety of different configurations for different shooters. The law enforcement and military communities have widely embraced these vests.
They are a convenient method to carry gear, and at the same time place it right at your fingertips. Just remember when choosing a tac vest remember your mission, your gear, and how the vest can work for you.
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