Before talking about what gear you should have on your kit, let's talk about a tactical vest.

A tactical vest is a piece of equipment worn by the military, law enforcement, civilians, and other first responders to carry and organize their gear and equipment. It typically consists of a series of PALS webbing for MOLLE attachments such as pouches that allow the wearer to carry items such as ammunition, communication devices, tools, medical supplies. However, one of the primary functions of a tactical vest (AKA Plate Carrier) is to carry body armor plates.

Spartan Armor Systems® has a wide selection of tactical vests to meet a variety of situations. With different sizes, shapes, and weights, you are sure to find something that will fit your needs and can hold all the safety gear you need for your mission.

Now, what exactly is safety equipment for your tactical vest? You have all this room on your kit, but what should you have on there? Let’s look.

Safety Equipment for a Tactical Vest

Safety equipment on a tactical vest refers to items that are designed to protect the wearer from physical harm and to aid in emergencies. Some examples of safety equipment that may be found on a tactical vest include:

Body armor: This can include bullet-resistant plates, soft armor inserts, or other materials to protect the wearer from gunfire and other physical attacks such as stabbing or spiking.

First aid kit: A small first aid kit such as our A.F.A.K., that includes items such as bandages, gauze, scissors, and other supplies for treating injuries is a great idea to have attached directly

Flashlight: A flashlight can be a crucial tool for illuminating dark environments, such as when conducting searches or moving through dark buildings. Many people consider a flashlight to be a primary weapon as it can de-escalate confrontations at night.

Multi-tool: A multi-tool, such as a leatherman containing pliers, knives and tools, can be useful for various tasks, including cutting wire, opening containers, and making repairs.

Water bottle or hydration system: Staying hydrated is important during long missions, and a tactical vest may include a water bottle or hydration system to allow the wearer to drink on the go. Think about your location and the weather you are normally going to face during the season.

Radio or communication device: A tactical vest may include a radio or other communication device attached to allow the wearer to stay in touch with team members and coordinate their actions. The simpler the better.

Tactical vests' safety equipment is a key part of the gear used by the military, law enforcement, first responders, and civilians who wish to safeguard themselves and their families. It is important to select the right equipment for your “mission” or situation and to use it properly to ensure the best possible protection and support in any situation.

Attaching Your Safety Gear to Your Tactical Vest

When choosing safety gear to have on your tactical vest, you also need to take into consideration how it attaches.

Some safety items attach simply with Velcro or “hook and loop” fabric. This would be simple items such as safety patches that display your role and/or your blood type, or it could be more practical such as rip-away first aid kits. Below is a video from our Body Armor 101 series demonstating how to properly attach MOLLE accessories.

PALS Webbing and MOLLE Attachments

PALS webbing and MOLLE attachments are both systems used to attach gear and equipment to a tactical vest or other pieces of clothing or equipment. PALS webbing, also known as the Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system, is a series of rows of webbing that is sewn onto the vest or can be laser cut to make slots on it.

This webbing is used to attach pouches, holsters, first aid kits, and other safety gear using modular attachment straps, also known as PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) straps. These straps have small loops on them that can be threaded through the webbing and secured with a snap or buckle.

MOLLE attachments, on the other hand, refer specifically to the modular attachment straps that are used to attach gear to PALS webbing. These straps are typically made of durable materials such as nylon and are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

MOLLE attachments can be easily attached and removed from PALS webbing, allowing the user to customize their gear set up and quickly add or remove items as needed.

In short, PALS webbing is a system of webbing on a tactical vest, and MOLLE attachments are straps used to attach gear to the webbing. To learn more, check out our deep dive into MOLLE Attachments.

PALS webbing isn't only limited to your tactical vests. Most tactical backpacks and other gear have the same type of attachments. Check out our new line of bulletproof backpacks. We partnered with VIKTOS, the makers of some of the best engineered and long lasting backpacks.

Takeaways For Your Tactical Vest Safety Gear

Make sure to regularly check and maintain your equipment to ensure it is in good working condition, along with refilling or replacing equipment when needed. If you use an item from your med kit and then don’t replace it, you are in for a world of hurt the next time something happens, literally.

Follow proper protocols for using equipment, such as wearing the right body armor or administering first aid when needed. Check out our article on tourniquets here.

Consider the specific needs and demands of your mission when selecting equipment. Understand that different situations all have different needs. Don’t worry so much about carrying everything on your kit for any case ever. Instead, think about some of the most important items you may need for the upcoming mission, and then build from there.