Essential Tactical Gear Every New Prepper Needs

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Hey there! Ready to step into the world of prepping and not sure where to start? You’re at the right place! Whether you’re gearing up for an adventure or planning for any emergency, having the right tactical equipment can be crucial.

Did you know that over half of Americans are unprepared for an emergency? You don’t want to be one of them. But don’t worry, brother! We’ve got your back.

Let’s dive into the essential tactical gear every new prepper needs, ensuring you’re always ready to roll.

The Importance of Having the Right Tactical Gear

Having the right tactical gear can make all the difference when things hit the fan. Trust me; I’ve been there, caught unprepared once and I learned my lesson the hard way.

Picture yourself recovering from a massive hurricane or other natural disaster. If you’re not prepared, you’re not just getting uncomfortable; you’re compromising yours and your family’s safety.

Tactical gear isn’t just cool-looking stuff; it’s designed to get you out of sticky situations and keep you better protected when used appropriately.

From night vision to rain jackets, most tactical gear’s got your back, man. Each piece serves a purpose whether it’s for protection, convenience, or communication.

Understanding your tactical gear’s role in survival or preparedness can really boost your prepping game. It’s like having a lifeline that ensures you’re never caught off guard.

Every item in your kit should have a job to do. Not just be a flashy new fad item that is useless when the rubber meets the road.

Don’t just take my word for it; like many others, start with the basics and add on as you go. With some know-how and the right gear, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

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Tactical Backpacks: The Foundation of Preparedness

The heart and soul of any prepper’s arsenal is a quality “tactical” backpack. It’s your portable survival kit that houses all of your essential supplies. You don’t want your backpack/bag shredding open and spilling all of your gear in the middle of a disaster…

Back in the day, I used a flimsy old backpack I had lying around, thinking it would do the trick and I could save some coin. Big mistake, man. The straps broke mid-camping trip, leaving my gear all over and with a heavy load on my hands—literally. Lesson learned: invest in a tactical backpack with durability and function.

So, what should you look for in a tactical backpack?

First, consider a size that works for you and then a load-bearing design that distributes weight evenly, making it easy on your back.

Also, the material should be tough; something like 600D nylon is pretty durable but also comfortable.

And don’t forget the MOLLE systems(that’s short for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment). It’s like adding pockets or compartments to your pack, making it adaptable, and gearing it for different scenarios. It should at least have many different compartments for organizing your stuff.

There are all kinds of great backpacks out there. I use this one for my daily get home bag I carry everywhere in my truck.

I also talk about a bunch of great options here and some of my favorites in much more detail in this blog post.

Trust me, a well-equipped backpack is a prepper’s best friend. You can never have too many compartments for organizing your essential gear.

Protective Clothing: Stay Safe and Secure

You might think clothing is just about looking good, but in the preparedness world, it’s about survival and function.

Protective clothing shields you from the elements, and let’s face it, nobody wants to get caught freezing in the middle of nowhere.

Once, during a day of instructing on the range, I underestimated the weather and ended up getting drenched. And I mean completely soaked from head to toe…

That day sure was a wake-up call. I’m never going out without quality waterproof gear again! Choosing the right protective clothing/gear can make or break your experience regardless of what activity you’re engaged in.

So where to start? One word: layering.

A good layering system ensures you stay warm and comfortable whatever the weather. Top layers should be water-resistant or waterproof, and if you can score some camouflage designs, that’s an added bonus. Not just for style, but to blend in with your surroundings if necessary.

Materials like merino wool or synthetic fibers are gold. They’re designed to keep moisture out while keeping heat in without being all bulky and awkward.

So, gear up appropriately, because sometimes the weather is the least of your worries but then you’ll get hit with a random microburst.

First Aid Kits: Your Lifeline in Emergencies

A first aid kit isn’t just a box of band-aids and antiseptic—it’s your lifeline, man. Accidents happen, and when they do, you don’t want to be scrambling around empty-handed.

I remember cutting myself on the job site once(or twice, or three…) and thank God, I had a properly stocked kit ready. Those few minutes of panic would’ve been a whole lot worse without it.

Every kit should be customized to your own needs but should cover the basics as well.

Think of it like a mini hospital in a bag. You’ll want items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and maybe even an emergency blanket for good measure.

And don’t skimp on quality here, man; cheap equipment will fail you when you need it most. It’s really not the place you wanna cut corners. This is why I go to brands like MyMedic, Dark Angel Medic, and Refuge Medical (Refuge is a biblically based company and I got a discount with them: “STRENGTH”).

Keep your kit in top shape too. Replace any used/old/damaged items, and make sure it’s stored in a way that’s easy to grab and go. Because when it comes to emergencies, time is of the essence, and a well-equipped kit can save more than just time—it can save lives.

Represent Your Faith

View our growing collection of faith-based clothing and accessories to boldly stand in the faith.

Tactical Tools and Knives: Multitask Like a Pro

No prepper’s gear list is complete without some tactical tools and knives.

Ever had a moment when you needed a knife and didn’t have one? Of course you have and I have too, and let me tell you, even opening a simple can felt like scaling a mountain! The right tools can make everyday tasks easier and keep you prepared for any situation.

Here’s one of my favorite survival knives I recommend:

Its U.S.A. made, affordable and man is it strong. Can’t go wrong with this one. I also carry a folding knife on me whenever I’m not in my pajamas. Seriously I have one everywhere I go. Something like this works great.

A quality multitool is like having a mini toolbox in your pocket. They’re not just for survival scenarios, but also come in handy for those unexpected tasks life throws your way.

Choose wisely, my friend, because this is one piece of gear you’ll want to rely on without a second thought.

Communication Devices: Stay Connected

In emergencies, communication devices are a must. Staying in touch isn’t just about convenience—it’s about survival when things get seriously tough. Never underestimate the power of a solid comm device.

Sure we all have our phones. But once they go down, the battery dies, or you’re out of service then that’s when you’re left defenseless.

Some things to consider are two-way HAM radios or satellite phones to maintain communication lines. They’re not reliant on cell towers and can be perfect for when networks go down.

Also, learn the basics of signaling and navigation. These are simple yet effective tricks that everyone should know.

Staying connected can be the difference between getting linked up with loved ones or being stranded in a severe disaster.

Water Filtration Systems: Stay Hydrated

Hydration is crucial, dude. Without water, your survival time dwindles fast. The survival rule of 3 lays this out.

You can only go 3 days without water. And that’s in ideal conditions. So clean water is a must. It’s not just about having water but ensuring it’s clean and safe to drink too.

Portable water filtration systems are game-changers for this. You’ve got your single-person filters like the LifeStraw, or more advanced filtration pumps for treating large volumes of water.

Each system filters out contaminants, making even sketchy stream water safe to drink.

Having access to clean water isn’t just about quenching your thirst; it’s about staying fit for the journey ahead to provide and protect others in a hairy situation

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it! With this essential tactical gear, you’ll be prepared for whatever life throws your way. From packs and protection to communication and hydration, each piece of gear plays a vital role in your survival kit.

Remember, the right preparation breeds confidence. So gear up, stay sharp, and—as always—keep prepping, man! Feel free to reach out with any questions or gear recommendations you might need.

Ready to take your prepping knowledge to the next level? Join my email list for more tips and stories you’ll find invaluable. Or become part of the Men of Strength Collective. Let’s share our experiences and build a strong community of prepared and like-minded folks. Stay safe and prepared, brother! It’s always better to have and not need than to need and not have.