If you’re the sort of person who wears tactical gear, then you probably often thought about how to make your tactical loadout more comfortable. Getting this right is essential if you want to wear it for extended periods, especially for range days, work, or real-world scenarios. Comfort when you have a tactical loadout depends on:
- weight distribution
- breathability
- ergonomics
You also need to focus on things like fit and adjustment, all covered in this guide.
Prioritise the fit
You’ll want to start by prioritising the fit. If equipment doesn’t fit properly, then it’s the number one source of discomfort. Start by tightening shoulder straps to prevent sagging. Make sure your arms and shoulders have full mobility and can breathe. If they can’t move properly, then you may need to change the size of your kit or upgrade to a different type of underlay.
You may also want to use a Sordin headset headband conversion kit. These can make it more comfortable to add accessories to your helmet.
Check that the size of your cummerbund snug is right. You want to be able to get one to two fingers underneath it without much trouble. If you are using elastic or skeletal cummerbunds, then this can help with range of motion.
As for belts, have a two-piece inner and outer belt system. This is firm but comfortable and can prevent your belts and equipment from sagging onto your hips.
Minimize weight ruthlessly
Another piece of pro advice is to minimise weight ruthlessly. Most loadouts weigh between 20 and 30 lb; however, it may be up to 45 to 50 lb if you are in an active combat situation. To reduce weight, you’ll want to ditch everything that’s unnecessary. For example, you may only need 3-6 rifle mags in total and 2 pistol mags. Only carry what you realistically need. While it might be romantic to imagine that you need more than this, you usually don’t.
Also use lightweight nylon pouches or use kydex inserts instead. Again, these can save you a significant amount of weight to make the entire day more comfortable for you.
Upgrade breathability
Think carefully about the breathability of your loadout. One of the biggest problems you’ll have is feeling too hot and sweaty in humid climates. Make sure that you choose carriers that come with padded shoulder straps. These should be swappable, removable, and well-ventilated. You also want ventilated 3D mesh padding for plate bags and cummerbunds. Again, this allows heat to escape your body instead of keeping it trapped and causing you to sweat more.
Many people who are experienced with constructing high-quality loadouts use trauma pads or foam spacers. These are handy to place between hard plates because they add additional shock absorption and cushioning, especially if you’re going to be in rough environments. Breathable base layers need to be strong but also allow moisture to move in and out of your loadout system, allowing your skin to breathe.
So there you have it – some of the ways to make your tactical loadout more comfortable.
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