A Beginner Prepper’s Guide to Tactical Gear

A Beginner Prepper's Guide to Tactical Gear
Source: Shutterstock.com/Peyker

Most people associate prepping with underground bunkers, but everyone needs to prepare for the inevitable. In the 21st century, the inevitable includes everything from natural disasters to the threat of nuclear war and global pandemics

Since our world is crazier than it’s ever been and forever changed by the COVID-19 scare, we made a guide to help you survive catastrophic events. You’ll read about critical tactical gear and survival tips to prep your home.

Tactical Clothing

Whether you’re hunkering down at home, fleeing on foot, or escaping in your vehicle, you need the right clothing. The right tactical clothing is incredibly important and usually stronger than other clothes. 

durable pair of tactical boots is tremendously important when you’re surviving on foot. Every member of your family needs footwear that’s both comfortable and durable, especially if you need to walk a significant distance.

Tactical pants and shirts are also great choices because they don’t rip or tear easily. Most tactical clothing is reinforced in places like the crotch, knees, and elbows. Tactical pants often have many pockets of varying sizes, which allow you to carry lots of personal safety equipment.

Many tactical clothing outfits are fire retardant, too. They come in so many styles that you can find the right clothing for your needs.

Tactical Flashlights

good tactical flashlight is another important piece of gear for every preppers arsenal. In fact, you should have more than one flashlight. While these lights are quite sturdy, you should own more than one in case you lose yours. Further, each family member should have one as well. At least plan on buying two. As you continue to prep, re-evaluate if you need more.

Tactical flashlights are handy to have around the house, even if you’re not actively prepping. Their batteries often last longer and they play a vital role in self-defense, especially during power outages. Most of them are waterproof and much stronger than the typical household flashlight.

A Beginner Prepper's Guide to Tactical Gear Shutterstock.com:Peyker
Source: Shutterstock.com/Synergic Works OU

Tactical Communication Equipment

There are several pieces of communication equipment that you should consider as you prep. Generally, you’ll likely want to communicate with other people in a disaster situation rather than worry about someone intercepting your radio communication. So, you shouldn’t go nuts trying to totally secure your devices.

Still, you should understand that the more powerful a radio is, the easier it is to intercept radio transmissions. A two-way radio is perfect for communication between family members in case you are separated. Your family likely won’t be together when an emergency incident occurs.

A cellphone may be necessary as well, and luckily, almost everyone owns a cellphone these days. But remember that cellular networks may be down, so you don’t want to solely rely on your smartphone for your communication needs.

You also need power for your cellphones and radios, as well as other tactical gear that needs batteries or electricity. You should stockpile batteries and purchase some chargers to make sure you can power the things you need. Solar power options are probably the most reliable sources of power because it’s very likely that you won’t have access to electricity and you’ll eventually run out of batteries.

First Aid Supplies

First aid supplies are vital tactical supplies to keep in stock, and you will need more than band-aids and rubbing alcohol. A tactical medical kit has general first aid supplies as well as trauma supplies such as chest wound seals and tourniquets. 

If the worst-case scenario comes true, you’ll probably be cut off from community resources, which may include medical care. So, you need to have supplies to treat some severe medical conditions as well, such as a gunshot or knife wound. You can obtain supplies for stitching wounds and pack medicine for allergic reactions in the medical kit that you put in your go-bag. 

A Beginner Prepper's Guide to Tactical Gear
Source: Shutterstock.com/klaikungwon

Survival Tools

Survival tools can be anything that you need in a survival situation. Obviously, if you’re collecting items to shelter in place at home, you can store however much survival gear you have room for. When you’re packing a bug-out bag, you must only pack the most necessary tools.

One way to pack efficiently is to use a multitool. Some multitools are expensive, but there are some economically priced multitools as well. Today, some even come with the tools you need to clean a rifle or gun. While you may not need that, you should get one that has a can opener, screwdriver, knife, and bottle opener.  

When you’re prepping, you need to be strategic about your choices. If you plan for items you need on the go, you’re not going to have a lot of space. You’ll need to pack shelter, non-perishable food, water and/or purification tools, basic medical supplies, tools to make a fire, and other critical survival supplies. If you’re wearing tactical pants, you’ll have ample pocket space to carry tools on your person. 

One of the best survival tips is to sit down and plan out a list of items you need. Once you have everything on paper, you can easily see if you need something or need to get rid of something. A survival item like duct tape can fix a rip in your tent or clothing and double as a band-aid if necessary. Try to use items that can help in various situations.

Being a prepper is all about planning and stockpiling the supplies you and your family need to survive. Any incident outside of normal life requires certain tactical equipment and necessities. If you’re prepared, you’ll give yourself a fighting chance.