The Best Bang for Your Buck Combat Loadout
Posted by Warrior Poet Society on Feb 22nd 2022
Maybe you're not kicking in doors with the 2nd Ranger Battalion or deploying to combat, but you still want to have a decent tactical loadout so you're ready for the zombies or other combat-like applications. It never hurts to be ready with some good solid gear and to do it without going broke.
Best Tactical Combat/Battle Loadout
Here's my "Best Bang for the Buck" full combat setup that'll hold up under training and other situations. The majority of this gear is available through the Warrior Poet store. Every purchase helps fund the movement.
Shoes. First off let's start with shoes. I wear and swear by Salomon because they're waterproof, extremely comfortable and grippy. While they are a little expensive ($150) and tend to wear down with heavy use, during their lifespan they've given me better tactical and athletic performance than any other shoe out there.
Pants. I've chosen Vertx recon pants as a moderately high-end tactical pant that'll give you mobility, breathability, durability, and plenty of pockets and zippers. They also won't break with their price tag. In contrast with the Crye Precision pants ($400-$500), these will only run you about $170.
Belts. You need a war belt, and I recommend the Made in America MOLLE Double Belt Rig. This war belt has an inner belt to hold up your pants and also attaches by clip and Velcro to an outer belt, which is where you can hang your various tools in various pouches by straps and molle webbing. The outer belt also attaches and detaches quickly when needed. Some versions have a D-ring for clipping into aircraft, but for most civilian applications you can go without it.
Gloves. I've got many pairs of Vertx gloves because they're comfortable, durable, and relatively inexpensive.
On My Belt. I use Esstac mag pouches for all my belt-mounted magazines. They offer the perfect level of retention to keep your extra rounds right where you need them, and they hold up to prolonged and/or rapid movement. While we're on the subject, I've had a lot of good experiences with ETS magazines. I've been running them for years with many rounds and I've had no issues. Also on my belt are a tourniquet and a tourniquet holder by HRT tactical. Next to that is my WPS IFAK medical kit which provides me with nearly a full IFAK trauma kit that can be easily mounted on my battle belt. For an edged weapon, I carry a ShivWorks push dagger on my belt. For pistol appendix carry (IWB), I love the Tier 1 holster. For side carry (OWB), I like the options by Safariland, which provides a button retention on some models. These work well for my Glocks and for our War Poet Pistol.
A Good Shirt. You want it to be breathable and tough in hotter climates for wearing under armor and gear.
Body Armor. The HRT RAC Plate Carrier is my favorite carrier for armor. It's got all the detaching, replaceable placards and back panels, and with different adjustment options as well. If you wanted to have MOLLE kit on the side, or you want to run more sterile straps right here for heightened breathability, you're able to do that with this carrier. My favorite plates right now are the HighCom Guardian RSTP SA+ body armor plates (to stop armor piercing M855 "green tip" bullets). You can find these and other options HERE.
In My Pack. First of all, it's a very good idea to have food and you absolutely need hydration in your kit, especially if you're operating hard. Don't forget that. In addition, it's a good idea to have a radio and PTT for long range patrol, GPS, extra mags, chem lights and other sources of light. Additional gear—gas mask, helmet, survival gear, etc.
Rifle Sling. We designed a rifle sling that we love based on many, many hours of experience. The WPS Rifle Sling gives and holds in all the right places.
Helmet and Night Vision. An affordable night vision kit that I've relied on is the TNVC Sentinels with G24 Mount.
Ear Protection. These are expensive, but I use Ops Core AMPs Ear Protection which provide noise cancellation and amplification as well as connection to a radio.
Whether you're a civilian waiting for the apocalypse or armed forces and military looking to modify your loadout, these recommendations will give you a balance, best bang for your buck option for any area of your kit.
As always, gear isn't everything. Train Hard. Train Smart.
