Today’s tactical equipment and gear are far advanced from what we’ve used in the past. However, one thing that remains the same is that the better you care for your gear, the longer it will last. As the saying goes, “take care of your equipment, and your equipment will take care of you.”
Poorly cared-for tactical equipment and gear wear down faster and may not help you perform your best in the field. To stay at the top of your tactical game, arm yourself with these tips.
Flashlight Care
A quality flashlight helps you become more situationally aware, but only when the light’s in good condition. So, whether you use a tactical flashlight or an EDC flashlight in the field, you should follow a few essential care tips.
For instance, keep the light’s lens clean so dirt doesn’t affect beam distance or light quality. Store the light in a cool, dry place when you aren’t using it.
Check the light’s batteries to make sure they have plenty of juice. If you use a rechargeable flashlight like the Fenix PD36R, you may only need to charge the light for a few minutes before it’s up and running again.
Tactical Vest Care
To clean your tactical vest, first, remove all the gear and accessories from the pockets and pouches. Then, brush off dirt or debris with a soft cloth. If there are stains, spot cleans them with mild soap and warm water. Once the vest is clean, allow it to air dry completely before storing it.
It is also important to regularly inspect your tactical vest for signs of wear and tear. Look for rips, tears, and holes in the fabric. Also, check the stitching on pockets and pouches. If you find any damage, repair it immediately.
Tactical Clothing Care
Wearing dingy tactical clothing can make you feel exposed. Here’s how to care for these items properly.
First, if your gear contains dirt and dried mud, remove it with a soft brush. To treat spots and stains, wash them off with a rag soaked in a mixture of water and technical fiber soap.
When washing shirts, pants, jackets, gloves, and socks, do so on your machine’s cold or warm setting – typically around 30 °C or 86 °F. Never wash tactical clothing design in a hot setting, as this fades colors and patterns.
Ballistic Eyewear Care
If you wear ballistic eyewear, it’s important to keep the lenses clean and free of scratches. The best way to do this is to blow away loose dirt and dust before cleaning the lenses.
To clean the lenses, simply put them under running water and wipe them clean with your fingers. If you don’t want to waste water, use a lens cleaning spray or towelette. To remove any remaining streaks or residue, wipe the lenses dry with a microfiber cloth or the inside of a microfiber pouch.
Wash your pouches and clothes occasionally, so you always have clean ones when you go to the range or field. Using dirty clothes or pouches could scratch your eyewear.
Tactical Boot Care
To keep tactical boots clean and well-maintained, you’ll need to do a few things regularly. First, clean the outside of your boots with a damp cloth. Regular cleanings help to remove dirt and debris that may damage the material.
Treat the leather on your boots with a conditioner every few weeks. This step keeps the leather soft and supple, preventing the material from drying out and cracking. Finally, always store your tactical boots in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Time and the right tips are all you need to take great care of your tactical gear to ensure it’s always ready for use and remains in good condition.