Pockets? I have a pair of Duluth overalls. Not tactical. Or cool. But sooooooooo comfy, especially when up and down ladders, etc.

I am Yooper Tacticool. Carhartt Carpenter jeans with a flannel shirt. Woolrich CCW vest. Stormy Kromer hat. I ditched most of my camo stuff in favor of a few pieces in Flectarn. I have digital snow camo from Varusteleka because.... It snows here. When I was a cop, I was never really Tactical Tommy but I did have a lot of flashlights. And I had a Jackass rig because thats what Sonny had.

I wear Duluth Flex Dry cargos for work, but that's a function over form situation for me (I'm a field repair tech).
Weekends is currently jeans, summertime is cargo shorts (that one is just for comfort).

In my gear closet I have a collection of crap I've tried over the years for range activities, but I keep going back to a similar load-out to what I had in the Marines. Outdated by today's standards I'm sure, but it's what I know and use best.
The only time it really gets used is during 3-gun shoots at a local range. It's more to keep my muscle memory up for my own piece of mind then anything else.

I've got a warbag. I practice in it typically once a year, or whenever something changes.

It certainly isn't for being cool.

My best friend and I, when I was 12-14, used to dress up in his grandfather's Korean war gear and practice "war" with our .22's in his pasture. I'm pretty sure we didn't look cool then, nor was looking cool the point. We wanted to be BAMF's like his dad (one of the original LA SWAT guys, he was an Lt at the time in our small town) and our grandparents, both Korean war Veterans.

I see people shitting on those who throw on tac gear and practice at the range. I don't understand it. You should practice with your gear. I guess if your intention is to rollover and make your stand with your plugged wingmaster then NBD. I've also learned through experience that a lot of military gear is lowest bidder shit. I certainly don't buy or do something because the military is doing it... a lot of what we did in the service doesn't work well in the arctic.

I dunno...just my take. It seems popular to label people as tacticool and make fun of those in plate carriers and war belts practicing at the range.

quote:

Originally posted by AKSuperDually:
I've got a warbag. I practice in it typically once a year, or whenever something changes.

I imagine it's hard to shoot while inside a bag.

I can see why you'd want to practice.

It may be helpful to know what inspired this thread. I suspect the OP's intent wasn't to discuss cargo pants; maybe more on the lines of AKSuperDually's post above? I know I sure as shit probably qualify as someone's definition of "tacticool", during some practice events. The term is very subjective, and knowing Otto's definition could shape the conversation.

quote:

Originally posted by AKSuperDually:

I dunno...just my take. It seems popular to label people as tacticool and make fun of those in plate carriers and war belts practicing at the range.

AK,
I’m certainly not poking fun, I’m more pointing out the ridiculousness some display in doing so.

330# guy who would be better served doing a little cardio.

14k 9mm bullets and a case of water.

Training for the zombies but not knowing how to grow a tomato plant.

Silliness. Not poking fun, but in most cases I’d likely call bullshit and laugh. Starting with my own previous thinking that I’ve touched on.

The poster who mentioned the guy with 2 guns, 3 knives and handcuffs in his EDC. That’s beyond practicing with your gear.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK: snipped

I imagine it's hard to shoot while inside a bag.

I can see why you'd want to practice.

Indeed.

At 53, I’m still on a tactical team. However, I rarely wear “tactical” type stuff outside of work. I have all the good stuff. Crye uniforms, Crye plate carriers, team Wendy helmets, etc. No beard, no tats, no shaved head.

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
team Wendy helmets

Seems like a weird thing to wear on a SWAT call out, but you do you...

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
team Wendy helmets

Seems like a weird thing to wear on a SWAT call out, but you do you...

Not weird if he REALLY wants to be the first on scene!

Beat the sound of the sirens in that thing.

I had a drop leg holster once. I quickly realized it was terrible. I did get some 5.11 Tactical Shoelaces, too.

My gun stuff was/is more competition-oriented as I shot a lot of IDPA, USPSA, and 3 gun for many years.

Other than pants with lots of pockets, I don't have tactical stuff any more.

Otto,

Good points.

I agree.

For arguments sake, should we view the 330 lb guy with a plate carrier that will only cover 10% of his vitals, as someone to make fun of? Or is it like the fatbody slob at the gym... who should be encouraged and helped?

I practice at a members only private range, with individual bays. So perhaps I'm not really seeing what you guys are seeing. When I was an RSO many moons ago at a private indoor range with an open to the public night, I really enjoyed helping and teaching new shooters.

I don't EDC handcuffs, if not LE, I'm not sure what the point is. I do typically carry 2 or more guns, certainly within arm reach, and more than one knife...but different knives, as in a multi-tool and a tac-folder. I approach life from the 2 is 1, 1 is none mantra though.

Perhaps..I'm just one of those guys all of you are talking about. Wouldn't be the first time. No real offense taken, I'm comfortable in my skin.

quote:

Originally posted by AKSuperDually:
the 330 lb guy with a plate carrier that will only cover 10% of his vitals

I'm pretty sure being overweight doesn't make your vital areas (heart/lungs/brain/etc.) grow... You just gain additional non-vital area.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
team Wendy helmets

Seems like a weird thing to wear on a SWAT call out, but you do you...

Shake and bake

I was trending that way back in my 30's. Got into shooting sports and bought some 5.11's and a battle belt. I've since chilled out and dress like a grown adult (cargo pants are still terribly useful and comfy though) and shy away from attention grabbing stuff.
I still have the shaved head and beard though.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by AKSuperDually:
the 330 lb guy with a plate carrier that will only cover 10% of his vitals

I don't think being overweight makes your vital areas (heart/lungs) grow... You just gain additional non-vital areas.

I was recently attempting to help fit a "friend" who is probably close to 400 lbs in a carrier he was very proud to have purchased. I left the experience wondering what the point was, the angles and extensions involved made it impossible to properly wear the carrier over our guess at his vital zone. All the typical "rules" for fitting didn't work for him. I've never encountered anyone that size in the military...so it just wasn't anything I knew what to do with.

He's rucking around in AR500 steel though working through is weight barriers, so you have to applaud the effort.

Like I said, not poking fun, but I would call out the silliness.

We know the kind of person we’re talking about, the mall ninja or guys who wants to be a Navy seal but is about 180 degrees away.

We’re leaving out the most important part of the equation, is the 330# guy running and gunning at the range looking like Judge Dredd solely? Or is he incorporating it as part of a weight loss regiment? Cause let’s not forget.

Once, a long time ago, I may have been tacticool. Now that I am much older and a bit wiser, I am more tactical and practical, with the emphasis being practical.

Going with larger plates, and a larger carrier may help. I can’t wear anything any larger than 10x12 shooters cut.