The 3 Best Steps To Maintaining Your Tactical Gear

Aaron Spuler is a firearms enthusiast and recreational shooter. Follow more or his work at The Weapon Blog

Gun owners know the importance of cleaning their guns but tactical gear needs care, too. When you maintain your tactical gear, it prolongs its effectiveness and longevity. However, not many people keep their gear maintained either out of uncertainty on how or not knowing that it’s necessary.

Vests, boots, helmets, and backpacks, and your tactical chest rig are designed for demanding situations and need to be in top shape to handle the conditions. It doesn’t matter if you’re a weekend warrior or if you are in the military or law enforcement. In this article, we will give you tips on keeping your gear clean and maintained.

1 – General maintenance

To keep your tactical gear in top condition, regular checks and proper storage are the first steps. make it a habit to inspect your gear often. Look for any signs of damage. Damage can be tears, loose threads, or broken parts. If you’ve been using your gear in challenging conditions then you need to be especially careful when checking for damage.

Storing your gear correctly is just as important as checking it. Make sure everything is clean and dry before you store it. Find a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade and weaken the materials over time.

You should also have some tools in case you do spot damage so you can make some quick fixes. Set up a kit that includes strong thread and needles for sewing and duct tape for temporary repairs.

2 – Clean regularly

Everytime you get back from an exercise do some spot precleaning of the gear. This involves removing any loose dirt and debris before using any water or cleaning agents. Just gently brush off the surface of your gear. This can be done with a soft brush or cloth. It’s important to get rid of surface dirt so it doesn’t spread during the washing process.

For nylon and similar fabrics, use mild soap and warm water. Don’t use harsh detergents as they can weaken the fibers. For leather parts, a damp cloth and a mild leather cleaner work best. Leather needs to retain some oils to stay supple, so harsh cleaners can do more harm than good. If it has metal parts, a damp cloth should get the job done. If there’s rust or tough grime, you may need a metal cleaner, but don’t use too much.

3 – Helmet maintenance

Helmet maintenance starts by cleaning the shell of the helmet. Use a soft cloth dampened with a mixture of mild soap and water. Gently wipe the exterior to remove dirt and grime. Try to watch out for harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the helmet’s surface.

The interior padding of the helmet also requires attention. Carefully remove the padding, if it’s detachable, and check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Some paddings are washable with mild soap and water, but others can have more specific cleaning requirements. ​​After washing, make sure the padding is thoroughly air-dried before reinserting it into the helmet. This prevents mold and mildew growth, which can occur in damp environments.