Starting a tactical gear online business can be a smart and profitable venture especially if you target the right niche. Here’s why it’s worth considering and what products tend to sell best:
Why Start a Tactical Gear Online Business?
Growing Market Demand
Tactical gear is used not only by military and law enforcement but also by civilians for outdoor activities, survival, self-defense, and even fashion.
The rise in outdoor recreation (hiking, camping, airsoft, hunting) and personal preparedness (preppers, survivalists) boosts demand.
Niche Yet Diverse Audience
Serves multiple customer segments: veterans, first responders, hunters, airsoft/paintball players, preppers, and tactical fashion enthusiasts.
Loyal customers who value quality and often return for repeat purchases.
High-Profit Margins
Many tactical products are high-ticket items with room for solid markup, especially branded or specialized gear.
E-commerce Friendly
Most tactical products are durable and easy to ship.
E-commerce allows you to bypass the need for a physical store and scale more easily.
Passion-Driven Opportunities
If you have a personal interest in tactical gear, survivalism, or the outdoors, it’s easier to connect with your audience and create compelling content or marketing.
Top-Selling Tactical Gear Products Online
These products tend to sell well due to their functionality, trend appeal, and broad use cases:
Tactical Backpacks & Bags
MOLLE-compatible systems
EDC (Everyday Carry) bags
Bug-out bags
Tactical Clothing
Cargo pants, jackets, combat shirts
Waterproof, abrasion-resistant materials
Camouflage gear
Gloves & Protective Gear
Tactical gloves, knee and elbow pads
Often used by shooters, airsoft players, and bikers
Flashlights & Illumination Tools
High-lumen tactical flashlights
Weapon-mounted lights
Headlamps
Knives & Multitools
Folding knives, fixed blades
Survival multitools (Gerber, Leatherman, etc.)
Holsters & Weapon Accessories
Holsters (IWB/OWB), slings
Optics, scopes, and rails
Hats, Patches & Accessories
Velcro morale patches (custom ones sell great)
Tactical hats, balaclavas, shemaghs
Body Armor & Plate Carriers
Bulletproof vests (where legal)
Survival Gear
Firestarters, paracord, water filtration, MREs
Emergency kits and tools
Airsoft & Paintball Tactical Gear
Face masks, vests, accessories
Appeals to hobbyists and younger audiences
Tips for Success
Niche down: For example, focus only on EDC gear or survival gear for beginners.
Content marketing: YouTube reviews, gear comparisons, or tactical training videos can build trust and traffic.
Private label or dropship: Start lean by dropshipping from tactical suppliers or private labeling popular SKUs.