Best Tactical Gloves for Shooting, Flying, Screen Ops and More

Your hands are one of your most valuable assets, and it makes sense to protect them when you’re shooting, piloting an aircraft, running a mission outside the wire or responding to emergencies.

Get the right level of protection by wearing the best tactical gloves you can get your hands in.

What Are Tactical Gloves?

Tactical gloves are specifically designed to protect your hands without sacrificing dexterity. Wearing gloves protect your hands from temperature extremes – anyone who’s touched a hot MRAP door downrange or been near a SAW barrel can confirm – and they help prevent scrapes and cuts that can get infected in the field.

Here’s a list of features to look for in any pair of tactical gloves:

• Good grip
• Comfort
• Impact resistance
• Breathability

Tactical Gloves for Shooting

Dexterity counts when you’re shooting, especially if you’re making adjustments to your firearm. For many people, fingerless gloves are the way to go if you plan on firing a gun. Whether you opt for full or fingerless gloves, these are the features to look for when choosing gloves you can shoot in:

• Thin construction
• Touch-screen-enabled fingers
• Quick dry technology

5.11 Tip: If you’re shooting in a competition, check the rules – the type of gloves you can wear might be regulated.

Tactical Gloves in the Military

An 88M needs different gloves than an 11B needs, and in the military, you have to stay compliant with your branch’s regulations. A common theme, though, is to provide hand protection that enables you to combine working and shooting. Here’s what to look for in military tactical gloves:

• High dexterity
• Quick dry technology
• Knuckle protection
• Hook-and-loop closure
• Seamless palms

Tactical Gloves for LEOs, Including K9 Handlers

Like military personnel, law enforcement officers need rugged, durable and dependable gloves. Unlike military personnel, LEOs are more likely to have to write up reports and use touch-screens. Fingerless gloves are one solution, but several types of gloves – like our TACLITE® 2 Gloves – feature TacticalTouch™ fingers to keep your whole hand warm and protected without limiting dexterity. Look for features like these in law enforcement gloves:

• Lightweight construction
• Breathoprene® fabric
• Seamless palms
• Integrated sweat wipes

Tactical Gloves for Pilots

The toggle switch struggle is real for pilots, and dexterity is incredibly important from the cockpit of a Chinook, a search-and-rescue helicopter or a fixed-wing aircraft. Single-piece construction is typically important in pilots’ tactical gloves. Here’s a quick list of features pilots need in tactical gloves.

Finding the right pair of tactical gloves takes a little bit of research, but it’s completely worth the effort. You’ll be able to operate the way you’re supposed to – safely and effectively.

Finding the right pair of tactical gloves takes a little bit of research, but it’s completely worth the effort. You’ll be able to operate the way you’re supposed to – safely and effectively.