The Grid
Zero Hype. Just what works.
Buying for someone else?
Don't overthink it. Every item here is community-vetted and real-world tested. Pick any top pick and you can't miss.
Duty Grade
Pro Tier ($$$)
The Sweet Spot
Best Value ($$)
Backup / Cheap
Solid Basics ($)
Knives
Adamas 275
Benchmade
"CPM-CruWear steel, thick stock, overbuilt Axis lock. Multiple reviews call it one of the toughest production folders made."
Elementum
Civivi
"Changed the game for budget knives. D2 steel, ball bearings, smooth."
RAT 1 (D2)
Ontario Knife Company
"Near-universal best budget knife consensus. D2 steel, tough, proven over years of hard use."
Flashlights
PLHv2 18650 Handheld
Modlite
"Performance leader. Fully potted electronics, modular, proven on carbines worldwide."
ProTac 1L-1AA
Streamlight
"Duty-proven dual-fuel flexibility. Runs on AA or CR123. The tactical community's go-to EDC light."
MicroStream USB
Streamlight
"Disappears in a pocket. Rechargeable. Good enough for 90% of tasks."
IFAKs/Med Kits
Trauma Kit NOW!
Blue Force Gear
"Slim, proven, often recommended by med-focused instructors."
Operator IFAK
TacMed Solutions
"Includes SOF-T tourniquet, OLAES bandage, NPA, shears. Explicitly issued to mil/LE. Duty gold standard at value price."
Individual Patrol Kit
North American Rescue
"The absolute minimum: TQ, Dressing, Gloves. Authentic NAR components."
Multitools
ARC
Leatherman
"Ranked Best Overall Multi-Tool in 2025 testing. MagnaCut blade, FREE one-handed access, 25-year warranty."
Rebar
Leatherman
"Classic, compact, extremely durable. All tools lock, replaceable wire cutters. Better for hard use than Wingman."
Wingman
Leatherman
"Spring-action pliers at a budget price. Great starter multitool."
Backpacks
3 Day Assault Pack BVS
Mystery Ranch
"The gold standard for military assault packs. 3-zip design, Futura harness, BVS for body armor. What infantry carries."
RUSH24 2.0
5.11 Tactical
"The most popular tactical backpack globally. 37L, 1050D nylon, extensive organization. LE/mil workhorse."
Rush 12 2.0
5.11 Tactical
"The community standard. Tons of organization, CCW pocket, and the price-to-quality ratio that made it ubiquitous."
Knives
01Adamas 275
Benchmade
"CPM-CruWear steel, thick stock, overbuilt Axis lock. Multiple reviews call it one of the toughest production folders made."
Elementum
Civivi
"Changed the game for budget knives. D2 steel, ball bearings, smooth."
RAT 1 (D2)
Ontario Knife Company
"Near-universal best budget knife consensus. D2 steel, tough, proven over years of hard use."
Flashlights
02PLHv2 18650 Handheld
Modlite
"Performance leader. Fully potted electronics, modular, proven on carbines worldwide."
ProTac 1L-1AA
Streamlight
"Duty-proven dual-fuel flexibility. Runs on AA or CR123. The tactical community's go-to EDC light."
MicroStream USB
Streamlight
"Disappears in a pocket. Rechargeable. Good enough for 90% of tasks."
IFAKs/Med Kits
03Trauma Kit NOW!
Blue Force Gear
"Slim, proven, often recommended by med-focused instructors."
Operator IFAK
TacMed Solutions
"Includes SOF-T tourniquet, OLAES bandage, NPA, shears. Explicitly issued to mil/LE. Duty gold standard at value price."
Individual Patrol Kit
North American Rescue
"The absolute minimum: TQ, Dressing, Gloves. Authentic NAR components."
Multitools
04ARC
Leatherman
"Ranked Best Overall Multi-Tool in 2025 testing. MagnaCut blade, FREE one-handed access, 25-year warranty."
Rebar
Leatherman
"Classic, compact, extremely durable. All tools lock, replaceable wire cutters. Better for hard use than Wingman."
Wingman
Leatherman
"Spring-action pliers at a budget price. Great starter multitool."
Backpacks
053 Day Assault Pack BVS
Mystery Ranch
"The gold standard for military assault packs. 3-zip design, Futura harness, BVS for body armor. What infantry carries."
RUSH24 2.0
5.11 Tactical
"The most popular tactical backpack globally. 37L, 1050D nylon, extensive organization. LE/mil workhorse."
Rush 12 2.0
5.11 Tactical
"The community standard. Tons of organization, CCW pocket, and the price-to-quality ratio that made it ubiquitous."