If you’re looking for a starter tactical vest for airsoft, the crossdraw is a comfortable option to get you up and running. A crossdraw vest is not an end-all, be-all advanced platform. But it will accomplish everything you need and more for the player that is looking to get started with something inexpensive and versatile!

Many new players often ask us about the importance of load-bearing gear. Even if you’re just starting out, you’ll quickly realize you need a good tactical carrier for spares and accessories. A fantastic option when you're just getting into the game is the crossdraw tactical vest. Although it might not carry everything you might eventually need, the basic Crossdraw generally has pouch real estate for most items you'll need as a beginner.

Everyone's preferences vary quite a bit when it comes to carrying airsoft gear. But as a general rule of thumb, you'll want to carry enough magazines to get you through a game and back to the staging area, a sidearm in the event your gun goes down or for clearing tighter spaces and enough magazines to keep said sidearm running. Most folks will also attach some kind of dump pouch to their vest, plate carrier or belt kit. This allows them to quickly and easily store expended magazines rather than fiddling with getting them back into the pouch when you need to get your gun up fast. It's always advisable to have a spare space for other miscellaneous items you might want to bring with you too, such as pens, a notepad, a walkie-talkie or a small first aid kit.

If you couldn't tell where this was going by now, a crossdraw tactical vest handles all of these duties with ease! A typical one-size vest has three or four integrated magazine pouches for larger rifle magazines plus several pistol magazine pouches on the left pectoral. They also have a pistol holster that attaches using Velcro or buckles plus utility and/or radio pouches. While not as modular as a pure MOLLE platform, these vests are a great way to get out and play with minimal thought given to your setup and a minimal hit on your wallet. Watch the Best Airsoft Starter Gear tutorial video above for more about these vests.

Looking for the best way to get into airsoft? Search no further! Our New Player bundles feature a Lancer Tactical Gen 2 M4, a few mags, the crossdraw style vest we've outlined above, Elite Force BBs and a paintball-style mask for face protection. Check it out!