MARCH 28, 2025 – The United States Navy, more commonly known as Navy SEALs, represents the the cream of the crop. The Navy SEALs serve as the military’s premier special operations force, among the most respected in the world.
The Navy SEAL team is associated with the success of any mission, particularly the top-level targets traditionally targeted by the SEALs. As a result, Navy SEAL equipment is extraordinarily durable and flexible to meet the rigorous demands of the special operations role. Navy SEALs engage enemy targets in their domain, necessitating the need for adaptable gear and equipment for a variety of terrains.
SEALs encounter everything from marine and jungle environments to arctic and mountainous environments. Accordingly, this list only begins to describe the essential Navy SEAL equipment required to conduct successful special operations.
Let’s get the hang of the Navy SEAL gear used during the deployment:
Tactical Pants
Navy SEALs may seem unidentifiable, but their essential gear starts like ordinary Americans – with pants. However, Navy SEAL gear is improved or upgraded in many ways, including tactical pants.
Military tactical pants are usually made of something comfortable yet durable, such as polyester and cotton blends. Plus, the adjustable waistband fits all sizes along with secure Button Fly technology. Tactical pants typically feature a variety of pockets for personal gear.
Helmet
Navy SEALs are always thinking ahead of time, which makes protecting the skull of utmost importance. Therefore, a military-grade high cut helmet from Own The Night is one of the first items you make sure to pack. The tactical helmet usually boasts a platform for mounting night vision goggles (NVG) or similar equipment. The top and bottom rails allow the operator to connect lights, cameras, or communications depending on the situation.
While these tactical helmets are lifesavers, they don’t add much weight, which is refreshing during a hot day in the elements.
Chest Rig / Tactical Vest
After the pants are put on, it’s all about protecting the rest of the op’s body. For this reason, the tactical vest or chest rig depends on the mission.
Warmer climates like the jungle require something open and less limited, like a harness. The best Navy SEAL tactical gear and chest rigs are extremely customizable to the needs of the operation.
It’s common for SEALs to include a hydration system in their vest for longer tours. Additionally, many operators attach carabiners to the top for easy attachment of additional gear. Navy SEALs traditionally spray-paint carabiners black to prevent sunlight from sending a signal to the enemy.
Military Watch
Watches may seem like an afterthought, but when SEALs work, they must be precise, like clockwork. As a result, Navy SEALs carry a watch with essential equipment to ensure they arrive on time.
Navy SEALs often cover a watch with duct tape to eliminate glare during an operation.
Gloves
Gloves, like any other accessories mentioned above, are incredibly important in the wild. Therefore, Navy SEALs have several options when it comes to protective hand protection.
Gloves are essential to keep your hands clean and free of cuts or blisters. They are extremely efficient at keeping extremities warm in colder climates.
Boots
Boots are synonymous with the military, and for good reason. There is, perhaps, nothing more important in the entire wardrobe. If an Operator has unreliable footwear, he will suffer in the field. Boots that don’t fit properly are not only a huge pain, but they also cause blisters.
Vietnam War veterans can attest to the importance of having reliable boots and dry socks. As a result, Navy SEALs can change their footwear depending on the terrain.
Military-grade high boots protect your feet and ankles for long-distance travel. Non-slip boots are necessary when traveling on surfaces like the deck of a Navy ship.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren’t just a stylish accessory for special operations officers like the Navy SEALs – they also serve a practical purpose. They keep their eyes protected from the elements, especially the relentless sun. Military-grade sunglasses can fit whether you’re on a boat or preparing for an underwater dive.
Sunglasses are also important on the shooting range and on the battlefield. Navy SEALs can transition to protective eyewear in environments like the desert, where sand and gravel can easily penetrate the eyes.
Knife
Special operations won’t get far without a reliable knife. Therefore, Navy SEALs and other special forces rely on a large number of knives depending on the situation. It is crucial that the op carries a wide variety of knives depending on the mission.
It must be sharp enough to cut through obstacles such as a rope. It should be designed to perform underwater for scuba divers.
Backpack
Navy SEAL gear is extensive when consider all the bare accessories. Navy SEALs never go far without a solid and reliable backpack. SEALs demand a durable backpack that’s also comfortable but not too heavy.
Knee Pads
Navy SEALs understand that accessories like knee pads are lifesavers for almost any operation. The knee pads must be lightweight and water-resistant for a variety of climates.
The foam padding provides comfortable shock resistance, and contoured interior ridges prevent the pads from slipping while you walk. Military knee pads are made of 600D nylon shell.
Hydration Bladder
Hydration techniques have improved greatly from previous decades when most carried a plastic canteen. Today, special operations have access to high-tech water bladder reservoir systems. These hydration bladders allow the Operator to carry more water in a much more efficient manner.
Tactical water bladder reservoir systems are a top improvement over basic canteens. While they can degrade over time and prone to leaking, hydration bladders are most effective for long trips.
First Aid Kit
First aid is typically part of a SERE kit. Every Navy SEAL includes a SERE kit, which stands for “Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape.”
As its name implies, this kit contains a variety of accessories needed for emergency situations. The SERE kit typically contains items such as a water filter, a map, fire-starting materials, and a signal mirror.
Most operators choose to store their first aid kit alongside their SERE gear. First aid kits are literal lifesavers in the field. The aid kit should include a carrying bag that mounts to your gear and is easily accessible.
Navy SEALs face some of the most dangerous situations of any special operations unit. Consequently, it’s never out of the question that SEALs can face challenging and life-threatening occasions. As a result, a military first aid kit will save your life even if you never appy for the special forces.
Red Dot Sight
The flexible red dot sight is one of the many optics that SEALs may carry on a particular mission. Navy SEALs have access to the latest optics and technologies associated with advanced warfare. The sight is accurate and features an extremely sharp red dot thanks to state-of-the-art lens coatings.
Headlamp
The Navy SEALs’ top-secret tactical procedures often require operators to operate in the dark. The battery is reliable in cold climates not to mention being extremely lightweight.
Lighting is provided by LED technology that emits a soft, powerful white light. Multiple lighting modes allow operators to quickly change in the field along with changing natural conditions.
Flashlight
The flashlights are compatible with other Navy SEAL gear, such as headlamps for traveling in the dark.
Again, it is not uncommon for SEALs to move once the sun sets to minimize the chances of being spotted behind enemy lines. Navy SEALs tend to customize standard military flashlights with other features, such as a red lens. Why? The red lens makes it easier to analyze a map in the dark light compared to white light, which is much easier to detect from long distances.