Gear

The Best Military-Style & Tactical Baby Gear For Dads

Muted colors. Military-styling. Rugged construction. All there to help dads feel more comfortable.

by Dave Baldwin

Updated: Feb. 15, 2022

Originally Published: Sep. 5, 2017

There’s an episode of ABC’s Blackish where Lawrence Fishburne mocks his son Dre for wearing a baby carrier. Fishburne’s character is an old-school dad and the idea of a young father effeminately strapping an infant to his chest was not only ridiculous to him but one worthy of repeated derision. Debit that dude’s “man card” was, essentially, the insinuation. And it was a stark reminder that, even in an era of crazy engaged fathers, not all dads are comfortable doing dad things. If more than one-third of British dudes admitted to being embarrassed just pushing a stroller (lordy), as they did in a 2013 survey, how many can handle toting a diaper bag or rocking a Baby Bjorn?

We get it to a degree ⏤ obviously, no one wants to carry a floral-print diaper satchel to the park every day ⏤ but at some point, you have to be confident enough to not give a shit. You have a job to do, and your 6-month-old doesn’t care whether you’re wildly self-conscious about carrying a tote bag.

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But if you are, we’re clearly not above poking a little fun at you (come on, it’s a joke!). Also, we’re here to help. There’s been a boom in dad-designed parenting gear over the past few years, as companies unveil more products specifically with guys in mind. Muted colors, military-styling, rugged construction: all is now prevalent and available to make dads feel more comfortable. As is baby gear camouflaged as everyday gear and/or in actual camouflage prints. After sorting through it all, we rounded up the best tactical baby gear, military-style baby carriers, diaper bags, and parenting products on the market today.

Tactical Fanny Pack by Tactical Baby Gear

Like Marine Corps Force Recon, you're the type who's light on his feet. This Fanny Pack by TBG includes four pockets, YKK zippers, and water-repellent 600D nylon. Grab your kid and soldier on.

$35

Tactical Diaper Pack by Tactical Dad

Hewing close to the military aesthetic, the Tactical Dad bag provides ample Velcro space on which you can adhere your favorite patches (and it includes a bunch to get you started). It holds just over 20 liters in its 600D nylon body, and it also includes a sternum strap for comfort carrying especially heavy loads. As you'd expect, a changing pad and two insulated bottle pockets are included.

$130

S.01 Action Accessory Kit by Mission Critical

Don't get us wrong, we love Mission Critical's tactical diaper bags. But it makes the best tactical accessories available. This add-on kit is a must for any bag buy, including three pouches of various sizes and a bottle holder, which affix to MOLLE attachment points or Velcro patches. It further organizes your bag and expands its capabilities.

$64

Dad Diaper Kit Messenger Bag by Active Doodie

This go-bag-style kit includes messenger bag, insulated bottle holder, wipes pouch, shoulder strap, and changing pad for a different style of carry than the typical backpack. While it's distinct, it still follows that military style and functionality.

$70

This article was originally published on Sep. 5, 2017