One of the biggest misconceptions about tactical fitness events is that you need a mountain of expensive gear to participate. At DefCon TACFIT, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The goal is to train, compete, and push your limits—not to see who owns the most tactical equipment. If you have the basics and solid firearm safety habits, you’re ready to go.
Here’s the bare minimum gear you need to show up and have a great time.
1. A Pistol and a Rifle
At its core, TACFIT combines functional fitness with practical shooting. That means you’ll need a pistol and a rifle to run the course of fire. The specific models aren’t important—run what you’re comfortable with and what you train with regularly. Reliability and familiarity matter far more than brand names or upgrades.
2. Three Magazines for Each Weapon System
You’ll need at least three magazines for your pistol and three for your rifle. Many TACFIT stages include multiple separate firing sequences, and each sequence may require you to use several magazines for both weapon systems. Having at least three magazines per platform ensures you can run the stage as designed without unnecessary interruptions. It also helps keep the event running smoothly so you can stay focused on executing the workout and the shooting portion of the challenge.
3. Ammo
You’ll also need to bring your own ammunition. We work hard to keep TACFIT events affordable and accessible, so the round counts stay reasonable. You should plan for no more than 150 pistol rounds and 100 rifle rounds for an event. In many cases, the actual round count is even lower—often under 100 pistol rounds and 50 rifle rounds. The goal is to challenge your shooting under physical stress, not burn through expensive piles of ammo.
4. Eye and Ear Protection
This one is non-negotiable. Proper eye and ear protection is required anytime you’re on the range. Protecting your vision and hearing is part of responsible firearms use, and it’s mandatory for everyone participating.
5. Comfortable Closed-Toed Shoes
You’re going to be moving—running, lifting, stepping, and transitioning between different workout stations. A solid pair of comfortable closed-toed shoes is essential for both safety and performance. Trail runners, trainers, or cross-training shoes all work well.
6. Hydration and Nutrition
TACFIT events combine physical exertion with shooting under stress. That means you need to hydrate properly and fuel your body. Bring water, electrolytes, and whatever snacks or quick fuel you prefer between stages. Showing up dehydrated or under-fueled is one of the easiest ways to sabotage your performance.
7. Basic Gun Safety Skills
More important than any piece of equipment is your understanding of basic firearms safety. If you can safely handle, load, unload, and control your weapons while moving through a dynamic environment, you have the foundation needed to participate.
What You Don’t Need
A lot of people assume they need a full tactical setup—plate carriers, battle belts, retention holsters, rifle slings, and the latest gear seen on social media. While those items can absolutely make the workouts more challenging and add realism to training, they are not required.
If you don’t have a holster or sling, we’ve got you covered. At DefCon events, we provide safe weapon dump areas where you can securely stage your firearm while transitioning between fitness and shooting portions.
The bottom line is simple: don’t let gear stop you from showing up. TACFIT is about building capability, testing yourself, and having fun with a community that values training and improvement.
Bring the basics, bring a good attitude, and we’ll handle the rest. 💪