Best Tactical Wallet [Complete Guide 2023]
When you think of tactical gear, the wallet is not the first thing that comes to mind. Traditional wallets can be bulky and uncomfortable to carry, especially for those who lead an active lifestyle. That’s where tactical wallets have the advantage. Tactical wallets are designed to be durable and lightweight, making them perfect for those who live a tactical life. With so many options, this guide is to help you find the best tactical wallet in 2023.
What to look for when choosing a tactical wallet.
Durability
Durability is important for just about any product. I think that is a requirement for really any tactical product. However, when it comes to wallets, it is important because it goes with you everywhere. If you live an active lifestyle that means that it needs to be able to withstand exposure to the elements such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Lightweight
I have found that the main advantages of a lightweight tactical wallet is that it is much easier to carry in any pocket. They are designed to be slim and compact, fitting easily into your front pocket, back pocket, work-out shorts, or backpack without weighing you down.
Another advantage of some lightweight tactical wallets is that they can be customizable. This means that some models have a range of features that can be added or removed depending on your needs.
Some tactical wallets come with built-in tools such as bottle openers, screwdrivers, and even knives, making them a great option for people who struggle to carry these tools normally.
What is the best tactical wallet?
Here are my top picks for the best tactical wallet.
- Ridge Wallet (Editors Choice)
- Dango T01 Tactical EDC (Best Overall)
- Trayvax Armored Summit (Best Budget)
- Gerber GDC (Best Built-In Knife)
- Groove Wallet (Best Alternative)
- Pelican MagSafe Wallet (Best Waterproof)
- Hitch & Timber Runt 2.0 (Best Wallet & Tool Combo)
Ridge Wallet (Editors Choice)
Specs
Card Limit : 1-12
RFID Blocking : Yes
Material : 6061-T6 Aerospace-Grade Aluminum
Warranty : Lifetime
Weight : 2 oz
Cash : Money Clip or Cash Strap
My Take
I have had a couple “minimalistic” wallets, but the Ridge wallet is my current go-to. I have had everything from “minimalistic” leather wallets to thread wallets, but my biggest complaint was always that they always break.
The Ridge wallet is incredibly durable and holds more cards than any other option on this list.
This wallet is minimalistic. it does not include any extra tools; however, I carry a knife everyday anyways, so I don’t need a wallet/knife combo.
Dango T01 Tactical EDC (Best Overall)
Specs
Card Limit : 1-12 (less with multi-tool)
RFID Blocking : Yes
Material : 6061-T6 Aerospace-Grade Aluminum
Warranty : Lifetime
Weight : 3.5 oz
Cash : Cash Strap
My Take
This wallet has taken the internet by storm. Everywhere I look there are positive reviews about this wallet. I have not personally used this wallet, but my best friend has this wallet and loves it.
The biggest concern is always TSA if you are someone that travels. The multitool in the middle of the wallet is great, but it is not TSA approved.
My biggest concern to a wallet like this is that the multitool has the ability to unintentionally snag and cut material. I like the smooth wallet look so I don’t have to worry about any unintentional damage.
Trayvax Armored Summit (Best Budget)
Specs
Card Limit : 1-7
RFID Blocking : Yes
Material : Heat-Resistant Steel Plate
Warranty : 65 Year
Weight : 2.4 oz
Cash : Cash Strap
My Take
I am a big fan of the design of this product. It also comes at a significantly lower price than a lot of other options on the list.
The material is ultra-durable. The only downside of the product is that the cash strap is not any different than the strap that holds the wallet together. So it does not separate cards and cash. Not a huge downside, but I prefer a separate strap or clip.
Gerber GDC (Best Built-In Knife)
Specs
Card Limit : 1-3
RFID Blocking : No
Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : Lifetime
Weight : 2.9 oz
Cash : Money Clip
My Take
An EDC knife is probably the most important and useful tool that you can carry. For many years I didn’t carry a knife with me everywhere. I just found it annoying to have in my pocket, and I could never find one that I really liked. Now I don’t go anywhere without my knife.
However, if you are someone who struggles to carry a knife, this can be a great compromise.
It is a compromise as a wallet and as a knife. Meaning, the knife is not the greatest, it is better than nothing, but it is small and not easily accessible. The wallet is functional, but small. You can only hold 3 cards and little bit of cash. This would not work for me, I have a minimum of 5 cards almost everywhere I go.
Groove Wallet (Best Alternative)
Specs
Card Limit : 1-5
RFID Blocking : Yes
Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 94 Year
Weight : 2.7 oz
Cash : Money Clip
My Take
I have been a big fan of Groove products, but mostly because it the founder is a proud Alaskan. I also really like their belts for concealed carry.
The wallet design is most similar to the Ridge wallet, which is my favorite design. However, there is one big upside and one big downside to this wallet.
The upside is the quick access. The cards jump out of the wallet with a quick motion, giving you easy card access. But the downside is that there is a 5 card limit. I struggle to stay under 5 cards. I can do it, but I don’t like the idea of limitations.
Pelican MagSafe Wallet (Best Waterproof)
Specs
Card Limit : 1-4
RFID Blocking : No
Material : Heavy-Duty Hard Shell Impact Polymer
Warranty : 94 Year
Weight : 1.6 oz
Cash : Cash Strap
My Take
Pelican makes great products. I have been a big fan of them since my early photography days, and into just about every aspect of cases and protection.
I am not a huge fan of the magnet wallets on the back of phone cases. But I know a lot of my friends are big fans.
Most wallets, especially “minimal” wallets do not have enough materials to create a waterproof case. However, Pelican is able to keep a minimalistic feel while still providing the extra feature of a tight seal.
Hitch & Timber Runt 2.0 (Best Wallet & Tool Combo)
Specs
Card Limit : 3-5
RFID Blocking : No
Material : American Tanned Leather
Warranty : NA
Weight : 4 oz
Cash : Pouch
My Take
I had to throw this wallet in the mix because it just screams manliness.
In addition to looking the coolest, this wallet also has spots for a knife, pencil, and flashlight. If you are someone who struggles to carry all of these things, but you would like to, this can be a good option for you.
It is also a good organizational option for a backpack or kit. Just like all tactical gear, not everything is one-size-fits all. Meaning, you may need different options for different situations. The Hitch & Timber model could fit that need.
What is the best tactical wallet?
The first step in determining the best tactical wallet is deciding how many cards you need to carry and if there are any additional tools you would like to include in your wallet.
When it comes to a tactical wallet, my go-to is simplicity and security. The Ridge Wallet provides all this for me, but it is not the only option on the market. As with all tactical gear, it comes down to personal preference, everyone has different needs, so find a wallet that fits your need the best way possible.
