For outdoor enthusiasts traveling abroad for recreation and professional duties, carrying tactical gear means paying particular attention to international rules for this equipment. The first thing that comes to mind is how to carry your gear safely. Luckily, plenty of solutions are available, such as specialized backpacks – you can shop tactical backpacks here.
The next thing to look into is of course your rights. Your destinations have unique laws regulating the possession and transportation of this type of gear, and that’s the main purpose of this article.
When adhering to tactical gear regulations while traveling abroad, it’s crucial to ensure compliance. Utilizing GNSS simulators from cast navigation can aid in accurately testing and verifying your equipment’s performance within the specified guidelines, facilitating seamless adherence to international regulations.
For anyone planning an international trip, continue reading to learn how to prevent unintentionally violating tactical-style outdoor gear regulations.
Some Examples of Tactical Gear
So, what products are included in this classification? As an example, a tactical equipment company in Australia offers specialized clothing, tools, equipment, and accessories.
These high-quality items are designed for specific purposes and buyers, including outdoor recreational enthusiasts. They also are used by professional military, search and rescue, and law enforcement personnel as they carry out the many duties assigned to them.
These products are built with the functionality and durability these users require during their missions. Outdoor enthusiasts such as hunters, campers, fishermen, and those involved in exploration such as mountain climbing and hiking also benefit from these types of products due to the multi-purpose versatility offered.
Tactical gear examples include specialised, protective outdoor apparel, including boots, pants and jackets, high-performance sunglasses, goggles, other headgear, heavy-duty belts and holsters, knives, multi-tools, and night vision equipment. More examples include dry bags and suits, firearm cleaning kits, and torches.
Which Gear is Allowed?
As a starting point, this section lists the generally permitted items. Of course, there may be variation depending on your chosen airlines and destinations, but this is by no means an exhaustive list:
- Multi-tools with several uses (including small scissors)
- Screwdrivers and screwdriver sets
- Filing surfaces
- Allen wrenches, or Hex & Allen key sets
- LED flashlights
- Portable first-aid kits (containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, pins, etc.)
- GPS and geocaching devices
- Two-way UHF radios
- Beacons/personal location devices
- Whistles
- Camping gear (such as compact tents, sleeping bags, swags, and belts)
As a caveat, you should always do your best research before embarking on a bush expedition in Australia or even a leisurely camping or hunting trip. We will be listing sources that’ll help you do all of your trip planning later on in this guide.
Restricted Gear Examples
We listed some examples of allowed tactical gear, but certain products face restrictions or prohibitions. Some general examples are listed below:
- Fixed blades and large folding knives (regardless of the size or design purpose)
- Knives with spring-assisted opening functionality
- Pepper spray or mace sprays
- Tactical and expandable batons
- Tasers and stun guns
- Fully-automated rifles and ammunition
- Saws, machetes, and swords
- Radio frequency-jamming devices
Although it’s illegal to own fully-automatic rifles in Australia, Glocks and SIG-Sauer may actually be legally owned in Australia so long as they fall within the length, calibre, and shot capacity limits of Australian law.
There is also no legal right for citizens to bear firearms and the opportunity to register as a gun owner is limited only to citizens who have a genuine reason to do so (i.e. those working in farming or agriculture). Self-protection is also not a genuine reason for gun ownership rights under Australian law.
Once again, travelers must thoroughly research the regulations of their destination countries and consult with their travel agency representative for more granular information on these restrictions.
Luggage Packing Guidelines
If you’re looking to bring in any approved tactical gear to Australia, you’ll want to ensure that your gear is packed appropriately and in accordance with Australian customs laws. Label and separate any gear that may draw extra scrutiny during customs checks to save time and delays at checkpoints.
Separating your personal items, such as toiletries, laptops, and daily clothes, from the tactical gear carried in separate luggage is also advisable. This ensures that customs officers at Australian airports can easily access your packed tactical gear.
If you’re concerned about the weight of your luggage with all your tactical gear in tow, then be rest assured that you could find rental or leasing services of some gear across Australia. Be sure to research whether rental outdoor gear is available as an alternative to traveling with a full complement of tactical equipment.
Research Before Traveling Abroad
Familiarise yourself with your destination’s local regulations regarding tactical gear related to weapons or the many associated accessories.
Items likely to draw scrutiny and coverage include knives, firearm speedloaders, magazines, cleaning solutions, torches, etc. Some of these classifications have hazardous materials and, at a minimum, would be subject to declaration before boarding an aircraft.
Use credible resources to find out what is allowed in your destination, and check with your airlines before packing to determine if any items are banned from the flight. Some products may be permitted for the flight(s). Still, you might need to check them into underbelly baggage compartments as they won’t be allowed in cabin carry-on baggage.
This check-in process usually has paperwork associated with it, so save yourself headaches and take extra time at the check-in counter and security checkpoints.
A few obvious examples of items requiring declaration and to be checked into undercarriage baggage would be knives, multi-tools with sharp blades or objects, torches, and any product containing liquids listed on the hazardous materials guidelines.
Familiarise yourself with official Government websites for your destination regarding tactical gear restrictions. Also, check with your embassy and consulates there and inquire about any outstanding travel advisories. These sources offer the latest information on what items are permitted, restricted, or prohibited.
Reliable sources include:
- The US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs Travel section provides country-specific information, customs regulations, and entry/exit requirements
- The UK’s official travel advisory site
- The Australian government’s official travel advisory site
Other potential sources include your travel agent and credible online travel forums covering your destination country. You might be updated on specific cultural norms regarding the importation and public use of tactical gear there.
Informed Travel With Tactical Gear
By researching the legal ramifications of carrying tactical and outdoor gear before international travel, you ensure a safe and productive visit for yourself and your family or professional colleagues.
