I would think that tactical would have a strictly military connotation. Using it like that, I would assume that any "tactical" survival gear would be rugged, natural colored, and, most importantly, stand up to a good thrashing.
I feel too that it is WAY overused. I came across a "tactical whistle" once. Now, explain to me what is so tactical about a loud, shrieking object, used to let others know where you are?