5.11 Tactical offers tactical clothes and gear that is not just about style, but about functionality and practicality. From rugged outdoor adventures to urban settings, our experts often seek gear that enhances their mobility, preparedness, and comfort while blending seamlessly into various environments. Whether it’s a durable backpack for carrying essentials on the go, versatile clothing that offers both protection and flexibility, or tactical tools that aid in fieldwork, these selections reflect a writer’s keen eye for detail and readiness for any journey or challenge. Here are our experts’ must-have items from 5.11 Tactical.
A/T6 Boots — Fred Mastison
5.11 has been the gold standard for tactical wear since it opened its doors. Their offerings are extensive, yet everyone has their favorite piece of gear. While it’s a difficult task to choose just one, I too have a favorite. The 5.11 A/T6 boots have been my go-to work boots since I received them. Honestly, they see as much time in casual wear as they do at work. To say that I am tough on footwear is an understatement but the A/T6 boots have not even begun to see any noticeable wear.
These boots utilize the 5.11 A.T.L.A.S technology support plate that ensures a cushioned feel and exceptional energy return. The most noticeable part of the boot is the echo foam impact cushion. This makes long days on the range much more comfortable. I am a fanatic about high-performance foot wear, and 5.11 delivers with the A/T6 boots.
A/T MID WATERPROOF BOOTS — Todd Burgreen
While firearm, ammunition, rifle scope gets centerstage of many hunting articles, other items serve as important support functions. The many miles covered on foot in Texas would not have been as comfortable without the 5.11 Tactical A/T Mid Waterproof Boot. Think running shoes crossed with hiking boots. The A/T Mid’s light weight is a pleasant surprise, especially considering the rugged nature of the footwear. 5.11 Tactical combines 3D molded TPR toe and heel protection, a welded/mesh upper, and high performance, high traction outsole. The All-Terrain Load Assistance System (A.T.L.A.S.) built to handle your bodyweight with or without a pack also weighing you down.
BRAXTON JACKET — Joshua Swanagon
5.11 Tactical sits at the top of my list of outerwear brands, making it hard to come up with a favorite item. However, living in Michigan, you never know what kind of weather you are going to encounter. So, I always have my Braxton Jacket with me. Its 92% polyester/8% elastane body is warm and offers light rain protection. The lightweight jacket is feature-rich with plenty of pockets—my favorite being the two ReadyPocket compartments and RAPIDraw CCW access. Overall, it offers a nice blend of rugged functionality and good looks that fit into any social setting.
DEFENDER FLEX 2.0 — Sean Utley
5.11 Tactical is without a doubt one of the best clothing and accessories companies going right now. Narrow that down to the 2A community and they are indeed number one. Nearly everyday my entire wardrobe consists of 5.11 gear from my shirt and pants to my socks and shoes. While I love almost everything they put out, the new Defender Flex 2.0 pant is literally on point with amazing fit and comfort. They are tough, functional and I love the rear pockets for my mobile phone. They come in great colors too, just like their other lines of pants and range pants. I’m a 5.11 junkie, and I never saw it coming.
JACKSON LONG SLEEVE SHIRT — Frank Jardim
I travel a great deal, and the two most important requirements I have for the clothing I pack in my suitcase is that it be comfortable and practical. The 5.11 Jackson Long Sleeve shirt works for me in the field and in the city. I’ve worn mine all over Europe, Mexico and Peru. It’s great for hot climates when worn alone, and cold climates when layered.
The fabric is 98% cotton with 2% elastane that allows a surprising amount of stretch which makes it easier to move. With a necktie and jacket, I can get a table for dinner at Casa Botin in Madrid. My favorite thing about this shirt is the Ready Pocket inside the left breast with a Velcro closure running vertically along the shirt placket. This is where I carry my passport and wallet when I’m overseas to protect them from accidental loss in the field or the quick fingers of pickpockets.
KUBATON PEN — Michael D’Angona
One item from 5.11 Tactical that travels with me daily is their kubaton pen. This amalgamation of both a workable pen and a practical self-defense weapon is perfect to take just about everywhere. It can come in handy if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Personally, I hold a second degree black belt in Japanese Ju-Jitsu and have studied pressure points using traditional wooden kubatons in the past. Having one made from modern,durable materials on me at all times is extremely beneficial. The unit itself is built tough, with an aluminum outer body and two striking surfaces. It can conveniently clip to your shirt pocket like a normal pen and function like a normal pen when it’s time to jot down some notes. The kubotan pen offers a handy self-defense option discreetly disguised and will always be ready for action!
LV18 BACKPACK 2.0 30L — Kenzie Fitzpatrick
I can’t live without 5.11 backpacks or sling and waist packs. My favorite piece of gear is the LV18 Backpack 2.0 30L. I have used this bag for backpacking in the Smoky Mountains, as my range bag for shooting competitions, and as my go-to carry-on bag for flying. There is a dedicated laptop sleeve with a velcro strap to keep it in place. 5.11 includes a hidden velcro-compatible ambidextrous compartment where I always store a firearm when hiking. There is an expandable water bottle holder, multiple places to attach carabiners or gear to the outside of the bag, and, internally, smaller compartments for safely storing essential items. Best backpack ever made!
LVC8 SLING PACK 8L — Robert Jordan
I have long preferred the lower profile of a sling bag to a backpack. For years I carried the 5.11 COVRT Z.A.P. both on and off duty with a Glock 27, spare mag, badge, creds, cell phone, notebook, tourniquet and whatever I might need that day. These days the LVC8 Sling Pack is my first choice for everything from a plane carry-on (it holds my 11.6” travel laptop and headphones) to every day when I’m wearing shorts and flipflops and can’t conceal a gun on my hip. It is packed with pockets and organizational features. They thought of everything even down to being able to tuck away the 5.11 logo to make it extra low profile.
PT-R DAILY GRIND SACK — Reuben Bolieu
The 5.11 PT-R Daily Grind Sack Pack 17L is the kind of gear that seamlessly fits into the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s the perfect companion for daily commutes on crowded trains, where its slim profile and ‘high-speed low drag’ design mean you’re not that person struggling to squeeze a bulky bag into a tight spot. The main compartment is a black hole for your essentials, quickly swallowing up shoes, shirts, and the day’s necessities.
The external stretch pockets are a godsend for water bottles or that extra pair of headphones, and the webbing closure that doubles as shoulder straps? Genius. It’s all about efficiency and adjustability. Plus, the laser-cut loop laminate MOLLE-compatible panel adds that touch of tactical chic, whether at the gym or grabbing coffee in the concrete jungle. It’s durable, versatile, and has that 5.11 attitude that says you’re ready for whatever the day delivers. I dare you to catch me without it!
PT-R INURE RUNNER (MEN’S) — Frank Melloni
The self-defense community is great at stressing the importance of weapons training, but when it comes to tempering our bodies to the same standards, we sadly fall short. Five-Eleven’s PT-R Inure Runners are the quintessential cross-training shoe built for high-endurance exercise routines. The INSITE footbed ensures your feet are properly supported, while the mesh upper provides the necessary ventilation to stave off blister-causing sweat. These are offered in two stylish patterns because, let’s face it, a good pair of gym shoes always finds use outside of the gym.
PT-R INURE RUNNER (WOMEN’S) — Madison Heim
When in a tactical situation one of the most important parts of your wardrobe is your footwear. The right pair of shoes will keep your feet protected, provide comfort, and be designed with durability in mind. When I go to the range, the footwear I choose to wear are the PT-R Inure Runner by 5.11 Tactical. These shoes are stylish, breathable, lightweight, and more importantly can be worn for long periods of time. Based on their comfortability and affordability alone, I cannot recommend these shoes enough.
PT-R KAIA CAPRI LEGGINGS — Tiffanie Kluchnik
Working out as often as I do, I am always looking for a reliable pair of capri pants to wear. Pants that can withstand the squats, the running, and yes, even the sitting when it’s time to take that much-needed water break. The fabric is made up of 69% nylon/ 31% elastane jersey, 6.6 ounces., wicking and anti-odor finish makes for a very breathable material whether you are in the gym or in the 115-degree weather I experience here in sunny Arizona. One of the best features is the Side seam drop pockets that fit my phone perfectly, so trying to find another apparatus just to carry my phone is something I don’t have to think about before running. These are great to just throw on to go to the store or to the gym for my hardest workout. The PT-R Kaia Capri are definitely a must-have for me.
RANGE MASTER BUCKET BAGS — Garrett Lucas
A few years ago, I acquired several of 5.11’s Rangemaster Bucket Bags. The main bags are made of 1050D Nylon and have an inner bag made of 500D Nylon, and they have a 4-liter capacity. They’ve made transporting ammo to and from the range more convenient and a little easier with the dual carry handles on top. So, when I get ammo sent to me, I can prep the bags with ammo in the comfort of my home and move them to the vehicle. Once I get to the range, it’s quick work to get the bags on the line with no time wasted standing around in the elements busting open boxes and dealing with trash.
The Bucket Bags make it easy to keep ammo types sorted and easy to move from one point to another when I’ve got other folks helping out with reviews. I can put over 1100 rounds of 9mm in a bag and still be a couple of inches from the top. The bags are robust but lightweight so I don’t have the extra bulk and weight of an ammo can, and the open tops provide easy access to the ammunition. After having used them for going on three years, I couldn’t go back to the old way ever again.
RAPID OPS SHIRT — Mike Detty
When the cold winter winds start to blow the first piece of gear I reach for is my 5.11 Rapid Ops Shirt. Besides keeping me warm, the shirt provides comfortable 4-way stretch along with moisture-wicking, quick-drying performance while keeping me looking sharp! Constructed with a special blend of Polyester and Elastane, the shirt’s low-profile makes it the perfect base layer for winter wear by trapping precious body heat. Its wrinkle-free material does not require ironing and possesses an anti-order finish designed to keep you fresh.
5.11 outfits the Rapid Ops Shirt with dual sleeve pockets, conveniently located at the biceps, for convenient storage of small items. For durability the elbows are reinforced, and the cuffs are easily adjusted with hook and loop fasteners. The pullover shirt has an easy-to-use ¼ zip center front and a tunic style collar. Warm, comfortable and maintenance-free, the 5.11 Rapid Ops Shirt should be a staple of everyone’s cold weather wardrobe! Available in Black, TDU Green and Dark Navy Blue.
RIDGE PANT & A/T MID BOOT — Alex Landeen
The Ridge pant was an update on the popular Apex line. Same pocket layout, including the IWB flex cuff tunnel, hidden cuff key pocket, and internal cargo pocket with magazine dividers. I have more hours in Ridge pants than any other brand or product line. Combined with The A/T Mid Boot, with 5.11’s A.T.L.A.S. System, Ortholite foam footbed, suede leather uppers and a high abrasion air mesh nylon lower, this has been my favorite work lower-half combo for a long time, as you can see.
RUSH 24 2.0 WOODLAND BACKPACK 37L — Barb Melloni
5.11 is a staple when it comes to my range gear… whether it be their ultra-comfortable Shella pants or cozy Donna hoodies you can’t go wrong. I’ve been traveling lately, and my Rush 24 2.0 Woodland Camo Backpack has been put to the test. This 37-liter pack has more pockets than I know what to do with. But boy does it ever keep me organized! Spacious, feature packed, and showing no signs of wear despite me lovingly cramming it under my seat on four different flights. It has quickly become my go to travel companion. Bonus points earned for the chest strap keeping things secure as I ran to catch my connecting flight!
