5.11 Tactical was founded in 2003, with its roots tracing back to the FBI Training Academy.
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History of 5.11 Tactical
5.11 Tactical was founded in 2003, with its roots tracing back to the FBI Training Academy. The brand was born when an FBI instructor noticed the need for a more durable and functional pair of tactical pants and reached out to outdoor clothing company Royal Robbins for help. Together, they created the 5.11 Tactical Pant, laying the foundation for a brand synonymous with innovation, durability, and purpose-driven design. Over the years, 5.11 Tactical has grown into a global leader for providing functional and reliable gear for law enforcement, military professionals, first responders, and everyday civilians.
Mission and Vision
At the heart of 5.11 Tactical lies their mission to “Always Be Ready.” This guiding principle drives their commitment to creating purpose-built gear designed to enhance the safety, speed, and performance of professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Their core values prioritize an unwavering dedication to purpose-driven, community-focused, and self-reliant products and practices. By staying true to their mission and vision, 5.11 Tactical empowers their customers to embrace challenges, pursue adventure, and live without limits.
Product Categories
5.11 Tactical offers a wide array of high-quality products for professionals and enthusiasts, including:
Clothing and Uniforms: Outfit yourself with tactical shirts, pants, outerwear, and footwear designed for exceptional performance, durability, and comfort.
Bags, Backpacks, and Cases: Organize and protect your gear with tactical backpacks, load-bearing equipment, gun cases, and laptop bags.
Gear and Accessories: Equip yourself with purpose-built accessories like tactical flashlights, knives, safety gear, and patches.
Training and Fitness Equipment: Train hard and stay prepared with their range of fitness apparel, gear, yoga equipment, and hydration solutions.
Professional Series: Gear up for success in your professional role with specialized law enforcement, fire and EMS, military, and covert gear.
Innovative Designs
5.11 Tactical continually pushes the envelope by incorporating cutting-edge technology and design into their products. They work closely with real-world professionals in law enforcement, military, and first responders to understand the unique needs and obstacles faced in their work. Some standout innovations include the DEFENDER-FLEX series of pants and jeans, which combine functionality and comfort for everyday wear, and their proprietary RAPIDraw™ technology in their line of concealed carry shirts, enabling quick and efficient access to your sidearm. By staying at the forefront of innovation, 5.11 Tactical sets the standard for rugged, reliable, and purpose-driven gear that users can depend on in any situation.
Clothing and Uniforms
Tactical Shirts
5.11 Tactical offers a wide range of tactical shirts designed for durability, comfort, and functionality. Built to withstand varied environments, these shirts prioritize the wearer’s needs, whether they are law enforcement, military personnel, or outdoor enthusiasts.
Performance: 5.11 Tactical shirts are made from high-quality materials that provide moisture-wicking, breathability, and odor resistance. This ensures the wearer remains comfortable, dry, and fresh during long hours of activity.
Features: Tactical shirts from 5.11 often include useful features, such as hidden pockets, reinforced stitching, and ripstop fabric, ensuring reliable performance and added functionality during use.
Tactical Pants
Lightweight, tough, and versatile, tactical pants are a crucial part of any tactical gear wardrobe. 5.11 Tactical has developed a range of high-quality tactical pants designed to offer maximum performance and comfort in various situations.
Flexibility: 5.11 Tactical pants, like the Defender Flex Range pants, are known for their flexibility, allowing the wearer to move effortlessly without sacrificing durability.
Features: Common features in 5.11 Tactical pants include reinforced knee and seat areas, cargo pockets, and adjustable waistbands, ensuring both comfort and practicality.
Materials: Made from a blend of fabrics such as poly-cotton ripstop and elastane, 5.11 Tactical pants provide durability, breathability, and ease of movement for wearers in various challenging environments.
Outerwear
When it comes to outerwear, 5.11 Tactical has got you covered. With options ranging from waterproof jackets to insulated vests, their outerwear collection is designed to protect you from the elements while still maintaining their signature durability and functionality.
Weather Resistance: 5.11 Tactical outerwear features materials that provide protection against water, wind, and cold temperatures. Whether you’re facing rain, snow, or strong winds, you can trust 5.11 Tactical outerwear to keep you dry, warm, and comfortable.
Design: Designed with practicality in mind, 5.11 Tactical outerwear is outfitted with pockets, concealed carry compartments, and adjustable hoods and cuffs to ensure a perfect fit and added utility.
Variety: The outerwear collection includes options for all weather conditions and activities, such as the 5.11 Tactical 3-in-1 Parka for versatility in various environments.
Footwear
Durable, comfortable, and field-ready, 5.11 Tactical footwear is designed to provide optimum support and performance in any situation.
Protection: With features like scratch rubber toe caps and slip-resistant outsoles, 5.11 Tactical footwear ensures safety and protection for the wearer, whether navigating rough terrain or working in hazardous environments.
Comfort: With options like the Cable Hiker Tactical Boot, which includes an OrthoLite® X-40 high-rebound footbed and antimicrobial lining, 5.11 Tactical footwear offers both style and function, making it perfect for all-day wear.
Adaptability: Whether you’re hiking, working in law enforcement, or simply in need of durable everyday footwear, 5.11 Tactical offers a range of styles and designs to suit your unique requirements and preferences.
Bags, Backpacks, and Cases
Tactical Backpacks
At 5.11 Tactical, we understand that a well-designed backpack can make all the difference when it comes to carrying and organizing your essential gear. Exploring 5.11 Tactical Gear means diving into our range of Tactical Backpacks specifically designed keeping both functionality and resilience in mind.
Our backpacks are equipped with features like heavy-duty fabrics, reinforced stress points, and ergonomically designed harness systems to ensure that they can withstand the toughest of situations.
The bags also focus on organized compartments and pocket layouts to keep your gear easily accessible in any scenario.
Water-resistant materials, adjustable and removable waist belts, and MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) attachments add to their versatility and customization options.
Load Bearing Gear
Load-bearing gear plays a vital role in distributing weight across your body, keeping you comfortable and efficient in the field. 5.11 Tactical’s selection includes:
Plate Carriers: Designed to provide ballistic protection, our plate carriers are constructed using durable materials and ventilation systems that ensure maximum breathability. The carriers incorporate MOLLE webbing, enabling customization, and attachment of pouches and other accessories as per your requirement.
Tactical Vests: Our vests are designed to meet specific job requirements and offer convenient storage for essential supplies and easy accessibility. Select vests also include a hydration compartment, ensuring that you stay hydrated during prolonged activities.
Gun Cases
Providing secure transportation and protection for your firearms, 5.11 Tactical’s Gun Cases are engineered with maximum tactical utility in mind.
Our padded cases are made from high-quality materials and feature lockable YKK zippers, reinforced stitching, and ample padding to protect your firearm during transport.
The MOLLE-compatible webbing and various internal and external pockets make it easier to transport and access essential gear, such as spare magazines, tools, and accessories.
The gun cases are available in different sizes to accommodate a range of firearms, from compact pistols to full-sized rifles.
Laptop and Tablet Bags
In today’s world, portability and protection of electronic devices are equally important. 5.11 Tactical offers a range of Laptop and Tablet Bags that cater to tech-savvy professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Our bags feature padded compartments to ensure that your devices are safeguarded from knocks and drops during transportation.
The bags are constructed from water-resistant materials, protecting your electronics from the elements and ensuring that your devices stay dry in any condition.
Additional compartments and pockets provide ample storage options for chargers, cables, and other necessities, while MOLLE webbing allows for further customization.
Explore the wide range of bags, backpacks, and cases from 5.11 Tactical to elevate your gear carrying experience to the next level, keeping your essentials organized and easily accessible at all times.
Gear and Accessories
Tactical Flashlights
When it comes to lighting the way, 5.11 Tactical has an impressive range of tactical flashlights designed for various missions and situations. These flashlights are developed with rugged durability, powerful illumination, and intuitive functionalities that cater to professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Response XR1 Flashlight offers a compact, waterproof design with a robust construction that can withstand the most demanding conditions. Its 1,200-lumen output and multiple lighting modes provide versatile options for different settings and requirements.
For hands-free illumination, consider the 5.11 Tactical headlamps, designed for precision lighting and comfortable wear during prolonged usage. Their adjustable brightness levels and long-lasting battery life make them an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and first responders.
Knives and Multi-Tools
5.11 Tactical offers an extensive collection of knives and multi-tools for various needs, from daily tasks to life-saving operations. These high-quality tools are designed for functionality, durability, and ease of use.
Training and Fitness Equipment
Training Apparel
Boost your performance with 5.11 Tactical’s training apparel that embodies durability and versatility. Designed for optimal comfort and movement, these purpose-built training clothes can withstand intense workouts and outdoor activities. Key items include:
Recon Charge Short-Sleeve Shirt: Combines breathability, wicking, and odor-fighting properties that make it perfect for any training session. Sturdy and lightweight, the shirt allows for unrestricted movement.
Defender Flex Range Tactical Pant: Offering excellent comfort, flexibility, and durability, this pant stands up to the toughest training environments. Reinforced stress points and moisture-wicking technology add to the appeal of these pants.
Fitness Gear
5.11 Tactical offers a range of fitness gear designed to enhance your training and outdoor activities, including:
TacTec Plate Carrier: Used for both training and ballistic protection, the carrier adds intensity to your workouts and serves as extra protection in the field.
5.11 Tactical Gloves: Choose from a variety of gloves that provide excellent dexterity, grip, and protection during your workouts or outdoor expeditions.
Professional Series
Law Enforcement Gear
At 5.11 Tactical, we recognize the demanding requirements placed on law enforcement professionals, and we are committed to providing them with the highest quality gear. Our law enforcement gear is purpose-built to enhance performance and ensure comfort during critical moments.
Uniforms: Our uniforms are designed with functionality in mind, featuring breathable and durable materials alongside various pockets to store essential items. Quality stitching and reinforced stress points ensure longevity and resilience in the field. Check out our tactical shirts and tactical pants for law enforcement officers.
Accessories: From tactical belts to holsters and gloves, we offer a diverse range of accessories designed for everyday use and critical situations.
Fire and EMS Gear
The brave men and women working in fire and EMS roles require gear that is as tough and resilient as they are. 5.11 Tactical offers a wide range of Fire and EMS gear designed to withstand harsh conditions and provide necessary functionality.
Uniforms: Heat-resistant materials, reinforced stitching, and functional design elements make our fire and EMS uniforms an essential asset for first responders. Our uniforms prioritize comfort and durability without sacrificing mission-critical performance.
Medical Bags: Packed with functional organization and designed for easy accessibility, our medical bags are perfect for EMS professionals. They are meticulously designed to store and transport life-saving equipment in any situation.
Footwear: Tough, fire-resistant, and slip-resistant boots ensure that firefighters and EMS personnel can perform their duties without being hindered by inadequate footwear. Our footwear is made to keep first responders safe and agile in the face of danger.
Military Gear
5.11 Tactical is proud to support the brave men and women who serve in the military, and we develop military gear that can withstand the rigorous demands and conditions they face. Our products prioritize resilience, adaptability, and functionality.
Uniforms: Crafted with cutting-edge materials and designed for comfort and durability, our military uniforms are built to outlast and outperform. Our tactical shirts and tactical pants are ideal for military personnel who need reliable and functional gear.
Load Bearing Gear: From tactical backpacks to meticulously designed vests and plate carriers, our load-bearing gear offers ease of movement, comfort, and customization options for various missions and operations.
Footwear: We offer various military boots tailored to specific environments and conditions, ensuring that soldiers have the support, protection, and adaptability they require while serving.
By Exploring 5.11 Tactical Gear, professionals and enthusiasts alike can find the equipment they need to face the everyday challenges and perform at their best in any situation.
The birth of cargo pants was not about fashion, but function. Specifically, the military function. Their design included ample pockets for soldiers to carry their gear.
Cargo pants have experienced a noteworthy metamorphosis since their original conception. Initially invented in the early 20th century for the military with the intention to provide soldiers with an ample amount of storage for gear and ammunition, these pragmatic trousers have since migrated into the realm of fashion, carving out a unique niche for themselves.
In honor of International Women's Day, we’re excited to spotlight some of the incredible women who have served or currently serve in the military or public service here at 5.11 Tactical.
Having the proper footwear is absolutely critical for professionals in intense, demanding roles like the military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you're a professional in law enforcement, military, or an outdoor enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision and get the most out of your black cargo pants.