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5.11 "Tacticals"?

Original Post
M. C. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 0

Was wondering if anyone wears 5.11 brand "tactical" pants (either in canvas or the blend, aka Taclite)? They're mostly worn by policemen and "operators," but they started, as the name implies, as climbing pants...by Royal Robbins.

Anyone like these for climbing/hiking?

Wade J. · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 25

Yeah, I picked up a couple pairs of their covert khaki a couple years ago. I saw them on clearance somewhere for $15. I bought them because they have a reputation as being pretty durable and they have zippered pockets next to the regular ones. If you can live with the dorkiness of having "tactical" pants then I say go for it. I wear them climbing and they offer a pretty good degree of mobility and put up with the abuse pretty well.

Evan S · · Denver, Co · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 510

Mostly EMT/Fire wear. It's decently made clothing, but I wouldn't call em' better than a pair of Carharts. They do have poly blends that breathe well enough, and some pants have sewn in knee pads, but, yeah, not specifically outdoor gear.

NickinCO · · colorado · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 155

I've worn them as uniforms. My polos are 5 years old and aren't faded at all. One or two have tiny holes from the washer but they hold up amazing compared to the other stuff I've worn. I don't have any 5.11 pants but I do have a couple pairs of the tactical cargo shorts from when they were on clearance at my local uniform store and they're pretty awesome too. I climb in them all the time.

Adam Stackhouse · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 13,970

They are the required uniform for me. They hold up very well, but they are very expensive.

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

Have become crap. If you're looking for tactical pants there sure is better for the money. Too bad Royal Robins sold out.

MegaGaper2000 James · · Indianola, Wa · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 20

Hello, operator?

Yes, could you please connect me to the warrior-idolizing phase of societal decay, please?

Yes, I'll hold, thank you.

TACTICAL

gnar

TACTICAL

gnar

TACTICAL

gnar
Wade J. · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 25

I agree they aren't worth paying full retail for. You might be able to find them on close out for pretty cheap though. The covert khaki doesn't look tactical at all, just normal khakis with zippered pockets for all your guns and mags.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

I've been lucky enough I guess to find them for 40 bucks or less over the years from different mail catalogs. I've got 5 or 6 pair, including digital camo, tan and beige, and nice thick flannel insulated ones for winter. Great tight fit cell phone pocket too. They are sturdy as anything, comfy and true to size. Pockets are big, like the old Chouinard canvas climbing pants of the 80's were. I live in these pants really, probably wear a pair 6 out of 7 days a week until it's warm enough for shorts. Hey, do they make 5.11's in shorts??

Adam Stackhouse · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 13,970

Woody,

They indeed make shorts.

Evan S · · Denver, Co · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 510

www.511tactical.com

M. C. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 0
Wade J. wrote:Yeah, I picked up a couple pairs of their covert khaki a couple years ago. I saw them on clearance somewhere for $15. I bought them because they have a reputation as being pretty durable and they have zippered pockets next to the regular ones. If you can live with the dorkiness of having "tactical" pants then I say go for it. I wear them climbing and they offer a pretty good degree of mobility and put up with the abuse pretty well.
Dude, that's pretty sweet. Where'd you find them so cheap?

Ben B., yeah I would agree, not worth it for $70! Where'd you see that price?

Sometimes LAPG has them on combo sales.

Adam, would it be ok to ask what your job is that requires the 5.11 uniform? Or will I get abducted and interrogated =)

Ray, any suggestions on the better tac pants?

MegaGaper, heh - you said "operator."

I started wearing them simply because of the number and depth of pockets, as well as the quick-try Taclites. Didn't learn until later the RR heritage. But that stinks that the quality's dropped, if so.
DavidM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 30
M. C. wrote: Adam, would it be ok to ask what your job is that requires the 5.11 uniform? Or will I get abducted and interrogated =).
I can't speak for Adam but as an EMT I've been at stations where 5.11s are either the uniform pants or might as well be because everyone wears them. In general in emergency medicine 5.11 clothing is super common. I don't have any myself but for uniform pants that you have to work in them seem to do pretty well.
Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280
Adam Stackhouse wrote:Woody, They indeed make shorts.
Actually I think they would be too heavy for shorts...prefer my Prana 'manpri's or Columbia shorts for warmer weather. But the tactical pants are awesome due to the solid construction and nice big pockets all over.... Plus the slot for an extra 18 shot 9mm magazine...
M. C. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 0
DavidM wrote: I can't speak for Adam but as an EMT I've been at stations where 5.11s are either the uniform pants or might as well be because everyone wears them. In general in emergency medicine 5.11 clothing is super common. I don't have any myself but for uniform pants that you have to work in them seem to do pretty well.
Cool, makes sense. I'm always tempted to ask people what they're wearing (or about other gear) when I see ppl, such as EMT's - but I refrain, figuring they'd be weirded out =) Good to know that people who use it day in / day out find it durable and worth it.
d e · · Reno, NV · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 10

A bunch of dudes discussing pants...holy fuck.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280
d e wrote:A bunch of dudes discussing pants...holy fuck.
BUT climbing pants, a functional part of our gear collection, not fashion comparisons! This is a highly informational and instructional gab session.
Jeff L · · Valley of the Sun · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 35

Like others here I wear 5.11 Taclite pants for work and find they perform well. As for climbing, I feel they are ok for bouldering but don't like wearing them under a harness because of the accesory pockets and the need to wear an inch and a half belt ( for me anyway ).

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Wearing a pair now, wore some yesterday, will wear a pair for night hike tonight too. They are my all around day-to-day pants for sure. AND they do have them for winter with flannel lining too...nice and cozy warm for sure.

M. C. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 0
Woodchuck ATC wrote:Wearing a pair now, wore some yesterday, will wear a pair for night hike tonight too. They are my all around day-to-day pants for sure. AND they do have them for winter with flannel lining too...nice and cozy warm for sure.
Cool! I agree, it's been a useful discussion. No weirder than any of the other gear talk =0

Didn't know they had flannel lined!

Was thinking the other day would be nice if they had waterproof/GTX versions of these too...
Mark V · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 105

check out lapolicegear.com
They have a 5.11 closeout section. Good prices if they have your size.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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