First things first, I am not paid by, nor do I receive anything from, 5.11 for anything I write. Anything I have that is 5.11 brand, was either purchased by me, or given to me by disinterested parties. This is just my opinion based on my own experiences.
Having said that, I am more than pleased with 5.11 gear and clothing.
My first plunge into 5.11 was a Rush 12 backpack. It was so long ago (over 10 years) that I forgot why I purchased the pack, other than to have one and try it out. I have used the pack for everything from an airplane carry-on to riding motorcycles. To look at it, you would think it was hardly used. It has been somewhat tossed around and has yet to exhibit signs of fraying. I liked the pack so much that about a year ago I bought another in a larger size (the 5.11 Rush 72). Where the Rush 12 is a 24 Liter pack, the Rush 72 is a 55 liter pack. Somewhere along the way, I read (somewhere) that the “12” is supposed to hold the necessities for a 12-hour period in the field. There is a mid-sized pack (the Rush 24) that is supposed to hold the gear for 24 hours in the field. And the “72”? You guessed it, 72 hours in the field. I would think this time frame depends largely on the amount of stuff you need versus your skills to make do with what you have. More skilled people could probably get by with fewer items. However, the numbers do give you an idea of the size variations. Either way, I have been pleased with both of the packs that I have.
More recently, I have bought 5.11 clothing. I have several pairs of their pants. The Apex series is what I have the most of. This is due, in part, to the fact that I wear them at work as a police officer. I have three pair that I have been wearing for over a year and they are barely showing signs of wear. I have a couple of other pairs for training and a couple more for personal use.
I have several of their t-shirts, as well. I have found that they fit very well over my 6’5” frame. They are long enough, and sized correctly, to conceal a mid-sized firearm fairly well. In addition, they are comfortable.
Their boots aren’t bad at all. I’ve got 2 pair (from different lines).They are plenty comfortable and provide good support. I wear them primarily on duty and training and have not been disappointed.
I’ve recently gotten a couple of their smaller packs but have not had much opportunity to put them to the test. Regardless, they seem to be quite serviceable.
My overall opinion is that if the various gear is used in the manner for which it was designed, it will work just fine. 5.11 gear is not cheap, but certainly worth the price.
Don’t just prepare, prepare to thrive.
