5.11 Brings More Colors, Styles to Women’s and Men’s Line

By Jacki Billings

Pressed in shoulder-to-shoulder, patrons of SHOT Show jostled, bumped, and shoved their way into the crowded 5.11 Tactical booth vying to see the new colors, patterns, and apparel the company intends to launch in 2018.

While 5.11 Tactical’s booth held no awe-inspiring surprises, the company kept to its most recent mission of meshing streetwear and outdoor styles with tactical function in fun colors that aren’t black or FDE.

The women’s collection kicked off with exactly what we expected to see — rich colors and feminine styles. In probably what we’d consider the biggest yet unsurprising news on the lady’s side of apparel, the Defender Flex Jean looms in 5.11’s future.

Set to debut online later this year, the Women’s Defender will feature boot cut and slim styles with the same stretch denim fabric that appears on the men’s line. With actual pockets (yes, ladies, no faux fashion pockets here) there’s plenty of room to store large smartphones, extra mags, and EDC gear. 5.11 Tactical told us that in addition to different fit styles, the jeans will come in different washes (namely dark, medium, and light colors) giving women more options in their casual wardrobe for the price of $69.99.

The Wyldcat, introduced last year, bridged the gap between range and streetwear and the gear maker is continuing the line with an expansion of colors. New for 2018 is a rich berry that marries fashion with some function and yes, pockets.

The berry theme ran throughout the women’s line, appearing in both outerwear and bags. 5.11 is known for not pulling any punches when it comes to colors and patterns and such was the case with the women’s line. With bright blues, shiny silvers, and deep jewel tones the line suits women who prefer a little femininity to their tactical-meets-street look.

On the men’s side, we saw a lot of breathable materials and blues. Though the men’s series looked very similar to year’s past, there are some deviations. In the patterned shirts arena, 5.11 Tactical debuted a kitschy Crest Line Camo and Have A Knife Day. One a camo-ish color and the other dressed in tiny knives, the shirts are slightly satirical in their take. The rest of the men’s looks are about what you’d expect from 5.11.

Due out in Spring, 5.11 also introduced the Rapid Origin Pack. Green and orange partner for the lightweight, medium-sized backpack sporting quick-release, adjustable straps. As always, there’s a hidden CCW compartment in addition to an internal admin panel. MSRP is $84.99.