5.11 Tactical New Releases [SHOT Show 2023]

TACTICAL NEVER LOOKED SO FASHIONABLE

5.11 has a boatload of new products hitting their shelves soon, and a lot of it is very cool. Here are just a few of what they have in store.

Anyone that does any hiking knows packs are important. 5.11 is launching a whole new line they are calling Skyweight. Their new Skyweight 36L and 24L backpacks are super lightweight, as the name implies they are, but still keep a ton of features and durability. 

From padded lumbar support and shoulder straps to a removable hip belt, this is a comfy pack to carry. Each pack will also offer hydration sleeves, integrated rain covers, compression straps, external stretch water bottle pockets, gear loops, and MOLLE webbing. All of it is supported with an internal frame.

A new plate carry is hitting the scene also, the QR Plate Carrier with 5.11’s Sierra Bravo slide quick-release buckles. These simply slide in and lock, making for a carrier that is fast and easy to get in and out of in a hurry. The system is lightweight and offers lots of space to kit out with whatever you need. 

Something really amazing is the new XTU pants and shirt. Both are designed for tactical professional use, but they have a lot of features that normal folks will dig as well. What stood out to me was the pants. While these wouldn’t be my Walmart shopping pants, they definitely fit the bill for hard outdoor and competition wear.

Features include foam support in the waistband to offset weight worn around the belt (like a duty belt or competition belt), gusseted crotch and seat, and huge pockets, all using a no-melt/no-rip fabric.

My favorite part, kneepads. Using a 3-in-1 kneepad design with external and internal padding with a hard shell on the outside and adjustable straps to make sure the knee pads actually fit your legs and protect your knees.

Lots of other features are in the XTU pants like ventilation zippers, dual-directional zippered fly, and more.