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Feature_9933
Being the old guy (relatively) can be a good thing at times. During my two careers, I managed to at least encounter, if not wear, most of the “tactical” clothing styles we have had for a while. That includes several flavors of utilities from the Army – BDUs – heavy and lightweight woodland, OG107 jungle fatigues, six and three-color desert camo, and that ACU/Universal pattern.
On the cop side, that includes wool or polyester trousers, various utility uniforms in camouflage and solid colors, and Nomex for a specific role and problem.
5.11
I experienced the evolution from canvas climbing trousers made by Royal Robbins (the origin of the 5.11 brand) to uniform ensembles that tilt far more toward the practical side than they do to traditional appearance. I wore a variety of 5.11 products during that time, as well as those from other well-known manufacturers.
Over the last year, 5.11 has been releasing its V.XI line. It is specifically designed for the law enforcement tactical community, though others can wear it as well. The shirt and pants come in black, ranger green, storm grey, navy blue, and now, MultiCam.
MultiCam
The shirt’s body blends well with the MultiCam sleeves and shooters. The contrast of the black sling might be a giveaway, though (and the author knows about his bald spot).
MultiCam is an earth-tone-based camouflage pattern developed by the crew at Crye Precision in the early years of the Global War on Terror. Select special operations units adopted it before becoming the pattern used throughout Afghanistan.
MultiCam has become a prolific pattern because of its effectiveness.
V.XI Line
Uniforms, especially those intended for higher-risk events, should enhance and support the wearer rather than limit or adversely impact their performance. 5.11 points out that they solicited significant input from “top-tier teams” and incorporated their feedback into the design and development process.
The line’s mainstays are the XTU pants and long-sleeved shirts. Both are constructed from No-Melt/No-Drip stretch fabric. While not truly flame retardant, this adds a layer of protection against flame threats—which is not an uncommon concern.
There is a purpose-built PrimaLoft jacket and mesh jersey that can be worn operationally or for training, based on the environment.
5.11 sent me some items from the V.XI line, and I’ve been wearing them for the last few months as my schedule allowed.
XTU pant
Knee protection is included. There is an internal strap for adjusting the height and a lateral one around the knee for fit.
These pants are the centerpiece of the line. Since they are designed for function, they have a fuller cut rather than a slim cut for movement and differing body types. To adjust for that, there is a hook-and-loop secured strap on the outside of the knees. You can tighten it to help you fit the legs as needed.
There is also a strap running from the knee pads up to the thigh pocket. On the inside of the trouser leg, the strap is covered by a section of mesh fabric that prevents you from getting snagged on it. That is a nice touch. After adjusting the ride height with it, you will need to tie it off.
The back of the waistband is raised by about an inch and has a layer of thin padding to help with one’s belt. Each of the six belt loops is wider than normal with a generous depth, making it very easy to thread a belt through them.
Both legs feature a zippered, mesh panel to vent off body heat during training an operations (shown here with the ranger green version).
Everyone will be familiar with the slash front pockets. The thigh pockets are farther forward than on traditional utility trousers. Rather than having a flap secured by hook and loop tape, these are closed with a zipper. Those zippers run front to back at a slightly downward angle. Inside the pocket is another pocket, sized for a rifle magazine.
On each leg, immediately in front of them, is a zippered, mesh-lined vent for temperature control.
Even with the rigid knee pad (left) removed, there are still two types of protective padding for your knees (right).
These have a two-piece knee assembly. They have a soft (Ortholite) interior pad and a detachable, rigid exterior shell—both of which are removable. The user has options based on their needs and preferences.
The only thing I’d change would be to add pockets on the calves.
XTU Rapid Long-Sleeve Shirt
Both shirts – Rapid (back) & Sigurd (front) – have raised and lined collars to keep armor and slings off your neck.
If you have worn a combat shirt, this will be very familiar. The sizing is snug but consistent, and it has a quarter-zip collar.
The shoulders, sleeves, and outer collar are made from ripstop fabric. The collar’s interior is made of the same fabric as the shirt’s body. That makes for a non-scratchy collar that kept my armor and slings off my neck.
On each sleeve is a zippered, gusseted pocket with loop panels for ID patches. Inside is an elastic loop for tying off sensitive items. It is big enough for a small notebook, data card, cell phone, or small, stand-alone camera.
The sleeves have adjustable cuffs with enough room to roll them up.
Sigurd Shirt
The Sigurd shirt is cut like a modern rugby jersey and designed to be worn under your armor.
Their Sigurd shirt has an open but raised collar and is designed to be worn as an exposed layer under one’s body armor. Cut like a current rugby jersey, it is made of a knit synthetic mesh designed to be moisture-wicking. As a result, it is not No Melt, No Drop.
I wore this shirt in several climates —90s and humid, 90s and dry, plus 80s and dry. This also involved wearing armor over it. In each instance, the shirt functioned as designed and advertised. I would wear this design in those places again.
The mesh material is breathable and stretchy while fitting true to size.
At this point in my life, comfort is a thing. As with the long-sleeve V.XI rapid shirt, the collar is higher than usual. It is lined with the same material as the rest of the shirt. I did not experience any issues with it protecting the back of my neck from my armor and slings.
The hook & loop panel for ID patches on the sleeve of a Sugurd shirt. Each panel has a pen slot.
The Sigurd is available in black, storm grey, ranger green, navy blue, and range red with both long—and short-sleeve versions.
None of the items were made here, in the United States, which could be a concern for some organizations.
Final Thought
The back of the XTU trousers – lightly padded and raised waistband, deeper & wider belt loops, and zippered pockets.
The V.XI line is a solid choice for uniforms. With Christmas on the way, one or all of these could be a good gift.
