The 5.11 Tactical Vest has been a hit with law enforcement, military and security forces since it was first introduced. Part of our original law enforcement collaboration effort to design top quality, functional clothing; the Tactical Tactical vests serves many needs. With two easily accessible hidden compartments for handgun and accessory storage using our Back-Up-Belt System™, these tactical vests easily conceals and carries what you need, when you need it. It’s not always practical to carry a handgun in a holster on your belt. The 5.11 Tactical Vests is a great alternative to conventional concealed carry methods. Designed for quick access, the Tactical Vests have two concealed carry compartments which can accommodate a compact handgun and associated gear. Our tactical vests are used by law enforcement professionals all over the world on security and special operation details and is the tactical vests of choice for dignitary protection in the Middle East. With a total of eighteen pockets you can store everything you need. The two concealed carry compartments which can accommodate a full sized handgun and any associated gear such as magazines, speed loaders, stun gun, handcuffs or mace use our trademark Back-Up-Belt System™ Velcro® loop system which allows the attachment of our Back-Up-Belt System™ pouches. These pouches can be arranged in any number of ways to secure a handgun, magazines, flashlight, baton and handcuffs. This system keeps gear securely in place and provides immediate access with a quick pull of the pocket. The other sixteen pockets include pockets designed to carry AR magazines, a radio, maps, water bottles and any other items you might need. There’s even a 360 degree pocket that wraps completely around the vest to accommodate large bulky items. Made of 8.5 ounce, 100% cotton canvas, the 5.11 Tactical Vests will last a lifetime. The Tactical Vests is triple-stitched and bartacked throughout making it one tough piece of equipment. The 5.11 Tactical Vests uses only quality YKK Zipper and Prym® snaps. You can be sure that your gear will be secure with the quality hardware they we use on all of our 5.11 Tactical Series Products. We’ve included a steel D-ring for clipping gear to the exterior of the vest as well as a key clip to keep your keys safe. All of the Velcro® closures will hold tight even under repeated use. These tactical vests have been put to the test under some of the most difficult battle conditions. The 5.11 Tactical Vests has been designed to comfortably carry a heavy load. The shoulder design distributes the weight across the back and shoulder area to reduce fatigue. The pockets are balanced to allow even weight distribution so that you won’t list, even with the heaviest loads. If you plan on carrying large amounts of gear on a regular basis we recommend that you go up one size so that the bulk of a heavy load can be more easily accommodated.The value of the 5.11 Tactical Vests is exceptional. Its versatility and durability make these tactical vests an absolute necessity for any police officer who is considering concealed carry. These tactical vests are the perfect tool for call outs. Just put all of your emergency gear together in the pockets and concealed carry compartments and stow the tactical vests in an easily accessible place. You’ll be ready to go to any emergency whenever you are called.
Average Customer Rating:
4.5 out of 5
Rating Snapshot
(30 reviews)
5 stars
16
4 stars
12
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0
29 of 30 (97%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
55
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
55
Value
55
diddley
I have used this product for:
3-6 months
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
November 18, 2008
"I have one i bought 4 months ago it works great for me at fire scene as ic. it has pockets for radios flash lights and various items work great so far very pleased"
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Review 2 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
35
Fit / Comfort
45
Functionality
45
Value
45
grim Location:
Afganistan, Iraq, and South Carolina
I have used this product for:
over 2 years
My profession is:
Law Enforcement
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Does the job, but...
October 31, 2008
"Durable fabric, well balanced and comfortable (even with ALOT of weight in the pockets). It is more of a Tactical vest than a concealment vest. I have two one in black and one in tan. The black one I use as a tactical vest. I had gold letters placed on the back and a badge on the front and keep it in my personal vechile. Comes in very handy on warrents ect. But the kaki vest I use for concealment off duty. For concealment the vest is too heavy the fabric is so thick that if the temperature is low enough for the vest your probably better off with a light jacket. Also on the kaki vest the ar pouches are on the left side and the large pocket is on the right. It's the other way around on my black vest. Being right handed I would prefer the large pocket on the left on the kaki vest because it has 4 pistol slots inside. The black vest has the AR pockets on the right making them harder to reach. BUY THIS VEST IN THE STORE AND CHECK WHICH WAY THE POCKETS ARE ON THAT EXACT VEST. I've looked at them several times since I bought mine and have seen them both ways several times. I didnt realize my two vests were different until it was too late. The good news is you can get it wich ever way you want it."
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Review 3 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
55
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
55
Value
55
shooter
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
October 1, 2008
"I would like to address the other people who wrote a review on this product and missed the boat on it. First it is called a TACTICAL VEST, so when you say it is too tactical you need to be hit in the head with something hard. Second Looks like a cops, Walks like a cops...Well i guess it is a COP. Who cares if people know what you do it all comes down to who can send lead down range faster and with this TACTICAL VEST that is possible. If you don't like wearing it don't!!! If you don't like the way it looks then you shouldn't have made the purchase anyway!!! Call me a genius but I think it serves its purpose. Good product 5.11"
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Review 4 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
45
Fit / Comfort
45
Functionality
55
Value
45
Combustioneer Location:
Allen, Texas
I have used this product for:
over 2 years
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Great for concealment and more
September 26, 2008
"I first bought the vest for concealment purposes after receiving my CHL. I have found however that the vest also serves as my mobile office for field engineering work. I carry my phone and hands free headset,PDA, GPS,two different purpose knives, note pads, two drafting pencils, two pens, laser pointer, money, wallet, keys, checkbook, sungasses case and all my expense receipts. When I'm on the plant floor I'll add a few hand tools in case I run across something that needs adjustment. All the while I have my compact .45 auto concealed underneath. The only complaint that I have is that 5.11 can't seem to make up their mind about which poctets should be where so when I move all my stuff from an older vest to a newer one I have to get used to reaching for some things in a different place. Like most 5.11 stuff though the durability is top notch. Daily wear life span is about 18 months before it's time to donate to Salvation Army or retire it to weekend cabin use only."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
45
Fit / Comfort
45
Functionality
45
Value
35
Boudrx Location:
Canton, Ohio
I have used this product for:
1-2 years
My profession is:
Law Enforcement
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
5.11 Tactical Vest
September 18, 2008
"Nice Vest. I only wish that it had more zippered pockets (It only has one). I use it for concealment as well as serving as a nice camera / fishing vest."
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Review 6 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
45
Fit / Comfort
45
Functionality
55
Value
55
Rakkasan1 Location:
Minnesota
I have used this product for:
1-2 years
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
great option to a girlieman 'manpurse'
September 13, 2008
"I use this for a carry option as well as a travel vest for the yearly guy's sports trip.
The only down side is I am sometimes asked to carry other people's cameras and junk."
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Review 7 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
55
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
55
Value
55
sig45fan
I have used this product for:
1-3 months
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Conceal Carry Solution For Hot Climate Locations!
September 2, 2008
"It is hot year round where I live and it makes having a .45 as a carry weapon extremely difficult. It is not the type of climate that lends itself to wearing a jacket, a "fanny pack" is a dead giveaway, and the inside the belt holster I was using was just plain uncomfortable and lended itself to forming an outline of the firearm and hence breaking the law. With this vest, I can get to the weapon easily, it is well balanced, has multiple functionality (more than enough!) and to top it all off, my wife says it (mine is tan) looks good with numerous colors of shirts! I highly recommend it - it is a fantastic product!"
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Review 8 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
35
Fit / Comfort
25
Functionality
35
Value
15
Anonymous Reviewer Location:
Colorado
I have used this product for:
3-6 months
My profession is:
Law Enforcement
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:No
Dissapointed
September 1, 2008
"This vest was a must have from our Bomb team. I purchased the vest and refuse to wear it now. The vest is made of a heavy material and get extremely hot, very quick. I also cant wear it off duty because it looks so "cop like" that everyone knows who I am by the vest."
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Review 9 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
55
Fit / Comfort
45
Functionality
55
Value
45
Pete34 Location:
Texas
I have used this product for:
over 2 years
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
5.11 Tactical Vest
September 1, 2008
"This vest has excellent storage space and is very comfortable to wear. It helped me out greatly during the Huricane Rita Evacuation. Thanks!"
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Review 10 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
55
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
55
Value
45
Dancinbear Location:
Knoxville TN
I have used this product for:
over 2 years
My profession is:
Law Enforcement
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Versatile Vest
August 28, 2008
"I wear this vest on the range but when I had 2 kids my wife had me carrying a diaper bag when I took the boys on a outing for the day. Everyone knows what diaper bags look like. Well I turned this vest into a bottle, diaper and wipes vest. It was so handy with tugging along two boys. Everyone would ask me what Mother Store I got this Diaper Vest at and I would jokingly say 5.11 Fatherhood Store."
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Review 11 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
45
Fit / Comfort
35
Functionality
35
Value
45
StormRider Location:
Atlanta, GA
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Good vest...
August 28, 2008
"Good vest that does the job. Should be cut a bit longer so it can cover up larger pistols for concealed carry, but will work with the majority of pistols on the market. In hotter weather, the vented back doesn't help and the vest gets very uncomfortable. I'm thinking that is because of the material the vest is made out of. The vest, overall is medium weight. There are lighter ones out there. But they don't have as many features as the 5.11 so this is the superior choice both with and without the back up belt system accessories."
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
55
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
55
Value
55
ShadowWarrior Location:
Austin, Texas
I have used this product for:
over 2 years
My profession is:
Law Enforcement
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Great Gear for PSD Ops
August 27, 2008
"I've been in Law Enforcement for more than 15 years and this vest is one of the best pieces of gear that I've got for working PSD/VIP gigs. Yes, I agree that most every LE officer now knows who you are when you wear the garment, however; it can be to your benefit depending on the operation and if something go south in a hurry."
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Review 13 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
45
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
55
Value
55
remat Location:
Seattle, WA
I have used this product for:
6-12 months
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Great lightweight vest
August 27, 2008
"The material is lightweight and can be worn even in warm weather which is exactly why I purchased it. I am not a vest kind of guy, but wear it almost daily. Definitely cooler than even a windbreaker. I have a competing brand vest but cannot wear it in the summer due to material thickness. The # of pockets are amazing! I would definitely recommend it for this alone. I also purchased the BBS holster system. Note: This only works with the smallest and lightest of firearms (for me an Airweight J-frame). Luckily, waist length if fine for carrying an OWB sidearm. The load bearing straps don't really work for me (unsnap too easily with movement). This is true of the waist cinchers also (also wish they were adjustable). Could just be me though. My only complaint is that the threading on the main inside pocket is a little light and coming undone although I haven't used it much. Other than that it is great and come to rely on it."
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Review 14 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
55
Fit / Comfort
45
Functionality
55
Value
55
Prop Location:
san diego CA
I have used this product for:
over 2 years
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Great vest for outdoor use
August 27, 2008
"I bought this vest for IDAP competition. It is a great concealment garment, lots of pockets, practically placed. It is a substantial garmentand is extremely durable."
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Review 15 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
45
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
45
Value
45
BUITRE Location:
COSTA RICA
I have used this product for:
over 2 years
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
GREAT PRODUCT
August 27, 2008
"This is a great vest to wear when working. In my case Executive Protection in Costa Rica mainly. Just one thing although we have some 5.11 distributors down here I've allways found that vests usaually come with the AR 15 mag pouches on the right side of the vest but seen on web they have it on left side maybe you should place an option on the web as is the vest is to be worn by RH or LH. At least that is the only little troubble I found on mine that when carring an AR any other type of gun. even with my pistol since is RH those two mag pouches become almost useless as since they are on the way and they are ussually tapping my gun wich I don't like. I would like to see if you can place the RH or LH option on web.
Keep Safe!"
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Review 16 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
45
Fit / Comfort
35
Functionality
45
Value
45
Hokuto Location:
Seattle, WA
I have used this product for:
1-3 months
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Well designed
August 27, 2008
"I love having lots of pockets on my clothes so that I can keep all the things I need throughout the day on me. Ear plugs, multitool, cell phone, 3 sets of keys, wallet, watch, pens, pens, more pens, radio, notepad, "personal protection items", and calculator to name a few specifics. They all fit in there and it's good to have it all in reach.
A few problems I had were that it would get pretty heavy carrying all that stuff and for some reason the vest seemed like it was kinda of going with the momentum of my movements instead of staying tight around my torso. It probably wasn't designed for a snug fit or I just didn't get the right size. Also, one of my personal protection devices made an unwarranted appearance from its internal pocket. I'll need a smaller device.
A good product. Just not the one for me. Still would recommend it."
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Review 17 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
55
Fit / Comfort
45
Functionality
55
Value
45
Shawn Location:
Nebraksa
I have used this product for:
over 2 years
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
IDPA requirement!!
August 27, 2008
"This vest is the main component to IDPA(International Defensive Pistol Association)competition. It works well for the game and makes for an excellent concealment garment in the real world. I have the OD green color and it works for me. I admit it does have faults. The vest need more reinforcement where the gun comes into contact with it as it tends to get chewed up. I put a lot of grip tape on my gun and it is chewing a hole through the vest. I have seen some shooters put duct tape as well as one person that had a 6in X 6in piece of leather sewn into that spot. It seems to last a lot longer when you do that. These vests can be hot in the summer time and need some mesh in the back or other areas that let the gun stay concealed. I have seen some shooters using the vest as their primary concealment garment as well as competition garment. It really does work well in both ways."
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Review 18 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
45
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
55
Value
45
Sabakubushi Location:
LA, CA
I have used this product for:
1-2 years
My profession is:
Law Enforcement
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Great product..some changes needed
August 27, 2008
"I bought this vest about two years ago and recommended it to a friend who just bought one. The overall quality of the vest is very good and the layout of the pockets are great. My only complaint is using the Back-Up-Belt System to carry a handgun. Unless it's small and light, the firearm does not hang well and tends to flop forward. I would prefere an internal shoulder rig type of setup so the firearm would ride better and be more secure. The rest of the system works well."
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Review 19 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
55
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
55
Value
55
2X1082 Location:
Evansville IN
I have used this product for:
6-12 months
My profession is:
Law Enforcement
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Good Cover, except in WallyWorld
August 27, 2008
"Great vest. Functional in more ways than I will ever use it. I am a detective and I wear the vest to conceal my duty weapon, cuffs, and mag pouches. I love it...except once...I was in the local WalMart and a lady asked me for help. She thought I worked there because I was wearing what she called a black smock! I did have another lady in a sporting goods store ask me where I got this vest. She loved all the pockets and said she had never seen anything like it. I directed her to 5.11 and a local uniform retailer. Several retired officers use the vest for fishing!"
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Review 20 for 5.11 Tactical Vest
Overall
45
Fit / Comfort
55
Functionality
55
Value
55
fatjohnny Location:
Raleigh, NC
I have used this product for:
1-2 years
My profession is:
Other
Would you recommend this product to a friend?:Yes
Great option for carrying a bunch of gear.
August 27, 2008
"We use these vests at work and they perform exactly as advertised. There are so many pockets and storage options that it is mind numbing. We only have one problem with them. The "AR sized mag pockets" quickly develop holes at the bottom of the pockets. They are only one layer of the same material used for the rest of the vest and it just isn't thick enough to stand up to the metal corners of the magazines."
