5.11 Tactical is a brand of clothing and accessories primarily used by law enforcement, military, and firefighting professionals and is now celebrating 20 years of 5.11. Although the company was founded in 2003, the origins of 5.11 are even older.
Origins of the name 5.11
5.11 was originally thought up by rock climber Royal Robbins in 1979 when he realised he needed more durable and functional pants for his climbs in Yosemite National Park. He then began manufacturing specialty trousers to solve his problem and named the brand "5.11" after the highest difficulty rock climb at the time. 5.11 was such a difficult climb, it has been defined as "after thorough inspection, you conclude this move is obviously impossible; however, occasionally someone actually accomplishes it" - (Graydon D,1992).
The rating system was the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), which is a grading system used to rate climbs in North America created by Robbins himself in the 1950s.
The start of the brand 5.11 Tactical
Robbins eventually sold a 51% stake to Dan Costa in 1999, and then Costa bought the entire company in 2002 marking the next iteration of 5.11. He kept the 5.11 branding and made an entirely new company in 2003 which is the one you know today: 5.11 Tactical. When 5.11 was founded they started with 6 products, this number is now at over 7,000 showing the shear growth of 5.11 over the last 20 years. In 2003, 5.11 EMEA was also founded with a HQ in Malmo, Sweden, beginning the global reach of the brand.
5.11 first partnered with the FBI in 1992 with the original "5.11 pant" which grew the brands popularity within law enforcement agencies. 5.11 Tactical then focused on creating purpose built clothing and gear specifically designed for the FBI Academy's training program. This is due to the durability and functionality of their products, specifically their trousers, make a perfect fit for the needs of FBI agents.
However, the brand quickly gained popularity among other law enforcement agencies and military personnel for its durable and functional products, making it the choice of many people within the forces and eventually 5.11 released a full line of uniforms in 2009, becoming the preferred choice for U.S law enforcement agencies.
The descendant of the FBI issued trouser is the 5.11 Taclite Pro Trousers, which is still used and issued to FBI recruits to this day.
Over the years, 5.11 Tactical has expanded its product line to include a wide range of apparel and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and anyone in need of high-performance gear.
One of the more iconic launches is that of the RUSH backpacks in 2007, creating a whole new line of mission and adventure ready gear.
In 2012 the 5.11 Stryke Pant w/Flex-Tac was released, another long standing product worn by millions including President Zelensky. The same year 5.11 created their famous tagline of "Always Be Ready" or "ABR".
5.11 in Media
As 5.11 grew in popularity, so did its appearances in popular media.
When 5.11 was adopted in real life by law enforcement & in military settings this of course led to 5.11 being used in movies/TV and video games. 5.11 has long been used in Ubisoft military shooters such as "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands", "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint" and "Tom Clancy's The Division 2". These games match the real life application of the 5.11 equipment, allowing you to wear 5.11 backpacks and clothing in-game. This can be seen on the cover of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands where the protagonist is wearing a 5.11 Rush24 backpack.
You can see 5.11's impact in TV shows such as "Terminal List", "S.W.A.T" and "Jack Ryan" featuring their bags, plate carriers and watches. It doesn't stop there with product cameos in A-list movies such as "6 Underground", "Rambo (2008)" and "Deadpool" being added to 5.11's laundry list of big screen cameos.
With 20 years of 5.11 in military and police circles, it has naturally been associated with fitness as well. This made its sponsorship of the CrossFit games a natural collaboration. Competitors can regularly be seen wearing weighted vests made by the brand or with its branding.
5.11 Tactical in 2023
5.11 IS THE PIONEERING, PURPOSE-DRIVEN BRAND MAKING PURPOSE-BUILT
511tactical.com
GEAR FOR THOSE WHO DEMAND MORE OF THEMSELVES, FOR THE GREATER GOOD.
In 5.11's own words:
Everything our customers do and everything we do for them is exponential.
The more self-reliant they are, the more they can be relied upon.
The more strength they build, the more they can protect others.
The more they answer the call of service, the more they respect others who serve.
The more we listen, field-test, design, build, and optimise, to help them be ready for anything,
the more they can live a life bigger than themselves.
That’s the Always Be Ready mission of a lifetime.
Future of 5.11
As 5.11 now looks to the future, they have a continued dedication to 'Always Be Ready' and provide the best tactical gear on the market.