A Brief History of 5.11 Tactical
5.11 was established in 1992 in Modesto, California, by the rock climber Royal Robbins and his wife Liz. The first product was a pair of specialist climbing pants with a distinctive strap-and-slash pocket design. The name comes from a climbing difficulty grade in the Yosemite Decimal System.
The brand later moved towards the needs of military, law enforcement and public safety workers, and today makes uniforms, tactical clothing, bags and gear. Many people in the UK also choose 5.11 for work, walking and travel because the clothing is hard-wearing and practical.
The 5.11 Range We Stock
- Trousers, shorts and pants: tough, flexible trousers with plenty of pocket space.
- Jackets, coats and outerwear: jackets and shackets for work and everyday wear.
- Backpacks, day sacks and rucksacks: the largest part of our 5.11 range.
- Bags: duffels, slings and carry bags. See our 5.11 backpacks and bags guide.
We also stock 5.11 T-shirts, shirts, gloves, hats and belts. Browse everything in the full 5.11 Tactical collection.
Choosing 5.11 Gear
For trousers, pick the cut that suits your work or hobby: a relaxed fit for comfort, a slimmer fit for everyday wear. For bags, choose the capacity first, then the carry style. Check each product page for sizing and specifications.
5.11 FAQs
What does 5.11 mean? The name comes from a rock climbing grade in the Yosemite Decimal System.
Where is 5.11 from? 5.11 is an American brand, founded in California in 1992.
Is 5.11 only for the military and police? No. It is worn by outdoor workers, walkers and many everyday customers.
