5.11 Tactical has released a new set of tactical uniform-style pants and shirts designed to embrace the modern world. I’m talking about the new V.XI (get it, Roman numerals for 5.11) XTU series. 5.11 reportedly teamed up with top-tier LEOs and military teams around the world to develop the XTU pants and shirts. These are ultra-modern designs with a number of exciting features that were a nice surprise. 5.11 Tactical sent me a set of the Multicam pants and shirt for test and review.
The XTU Shirt
A combat shirt is a utility uniform designed to be worn with a plate carrier or other body armor type. The US Military developed combat shirts to provide soldiers with a cooler, lighter-weight uniform that can breathe when worn with body armor. The sleeves take on the color of the combat uniform and often have the same thick nature to protect the arms. The torso portion is much more lightweight and lacks a camouflage pattern.
The XTU takes the combat shirt design to the next level of modernity. Most combat shirts, especially those of the USGI type, are built to be disposable. Other companies have certainly made better, more durable shirts, and 5.11 Tactical joins their ranks. The XTU Shirt and shoulders are made from a durable 58 percent cotton and 39 perfect nylon Cordura blend. The torso portion is made from a 60 percent cotton and 40 percent Nylon 66 Cordura jersey material. It’s moisture-wicking and odor-proofed.
The XTU shirt is super comfy and light around the torso. The seams are flatlock and don’t rub or chafe. In addition, the front has a quarter-zip design to allow for some breathability. The cuffs are fit with hook-and-loop cuffs for tight adjustments, or they can be rolled up and out of the way. The pockets on the sleeves are zippered and face outward for easy access. You can fit all the little goodies you want in the shirt pocket.
The XTU shirt allows for excellent mobility. You can move, groove, shoot, and climb into a variety of positions with ease. Shouldering a rifle or climbing into the prone position isn’t restrictive. Upon initial wear, the shirt is a little itchy but softens up with a wash.
The XTU Pants
The XTU pants are our classic cargo utility pants with a twist. They have a lot going on, so let’s start from the top and work our way to the bottom. At the top and rear, we have Ortholite foam support for comfort when paired with a belt, especially one of those rigid, heavy-duty belts that carry mags, a sidearm, and more. The belt loops are especially wide and supportive, perfect for an underlayer belt to hold up your duty kit.
The pants have a ventilation opening on the inside of the leg, which is nice, especially in Florida during the heat of what’s supposed to be Fall. The pants feature cargo pockets on the legs, but they are positioned more to the front than the sides, which makes them more accessible and easier to access. The pockets are zippered, as are the rear pockets. We have N6 nylon Mag Pockets—inside the cargo pockets—for a spare handgun magazine.
Right below the cargo pockets are built-in knee pads. The external portion is polymer, and the inside is soft foam. They are super comfy, even when kneeling on concrete. A rear strap allows you to tighten the knee pads down and keep them locked in. As you’d expect, any tightened rear strap can be a little less comfy. So, I’d undo them until game time.
At the bottom, we have a shoelace hook to lock the pants down to your boots, and blousing straps allow you to keep critters and hazards out. The pants are plenty baggy and quite comfortable. Even the knee pad portions don’t rub when worn. They move with ease, and I don’t feel anything, just waiting to grip as I crouch, climb, and shoot.
The Collection
As you’d expect, 5.11 tactical makes the XTU gear in numerous patterns, including black, storm, Multi-Cam, Ranger Green, and Dark Navy. The gear is clearly aimed at military and law enforcement, but it’s perfect for LARPing. Likewise, things like the pants can be awfully handy when camping, working, or doing anything physical outdoors.
The material is a no-melt, no-drip fabric, which was a concern the GWOT quickly discovered. The XTU series embraces an extremely modern design and is 5.11 Tactical’s premier series of uniforms. Give them a peek if you want a modern, tactical uniform with all the bells and whistles.
For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.
