For many people, their vehicle is their home away from home. They use it for daily commutes to and from work and for traveling for fun. Additionally, if things go bad, it’s an escape tool that gets them out of danger and to a safer location. With all the time people spend inside the vehicle, it’s a fair bet that it carries many of their personal items. That’s where 5.11’s ingenious Vehicle-Ready HexGrid organizational system comes into play.
5.11 Tactical HexGrid Storage System
This attachment system, with accompanying bags and pouches (sold separately), can turn your spare seating into gear-toting helpers that keep necessities within arm’s reach. With my own sample of the HexGrid in my possession, I tested its practicality, durability, and ease of assembly, and the results were nothing less than remarkable.
Starting with the basics
You can’t build a house without a foundation, and you can’t create an organizational system without the fundamental base units. In this case, I had both the 5.11 HexGrid Seat and 5.11 HexGrid Headrest in-hand and ready to install. Both these units came with all the needed straps to secure them to your vehicle’s seat and headrest, respectively.
Examining them first, I noticed their flexibility and, with that, had concerns about their durability or ability to hold numerous gear attachments. However, with some tugging and flexing of the material, my mind changed quickly. It exhibited a true toughness under my constant pressure, even though its meshwork was surprisingly thin throughout.
The headrest unit exhibits the same materials. There was no question in my mind that it would be equally tough.
Holding onto your seat
Both the seat and headrest gridwork included the needed straps to hold them in place on your vehicle’s seat. The headrest portion had two attachment straps. The larger seat portion came with one top strap already attached and two side straps. These needed to be strung through the unit and secured. This unit also came with a quick-release seat wedge that was also pre-attached with two equal-length straps.
Now for the installation.
Ease of Installation
The installation of both units was far easier than I would have suspected. The headrest unit fit over my vehicle’s headrest on the first try. After a quick tug here and there on the straps to adjust, it “locked” in place very well.
You have an option to install the HexGrid on either the front or back of the seat. I chose to attach it to the back. I moved my way downward, securing the top first, then the sides, and finally the lower portion. Every strap is fully adjustable. It took some tweaking to apply the perfect amount of tension to secure the entire meshwork carrier.
Overall, it was a fifteen-minute installation and no problem whatsoever.
Adding multiple carriers
Various pouches and small packs do not come with the Hexgrid system. But the good people at 5.11 Tactical sent me some of their pouches to attach to the units.
I used their Flex Vertical GP Pouch, UCR IFAK Pouch, Flex Admin Pouch, a flashlight holder, and tourniquet containment pouch. The HexGrid system’s gridwork is in a hexagonal pattern, which is visually obvious right from the start. This allows not only horizontal attachments but also diagonal attachments to allow for greater versatility and space optimization.
I set a pattern that I initially liked, but changed it a few more times soon thereafter to get the best balance between space and accessibility to the gear.
A Place for Everything
Truly, the only limitation you have when storing gear on the HexGrid is the size of the pouches that you attach to the units. With my various pouches, I was able to accommodate numerous small survival and self-defense items.
In lieu of a tourniquet, I place my expandable baton in that pouch. I also added in the other pouches a mini first-aid kit, my eyeglasses, a slender flashlight, and a folding knife. Mind you, I was testing for a review and would most likely change gear and equipment on a regular basis.
Adaptable for your personal needs
What I realized when testing the HexGrid was the versatility it will have depending upon my needs at a given time. If I take a road trip, auto-travel-centric items could be added. Essentials could be substituted inside the pouches for camping trips. Even if I don’t have any deep outdoor adventures planned, everyday items like a pen and paper, paper towels, a little extra cash or coins, and even a window breaker escape tool would be great additions.
Final Thoughts
The HexGrid is both an ingenious storage system and highly customizable. The fact that you can add your preferred pouches and packs and remove them just as easily is an absolute plus. The one drawback that may deter some people is that you must purchase the add-on pouches, and that may become a bit costly at first.
However, this isn’t a dealbreaker by any means, as you can acquire them over time, so you don’t break the bank. In fact, you may surprise yourself and find several pouches already in your possession that are compatible. Finally, the HexGrid utilizes space that few people realize they have in their vehicles. This is where the HexGrid shines, and this is how you take prepping for any unexpected problem to a whole new level.
