5.11 has built a reputation among law enforcement, military, and first responder communities for gear that performs under pressure. That same experience in creating durable, functional apparel now extends to outdoor and adventure enthusiasts with their new line of “Own Your Adventure” clothing.
We wanted to see if this gear lived up to its claims when used in the overland world—where comfort, protection, and versatility matter every bit as much as ruggedness.
After spending time with several key pieces from 5.11’s outdoor activewear collection, OVR staff came away impressed by the practical features, thoughtful construction, and all-day comfort – not to mention great style too.
From trail use to travel and extended camp stays, here’s how each piece performed during testing.
The Ridge Pant quickly became a go-to for our team. It wears like a casual pant but brings technical features built for adventure. The fabric has just enough stretch to move with you, and it held up well on hikes and while crawling under our rig during trail repairs. The cut is roomy so it is comfortable in whatever position you find yourself in.
The biggest standout was the internal organization: pockets within pockets help keep small essentials—like knives, multitools, or keys—secure and separate, reducing bulk and rattle.
Comfortable enough for travel days, yet tough enough for light field work, the Ridge Pant easily earned its place in our kit.
Essentially the warm-weather version of the Ridge Pant, the Trail Short carries over the same internal pocket organization that we appreciated.
These shorts are lightweight, breathable, and well-fitted for long days in the heat. Like the Ridge Pant, it also has pockets within its pockets for pocket gear organization and security.
Whether we were setting up camp or walking vendor rows at Overland Expo, the Trail Short stayed comfortable and functional, with enough secure storage for essentials without relying on a backpack or waist pouch.
Trail Short comes in 9” inseam and a longer, 9.5” inseam options.
Victor Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt
The Victor Chambray Shirt offers a dressed-up look that doesn’t sacrifice function. Hidden pockets blend seamlessly into the shirt’s design and came in handy for stashing cash or ID while traveling.
We found the fit runs large—sizing down provided a cleaner look without feeling restrictive. The shirt also has a longer body, making it a good choice for those with longer torsos or anyone who prefers to tuck in their shirt without it coming untucked during wear.
It’s a good option for those looking for a lightweight shirt with casual styling and technical features under the hood. A long-sleeve version of this shirt is also available.
This shirt carries a 50+ UPF rating, and long days under the sun at Overland Expo put that claim to the test. Despite spending hours in direct sunlight, none of us ended up sunburned.
Beyond that, the shirt stayed comfortable even in high heat, dried quickly, and maintained a clean look without needing ironing.
For anyone spending extended time outdoors, we now view UV-protective shirts like the Marksman as essential gear. A long-sleeve version of this shirt is also available as is a long-sleeve edition for women.
The Murdoc Jacket surprised us with its versatility. While it doesn’t look overly tactical, the jacket is loaded with extra pockets and utility-focused details that make it a solid companion for cooler evenings at camp or travel days when you want to keep gear close.
It’s cut in a way that allows layering underneath, yet still wears comfortably as a standalone jacket.
Among all the apparel pieces tested, this one drew the most praise from our editors as the ideal daily jacket.
The McClane Mid brings a casual sneaker aesthetic with trail-worthy function. Built on a Vibram outsole, it offers solid grip across varied terrain, from wet rocks to dusty camp roads. The upper provides good ankle support and held up well to the abuses of daily wear.
That said, some of us found the boots a bit heavy compared to other hiking shoes, which might be a factor on longer treks. Still, for mixed use—travel, camp setup, urban environments—they strike a balance between support, durability, and style.
OVR Hands-on Testimonials
Gallery Images by Jenny Duong
5.11 has also developed a dedicated women’s line that brings the same level of functionality and performance to adventure-ready apparel. The Women’s Collection includes everything from durable trail pants and UV-protective shirts to outerwear and active shorts designed to keep up with off-grid travel and backcountry use.
These pieces aren’t just scaled-down versions of men’s styles—they’re built specifically for female fit and movement, with details like articulated knees, stretch panels, and pocket designs that actually work in real-world scenarios.
Allhaula Collection: Purpose-Built Packs and Bags
To complement its clothing lineup, 5.11 recently introduced the Allhaula Collection—a series of bags and packs designed specifically for outdoor and adventure travel. Built around modularity, ruggedness, and packability, these bags are ideal for overlanders and anyone living out of their vehicle.
Options include duffels, backpacks, and storage cubes, all featuring reinforced construction, weather-resistant materials, and thoughtful compartmentalization for keeping gear sorted.
We found the Allhaula duffels especially useful for basecamp organization, while the smaller cubes made it easy to keep clothing and tools separate and easy to access. Whether tossed into the back of a rig or hauled through airport terminals, the Allhaula gear held up well and proved to be as versatile as the rest of 5.11’s adventure offerings.
Final Thoughts
From pocket design to performance fabrics, 5.11’s new outdoor wear proves that clothing built for tactical work can easily carry over to overland use. The line blends technical utility with casual styling that doesn’t feel out of place in town or on the trail.
While originally known for its presence in first responder and military communities, 5.11’s venture into outdoor adventure clothing feels right at home with the overland crowd. Based on our experience, it’s gear worth bringing along for the ride.
ABOUT 5.11
5.11 is the pioneering, purpose-driven brand making purpose-built
gear for those who demand more of themselves, for the greater good.
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 optimize, 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.
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