5.11

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends 5.11

38 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 30, 2025

  Which Carry On is the Best?

  This is how I travel but with a 5.11 backpack. Bought it over 10 years ago. Been in a lot of overhead bins, used as a daily backpack for work, taken on camping trips, and plenty of road trips. Still looks almost new

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• #2Dec 25, 2025

  Good sling bags for men?

  I've had a 5.11 rush 10 for years and it's been indestructible. Not sure if they're still available but a second hand one if you see it is a good option

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• #3Dec 2, 2025

  Nice looking men's boots that will work in an office, but stand up to Chicago winters

  Depending on your needs (they aren’t nice leather boots) but I really like the 5.11 AT mids. They do come in black and initially look a bit too tactical but I’ve worn them to the office for a year with jeans and they blend in fine. The added ortho support is a blessing

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• #4Dec 2, 2025

  Recommendations for quality Jeans or casual slacks that will last

  Kodiak pant by 5.11 Work, climbing, trekking.

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• #5Dec 1, 2025

  Didn’t realize how attached I was to my old backpack until it finally started falling apart

  I rarely ever make product recommendations but I've had a 5.11 Rush 24 backpack for going on 10 years now. The only place it shows signs of wear is where it's rubbed against my lower back, and I'm fairly sure that's just cosmetic. Probably the most BIFL purchase I've made.

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• #6Nov 6, 2025

  Work Shoes/Redwing Boots…

  Be mindful of mobility too. If you currently or in the future could need to climb inside vehicles etc, you may want a style on the thinner or lighter side. Red Wing Thorogood and Danner usually get the most praise. I spent a while last year looking for something similar and settled on Keen. I was pretty happy with what I saw from Ariat too. When I worked in a plant where I walked the floor constantly, a few of us settled on a particular style of Rockport at the time as the most comfortable and longest lasting. I put two pairs through hell and still have them 15 years later. That’s not to say they make them like that anymore but don’t be afraid to branch out to different styles than a boot too. Personally for that, I’d look at Merrell, 5.11. Maybe try on some police or military style boots or shoes too. And if you haven’t already, Amazon try before you buy is a huge help.

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• #7Nov 5, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  My 5.11 is going on about year 5.

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• #8Nov 5, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  5.11 all the way or maxpedition and they will outlast his college years.

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• #9Nov 4, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  5.11 the Rush 12 or Rush 24 are really nice

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• #10Nov 4, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  I’ve been carrying my 5.11 for years now. It goes literally everywhere with me. Still in like new condition. Can not recommend them enough

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• #11Nov 4, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  Look into 5.11 backpacks. They are very very durable and come in many sizes. They also will replace your backpack if it ever wears out like this

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• #12Nov 4, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  +1 for Vintage Jansport BUT if you regularly carry a gun, a laptop, or both…. 5.11 makes really good bags. I had one gain because of the zipper, but they have since changed the zipper design, and they replaced the bag right way. No fuss, no problems, just a brand new bag with the better zipper sent to my house in 2 days. I’m a fan

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• #13Oct 10, 2025

  My belt got rubbed off after a short backpacking trip. What belt do you have that lasts?

  Leather do hanks belts. For backpacking I like nylon. I have a 5.11 double duty belt

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• #14Oct 10, 2025

  My belt got rubbed off after a short backpacking trip. What belt do you have that lasts?

  5.11 nylon.

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• #15Oct 9, 2025

  My belt got rubbed off after a short backpacking trip. What belt do you have that lasts?

  I bought a leather belt from 5.11 and it’s been through hell and has held up great

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• #16Oct 9, 2025

  My belt got rubbed off after a short backpacking trip. What belt do you have that lasts?

  If you're a nature enthusiast doing backpack trips, camps, hiking etc. consider trying military style accessories. Because almost all gear we use in nature comes from military background including tents, boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, water purifiers etc. first invented and designed to serve soldiers in the field. I've got a 5.11 belt with vowen like style and buckle with no moving parts, it works with friction and using it for almost for 10 years now. [Check this out ](https://www.511tactical.com/media/catalog/product/5/9/59551_134_tdubelt150_01_1.jpg?quality=80&bg-color=255,255,255&fit=bounds&height=855&width=855)

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• #17Sep 5, 2025

  Long-lasting shirt and pants for wood cutting work

  For cheap clothing that holds up well, check out LAPG.com. I use a couple pairs of their BDU’s for outdoor work including light chainsaw work, and nothing has busted yet. They usually have closeout stuff for cheap. Otherwise I’ve had good luck with some of the 5.11 canvas pants, but they’re only really worth it on sale. Kühl makes some good stuff, but you have to get their heavier weight pants. Some of the lightweight stuff is great for hiking but I wouldn’t use it for work. My pair of Ryder canvas pants seem durable enough.

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• #18Jul 3, 2025

  Plain but quality mens clothing that isn't too showy

  5.11

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• #19Jul 3, 2025

  Need Help Choosing a Backpack

  5.11 rush

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• #20Jun 10, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  Came here to mention belt as well. Was traveling with the family way back when the kids were small. Got enticed into a shop that had folding knives and butterfly knives and they had a variety of items in the shop. Found a smooth (like literally smooth, not smooth as in cool!) belt that was all plastic, no metal parts and thought “this will be useful for traveling and passing through airport security (I travel sometimes for work). That was ten years ago. These days I might end up with only taking it for my travels as it goes well with jeans, khakis, and hiking pants. Only during a trip three weeks ago did I think “a black one would also be nice” and looked up the brand, because up to that point I couldn’t even tell you the brand. Apparently the brand is just called “5.11” and the belt is a TDI(r) Coyote. That’s what it says on the inside seam. I’m guessing the TDI is the model and not the brand. Looked it up and found a number of sellers online. And no, I’m not a paid promoter, it was just something I was admiring this past week as it has been around 10 years and it literally looks like I just got it. The material is heavy duty, plastic-chord like, like something you’d use to fasten a suitcase case of moving gear, and the plastic buckle is just a simple loop. I’ll probably order the black one for my next trip. They unfortunately only come in those two colors, brown/gold and black. And under $30 if I recall correctly. 

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• #21Jun 3, 2025

  The Best Backpack Today?

  I have a 5.11 Rush 24. Does it make you look very military-utilitarian? Yes. But it's also a pretty good backpack, and it's durable enough for the kind of use case you describe. Mine is a work bag. MOLLE webbing is a very handy feature that most other bags lack, and if you get one in black or grey as opposed to camo, ranger green or tan, it looks maybe less overt. I have mine in black.

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• #22Apr 5, 2025

  My jug needs a sling

  [https://www.511tactical.com/rush-moab-10.html](https://www.511tactical.com/rush-moab-10.html) 5.11 Rush Tactical for sure. Tough slings, different colors, velcro galore, a zillion attachment points for carabiners etc.

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• #23Apr 1, 2025

  Men’s Jeans Recommendations

  I only wear 5.11 jeans now. The first pair I got 7 or 8 years ago and they’re still in perfect condition. I used them camping, for work (construction) and casual. And they’re still have these extra sleek back pockets for cell phones that are amazing.

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• #24Mar 7, 2025

  Can't decide on a backpack

  Got a 5.11 72-hr backpack for work a few years ago. Needed to haul some heavy gear for that job and it had several useful compartments. I no longer work there and so the pack has become a very useful baby/diaper bag. They’re well made but maybe slightly over engineered for your purposes.

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• #25Mar 4, 2025

  Tactical boots for security guard

  White’s. Wesco. Frank’s. JK’s. A pair of Jobmasters is going to last longer than any of the boots you’re talking about. Unless you just want to get a pair of glued boots from 5.11.

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• #26Mar 3, 2025

  Long Lasting Jeans for Mechanic

  There are jean options. An alternative as a mechanic I really like some of my 5.11 Cargo pants. I wore the same pair for years doing mechanic work- no tears or holes, often soaked em in oils, jet (A) fuel even, and plenty of other nasty environments they have survived through.

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• #27Mar 3, 2025

  511 6" Tactical Union boots. Heavy duty work boots that have lasted 5 years now in the masonry field. Almost no wear and tear, and water proof still holds true.

  I know this post is 2 years old But I have been wearing my pair for 3 and a half years doing absolutely everything in them. yardwork, hiking, etc etc. the only major wear I see on mine is the insert has absolutely no letters anymore from wear and the sizing tab is gone. A few places where the fabric is a little scuffed but otherwise still wearing them! I want to buy another pair but I guess 5.11 doesn’t have them anymore??

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• #28Feb 7, 2025

  I have been wearing these shorts for 35 years on and off, and I am still in love.

  I have some 100% cotton stuff from Kuhl. Excellent brand. Please check them out. The poly/cotton blend stuff I have is from 5.11. It’s about 20% poly, so it adds durability and low maintenance while remaining breathable, and they look like nice shirts. Not “tactical” as you’d imagine from the brand. Also good stuff - check them out.

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• #29Feb 2, 2025

  Black Nylon Flexible Belt

  Too small width or length? I use a [5.11](https://www.511tactical.com/tdu-belt-15-plastic-buckle.html?sku=844802120456&country=us&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G_Shopping_LIA&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD4yJCm2Mepsk3-KSabp2apSDt5bj&gclid=CjwKCAiAqfe8BhBwEiwAsne6gXV-wx6yjLfrnuNFWncX9ss4iZ9MnkF6wKcpvMKHvk88I1sWbaq3mxoCMFQQAvD_BwE) belt for Business Casual travel and an [NRS](https://www.nrs.com/nrs-icon-belt/pswc?srsltid=AfmBOoo6RdekiT6yAtNkrsvOv_U6qGEp9hEg9vfLVl1P0yqCbhurfh8v) strap belt for everyday wear. But damn the NRS is unavailable now! FWIW I find the 5.11 belt to slip and it needs to be retightened often.

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• #30Feb 2, 2025

  Black Nylon Flexible Belt

  5.11 belts?

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• #31Jan 9, 2025

  Thoughts on the Osprey Flare 27? It seems to have most of the features I want but would love to know your guys' experience. I'm looking to use this backpack daily for college for the next 5 or so years, at least.

  I can’t comment on Osprey backpacks, but a good alternative could be 5.11 COVRT bags. I am in my senior year of college now and have been using the same one every day since the beginning of junior high, and it’s still in great shape

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• #32Jan 7, 2025

  I need Work Pants, None Last

  Seconding 5.11

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• #33Jan 6, 2025

  I need Work Pants, None Last

  5.11 is what we get for our uniform. I'm not really sure how people destroy them. I'm a game warden and have done some bizarre things in my pants. I still have some from my original training academy. I've been hung upsidedown off barbed wire from my pants and they don't even tear. Slid across concrete. Endlessly walking through thorns and brush. Covered in blood and water and mud. The oldest pairs are very faded but still in good enough shape I'll probably do a little dye touch up and keep wearing them.

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• #34Jan 6, 2025

  I need Work Pants, None Last

  Well I used to work in a hospital as a guard. Very hands on, lots of having to scrub my pants with harsh chemicals after dealing with patients. Our uniform required us to wear 5.11 ripstop cargo pants. I was given old hand me down pants that were a few years old already. It was a very physical job, and I don't think of cargos as athletic but I often sprinted up 7-8 flights of stairs in those things with no problem. They are very comfortable and I maybe sort of never turned all of them in... So I still have a pair. They are a few years older now and are still good pants. I know people have mixed views on 5.11 but I think my experience with them shows at least some of their products can be fairly durable.

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• #35Jan 4, 2025

  After my Disneyworld with my family my old Jansport backpack just isn't cutting it anymore. Time for me to get an upgrade.

  Been carrying a 5.11 bag for years. It’s a tank. No loose threads or torn zippers. Plenty of room. Carries a ton of stuff

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• #36Jan 1, 2025

  3 in 1 winter jacket?

  I have a 5.11 3 in 1 winter jacket that does a good job. Its outer shell is water resistant but can be sprayed with weatherproofing for added help. The inner layer is a fleece style jacket(at least the version I have there are others depending on the year of production). The other part that may be useful for you is that there is zippered venting under the arms and the sides can be unzipped for access to pockets or for airing out. There’s a built in hood that’s decent. There’s also a ton of pocket storage for gloves or hats depending on the weather needs. I’ve fit a steel water bottle in a pocket safely.

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• #37Dec 5, 2015

  Lightweight gloves?

  You might want to check out 5.11 gloves http://www.511tactical.com/accessories/gloves.html. I don't own any, but most of their products have a good reputation.

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• #38Dec 4, 2015

  Bifl request for tactical backpack cross post from bifl

  5.11 rush 12

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