5.11 has announced the release of their new Apex pants, as the next generation of 5.11 gear. 5.11 is one of the most prolific manufacturers of law enforcement uniforms and gear. Their success is due to producing outstanding products, designed for endurance during the harshest conditions, and has much to do with their background and the “5.11” name itself.
“5.11’s original and the first Tactical Pants feature the trademarked tactical strap and slash pocket design and were originally developed for rock climbing. “5.11” is a rock climbing difficulty level as listed in the Yosemite Decimal System. With skill levels ranging from 5.0 (easy) to 5.10 (difficult), 5.11 is even more grueling. 5.11 is officially defined as, “After thorough inspection, you conclude this move is obviously impossible; however, occasionally someone actually accomplishes it.”
5.11 Apex Pants
The 5.11 Apex pants combine precision engineering, functional design, and resilient construction. The Apex Pants are 5.11’s next-generation cargo pant designed to exceed even their iconic original 5.11 tactical cargo pants. There are many purposes for the 5.11 Apex pants including tactical, casual, or covert wear. The Apex Pant is built from 7.2 oz. Flex-Tac mechanical stretch canvas that offers extreme durability while remaining flexible and mobile.
The 5.11 Apex front hip pockets feature reinforced fabric at the knife clip, which is a fantastic improvement to strengthen the pants at an area that often wears out before the pants themselves. Many officers, and civilians carry a pocket-knife on a clip, and the addition of added material on the hip pockets makes sense and is quickly becoming a standard in police and tactical pants design.
The 5.11 Apex thigh-mounted cargo pockets are deep enough for plenty of gear, and have a smooth appearance on the leg. This presents a very low profile appearance, making the Apex pants a viable option for off-duty, training, undercover, or other low profile assignments where a more business casual look is preferred or required. The cargo pockets also include zip closures for when gear needs to be more stable and secure. The cargo pockets come with internal pockets sewn into each cargo pouch, and twin back yoke pockets sized for AR magazines. This design provides plenty of space for spare ammo, especially when a more covert carry manner is required.
A covert pocket at the front waistband is sized for a set of flex cuffs, and a handcuff key pocket is hidden at the rear waistband. Both of these additions are perfect for the modern officer. The 5.11 Apex pants have a flexible comfort waistband, with (7) sturdy belt loops that will help prevent belt sagging. The Apex pants have a fully gusseted crotch for the most comfortable design cut currently on the market. The Apex pants have articulated knees to ensure complete freedom of movement, and the pants have a Teflon® treated exterior to repel stains, spills, and soil for longevity.
5.11 Apex Pants Features
- Next generation cargo pant
- Internal cargo pouch magazine pockets
- Twin back yoke magazine pockets
- Flex cuff pocket inside front waist
- Handcuff key pocket inside rear waist
- Teflon® treated to repel stains, soil, and moisture
- Fully gusseted crotch
- Comfort waistband
- Articulated knees
- Available Waist Sizes – 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44
- Available Inseam Sizes – 30, 32, 34, 36
- Available Colors – Battle Brown, Black, Dark Navy, Khaki, TDU Green
- MSRP – $84.99.
5.11 Apex Pants Specifications
- 7.2 oz. Flex-Tac™ mechanical stretch canvas
- Deep cargo pockets with clean interior finish
- Reinforced knife clip area
- Seven reinforced belt loops
- Bartacking at key stress locations
- Genuine YKK® zipper hardware.
Final Thoughts
5.11 has been incredibly popular with law enforcement agencies, and individual officers. I can remember when I started in law enforcement nearly 19 years ago, I had the option of baggy Army fatigues, jeans, or work pants when attending firearms training. The introduction of 5.11 gear was like throwing fresh steaks to a hungry tiger! The company’s original tactical pants were outstanding – high quality, durable, and with enough pockets to satisfy gear hungry cops.
I have several 5.11 tactical pants, and enjoy them greatly. I have to admit that the original 5.11 tactical pants fit me a bit snug in the crotch, but I was more than willing to put up with that to wear a great product. These new Apex pants have a gusseted crotch so the fit should be much more accommodating. With the Apex pants just being announced for release, I have not been able to test them, but I’m confident that the 5.11 tradition of excellence will be more than abundant in these pants. I know I plan on owning a pair soon.