5.11 Tactical Celebrates 20th Anniversary

by
posted on February 16, 2023
511 Celebrating

5.11 Tactical, a global innovator of purpose-built gear, is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2023. The company officially launched on Jan. 29, 2003.

“Since 2003, it has been a privilege empowering customers to Always Be Ready,” said 5.11 Tactical CEO Francisco J. Morales. “Whether they depend on our gear in the line of duty or for everyday use, we’d like to say thank you for counting on us as we pass this milestone and look forward to the future.”

Founded in California, 5.11 Tactical got its start from a pair of rock-climbing pants named after the Yosemite Decimal System for assigning a rating to a vertical ascent’s difficulty. Class 5 reflects the climb will be technically difficult, with protection and belays required. The number 11 indicates the route will feature vertical walls most of the time, with occasional overhangs, and enthusiasts can expect their holds to be small.

The long-lasting quality of those pants was reflected well in the company’s name, and eventually other consumer in other pursuits discovered their durability and functional features. As a result of that unexpected demand, the brand expanded its product offering and grew in popularity, especially withing the public safety, self-defense and military arenas. The company’s Apex Pant is a sterling example of the durable build and features packed into all of its gear.

“Serving those who serve will always be at the forefront of what we do,” said Morales. “Whether it’s through brand partnerships, special events like our annual 5.11 Days celebration, or simply developing dependable gear, we will always strive to support public safety professionals and military personnel and show our gratitude for their service.”

Today, the company works directly with end users to design purpose-built gear for enhancing the safety, comfort and performance of those who serve, outdoor adventurers, training enthusiasts and customers who wish to live the brand’s mantra of "Always Be Ready." 5.11 Tactical products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at more than 100 company-owned retail stores across the United States.

Latest

heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees
heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

New For 2025: EAA Girsan Witness2311 Brat, Match and MatchX

European American Armory Corp. (EAA) introduced an affordable variation of the double-stack 1911 design with their Girsan Witness2311 in 2023, continually adding additional chamberings and slide length options. New for 2025, the company is adding three new versions of the Witness2311 with the Match, MatchX and Brat models.

Review: Citadel Trakr

At less than 4 lbs., this repeating rifle is easy on the back while also being extraordinarily easy on the budget.

Freedom Munitions To Move Ammo Component Production To Idaho

Freedom Munitions has announced it will be consolidating its projectile component production from X-Treme Bullets out of Nevada into its Lewiston, Idaho, facilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.