BORELLI CONSULTING: Recreational Equipment Reviews

5.11 Tactical 5-In-1 Jacket
19 December 2005

Before I even get into this review, let me say: the fact that I'm evaluating / reviewing this item of apparel in the "Recreational" category does not mean that I think it is purely for recreational use. I've worn this jacket, in various configurations, on duty and it has served very well. However, due to the extreme versatility of the design, I've found plenty of use for it during my off-duty hours, and I felt it better to call attention to the dual value you get out of this item.

So I received my evaluation jacket a few months ago and immediately had to fight my wife to decide whose it was going to be. Normally she wins such fights (after I've completed the evaluation time) and this was no exception. Now, my wife is not a police officer and has never been in the service. Her appreciation for this jacket is the result of a very few characteristics: comfort, warmth, versatility and ease of transition from one configuration to the next. Below I will review how I evaluated each, the results, and the ultimate loss to my other half of this fine piece of uniform or non-uniform apparel.

Please remember as you read further, that I don't think this jacket is properly named. "5 in 1" to me means that there are only five variations that it can be worn in. Let me go through my list and explain why I think it's much more:

1) Full outer jacket with hood and complete fleece inner jacket.

2) Full outer jacket with hood, but without fleece inner jacket.

3) Full outer jacket with hood, with only the inner fleece vest section (no fleece sleeves).

4) Full outer jacket without hood, but with complete fleece inner jacket.

5) Full outer jacket without hood and without the fleece inner jacket.

6) Full outer jacket without hood, with only the inner fleece vest section.

7) Just the fleece jacket by itself.

8) The Fleece vest (no sleeves).

9) Any of the above with the reflective safety vest (so add eight more options).

If my math is correct, this is a "16 in 1" jacket.

Now that you know all the wear options, let's take a look at the features of the outer jacket and the fleece jacket to see how versatile it can be above and beyond the versatility in wear already demonstrated above.

I apologize for the poor quality of the diagram, but I couldn't find any other diagrams that show all the features. I had to scan the small pamphlet that came with the jacket itself. Since this is a recreational review, I'll breeze over the military / cop stuff. The jacket is specifically set up for them though. It has a microphone loop / lapel on each shoulder, as well as a badge holder that is hidden in the left breast pocket. It the top of the back, there is a pull out identification panel provided so police, deputies, etc can Velcro on patches with big white lettering so they can be more easily recognized. On either side of the front is 5.11 Tactical's patented Back Up Belt system.

The Back Up Belt System (BUBS from here on) allows those cops, soldiers, etc to carry what they would normally carry on a gunbelt, but hidden inside the jacket. The available attachments include holsters or pouches to carry:

- handgun
- spare magazines
- flashlight
- handcuffs
- OC Spray (pepper mace)

At each side, just above the hip, the jacket has zippers (and so does the fleece) that can be unzipped to permit easier access to the gunbelt if the jacket is being worn on duty.

Enough of that. This is about recreation... The hood is removable and stowable. You want to keep it just in case but don't like having it flapping? That's cool. 5.11 Tactical thought of that and provided enough storage at the collar to tuck the hood away. On either sleeve there is an angled pocket that have zippers for security and are easy to reach with the opposite hand. The hand warmer pockets on the front are also closed by zippers - easy to get your hands into and toasty warm even in a stiff wind. My test environment, just for the sake of detail, was a 28 degree night with a ten to fifteen mile per hour wind.

I had the jacket put together including the outer jacket and inner fleece and I was warm. (Note the heavy emphasis). All I was doing was walking the dog and I was practically sweating in this thing. On a slightly warmer day, I took the fleece out and wore it by itself. Again, nice and toasty. The fleece also has the hand warmer pockets and the BUBS pockets. I haven't worn the fleece vest (no sleeves) yet, but I have worn the outer jacket with just the fleece vest installed. It was a day in the mid-thirties and I never experienced any discomfort. For what it's worth, I had a t-short on under the jacket.

The only observation I have to make that is a concern is the bulk of the jacket. Now, this isn't a negative comment about the jacket performance or design. No jacket that is this warm is going to be thin. That said, when I put on my hydration pack with the jacket on, I had to let the shoulder straps out all the way and then snug them in a very little bit to get comfortable. The jacket, especially with the fleece insert, is thick without being uncomfortable. Keep it in mind if you're backpacking or carrying a slung rifle.

All in all an exceedingly comfortable and versatile outer garment. Since it's available in green, black, brown or blue, you should be able to find one to suit your specific need.

Be safe!

I have a comment on this article.

Also, don't forget to read the Service / Tactical Equipment Evaluations:

Corcoran Matterhorn: A Trio of Excellent Boots-----19 December 2005
Plus others!!!

Check out this week's Highlighted Training Article about how "Active Shooter" response training needs to evolve to answer today's terrorist threats.

For a listing of reviews in chronological order, GO HERE.

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