One of the biggest challenges every company has is to never stop innovating and moving forward, especially when things are going well. Going into 5.11 booth at the 2019 Shot Show I really did not know if I will have something to write about, but after a product demonstration I was really impressed with the concept of the Low Vis Collection and the fact that 5.11 recognises an issue that developed in the recent years.

Recently, I was working in one Eastern European country. It was a pretty normal day at the office, until I met one of my friends from the office next door, who was visibly agitated.

We started talking, and he shared his story: “Dude, we had guys from Presidential security unit visit us today! They are still at the office! Apparently, president of the country will be attending a wedding at a restaurant right next to our office and they almost kicked us out from our own building! It is crazy!”.

Later in the day I went to my car which was parked pretty close to the gate which led to that restaurant. Five dudes in suits were “just hanging out” there. They really tried to look discreet – nice suits, expensive shoes, decent coats, no visible radio earpieces or Oakley wrap-around sunglasses. What gave them away? They all had 5.11 COVRT M4 rifle bags.

5.11 COVRT M4 rifle bag

Some 5.11 products fell victim to their own popularity. They are so well-known that you’re hardly fooling anyone with you “covert” bag.

Thankfully, 5.11 designers understood that problem and created a Low Vis Collection, which includes LV18 backpack, LV10 slingpack and several gun bags that come in three different colors: Tarmac, Black and Night Watch (hello, John Snow).

In the Low Vis Collection, all 5.11 logos are tuckable, there is no exposed MOLLE webbing or other “tactical” features that would make you look like a mall ninja. But inside, backpacks are still very functional and designed for CCW and duty use. Here are some features of LV18:

LV18 29L backpack has MOLLE webbing inside the main compartment

It can be used for IFAKs, mag and utility pouches of your choice.

LV18 also has a padded compartment for a laptop

Ambidextrous side entry CCW compartment with loop panel, elastic bands and webbing system for holster and mags

Low Vis Collection is already available online, both on 5.11 website and through dealers.

You can find more info about 5.11 products in our TFBTV video: https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/01/21/shot-2019-5-11-tacticals-new-spring-and-summer-gear-and-apparel/