[SHOT 2020] 5.11 Tactical, All-the-things

    5.11 Tactical brought an imperial ton of things to SHOT this year. Everything from footwear to headlamps to products for your vehicle to a new RUSH pack. The worst part is that the products are set to trickle out over the year, so don’t RUSH out to your favorite 5.11 store quite yet (see what I did there?).

    RUSH100

    [SHOT 2020] The new RUSH100 is going to be a monster

    [SHOT 2020] The new RUSH100 is going to be a monster

    The most significant product premiered was the new RUSH100, a new big brother to the RUSH72 (which has been a ubiquitous range bag and bug out bag for years). Aside from the base model name, it doesn’t really share much DNA with the rest of the RUSH line. We will get a review sample later this year (when they release likely 3rd Quarter) for a more detailed look, and if it is relevant will do a post. I can see use as a bag for schlepping gear and guns at competitions, especially some of the long rifle endurance events.

    Significant features include a removable padded load-bearing waist belt, frame sheet with attached, pre-molded aluminum stays, and a 60L capacity. It does not have nearly as much PALS as the rest of the RUSH line, but what PALS it does have is in areas that make sense.

    MSRP: $264.99

    Response Headlamps

    5.11 Response HL XR1 (photo credit 5.11 Tactical)

    5.11 is debuting two new aluminum body headlamps, the Rapid HL and Response HL XR1. The Rapid HL Headlamp is 200 lumens when using a single AA alkaline battery, or 330 lumens when using a 14500 rechargeable li-ion battery. The Response HL XR1 is nearly 1000 lumens (when used in “peak spot mode”) and uses either CR123 or 18650 batteries.

    A useful feature (which seems to be trending in the market right now), the headlamp can be removed and used as a right-angle flashlight. Peak modes in the lamps only give you an hour or two of runtime, while the less intense modes bump that up to six hours.

    Both headlamps are available now on their website and at 5.11 Retail locations.

    Rapid HL MSRP $54.99.

    Response HL XR1 MSRP $84.99.

    Vehicle Ready (VR) HEXGRID Panels

    [SHOT 2020] Vehicle Ready (VR) Seat and Headrest panels

    [SHOT 2020] Vehicle Ready (VR) Seat and Headrest panels

    The HEXGRID Panels (both a seat and headrest version) are a new vehicle product that allows for multi-angle load-bearing and accessory arrangement. Both versions of the panel (seat and headrest) feature a full loop face that provides placement for any accessory backed with hook (or with a hook-sided accessory attachment they also have).

    The Seat Platform features an adjustable headrest strap and removable side seat straps, and it comes with a quick-release padded seat wedge for secure attachment to either the front or rear of the driver or passenger seat. It comes with a zippered mesh pouch that can be used to store accessories or to pack up the panel.

    The headrest panel is much smaller (obviously) and comes with a couple of quick detach straps to anchor it. It looks like it just fits their Flex Medium GP Pouch (5″ x 6.6″)

    Both panels are available now on their website and at 5.11 Retail locations.

    Seat Panel MSRP $44.99.

    Headrest Panel MSRP $14.99.

    Load Ready Utility Bags and Haul Pack

    [SHOT 2020] Load Ready bags are really heavily built.

    [SHOT 2020] Load Ready bags are really heavily built.

    The next somewhat vehicle-based offering is 5.11’s Load Ready bags. These are basically shopping totes, done tactical style. 5.11 bills these as a solution to replace plastic bins (for vehicle gear storage). While they are not as stackable as plastic totes (I can’t see replacing my Front Runner Wolfpacks with them), I can totally see using them to organize items in the “behind-the-seat” footwell area. I generally have a mess of plastic grocery bags with travel snacks and other things for easy access. These would fill that niche for me.

    All of the bags are heavily built and protected on the bottom by an abrasion-resistant, waterproof, dual-layered panel constructed with 1050D Nylon. They also have a roll-up, heavy-duty mesh lid that can zip shut or stay rolled open with a toggle/loop system. They have handles on the top and sides for different carry options and have an internal mesh pocket for smaller items.

    The new Haul Pack is basically the same thing but converts to a backpack. For those impromptu tactical picnics.

    Haul Pack MSRP $109.99

    Utility Large MSRP $74.99

    Medium Tall MSRP $64.99

    Medium MSRP $59.99

    Utility Gear Set and Covert Panel

    [SHOT 2020] Utility 9x9 Gear Set

    [SHOT 2020] Utility 9×9 Gear Set

    The Utility 9×9 Gear Set is a large pouch that adds almost 250 cubic-inches to any Gear Set compatible system. It has two primary compartments and a front zippered pocket (that has a 90-degree max tilt—creating a sort of shelf). It was based on a design from EOD for holding tools and creating a working shelf that prevents gear from dumping out. I like the size and organization but would really like an integrated adjustable cord to back up the fabric hinges (or allow more acute angles).

    The Covert Panel is a simple hook backed panel to cover up the loop field on any pack so equipped (to give a less tactical appearance).

    Utility 9×9 Gear Set MSRP $54.99

    Covert Panel MSRP $14.99

    Prime Plate Carrier

    Prime Plate Carrier with Utility 9x9 Gear Set.

    Prime Plate Carrier with Utility 9×9 Gear Set.

    5.11’s new plate carrier is a stripped-down affair to hold just plates. It is set up to use the “Gear Set” system and AMP attachments, allowing for numerous variations. It will be available in a S/M and Large sizes and has an MSRP of $109.99.

    A.T.L.A.S. Footwear

    The final big reveal was their new line of footwear, the A.T.L.A.S. (All Terrain Load Assistance System). It launched with a Trainer, Mid-Boot, and 8-inch boot (also available with side zip option).

    The soles and footbeds are a system that provides stability and comfort for carrying heavy loads and with the ability to return some of that compression energy. They are also extremely grippy and should resist slipping in wet and slick environments. They come in Black and Dark Coyote.

    I got a pair of the trainers to try out while rucking, so we shall see how the manage miles and bricks–they are available now.

    5.11 A.T.L.A.S. Trainer MSRP $119.99

    5.11 A.T.L.A.S. MID Boot MSRP $139.99

    5.11 A.T.L.A.S. 8-inch Boot MSRP $149.99

    Other Stuff…

    5.11 also featured a bunch of clothing, including jackets, gloves, and pants, as well as a new collaborative knife line (both a fixed and folding variant) with Doug Marcaida (of Forged in Fire fame). These will be available later this year.

    Tom is a former Navy Corpsman that spent some time bumbling around the deserts of Iraq with a Marine Recon unit, kicking in tent flaps and harassing sheep. Prior to that he was a paramedic somewhere in DFW, also doing some Executive Protection work between shifts. Now that those exciting days are behind him, he teaches wilderness medicine and runs an on-demand medical staffing business. He hopes that his posts will help you find solid gear that will survive whatever you can throw at it–he is known (in certain circles) for his curse…ahem, ability…to find the breaking point of anything.

    You can reach him at tom.r AT thefirearmblog.com or at https://thomasrader.com


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