• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Loadout Room

The Loadout Room

Professional Gear Reviews

Hardcore Gear and Adventure

Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • Photoroom_20250531_143432Pyramyd AIR’s Springfield Hellcat Pro CO2 BB Pistol Is the Ultimate Dry-Fire Trainer
        • image-112d3d00Helwan Brigadier 9mm Range Report
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
        • m142Too Tough to Die: The M14
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • ac65a540-2ef3-4598-8d11-afdf53f46e94.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X: A Thoroughly Bright Review
        • Bluetti 2 handsfree power backpackBluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
        • The Gallagator 10 day pack on the shoreline next to a hiking trail.Day Pack – Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 – The Best Yet?
        • PXL_20240209_171721326Pic of the Day, It’s Graduation Time
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
        • craft holstersCraft Holsters Makarov Tuckable IWB Holster Report
        • rs3CIVIVI RS71 Review : Big Blade Energy
        • civivi2Civivi Brazen Review: The Best Budget EDC Knife under $75?
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Buying Guides
  • Shop
  • Advertise
Mens Clothing & Accessories

5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants | Straight-Fit

June 30, 2018 by Erik Meisner Leave a Comment

5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants | Straight-Fit

No longer is it cool to be rocking the khaki cargo pants and a tactical backpack. Especially if you’re just running to the store to pick up baby formula. We all understand the function of tactical clothing and packs and they do have a place. At work if you’re a cop, or on the range while training. Not while strolling through the airport on your way to Shot Show. It’s a giant “look at me, I’m a badass” sign on your back. So the new tacti-cool thing to do is still be a badass, just don’t try so damn hard to look the part. And one of the new items from 5.11 will help you do just that. The Defender Flex Pants and Jeans.

5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants | Straight-Fit

Having previously reviewed this product, I felt compelled to revisit the subject. Early samples available to the press were the slim fit versions only. While I don’t consider myself a skinny jean kinda guy, I didn’t really mind the cut of those early samples and I do still wear them to work quite frequently. But now available at 5.11 Tactical are the straight fit cuts in the jean. Pants are soon to follow. This is a welcome sign and I was able to swindle my way into a pair of each. The Defender Flex pants and jeans have a blend-in casual look to them without tipping anyone off to their tactical lineage.

The most used feature for me are the additional back pockets that fit AR magazines. Although I have worn the Defender Flex pants to the range to test the functionality of these pockets, I typically store my phone and a knife there. Because of the offset position, these pockets don’t place the contents directly under your ass when sitting. And they offer an alternative location for an EDC knife. Which I prefer to the standard front right pocket. I use my front pockets for my hands occasionally and not fighting for space with my knife is a welcome change.

5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants | Straight-Fit

Defender Flex Pants specifications courtesy of 511tactical.com

  • Button top fly with locking YKK® zipper
  • 8.8 oz. stretch Cavalry twill (66% cotton / 31% poly / 3% elastane)
  • Dual back patch pockets
  • Comfortable, slim, and tactical pant
  • Five pocket styling plus two rear hip pockets
  • Soft fade finish and enzyme washed fabric
  • Fitted waistband
  • GSA/TAA compliant
  • MSRP $69.99
Defender Flex Jeans
image courtesy of 511tactical.com

Now that the straight fit jeans are available, you can set your skinny jean phobia aside and get a pair for yourself. The stretch fabric that the mad scientists at 5.11 dreamt up works brilliantly. Never constraining and always ready for whatever you throw at them. Additionally, the stretch waistband affords the ability to carry a pistol inside the waistband without requiring a larger pant size. Finally, while working as a General Contractor, the Defender Flex pants and jeans always present a professional appearance. And for whatever reason, they don’t seem to get dirty as quickly as my firehose pants from Duluth Trading. If you haven’t visited 5.11 Tactical in a while, click this link to see what’s new in their low-vis line of clothing and accessories.


Share This

About the Author

Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

See All Erik Meisner Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

About Erik Meisner

served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Primary Sidebar

Most Read

  • Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
    Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
  • My First Single-Action Revolver Purchase: Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR Range Report
    My First Single-Action Revolver Purchase: Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR Range Report
  • The Biggest Little Roundgun: The 3-Inch Kimber K6s
    The Biggest Little Roundgun: The 3-Inch Kimber K6s
  • Removing Rust From Firearms? No Problem
    Removing Rust From Firearms? No Problem
  • M4A1 Block I: The Special Operations Origins of an American Icon
    M4A1 Block I: The Special Operations Origins of an American Icon

Find Us on Facebook

Recent Comments

  • Ajita Sherer on Vakarian Plate Carrier Review: Elite Comfort and Modularity for Under $300
  • Josiah on Vakarian Plate Carrier Review: Elite Comfort and Modularity for Under $300
  • Woox Store on Tommy Gun Madness: The Thompson Submachine Gun

Latest From SOFREP

Gear

Meet the CIVIVI RS71 Flipper: Big Blade, Bold Energy

Navy

US Navy Continues to Bomb Hawaiian Island of Ka’ula for Almost 75 Years

Entertainment

The Last of Us Lost Me at ‘I’m Gonna Be a Dad!’ — Bad Tactics and Flashlight Fails

News

Morning Brief: US Sends Nuclear Proposal to Iran, Hamas Wants Changes to Ceasefire, Walz Says Dem Party Risks Becoming ‘Roadkill’

Military Content Group

© Copyright 2025 Military Content Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers
 

Loading Comments...