The Flare Active Tote is 5.11’s response to the needs of women on-the-go. Whether going to the office or the gym, staying local or traveling, this bag will expand to accommodate. 5.11 Tactical’s website touts the Flare Active Tote with these accolades: “Plenty of smart storage and flexibility live large in this lightweight, durable tote. The Flare Active Tote’s TacTec™ CCW compatibility and yoga matte storage are peace of mind in a bag.”
Here’s the deal: I love bags. Love ‘em. Like my husband loves guns & gear, I’m a bag lady… but not in a cat lady sort of way. As a wife, a mom and a businesswoman, I always need to schlep stuff around like some sort of Himalayan Sherpa. Sometimes the stuff’s not even mine, but thanks my sons early days in the Boy Scouts, I learned the motto: Be Prepared. I’ve even been accused of packing bags into bags; well yeah, that’s how you sort similar items for easy access. Compartmentalizing is simply my way of life. And my bags need to stay just as organized.
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First of all, let’s challenge the Flare Active Tote with an easy trip to the gym. Mornings at the gym have provided me with a little morning escape for years. I swear I can get ready twice as fast because I’m not answering questions, emptying the dishwasher, finishing a quick load of laundry. My only task: getting dressed in peace & quiet. That’s the benefit. The downfall is relocating my closet & bathroom; this is where a good bag earns its keep. The 5.11 Active Tote has two expandable front compartments perfect for sneakers and a mesh pocket inside for a water bottle or shower essentials. The CCW compartment is secured by Velcro on both sides, so you could choose to forego that functionality and carry a yoga mat.
The next test: a Board Meeting in the capital city. The Flare Active Tote accompanied me to an industry association meeting. Packed with my iPad, a notepad, business cards and about 50 pages of meeting minutes & agenda items, I wore it crossbody and it wasn’t bulky or awkward. The black exterior remained classy and smart-looking with ready access to the hidden CCW compartment.
![Flare Active Tote](https://i0.wp.com/loadoutroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ACBCC466-1B13-46BD-9270-93E611FAAF8A-1024x768.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
But the ultimate test for a bag is undoubtedly traveling. Could this Tote meet the rigors of family Spring Break? Would it be as good as the 5.11 Mira 2 in 1? In short: yes. In detail, it served as my flight carry-on, cruise ship embarking luggage, charter boat pack, shore excursion satchel and beach bag. The Flare Active Tote was durable, flexible, expandable, and wearable.
Bravo 5.11: the Flare Active Tote is functional, stylish, and earns it’s keep amongst my favorite bags.
5.11 Flare Active Tote specs courtesy of 511tactical.com
- Two large front compartments store shoes or other large items
- Interior water bottle mesh pocket
- Interior zipped pocket for more storage
- Cross body removable & adjustable strap
- Padded handles for comfortLightweight fabric on body
- Ultra-durable 1680D Nylon fabric on bottom of bag
- Heat transfer reflective branding
- Imported
- MSRP $74.99
Written by Brandie Meisner (wife of author Erik Meisner)