The 5.11 brand is known throughout the law enforcement and tactical activities groups worldwide for their quality gear; most of which was designed and enhanced by the folks that utilize the products every day. Built with the same material as their Stryke pant the cargo pockets give the appearance of casual wear but were designed and created for low visibility objectives and maintaining the ability to react quickly. The pant has a gusseted crotch; for that Chuck Norris high karate kicking fighter, and articulated knees that are not pronounced. The pant is a great edition for traveling to countries that might be a bit “dirtier” than most first-world cities and the Teflon finish keeps liquids and dirt from clumping and staining. The pant features covert pockets developed by working with teams in the field for quick access and is sized for everything from AR magazines to a cell phone to ensure your readiness for most operating environments.
Wearing the Ridgeline trousers for low-visibility missions, tactical objectives, GORUCK events or obstacle running events, meets requirements like drying quickly and stretching to accommodate a variety of physical activities; especially if you find yourself hoping fences in pursuit of bad actors or in bear-crawl or burpee hell. The colors run from uniform needs to casual and are the right choice of pant when there is no need for cargo pockets, like if you are wearing thigh rigs such as the 5.11 Thumbdrive or a G-Code Drop Leg holster. Choosing pants without cargo pockets is the correct selection with thigh platforms (e.g., holsters, gas mask carriers, first aid, etc.) for a few reasons. First, I have seen first-hand where the top of the cargo pocket can get wedged into the Level 2 or 3 holster retention springs on a few of the thigh rigs on the market, greatly reducing the ability to draw the firearm quickly. Second, you just can’t fit stuff in there and be comfortable or get to it fast enough.
The front pockets may feel a bit weird, especially if you are used to traditional slanted pockets found on jeans or khakis, but what I like about them is not having to worry about items coming out when performing serious physical activities. The utility pocket underneath the front pocket is placed perfectly to ensure quick and easy access to tools.
Specifications:
- 6.76 oz. Flex-Tac® ripstop fabric (great for bear-crawls or burpees)
- Gusseted construction (Same as above, sprinkled with some Chuck Norris kicking abilities)
- Bartacking at major seams and stress points (not overt)
- Double-stitching
- Extra pockets sized for tactical use
- Nylon reinforced pockets (keeps items from ripping through or creating chafe)
- Teflon® finish (perfect for those that stain everything)
- YKK® zippers (can withstand great force when trying to make a “head call” with gloves and you’re in a hurry)
