5.11 Tactical® originated the concept of the tactical pant. Originally designed and sold by Royal Robbins as utilitarian pants for mountain climbers, they were adopted by the FBI Training Academy in 1992. The name 5.11 comes from the rating system used by mountain climbers to rate the difficulty of climbs, with 5.11 being the most difficult at the time.
5.11 Tactical has once again set out to reinvent the tactical pant with its classy new Icon and Bravo pants. The Apex and Bravo pants are a continuation of 5.11’s quest to meet the needs of end users looking for lower-vis tactical clothing that doesn’t sacrifice performance. They have a more casual look that blends in and hides their tactical lineage.
Although tactical clothing draws less attention these day because their practical attributes have made them quite popular, and not just with the tactical crowd, they are more likely to be noticed by a bad actor.
The whole concept of the gray man involves blending in with the crowd, not drawing undue attention, and masking one’s skills and weapons. Stylish jeans and pants, such as the Icon and Bravo pants, blend in any place that casual attire is appropriate.
As with other low-vis clothing in the 5.11 Tactical line, the Icon and Bravo pants feature a combination of innovative design, advanced fabrics, and styling that set them apart from others. They are also available at a significantly lower price point than many companies’ low-vis tactical pants.So what set’s the Icon and Bravo pant apart fom other pants in the 5.11 line? Let’s take a look at each.
5.11 Icon Pant
The Icon pant is a next-gen cargo pant designed for tactical, casual or covert wear. It was precision engineered by 5.11 with a combination of functional design and resilient construction.
The Icon pant is constructed from 6.8 oz, Flex-Tac® two-way mechanical stretch canvas made of 80% polyester and 20% cotton that provides exceptional durability, flexibility and mobility. It features flexible comfort waistband, gusseted construction, and articulated knees for complete freedom of movement. Key stress areas are bartacked. The fabric is Teflon® treated to repel water, stains and soil.
The Icon pant has seven sturdy belt loops. The belt loops are sized to fit up to a 1¾-inch belt. The pants have a button-top fly with locking YKK® zipper. The button is emblazoned with the 5.11 logo.
The Icon pant has eight total pockets. The pant has two deep thigh-mounted cargo pockets with inside dividers. There are two also small front pockets that easily hold a pistol magazine, two front hand pockets with horizontal area to clip a knife, and two rear pockets. The cargo pockets and rear pockets feature flaps with Velcro® closure. The hand pockets, utility pockets and cargo pockets all have Nylon 6 reinforcement inside.
The Icon pant is available in Ranger Green, Black, Khaki, Kangaroo, Flint and Dark Navy. It has a MSRP of $74.99.
5.11 Bravo Pant
The Bravo pant was designed to provide a stylish, slim-fit, utra-low-vis and exceptionally comfortable pant that keeps your EDC necessities within reach without drawing any undue attention. I’s as non-tactical looking as a tactical pant can get. The pant is super-lightweight, making it perfect for summer wear.
The Bravo pant is constructed of 5.5 oz. four-way stretch, double-weave Enduro-Flex™ fabric consisting of 89% polyester and 11% elastane (elastic polyurethane) for stretch. The fabric is engineered to avoid snagging for long term durability and easy wear while retaining its ability to move and stretch. It has a durable water-repellent finish. All stress points are bartacked.
The Bravo has a fixed waistband with soft inside jacquard logo elastic. There are seven belt sturdy loops sized for a 1 3/4-inch belt. The pants have a button-top fly with locking YKK® zipper. The button is emblazoned with the 5.11 logo. The knees feature articulated backs for a full range of motion.
There are seven total pockets, including Nylon-6-reinforced hand pockets, plus two back pockets, and two back yoke AR magazine pockets. Poly/elastane fabric is used for all pocketing. There’s reflective trim on the inner side seam which adds an element of safety. The Bravo has a flag label at back pocket and scope embroidery at left side seam.
The Bravo pant is available in Ranger Green, Peacoat, Black, Stone and Flint. MSRP is 79.99.
My Thoughts
Both the Icon and Bravo pants are exceptionally comfortable, and the flex allows for a freedom of movement not found in regular pants. The stretch in the waistband provides the ability to carry a pistol comfortably in an inside-the-waistband holster without requiring a larger size. The back yoke AR mag pockets of the Bravo Pant are also great for a cell phone.
The construction and workmanship on the samples provided appear excellent. Although I haven’t worn them long enough to accurately gauge the durability, given the quality of the materials and construction, I have no doubt they will prove very durable and long-wearing. They are a great addition to the 5.11 line. Both pants are imported.
Both the Icon and Bravo pants are outstanding choices for anyone desiring a tactical pant suitable for everyday wear that won’t look out of place in any casual environment.
RATINGS
STYLE: 5/5
DESIGN: 5/5
COMFORT: 5/5
QUALITY: 5/5
PRICE: 4/5
OVERALL: 24/25
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.