What Does 5.11 Mean? Unraveling the Mystery and Importance

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There’s hardly a term within the survival and tactical world that raises more eyebrows than “5.11”. Some say it’s something about military equipment, while others claim it’s related to rock climbing. So… what does 5.11 mean after all?

5.11 can mean one of 2 things:

Class 5 technical climbing difficulty level
Tactical clothing line and equipment

This is where most people get confused because the 5.11 Tactical clothing brand have skyrocketed in popularity.

As a result, most forget about this term’s rock-climbing roots since that’s how the legendary 5.11 tactical pants were born – as pants used for rock climbing.

Table of Contents

What Does 5.11 Mean in Rock Climbing?

In rock climbing, 5.11 stands for a fairly difficult technical climbing that can be quite dangerous due to its no-hanging-rope nature.

This puts 5.11 as one of the Class 5 (highest difficulty class) sub-classes according to the Yosemite Decimal System (1).

The YDS difficulty system starts from 5.0 and goes all the way up to 5.15d as the higher the number and letter, the harder the climb.

Back in the days, 5.11 was considered the cherry on top when it comes to extremely challenging types of climbing although that’s no longer the case.

Sure, 5.11 is still considered hard due to its vertical and highly technical characteristics and even seasoned climbers will need plenty of practice to best it.

However, as climbers get stronger and have access to better and more advanced gear, the upper limit of climbing threshold slowly increased.

The Yosemite Decimal System in Rock Climbing Explained

This 3-part difficulty rating system that defines how difficult the various climbs, walks and hikes are.

The YDS came out in the 1950s as an upgrade over previous difficulty rating systems originating from the Yosemite Valley in the US, hence the name.

Although it’s mainly used by mountaineers in North America (US and Canada), this system quickly made its way abroad and it’s now a standard used by different climbers across the globe.

Now – the YDS puts every climb or hike into one of the following 5 classes:

Class 1 – Easy terrain, walking and hiking on a trail (almost no danger)
Class 2 – Scrambling, a more challenging terrain that’s uneven (small danger of injury)
Class 3 – Off-trail hiking where you need both feet and hands (some danger of falling is present)
Class 4 – Simple climbing that includes exposure and frequently a rope (real danger of falling down)
Class 5 – Advanced, technical climbing where you need protective gear (helmet, harness etc.) although you don’t hang on a rope (highly dangerous)

And something quite interesting and fascinating is that the hardest climb on the planet (as of 2019) is the Silence climbing route located in Norway with a scary rating of 5.15d.

What is the Meaning of 5.11 Tactical?

5.11 Tactical stands for a tactical clothing brand that offers different equipment and apparel mainly geared towards public safety, military and law enforcement personnel.

Their extensive portfolio consists of various tactical, military and survival item such as:

Over the years, the company’s expertise in manufacturing quality tactical apparel has made the term “5.11” synonymous with the name 5.11 Tactical.

But don’t confuse the two terms – 5.11 Tactical is the tactical clothing brand, while 5.11 is simply a rock climbing difficulty level.

When was 5.11 Founded?

The 5.11 Tactical brand was founded in 2003 (in California) by two gentlemen named Francisco Morales and Dan Costa.

Now, Mr. Costa was already holding 51% of Royal Robbin’s very own apparel brand since 1998, while Morales joined the company in 2002 – shortly before 5.11 Tactical came into existence.

Interestingly enough, 5.11 Tactical was born due to the success of the Royal Robbins 5.11 tactical pants that were the go-to tactical pants in the FBA Training Academy in Quantico (Virginia).

Apparently, sometime in the late 1990s, an FBI officer received the very same tactical pants as a gift and this sparked the interest in anything-5.11.

Nowadays, apart from designing gear and clothes for both men and women in the public safety community, 5.11 Tactical has also expanded into the fitness and outdoors markets.

Where are 5.11 Clothes Made?

According to an interview with co-founder Francisco Morales, most of the fabrics that 5.11 Tactical uses are produced in Asia (2).

And more specifically, some 5.11 Tactical apparel such as some of their hats and pants are made in Vietnam, while some of their shirts are made in Honduras.

That’s not surprising considering that most global companies out there rely on goods made in Asian countries like China, which doesn’t always translate into poor quality.

It all boils down to the parent company (the one who orders the goods) what their quality standards are.

Don’t forget that some of the biggest companies like Apple and Microsoft have manufacturing facilities in China.

What Does 5.11 Mean in Firearms?

In the world of firearms 5.11 stands for 5.11 ARB (Always Be Ready) series of rifles built for the 5.11 Tactical brand.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that 5.11 Tactical don’t actually make the rifles themselves – they are manufactured by JP Rifle’s and based on 5.11’s demanding specifications.

In fact, both companies work in cooperation for the 5.11 Always Be Ready edition rifle models that come with a custom laser-marking and a Cerakote finish.

And on top of the upgrades and typical rifle accessories, these rifles based on JP Rifle AR-15 carbine also offer a complete tactical rail package.

What Does 5.11 Mean in Crossfit?

The connection between 5.11 and crossfit mainly stems from the fact that 5.11 Tactical was an official sponsor for the CrossFit Games Service Open during 2016-2020.

This particular tournament is part of the global annual CrossFit Games Open, although Service Open includes only the fittest firefighters, law enforcement, military and emergency medical services members.

All of this explains 5.11 Tactical’s partnership with CrossFit as both companies have a strong presence within the military, fire and law enforcement communities.

Apart from that, 5.11 Tactical is also related to crossfit through their weighted vests that are used for improving your endurance, speed and agility.

Conclusion

Okay, give yourself a pat on your back because you now know the answer to the puzzling question – what does 5.11 mean?

It can mean either:

A difficulty level in rock climbing
A US-based tactical apparel brand

Although it’s safe to say that thanks to their extensive list of tactical pants, polo shirts, khaki shorts and all kinds of tactical equipment, 5.11 Tactical have definitely made the “5.11” term their own.

Over to you now – did you know that the term “5.11” has its roots in rock climbing?

Drop your answer in the comment section below!

FAQs

What does “5.11” mean?

“5.11” typically refers to a numerical code used to denote a specific type of tactical gear and apparel brand called “5.11 Tactical.”

It originated from the rock climbing difficulty rating system known as the Yosemite Decimal System, where “5.11” signifies a very challenging level of climbing difficulty.

What products does 5.11 Tactical offer?

5.11 Tactical offers a wide range of products designed for law enforcement, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Their product lineup includes tactical clothing, footwear, backpacks, bags, gloves, accessories, and specialized gear such as holsters, knives, and flashlights.

They aim to provide durable, functional, and reliable equipment for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Is 5.11 Tactical only for law enforcement and military use?

While 5.11 Tactical initially focused on catering to the needs of law enforcement and military professionals, their products are also popular among outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and individuals seeking reliable and durable gear.

Many people appreciate the brand’s quality and performance, even for non-professional applications.

Where can I purchase 5.11 Tactical products?

5.11 Tactical products are available for purchase through various channels.

You can find their products in authorized retail stores, their official website (511tactical.com), and other online retailers specializing in tactical gear.

Additionally, some brick-and-mortar stores may carry their products, particularly those catering to law enforcement and military customers.

Are 5.11 Tactical products worth the investment?

5.11 Tactical has gained a reputation for producing high-quality and durable gear that meets the demanding needs of professionals.

While their products may have a higher price point compared to some alternatives, many users find them to be worth the investment due to their durability, functionality, and attention to detail.

Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences, specific requirements, and budget considerations.

Simo

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Simo, an outdoor specialist and avid survival enthusiast, brings over 3 years of experience in navigating and thriving in the great outdoors. With an unwavering passion for nature, Simo has honed their skills in various aspects of outdoor exploration, including camping, hiking, and wilderness survival. Their extensive knowledge and hands-on experience enable them to tackle challenges head-on while imparting valuable insights to fellow adventurers. His dedication to promoting outdoor safety and environmental stewardship make them a trusted resource for anyone seeking to embark on unforgettable outdoor experiences.