The evening before heading out to the Boulder City Rifle & Pistol Club for SHOT Show’s Industry Day at the Range, I’m always excited to meet up with other members of the media at 5.11’s Las Vegas store. In a very relaxed atmosphere, we casually check out the latest items available before visiting the booth during the show and viewing new products arriving in the spring.
While many “tactical” stores are awash in black, FDE, and Ranger Green, 5.11 offers a variety of colors across many of its products. For instance, the LVC12 Backpack is available not only in garnet but also in mahogany, peacoat and moonlight. Oh, and the usual black, iron grey and dark earth for the tactical purists.
I’m impressed with the size of the LVC12 Backpack (19″H x 11″W x 7.5″D) for both everyday and travel purposes. I use a 16-inch MacBook Pro that fits perfectly in the rear sleeve, which can also hold a plate carrier. A side-entry pocket offers an easily accessible area for a book when traveling or a firearm with a holster attached to the inner loop panel. Then there is the fleece-lined top pocket. Its soft interior is the perfect place to carry reading and sunglasses while keeping them from getting scratched. Add the two stretchable side pockets for water bottles, a large main compartment with loop panels and an internal organizer, and it’s a fantastic, non-tactical-looking backpack, perfect for everyday use.
If you’re looking for a warm jacket that takes up very little space in your luggage (or backpack), look no further than the Women’s Explore PrimaLoft Jacket (there’s also a men’s version). This may sound crazy, but my three favorite features are the chin guard on the zipper (I just hate wheExplon zippers are exposed and irritate my chin and neck), the shock cords in the hem that tighten the bottom and keep the cold air out, and the hood (Yes, it has a hood!) there is also a large interior, two zippered hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket. There is no need to worry about losing lip balm, car keys or anything else stored in the pockets.
Another item I fell in love with, that I would have to wait quite a few months to use, is the women’s Sulli UV Hooded Long Sleeve (also available for men). This shirt is made for a woman; it’s not boxy or bulky. You already know I’m a little obsessed with necklines, and this shirt doesn’t disappoint. Since I’m not sure how to describe it in my own words, I’ll copy the verbiage from 5.11’s website, “The front hood opening overlaps left over right.” This allows the hood to lie comfortably along the neck while keeping the sun off the skin. Oh, and one more thing … thumb holes in the sleeves! Need I say more?
All of these items are already available in stores. I can’t wait until March when the spring line is available. Hopefully, by then, the snow will have melted here in Ohio.
Good stuff but priced in the ozone layer.