So Tactical

What’s behind the name ‘5.11’? Well, obviously, it means 5/11, as in May 11th, as in when you’re wearing this jacket, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, because you feel as comfy as a day in spring!

Okay, that’s not true at all. The real explanation, at least according to Wikipedia, is this:

The name “5.11” comes from the highest rock climbing difficulty level that was listed in the Yosemite Decimal System at Yosemite National Park, which was developed by [climber Royal] Robbins in the 1950s. The difficulty level is somewhat jokingly defined as, “After thorough inspection, you conclude this move is obviously impossible; however, occasionally someone actually accomplishes it”.

Ah ha! There’s nothing quite like the piercing wit of rock climbing humor!

Anyway, here’s the deal: these are good high quality jackets. 5.11 uses great materials and really takes care when constructing their stuff. It’s that simple.

Yes, it’s a ‘tactical’ jacket. What does that mean? If I, a dweeby copywriter who enjoys collecting cardigan sweaters and English degrees, can be completely honest: I don’t know. It seems to be a word applied to products when a brand wants to market to tough guys. A trip to the 5.11 website–where you will see phrases like “Operation Holiday,” “Mission Control Briefs,” and (my personal favorite) “Sock & Awe”–seems to confirm this notion.

And if you’re into that stuff? Great.

But if you’re not, and you think, there’s no way I could pull this off, then I want you to scroll up and look at those jackets. They look normal, right? A nice, not-too-bulky-but-still-warm pullover, the perfect thing for a hike when you know you’re going to get warm. Or just for running errands. Or going out to grab the mail.

In other words, even if you don’t subscribe to 6 magazines about at-home Jeep Wrangler mods and your everyday carry is a “cashew cookie” Lärabar to snack on so you don’t take your lunch break at 10:30am, you can still buy this ‘tactical’ jacket.

So do it!