View Full Version : 5.11 TDU trousers. Who else is a fan?
Picked them up a couple of months ago and I've only worn them a few times, but they seem really comfy. The adjusting waste is awesome, first pair of trousers in years where I havn't needed a belt (constantly shrinking waist), kneepads are a godsend for kneeling down shooting and keeping low profile, pockets are huge and all round a very generous fit.
Can't say I've tested them in the wet weather though which seems to be on the way.
Whos tested them more extensively? Like them?
Never used the TDU kecks but I'm a huge fan of the 5.11 range of gear and have been for years . Some days I'm practically head to foot in 5.11
Also never tried the trews but recently got one of their shirts which I'm really impressed with.
I'm well impressed with the trousers, i had control of our budget for a couple of years, so we got issued these.
Rob
Mesquite
09-09-2010, 21:44
Also never tried the trews but recently got one of their shirts which I'm really impressed with.
Same here and as money allows I'll be buying a couple more :)
ProjeKtWEREWOLF
09-09-2010, 21:45
I was looking to buy a pair of the Taclite pants a few months ago. but wasn't sure about the waist adjusters as regards the sizing. I went for a pair of the Blackhawk Warrior Wear Lightweight trousers instead. Other than a slight fade over many many Delicate wash cycles (Black for work purposes), they're excellent. Loads of useful pockets (14 I think?); the Velcro closures are a pain at times, but they fit well, have a tuxedo trousers style sliding elasticated waistband as well as super secure closing and zipper. The crotch gusset is a godsend for those 'sprawl & brawl' moments on the ward. Also, the important seams are double or triple stitched I think. There's also a 550 Paracord loop on the front belt loop (The loops are really wide too...strong) to attach a Carabiner/keys etc. Good trousers, so I recommend the Blackhawks also. they're 65/35 Polycotton which dries quickly too.
I might go for the 5.11 next time though just because...........
rancid badger
09-09-2010, 22:17
Picked them up a couple of months ago and I've only worn them a few times, but they seem really comfy. The adjusting waste is awesome, first pair of trousers in years where I havn't needed a belt (constantly shrinking waist), kneepads are a godsend for kneeling down shooting and keeping low profile, pockets are huge and all round a very generous fit.
Can't say I've tested them in the wet weather though which seems to be on the way.
Whos tested them more extensively? Like them?
I've used them for about 4 years, all my instruction is done wearing these trousers and they suit this purpose well.
They are well put together and the knee pads are a good idea but the big drawback is indeed; wet weather! they soak up water like a sponge, walking through wet or even just damp, long grass gets you soaking wet in minutes.They don't dry particularly quickly either.
They were not quite as tough as I expected, the waist buttons being a bit poor and I've picked up a few small tears from barbed wire, brambles and even embers from the fire! but they are easy enough to patch/sew.
I only paid £25 a pair, I think you'd struggle to find a better pair at that price, but I wouldn't pay any more for them.
In all honesty, the old issue lightweight trousers, are far superior in performance and ruggedness, they are just let down by very poor styling/design.
If you want some really good field trousers; then check out these:
http://www.arktisltd.co.uk/Products/1055_CombatTrouser.htm
I bought two pairs of the originals in the early 90's and they have had really serious use and abuse but are still going very strong indeed. Only reason I don't use them now, is that they are DPM and I don't need to hide anymore.
The 5.11 canvas shirts are very good, though they tend to look a bit stuffed after a couple of years use;)
cheers
R.B.
Graham_S
09-09-2010, 22:23
I got a pair from M&M direct last year for about £10, cracking breeks,
The shirt is ideal for travelling, the hidden pockets are great for tickets and passports.
http://leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Sphinx-Pant If I had money to throw away...
rancid badger
09-09-2010, 22:34
I got a pair from M&M direct last year for about £10, cracking breeks,
The shirt is ideal for travelling, the hidden pockets are great for tickets and passports.
That's a my kind'a price!! totally agree about the shirts pockets, it's amazing what you can stash away in there.
£10:yikes:
bargain.:)
R.B.
Graham_S
09-09-2010, 22:36
British blades cleaned them out in a matter of hours after someone posted the link.
I think the shirt cost £8.
I'd love to get more, but not at full price.
rancid badger
09-09-2010, 22:41
http://leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Sphinx-Pant If I had money to throw away...
Blxxdy Hxll! not me! not in a million years! They look like our lass's dads( 84 yo) pant's!
They don't even come with knee pads!:yikes:
No, I'd want bullet/splinter proof and also self heating/cooling, for that money;)
cheers
R.B.
Blxxdy Hxll! not me! not in a million years! They look like our lass's dads( 84 yo) pant's!
They don't even come with knee pads!:yikes:
No, I'd want bullet/splinter proof and also self heating/cooling, for that money;)
cheers
R.B.
Even if I had the money, I don't think I could ever justify buying them. They do look very cool, but theres about 100 other pairs of trousers at a fraction of the price that look just as good.
I still fancy those Cactus Supertrousers
Great name but a bit on the pricey side for me
http://www.cactusclimbing.co.nz/index.php/virtuemart-mainmenu-162?page=shop.browse&category_id=75&vmcchk=1
Speaking of which...these might satisfy http://www.sasskit.co.uk/product.php?id=139 Im always hearing good things about SASS.
I have some 511 gear incl trousers, compared to the Fjallraven range, a heck of alot cheaper, even if you have to pay full price!!! Loads of pockets, very comfy and tuff material, and in good drab colours O/D etc!!! I am a fan!!!!!!
John Fenna
10-09-2010, 11:22
I have an awful lot of 5.11 - love its ruggedness and the choices of fabric, colour, sizings and the pocket designs...their other gear - bags etc - is also very good.
I have been reviewing some of their gear for various magazines and it gets a very good rating from me.
I just dislike the companys name!
I cannot put "5.11" on my photo captions as the program rejects the decimal point and the "tactical" just makes me want to weep as is is capable of discouraging folk from buying this great clothing, as it gives the picture of some dweeb in black with black webbing and a blacked up knife in hand..... not the image my normal readers want to emulate!
British Red
10-09-2010, 11:24
Big fan of the polycotton ripstop 5.11 trousers. The knee pads are very helpful (and removable when you don't want them). I have trashed the pocket linings on my four year old pairs but thats it
got a piar of the 511 taclite pro which is a non-cotton fabric so pretty quick for drying out, they hold out well as I wear them everyday when out walking the dog across fields although after 2 years of wear the crotch tore when I bent down recently :( must be all them pies, but needle and thick thread and they are holding together well once again. I go the Tundra colour which is a dark green/brown colour thats real nice. Will get another pair soon, highly recommended trousers
I have an awful lot of 5.11 - love its ruggedness and the choices of fabric, colour, sizings and the pocket designs...their other gear - bags etc - is also very good.
I have been reviewing some of their gear for various magazines and it gets a very good rating from me.
I just dislike the companys name!
I cannot put "5.11" on my photo captions as the program rejects the decimal point and the "tactical" just makes me want to weep as is is capable of discouraging folk from buying this great clothing, as it gives the picture of some dweeb in black with black webbing and a blacked up knife in hand..... not the image my normal readers want to emulate!
Very very true. The word "tactical" seems to be plastered over everything nowadays, along with "contractor", "subdued" and all the other silly jibba jabba words used in modern military times (collateral damage is the one that always gets me because its a "subdued" version of killing everyone and everything!!).
bonzodog
10-09-2010, 15:32
trousers and shirts,i have given them serious abuse ,cant fault the quality
I've had a couple of pairs of 5.11 trousers - the regular canvas ones. I liked the pockets, but that was about all. I found the canvas stiff and flappy at first, but fragile when they finally broke in. Two pairs have ended up in the bin after a relatively short life as both split in the crotch. They are also horrible when wet. The soak up the slightest water in seconds and slap about on your legs for hours after. I like the design though and maybe I will try a pair in a different material, but I wont bother with the plain cotton canvas ones again unless they are very cheap. The TDU are 65/35 poly-cotton ripstop, so might solve many of these issues.
Pepperana
10-09-2010, 16:58
I have a pair of Tac lite poly/cotton and they rock.
My lenght is always a 32 but i need a 34 for 5.11 there a bit shorter.
any one know how short the short legs are ? i normally take a 30 leg, would short be ok or too short ?
According to my dealer bumf:
Short TDU pant inseam is 29.5, Regular is 32.5, Long is 35.5
Hi,
Where can these be purchased from, as I am having probs finding a supplier that could post them out to me before this Friday.
Thx for all your help
Bill
Hi,
Where can these be purchased from, as I am having probs finding a supplier that could post them out to me before this Friday.
Thx for all your help
Bill
I got my 5.11s from copshop. www.copshopuk.com
I have all 5.11 to! Great stuff.
Check out the 5.11 TDU shirt if you got the trousers!