No matter if you’re in law enforcement, in the military, enjoy tackling outdoor challenges or just want to be fit, you need to train. 5.11’s TacTec Training Vest is a great way to start. This heavy-duty, no-nonsense vest allows you to add weight plates or sandbags for added resistance during exercise. As a brand, 5.11 is well-known for its quality, dependability and practicality of their diverse products. I took my sample TacTec Training Vest (with an amazing woodland camo pattern no less) and hit both the gym and backwoods trails to shake it out and see how it performs.
TacTec Training Vest First Impressions
At a glance the 5.11 TacTec Training vest looks like a plate carrier, but this is a piece of workout equipment and is not intended for armor. As mentioned, my vest’s woodland Camo offers a blend of greens, tans, and browns throughout the fabric. I also noticed the MOLLE/PALS webbing on the front of the vest; it takes up nearly half the surface area of the lower front panel and allows the wearer to attach needed gear.
The top portion of the front panel offered hook-and-loop material for the addition or removal of patches or small items. Additionally, this training vest also has a discreet “admin pocket” for slim storage purposes.
The TacTec Training Vest’s shoulder straps also stood out the first time I saw the vest in person. Its shoulder straps felt incredibly soft and cushioned. Even before trying on the TacTec Training Vest, I was confident it would support its weighted load without straining the shoulders.
The lower portion of the vest’s rear side also had the same three levels of MOLLE/PALS webbing. Instead of hook-and-loop surfaces, the upper portion of the vest’s rear side has laser-cut low profile MOLLE-compatible slots for gear. 5.11 designed the TacTec Training vest to be compatible with the 5.11 PC Convertible Hydration Carrier; though this accessory is sold separately, it’s meant to facilitate hydration during intense workouts.
5.11 TacTec Training Vest Fit & Comfort
Initally, I fumbled to put on the vest due to my ignorance of not peeling away the hook and loop shoulder closure. Once I discovered this innocent mistake, the TacTec Training vest slid over my head and I was able to secure it effortlessly. Once I was wearing the vest, I instantly noticed its overall comfort and “fit-ability”. The TacTec’s shoulder straps remind me of those seen on small high-end backpacks. As mentioned, the TacTec’s shoulder straps were well-padded and they also contoured my body perfectly.
Length-wise, the TacTec was actually shorter than I expected. This actually makes perfect sense because it grants the wearer a wider range of motion while working out. Overall, its fit was comfortable. My exact vest is a size “medium” and was perfect for my body shape. It didn’t take long for the TacTec to feel like a natural part of my outdoor physical training attire.
TacTec In-Use Observations
5.11 gives its customers three options with regard to the weight-inserts available for the TacTec Training vest. There are two choices that use solid plates: a set that weighs a combined 19.9 pours or a lighter set that weighs only 11.5 pounds. Additionally, you can get a set of heavy 600D polyester sandbag “plates” as an even lighter option. These “soft” plates weigh 5.5 pounds.
The standard solid plates are contoured to fit the general shape of the wearer’s torso. Under normal training use, they didn’t feel stiff or affected my body’s movements. The sandbag plates will conform to the shape of the wearer’s body by virtue of their material.
Of course, workouts and training experiences will vary by each person. In my case, after wearing and training with my TacTec vest for over two-hours, I experienced no drawbacks and actually felt quite comfortable once I got used to the overall fit and feel. I had no loss of range of motion with my arms, nor did any part of the vest impede my abdominal exercises. In addition, I also did not need to continuously adjust the TacTec’s straps or realign the vest itself throughout my workouts. The TacTec stayed put very well, and again, it only took a brief period of time for me to get used to it. As a physical fitness training aid, this is exactly what you want. You don’t want any equipment to distract you from your regular exercise routine.
Closing Thoughts
While some training equipment offers short-term use and value, the TacTec Training vest is designed for the long haul. Its rugged construction ensures that it lasts a long time and holds up to hard use and grueling exercise.
Ultimately, I really liked this piece of kit. There are many reasons it gets high notes on my account: the different weighted plates that allow progress advancement, its comfort, durable construction, numerous color options and streamlined design. The 5.11 TacTec Training vest is a must-add to your gym bag or gear bag. It will not only aid in your training sessions, but it will also transform them into a full-on tactical experience.
5.11 TacTec Training Vest Specifications
- Material: 600D Polyester
- Weight: 2.03 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.0”H – 10.0”W – 1.0”D
- Color Options: Black, Kangaroo, Pacific Navy, Woodland Camo & Multicam black
- MSRP: $140.00
