[trafengr]

I just bought a pair of 5.11 pants, and have been very pleased with the quality and features. However, there is one item whose purpose I'm not sure of. On the right side, there is a strap that runs from the top of the front pocket to the top of the back pocket just below the belt. Is this for an OWB holster to tuck under, or is there some other use I'm not thinking of? TIA

 

[David III]

5.11 calls that a "utility strap" - but they don't have any other information about it. In their catalog, one person has a Glock in a duty holster with a lanyard on the pistol, the lanyard is hooked to that strap on the pants. Might also work to hold a radio antenna close if you happened to stick a radio in that back pocket.

 

[maclean3]

I've read the strap was originally to hold carabiners when climbing and it sort of "carried over" to current production. Not sure how accurate the info is but it makes sense to me.
Jack

 

[rocky]

I have seen the strap used to hold a short entry tool upright too, who knows the original or intended use.

 

[HotGuns]

Works good for a 3 or 4 cell Maglite in the back pocket...keep its from falling out.
I've read that it was for carabiners also.

 

[srfl]

Those pants were originally made for the climbing world....I also read somewhere they were carabiners....now, ever Tom, Dick and Fed has one or several pairs (like me) :smile:

 

[chameleon]

Royal Robbins. That is what the pants were known as, and the pants were designed by him as he was into climbing. The strap was to hold the handle of a climbing hammer.The name 5.11 was given by Royal Robbins.
The pants were later on adapted by the FBI, and the rest is history.

Royal Robbins sold out to 5.11 Tactical, and now eveyone wears them.
Well, that's because they are above every other feature, comfortable.

 

[PressCheck]

Those pants were originally made for the climbing world....I also read somewhere they were carabiners....now, ever Tom, Dick and Fed has one or several pairs (like me) :smile:

This is correct. Climbers still use them.

 

[Ti Carry]

Does anyone have a link to these pant's?

Ti.

 

[KC135]

I use New York Clothiers of Waco Tx.

 

[srfl]

SIGARMS has their new SIGTAC "tactical apparel line" which looks really sharp.

 

[CombatEffective]

I bought a pair recently as well, and I like them very much.

 

[rocky]

I like my 5.11 pants . The newer design seem to fit even more cofortably than the original pair. May have to try the new nylon blend next.

 

[P95Carry]

Never yet had a pair! Can ya believe!

I have tho had some great pants - full length and shorts, from Cabellas and darned if they have 'em any more. Might I guess be similar.

Anyone got pics or link to pics and stockist? I may look into these more having heard so much about them. Remember - I am a relatively ''New American" - still ignorant of odds and ends :smile:

 

[trafengr]

Thanks for all the replies. The whole line of clothing can be found at www.midwayusa.com. If you have an FFL of any kind (collector's license included), they will give you dealer prices, which are 25-30% off the normal retail. My pants cost $32, and my vests cost $45. Most other places sell these items for $40 and $60, respectively.

 

[ExSoldier]

I'm wearing mine now. Have found the new tropical quick dry pants are a help when they get wet. The standard ones dry like jeans which is to say
S-L-O-W-L-Y. I love the small pocket that just fits a spare mag, knife or cell phone. Very handy. My wife thinks they look sharp enough she wants us to get the other two available colors from those I already have. Getting some of the shirts, too.