As brisk winter weather made its way to Ohio, I had the unique opportunity to review 5.11’s new 5-in-1 2.0 Jacket. This concealed carry coat is a noteworthy upgrade from the original model I praised back in December. Twenty years after receiving my first 5.11 jacket, the original still holds up well, despite a worn zipper, underscoring the long-lasting quality of 5.11 tactical jackets. 5.11 winter coats are a reliable and discreet option for carrying concealed in cold weather.
Prompted by my review of my original 5.11 5-in-1 jacket and the 5.11 Braxton jacket, the team at 5.11 Tactical sent over the version with enhanced features to the already durable and functional concealed carry jacket. The timing couldn’t have been better. As Ohio weather delivered its wintry best, complete with snow perfect for sledding, I was already outdoors testing a Girsan MC14 TX .380. The arrival of the 5.11 5-in-1 2.0 Jacket provided the perfect gear to assess under these demanding winter conditions.
Versatility Is Key
The first changes of note to the 5-in-1 2.0 jacket are the length and new cut. The previous version’s shorter cut was reminiscent of an old-school Air Force flight jacket. Consequently, it wasn’t quite as easy to conceal a large gun under the old design without a specialized holster and a medium-to-small handgun. The 2.0 version does a better job of covering and concealing larger handguns carried outside-the-waistband.
The 2.0 also looks less tactical, seeming to be an average winter coat for a frigid Midwest winter. It especially presents as a sporty winter coat rather than a tactical uniform coat if you choose the navy-blue option.
According to the 5.11 website, this winter concealed carry jacket is 8 percent lighter than the original. It attains improved flexibility through its mechanical-stretch polyester outer shell. The material is seam-sealed to provide a 10K rating of both water proofing and breathability. The Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish provides protection against water as well as blood-borne pathogens for those who will be using the 2.0 for duty wear.
The jacket’s collar stows a removable hood. I’m not much of a hood-wearing guy, so I never used the hood in my original 5-in-1. The 2.0, like the original, also features a removable fleece-type interior liner that can serve in a stand-alone capacity. I’ve worn the original fleece liner by itself during cool-but-not-cold weather. You can also zip off the sleeves to convert the new 5.11 jacket to a vest.
Concealing a Handgun in the 5.11 5-in-1
In order to facilitate easy access to a concealed handgun, 5.11 has installed a “Quixip” system on both sides of the jacket. The zipper portion is hidden by a Velcro flap that folds over the top of it. There is a special corded plastic pull tab located at the bottom edge of the zipper. Grab the tab and pull it like a ripcord. The Velcro flap releases while the zipper unzips to the top, allowing access. It is very quick and remarkably easier to activate than grasping a standard zipper pull tab and pulling it up.
Both the liner and the exterior shell come equipped with document pockets. If you don’t have any documents to stow there, the pockets certainly can hold a cell phone, notebook, wallet or your ID.
Additional Details About the 5.11 5-in-1 2.0 Jacket
The 5.11 5-in-1 2.0 jacket is brimming with enhanced features that set it apart from its competitors and make it a superior choice for tactical and everyday wear. This jacket boasts a two-way center front zipper complemented by both external and internal storm flaps secured with brass snaps, plus a chin guard for added comfort and protection. Each jacket side is equipped with a ReadyPocket, featuring Velcro flaps for secure storage. For a customized fit, it includes an adjustable hem with an internal shock cord system and tunneled elastic at the back. The inner jacket is crafted from 100% polyester tech fleece, weighing 10.3 ounces and designed to resist pilling, ensuring durability and long-lasting wear.
Moreover, the jacket features articulated sleeves with adjustable cuffs that fasten with plastic Velcro tabs, enhancing mobility and fit. Storage is ample with five pockets in the outer jacket and an additional five in the inner jacket, providing plenty of options for essential gear. The outer jacket itself is made from a 100 percent polyester hardshell 2L plain weave with mechanical stretch, weighing 5.2 ounces, and treated with BBP and DWR for enhanced resistance to the elements. Completing the design, the inner jacket overlays are composed of 100 percent nylon six-plain weave, weighing 3.7 ounces, and also feature water-resistant properties. These features elevate the 5.11 5-in-1 2.0 jacket, making it an exceptional choice for both tactical users and outdoor enthusiasts.
Use in the Field
The 5.11 5-in-1 2.0 is — unlike so many other products — an actual improvement over the original. This jacket arrived just in the nick of time and has kept me warm and comfortable even in snowy and bitterly cold Ohio weather conditions. Rain didn’t faze it either. My original 5-in-1 will continue its service as a yard work jacket as it still has plenty of miles left on it even with the broken zipper.
My 5.11 rep suggested I see if I could get 20 years out of the new jacket as well. When I did the math and told her that I would be 87 by that time, she said she had faith in me. While I may not quite make it another 20 years, I am sure the 5.11 5-in-1 2.0 Jacket will!
5.11 Tactical: 511Tactical.com
