Another thread has me thinking, mostly about my own experience but also things seen on the internet.

When I was a teenager and even into my early and mid twenties I had all kind of tacticool shit. Plate carriers, thigh holsters, a large Tupperware full of molle gear and mag pouches. Even Cammies. I was ready for war.

After wearing a uniform for nearly a decade now, and growing up considerably all that shit is gone lol.

I do still own a slick plate carrier but it holds Rogue fitness plates for when I run. Shit hits the fan, my ass will be in jeans, and that’s only cause sweatpants don’t hold up a holster and belt well.

I haven’t touched a hydration pack in years, GD bottle of water or hydro flask works just as well. My backpack gets used daily when I ride the motorcycle to work but during the winter it resides in the closet most days.

I look back and laugh, probably looked like a dumbass, but man I thought I was cool.

Just don't over do it and you'll be fine.
Full bore camo, everyday is a bit much don't you think?
A cool gun shirt or cap or maybe somethin in camo on occasion is not a big deal for me.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
Just don't over do it and you'll be fine.
Full bore camo, everyday is a bit much don't you think?
A cool gun shirt or cap or maybe somethin in camo on occasion is not a big deal for me.

I’ll never wear cammies again once I retire!

Two thing I despise more than anything since joining, shaving and rolling up my sleeves, I also hate long sleeves so I roll them up daily lol.

Never have been. Probably never will be.

I joined the Army in 92 well before the tacticool craze so though I have plenty of gear it’s either issued or stuff I bought to work a bit better on deployments…I was never into all the latest, greatest gear.

From ~2006-2015ish, my agency bought me a couple pairs of 5.11 cargo pants each year.

5.11s and a polo shirt was basically the unofficial law enforcement semi-plain clothes uniform, worn during training classes and community events.

But then that look was coopted by all the mid/late 2000s low speed/high drag tacticool wannabe-GWOT-contractor bro types. You know the ones: desert boots and tactical cargo pants paired with a polo or smedium Tapout shirt and a ballcap with a Sheepdog or Punisher patch velcroed to the front loop area. (Fishing vest and shemagh optional. Beard mandatory.)

So now I guess I have about 20 different pairs of "tacticool" pants in my closet.


I do have a couple Camelbak hydration packs that I use when hiking long distances or kayaking. They're even DCU desert camo pattern, because when the military dropped BDU/DCU in the 2000s, there were huge amounts of brand new ones still in the wrapper that were surplused and then available on eBay for <$20 each instead of $60-$100. They're quite handy when you don't want to lug around or dig out a bottle/flask. I see those as more functional than "tacticool", even with the camo pattern.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
From ~2006-2015ish, my agency bought me a couple pairs of 5.11 cargo pants each year.

5.11s and a polo shirt was basically the unofficial law enforcement semi-plain clothes uniform, worn during training classes and community events.

But then that look was coopted by all the mid/late 2000s low speed/high drag tacticool wannabe-GWOT-contractor bro types. You know the ones: desert boots and tactical cargo pants paired with a polo or smedium Tapout shirt and a ballcap with a Sheepdog or Punisher patch velcroed to the front loop area. (Fishing vest and shemagh optional. Beard mandatory.)

So now I guess I have about 20 different pairs of "tacticool" pants in my closet.


I do still have a couple Camelbak hydration packs that I use when hiking long distances or kayaking. They're quite handy when you don't want to lug around or dig out a bottle/flask. I see those as more functional than "tacticool".

You left out the shaved head or high and tight haircut.

I laugh my butt off at those guys. They look at me odd when I do.

Form typically follows function for me.

I wear predominantly 5.11 pants, because they're comfortable, durable, and have sufficient pockets.

The last time I needed a backpack, I specifically looked for one that would fill my needs without looking tactical or being covered in MOLLE because I just needed a comfy bag to carry my stuff around.

I guess my needs aren't tactical so most of my stuff isn't either, but occasionally if it's the best product for the job I'm doing I don't shy away either.

Never. I didn’t want to stand out; I wanted to blend in. Guys who dress in the “I carry a gun” style are asking for trouble. Hey, just hit me in the back of my head and take my gun. And don’t get me started on open carry.

The most I go is the 5.11 Cargo pants (love them) and shaving my head (hate styling my hair), but I don't do that to look "tacticool," I do it because it's comfortable.

I still have, and use, A.L.I.C.E. gear.

So no, probably not.

I'm all about comfort and convenience so when not at the office I mainly wear Duluth firehose cargo pants or cargo shorts, and either a t-shirt or Duluth button down.

I've only owned one pair of 5.11 and I returned them. Damn pocket openings were too small for pocket carry.

I own a molle chest carrier. It gets used once a year when I visit my buddy who has a membership at a range with tactical bays where you can do whatever you want (within reason and safely). We set up courses of fire, use both AR and pistols, and burn through a lot of ammo so it's a convenient way to carry it. I have both AR and pistol mag holders that go on my old competition belt, but my muffin top makes them a PITA so I prefer the chest carrier.

I intentionally adopt a low profile look with as much "function" as I can build in. Stretchy slacks and leather boots that pass as professional wear; shirts, socks, and underwear that wick moisture and breathe; a plain black messenger bag with an organization panel in the *inside*.

Aside from my physically large size (225lb, 6'1" for a Vietnamese guy), I would say that I am rather unassuming.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
I've only owned one pair of 5.11 and I returned them. Damn pocket openings were too small for pocket carry.

Those definitely weren't the O.G. 5.11 tactical pants, or one of the similar later derivatives. Those all have ginormous slash pockets that are so big I could pocket carry a Glock 19 (if I wanted to).

But 5.11 has branched out over the last decade into dozens of different styles of pants, and most of the newer styles are more like business casual khakis/chinos with standard sized pants pockets. Sounds like you ended up with one of those.

I like to wear clothes that are light, and I like outdoor clothing so I can trek out and about any time without having to change. Because of that, many of my clothes are drab and have thigh pockets, appearing I’m trying to be tacti-cool.

The drab colors are to not spook birds and other wildlife while birding, nature photography, and hiking…and not for suburban warfare.

However, being in LE, I do have some 5.11 pants. Even so, they don’t have pocket flaps on the thigh pocket(s), which I absolutely DESPISE, so most people probably wouldn’t notice them.

I will wear my Eddie Bauer camo fleeces during the winter, but I just blend-in with the locals here in the Texas Hill Country. It isn’t a military statement, but it is due to being a hunter, myself.

I am an honest low speed, high drag dude who likes to play with toys. Nothing more, nothing less. Basically a 7 year old in a late 40s body . So no I don’t think I’ve ever been tactical or cool and my guns or gear have never made me so.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
I've only owned one pair of 5.11 and I returned them. Damn pocket openings were too small for pocket carry.

Those definitely weren't the O.G. 5.11 tactical pants, or one of the similar later derivatives. Those all have ginormous slash pockets that are so big I could pocket carry a Glock 19.

But 5.11 has branched out over the last decade into dozens of different styles of pants, and most of the newer styles are more like business casual khakis/chinos with standard sized pants pockets. Sounds like you ended up with one of those.

Some while ago, while on a business trip, I ended up talking to the passenger to my right. Turns out he was the CFO for 511. He was surprised that I even knew who the company was… Lol.

Got to hear the whole story of how they reconfigured the business early on based upon those FBI pants. Sounds like they’ve expanded again.

I would guess that you’re spot on.

FWIW… Duluth firehose cargo pants guy here with a 5-stitch nylon/ti belt.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGnified:
Some while ago, while on a business trip, I ended up talking to the passenger to my right. Turns out he was the CFO for 511. He was surprised that I even knew who the company was… Lol.

Got to hear the whole story of how they reconfigured the business early on based upon those FBI pants. Sounds like they’ve expanded again.

Yeah, Royal Robbins/5.11 has had an interesting run.

Mountain climbing clothing to law enforcement clothing to cool guy tactical clothing to now generic outdoorsy lifestyle and business casual clothing.

Seems like lately they're becoming more like Duluth/Columbia/Eddie Bauer with each passing year.

As a late teen in early 80’s I’d wear a BDU shirt. Comfortable, enough pockets etc

This ended when I wore it while walking around Paris….1 week after the Embassy bombings. Encounters with the French Gendarmerie is not a pleasant experience (thankfully I had both regular and Diplomatic Passports with me)

Tacticool just screams poseur to me

Never was but I do wear 5.11 Taclite pants and shorts most of the time. Living in Southwest, they are very comfortable, dry quickly, have a good assortment of pockets.