I remember helping my friend's clothing company exhibit at SHOT show back in '06 and have attended almost every year since. Things had just ramped up then with the GWOT, Fed funding was flowing down to local agencies and the 'Law Enforcement' section was growing each show; which also meant a variety of small business' were getting established. As the years went by, the show would grow and attendee apparel became more....absurd.

The 21st century SHOT show uniform started off with every swingin' dick (and their wives) showing up in: 5.11 cargos (they called them five one one's ), Danner's latest latest desert tan boot, an absurdly large rigger's belt, two clip knives, tucked-in polo and a regulation haircut. We referred to it as the tactical painter's uniform.

This stayed standard for about 3-4 years. The guys coming back from deployment would laugh at this scene in-between dip spits and RedBulls. The SEALs would all show up in Vans and flannels while the Army & USAF SOF guys would show up in all manner of outdoor branded sportswear; sometimes a dress shirt was seen usually this guy had the unit IMPAC card. Better clothing brands started to show up around '11. People finally figured out that dressing like a clone was not a good look, and the trend went the other direction wearing some niche, esoteric brand that only 'the cool kids' knew about.

You knew who wasn't in by how much Crye Precision gear one was wearing or, the volume of patches on them. The 2019 terror attack in Nairobi sparked people's attention; people started to pick-apart what the SAS solider who jumped in was wearing. From his rifle, his plate carrier, down to his approach shoes...had to explain that to people at least 20-times one day . Being the Greyman had become popular with the non-deployed crowd.

Backpacks were always the better option than those damn carts/wagons. Morale patches and coins all over the place.

I'm sure there's some new trend but, trade shows were always the place, regardless of industry, to show-off and passively tell everyone who is 'cool' or, 'in-touch' with your industry with what you wore.

From 5.11 to walking shoes that have Velcro closures.

It sucks getting old.

I joke with sales people that I won't buy anything if it's not "Tactical"

I have “tactical” gear to a degree. I copy the military. I don’t wear it. I have it in case it becomes necessary. I have gear for me and my family. Not everyone in the family would be kitted out since that isn’t practical.

The only stuff I have that is arguably tacticool is stuff I have for hiking and hunting, and only then because of its practical use to me.

I wear Wrangler Riggs work trousers. I like them because they are nigh on indestructible.

I have a plate carrier and other doodads that are tacticool from when I shot 2- and 3-gun.

Now I generally shoot pistol and air rifle.

What does a closet full of eberlestock mean?

That you like expensive backpacks?

… whew …

I started wearing cargo pants & shorts in the early 2000s and have ever since, because:

• Around the same time, cell phone ownership became affordable & common. An extra pocket(s) became important to me, b/c no, I won't carry my phone in a belt holster.
  
• I hate sitting w/ junk in my back pockets.

I own some 5.11 apparel, but I'm more influenced by backcountry outdoor (camping/climbing/hiking) fashion than tacticool fashion. There certainly is a lot of crossover in recent years, as brands such as Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and Under Armour have landed sizeable LE/mil contracts. As pointed out above, 5.11 was an offshoot of Royal Robbins.

We were issued TA50 gear in Korea. Must have weighed 100#.

Was a gas mask, flak vest looking nonsense, helmet, some other shit.

“I’m intelligence, In the Navy, and working in a location that renders this gear useless”

“It’s peninsula rules, you’re getting it”

I used to think every family member needed a plate carrier and 4 pmags. Now I just make sure we got enough rice and beans for 3-6 months and extra Berkey filters on standby lol.

My thinking has certainly changed in the past 15 years.

Oh and I know this is an unpopular opinion based on the thread, but pockets anywhere on pants or shorts beside the waist is a NO GO for me.

Cargo anything ranks right up there with the fucking individual toe shoes. Looking like 10 little condom covered micro dicks staring back at me.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
That you like expensive backpacks?

Or very indecisive

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
Never have been. Probably never will be.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by Pale Horse:
I still have, and use, A.L.I.C.E. gear.

So no, probably not.

You're aging yourself, I didn't think ALICE gear was cool in the mid to late 70's when I was on active duty in the USMC.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
That you like expensive backpacks?

Or very indecisive

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Cargo anything ranks right up there with the fucking individual toe shoes. Looking like 10 little condos covered micro dicks staring back at me.

Cargo's have their place, but out in the field they suck. Put some shit in them and after a mile or, two, you're looking at your kit trying to figure out where to remove it all and reorganize.

Same also for drop-leg holsters, everybody wants to wear one until they've humped a few miles on a patrol or, had to roll around and do infantryman things...smh

No 5.11 pants, no leather boots, vests, etc. Just normal everyday clothes, New Balance shoes, etc. The only thing I have that might be considered tacticool is a Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack that I carry everyday.

I did buy the first generation Camelbaks in the late 80s-early 90s for mountain biking. My wife and I ended up getting maybe half dozen more in later years.

5.11 tac light pants and shorts for me the vast majority of the time. I like them and find them comfortable. I also have a 5.11 Sling MOAB bag that rides with me in the car to and from places with assorted extra EDC gear.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGnified:

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
That you like expensive backpacks?

Or very indecisive

Well come on now, if the closet is FULL

Small closet. Not sharing … lol

(I do have a few “extras”… some habits die hard. Plus I have boys who constantly want stuff.)