BLACKHAWK Warrior Wear 3 layer Jacket System
Blackhawk recently expanded the warrior wear line which includes this snazzy 3 layer jacket system. Each layer is designed to be used on its own or used in any combination with the other layers. As you might guessed, layer 1 gives the lightest element protection and layer 3 gives the most. The materials and constuction used are quite modern resulting in a functional and styln' system. Each layer is sized appropriately for layering so one doesn't need to worry about different sizes. I have a full 3 layer set of smalls and I was pleased how well they fit on top of each other. This is accomplished with layer 1 being semi-fitted, layer 2 casual, and layer 3 baggy.

LAYER 1 - The Training Jacket

Layer 1 works well for the cool environment work-out jacket. The material has some stretch in it for good range of motion and is overall super light. For how thin it is, it has surprising water and wind resistance. I poured some water on it as a test and all I managed to do was watch it bead up and slide off getting the normal shirt I was wearing wet. The collar area and inner sleeve ends are bonus comfy made with micro-fleece brushed tricot lining. In the spirit of a training jacket the zipper is a cool YKK version called semi auto locking. Basically it is spring loaded so it is always up or down. It is easy to manually toggle, but when running around it stays in place so it isn't clanging around. Shock cord and barrel locks are built into the waist area to cinch things up and later adjust when desired. There is only one small pocket on the left shoulder, which is in the spirit of the jacket design, good for pens or an ipod sized device. A hole is in the interior of this pocket so one can route their headphones internally to keep wires more secure than flopping around directly from pocket to ear. On the note of pockets, I would liked to have standard lower side pockets on this jacket. They shouldn't cause too much bulk and would be a nice place to keep one's hands warm when idle times occur. A good sized loop is under the tag for hanging of the jacket. The training jacket works great for adding a layer of warmth when used with the other layers. Kinda pricey for being such a lightweight jacket, but that appears to be the price of fancy materials. End result, layer 1 accomplishes its design goal being a jacket that adds wind protection and a little warmth, but is lightweight and flexible enough to not be in the way when excercising.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

LAYER 2 - The Ops Jacket

The meat of the jacket system is layer 2, The Ops Jacket. The sizing and thickness is what most expect out of a medium jacket, but it has additional element protection and features. I'm not sure what the main shell material is, but Blackhawk calls it a Durable water-resistant (DWR) soft-shell. All of the outer seams have been sealed by being covered with textured non-slip material and a large batch has been added to the elbows for added durability. The interior is made up of a combination of fleece/tricot and soft mesh to give warmth yet ventilation as well to the right places. The main zipper is that sweet semi auto locking kind as seen on the training jacket. I wonder about how long it will keep its spring/lock ability, but worst case it just becomes a regular floppy zipper. The other external pockets all have waterproof sealed zippers which have little metal tabs and pull cords including custom textured warrior wear tabs. The indented tear-drop shape of the pull tab makes a nice intuitive grip. Symmetrical pockets include 2 side hand pockets, 2 lower internal pockets, and 2 zippers open in the back exterior for access to the same pocket to create a "tailbone" pocket. Inside the hand pockets are convenient shock cord pull tabs so the waist can be be easily cinched. This can later be adjusted with the tiny cordlocks that control the shock cord located at the lower front interior of the jacket. The waist cinch system is separated by grommet holes keeping the pull tabs and cord-locks in place so you don't have to worry about their placement shifting. For asymmetrical pockets there is one on the upper front left externally and slightly lower internally. Just for clarification the would be the left hand side of the user. I can only guess these pockets are only on the left side to be setup for right hand dominant use and leave the right side area more clear for firearms. Either way, I wish the pockets were on the right side as well. I don't think they would get in the way and would give more organization while delivering ambidextrous functionality. A good sized loop is under the tag for hanging of the jacket. Overall feels nice, great performance for its weight and thickness while looking sharp at the same time.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

LAYER 3 - The Element Shell

When you know the weather is going to be the suck, this is when you want layer 3. The Element Shell is water and wind proof based on a breathable 3-layer laminate hard-shell. All seams have been sealed internally to insure the water-proof performance. External pockets include 2 large side hand pockets and 2 shoulder pockets. Each pocket has water-proof zipper seals and use the nice custom zipper pulls as seen on the ops jacket. The same zipper setups, except with double sliders, are used on the sides for long pit-zips to allow easy ventilation control. Only the upper slider comes with a zipper pull so if one finds themselves preferring to unzip in a up to down motion, the pull can be removed and installed onto the lower slider. The main opening of the jacket uses a dual-direction zipper which is then made weather-proof with a flap that stays in place with velcro. Many areas include shock-cord and cordlock setups which are at the waist/tailbone area, the frontal bottom, and in the hood on both the opening compression and horizontal "headband" compression. The headband and tailbone cordlocks are a little harder to get to since located on the exterior and interior back sides respectively, but their existence is appreciated for adjustability. Another cool thing about the hood is that the upper back of the jacket has a built in pocket where the hood can be stored when not in use. This is much nicer than having a hood flop around when you don't really need it. As you may have guessed, deployment of the hood from the pocket is easier than stowing which requires taking the jacket off to do effectively. The collar area interior has a nice patch of fleece for comfort making this be the only area one might need to worry about getting wet. Even if a full interior drenching somehow occurs, the fleece is thin enough to dry reasonably fast. The cuffs are adjustable using loop velcro and rubbery straps with velcro compatible hooks built in. The velco dot is good for holding the straps when full hand opening is desired and the longer velcro strips allow the cuffs to be tightened on up. I like the rubber straps since they appear durable and conform to the arm curve. Since there isn't additional padding, the Layer 3 Element shell isn't made for the harsh cold, however it makes a great shell ready for adventures including hurricanes. Don't forget, what Layer 3 lacks in warmth can easily be solved with layers 1 and 2. When combined you got yourself a mean cold and water fighting jacket package.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

5.11-TACTICAL TDU Pant - Ripstop

Although I had some sizing issues with these at first, I'm really digging these pants now. One of the unique features that works well for most, is the self adjusting elastic waist. Sadly this part didn't work out too good for me. I got my desired size and everything fit how I wanted, but the elastic was putting some serious pressure on me. After a little thought, I decided to cut the frontal elastic. Luckily on the design it still keeps the side elastic and pants structure intact. After this I was able to quickly go back to appreciating. I soon did some what would have been stain disasters, but the teflon treating gives the pants a bonus water and stain repellant quality. I like the cargo pocket design a lot. They are roomy and have been sewn with a divider to hold 2, 30 round mags. These spaces are also great for flashlights, multitools, and more. Loop velcro is in there as well to work with 5.11's Back-Up-Belt System to allow attachment of gear specific pouches / holsters. The flaps are velcro closure which are a decent compromise of ease and security. Another great feature is that knee pads come STANDARD. They are neoprene and are inserted through a slot inside the pant to keep things looking clean and simple on the outside. I recently found out the knee pad areas will accept ballistic inserts as well. The fly is a zipper with a metal snap top and backup classic button. The main side upper pockets are roomy and the right one even has a mini sleeve inside to help hold smaller items. The back pockets have velcro closure like the cargo pockets and I find them to work well. They retain the basics like loose change well but are still easy to open. The belt loops are nice a beefy so you don't have to worry about them wearing down. The leg openings have basic pull strings available if you need to close things up to keep out debris. As for suggestions, I'd like to see a D-ring or connection point somewhere since the belt loops are so thick. The two frontal belt loops seem a little close together, but there is probably a reason for that. Maybe it is just me, but I'd like to see two more exterior frontal upper pockets like on my Specwargear pants. With most areas triple stitched, these pants are in it for the long haul. I highly recommend these and at $45 standard price, these are quite a deal considering the quality and included knee pads.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

5.11-TACTICAL Holster Shirt

The holster shirt is a unique spin on a compression shirt including 2 pockets on the sides for compact or smaller pistols. I display in my pictures a SIG SP2022 which fits pretty well, but is pushing the size limit in which I can barely use the velcro pocket seal. Smaller pistols will go in nice and easy and allow a solid pocket seal. Overall the functionality is pretty solid. The extra padding allows for pistols that fit to be worn comfortably. It is not meant to be a speed draw system, but if you want to get to your weapon as quickly as possible, you will need to make sure and have buttons open on any outer layer clothing. When going super low profile the outter layer of clothing is important since the holster shirt gives a less than casual wet suit / compression shirt look. If not covered, people will be able to see the shine of the shirt and think you are going clubbing soon, or up to something when you'd rather be blending in. The length of the shirt is nice and long so you won't have any trouble tucking it into any pants and still have the option to pull it up some to make the fit more loose. From wearing around, I noticed a slight draw back is that the shirt gets a little itchy on the lower sides where a good deal of stitching occurs. Back to plusses, the shirt can be used for any other items you can fit in the pockets: phones, mp3 players, handcuffs, and more. The 80% polyester/20% spandex fabric sports moisture-wicking, antibacterial and quick-drying qualities. Currently this shirt is available in white or black and also in V-neck.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

5.11-TACTICAL Level 1 9" Sock

These are some plush socks to help out those poor tactical feet. Fabric includes moisture-wicking Coolmax® fibers to help circulate the foot funk and keep you dry. Although these are a nice balance of warmth and cushioning, Level 2 socks are also available which are thicker and warmer. So far these socks have been a little quick to get fuzzy threads on the outside, but no hole issues. A nice upgrade from run of the mill department store socks. Currently available in white, coyote (as shown), and black.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

5.11-TACTICAL Professional Polo, Short Sleeve

A simple polo shirt but done proper. The shirt will not shrink and will keep its color much longer than typical shirts. Using 100% cotton pique knit, the shirt has a nice soft feel. Other features include a no-roll collar, pen slot on left sleeve, and the fabric is great for embroidery. Looks like this one will last a while, will keep you updated on durability. Many classic and mil colors available.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

5.11-TACTICAL Men's Tactical Pant - Cotton

These pants are a nice variant from the TDU and BDU style pants. The main style is that of a typical cargo pant, but one of the features that makes it stand out is the slash / diagonal pockets on both upper front and back. This makes the back pockets very easy to get to and they are deep enough to fit a 30 round mag. The right back pocket also includes a nice big strap as a solid connection point for your small tactical goods. The belt loops are nice and wide and spaced away from the sides to give room for belt connections. Back to the front is a small d-ring and a flashlight sized pocket on the front-upper left. The cargo pockets are pretty fast and easy with velcro closure, however I wish they were longer since a 30 round mag must be rammed in horizontally to fit in the pocket. Solid and affordable pants so far, they are available in 8.5 oz., 100% cotton canvas or 7.4-oz. nylon in mostly MIL colors.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

5.11-TACTICAL Tactical Polo, Short Sleeve

Similar to the pro-polo, this shirt variant includes mi-clip pockets on the shoulders and a mic-clip loop is placed at the bottom of the placket at the sternum level. Comprised of 100% smooth cotton interlock fabric causes this shirt to be a little stretchy helping ease of movement. Like on the other polo, the no-roll collar and pen slot on the left sleeve are standard. Will not shrink, is very fade and wrinkle resistant. The shirt is also a good platform for silkscreen and embroidery. Mostly just law enforcement colors are currently available.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

5.11-TACTICAL Tactical Vest

Sorry I know the placement is confusing, but despite the name, most of my visitors do not think of this item when they hear tactical vest. In the past these vests have been known as safari or photo vests. For a low weight vest, this is great for the range. I can't say I like to look very much and it is by no means low-profile, but the pocket placement makes it functional and easy to use. Pockets are everywhere, but key areas include mag pouches on the lower left for the common right handed shooters, a mic clip strap, and 2 water bottle open pockets on the back which can also be used for mags. Interior central access pockets have the "back-up-belt" system so extra attachments can be velcro mounted. I found the connection not solid enough for a heavy pistol, but is fine for flashlights and other lighter gear. The velcro pannels of the back-up-belt system are attached by velcro themselves rather than being sewn in. Since the vest typically rides long, this causes a slight problem with mags in the front mag pockets and makes bending over difficult. The mags line up right in the middle of the waist pivot. Despite the gear specific sized pockets, the fact that most of the vest is tripple stitched makes this version more tactical rather than the usual safari vest. Currently available in black, OD green, and Khaki.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

5.11-TACTICAL Utili-T Crew, Three Pack

Another simple, but great product. 100% ringspun, 4.5-oz. cotton makes this shirt soft and comfortable. The shirt also has moisture-wicking properties to help keep the sweat off you when commonly used as a under-shirt. There is plenty of length so tucking in is easy and your able to adjust bagginess. The tag is printed rather than sewn guaranteeing no tag annoyance. Sold in 3 packs and crew or v-neck, these are very practical and affordable. Currently available in white, black, ACU-UCP tan, and navy.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>

5.11-TACTICAL Response Jacket

This is just a quick overview with updates to come. From my use so far I find this jacket to be a great lightweight windbreaker. It really makes a difference on those days that aren't really that cold, but have rampant wind. The hand pockets are zippered and I like the chest area velcro side opening pockets a lot. Extra side pockets are in the interior of the jacket. Now what sets this jacket apart from others is that it can go from a very casual looking jacket to an organization jacket using the removeable and concealable ID pannels. There are velcro areas that hold these flaps on the back and one on each side of the chest. Each flap is zipper connected so other pannels can be used. I recommend going ahead and adding loop velcro to the pannels, however besides blank, 5.11 offers pannels with reflective text of SHERIFF or POLICE. I've been sporting a small and have passed on an extra large to a SF friend. Will keep you updated.
Recommended place of purchase: <www.lapolicegear.com>