After spending many years trying to find an alternative to military surplus clothing for my outdoor activities, I found an advert on an American web site for 5.11 clothing, I thought this is just the ticket, a selection of colours and a range of sizes to fit from Ronnie Corbett to Arnie and a selection of materials. A little more searching for a UK supplier I found only a few, I was looking for one that could hopefully supply me from stock and that offered the best price, that seemed to be a real problem to start with, being a rather portly ex-bodybuilder, it has left me with unusual sizes! Most of the suppliers that I found only stocked “standard “ sizes and could not be bothered to order in what I wanted, although the importers (Edgar Bro’s) assured me that from their perspective it was not an issue, I then found www.polimil.co.uk (this company is the outdoor lovers dream, check every item on this site), not only were they the cheapest, but they had my sizes in stock, I ordered the vest, shirt and trousers in 100% cotton canvas, and the neoprene knee pads, I chose cotton for reasons that I am sure many of you will appreciate, and so far my choice has been the right one.
In my opinion the Americans have always had very high standards, this really is the case with 5.11, I have checked every square inch of this clothing, and could not fault it. Triple stitching and bar tacked in all the high stress areas makes sure that your new outfit does not fall apart.
The vest and trousers are made from the same 8.5oz cotton canvas material which makes it very hard wearing, but does not take too long to dry when wet, the shirt is made from a slightly lighter 5.4oz version of the same material. I you are anything like me and need lots of pockets then this has to be for you, when wearing all three items I have a total of 27 pockets, I have never been so spoilt for choice. The shirt and vest have excellent ventilation in the back, which is a godsend in the warmer weather.
With all of this you would expect this kit to be very industrial work wear looking, but this is not the case, its crisp enough to wear everyday, and believe me there is rarely a day goes by where I am not wearing a least one item of this kit.
I have had this kit for a while now, and have had it cooked by the sun, sopping wet and caked in mud, it washes well and retains its colour, at a guess I would say that it has been washed around twenty times and still looks like I have just unpacked it, being 100% cotton it makes it safer to wear around an open fire, and could lend its self to waterproof and fire retardant treatments, although I have not done this yet.
The knee pads were a very worthwhile investment, the trousers not only have a double seat, but 5.11 have given them double knees with a built in pocket that takes the purpose made 6mm thick neoprene rubber knee pads, these can be inserted when needed and although the feel a little unusual to start with the benefits are well worth it, especially when bow drilling and when kneeling in my canoe.
Conclusion
This has to be some of the best kit I own, I am going to give it 10/10, I really cannot fault it in any way, and at Polimil’s prices good value for money.
I am so impressed with this clothing I will be ordering more.
Definitely no more army surplus for me.
In my opinion the Americans have always had very high standards, this really is the case with 5.11, I have checked every square inch of this clothing, and could not fault it. Triple stitching and bar tacked in all the high stress areas makes sure that your new outfit does not fall apart.
The vest and trousers are made from the same 8.5oz cotton canvas material which makes it very hard wearing, but does not take too long to dry when wet, the shirt is made from a slightly lighter 5.4oz version of the same material. I you are anything like me and need lots of pockets then this has to be for you, when wearing all three items I have a total of 27 pockets, I have never been so spoilt for choice. The shirt and vest have excellent ventilation in the back, which is a godsend in the warmer weather.
With all of this you would expect this kit to be very industrial work wear looking, but this is not the case, its crisp enough to wear everyday, and believe me there is rarely a day goes by where I am not wearing a least one item of this kit.
I have had this kit for a while now, and have had it cooked by the sun, sopping wet and caked in mud, it washes well and retains its colour, at a guess I would say that it has been washed around twenty times and still looks like I have just unpacked it, being 100% cotton it makes it safer to wear around an open fire, and could lend its self to waterproof and fire retardant treatments, although I have not done this yet.
The knee pads were a very worthwhile investment, the trousers not only have a double seat, but 5.11 have given them double knees with a built in pocket that takes the purpose made 6mm thick neoprene rubber knee pads, these can be inserted when needed and although the feel a little unusual to start with the benefits are well worth it, especially when bow drilling and when kneeling in my canoe.
Conclusion
This has to be some of the best kit I own, I am going to give it 10/10, I really cannot fault it in any way, and at Polimil’s prices good value for money.
I am so impressed with this clothing I will be ordering more.
Definitely no more army surplus for me.
