In law enforcement our gear and clothing has to withstand intense situations, long hours, and a lot of wear and tear. Tactical uniforms aren’t just about style—they are about performance and durability. After testing the 5.11 V.XI XTU Pants and the V.XI Sigurd Shirt for several days, I’m impressed with how comfortable and how tough they are.
5.11 says, “The V.XI collection, designed in collaboration with top-tier teams, embodies our commitment to providing professionals with durable and versatile tactical uniforms”. I could quickly agree that they listened to what professionals needed and made this collection with those needs in mind.
First Impressions and Fit
The 5.11 V.XI XTU pants fit well right out of the box. The blend of cotton, nylon Cordura, and elastane ripstop material strikes a balance between durability and flexibility, giving a sense of reliability without being stiff. For professionals in various fields of work, comfort during extended wear is crucial, and these pants offer just that. Whether you're kneeling, crouching, or sprinting, the pants stretch just enough, preventing any restriction.
The V.XI Sigurd Shirt pairs well with the pants, completing the look while offering impressive comfort. The blend of nylon and elastane warp knit mesh with Cryo-Tac properties, paired with moisture-wicking and anti-odor finish material gives you a shirt that allows the air in to keep you cool whether being worn alone, under a carrier, or layering.
The Sigurd shirt fit is snug but not tight, making it adaptable for both summer and winter use, as it leaves room for layering. This shirt was comfortable for both casual wear and high-movement situations, which is a significant plus given that law enforcement professionals often need to transition between both.
Durability and Material
The V.XI XTU Pants excel in durability. Made with reinforced stitching and a tough fabric blend, they can handle scuffs, scrapes, and even abrasions from rough surfaces. I tested this firsthand during an active training drill involving obstacle climbing and simulated combat scenarios. These pants can withstand rougher terrains and urban environments alike, which is essential in demanding situations, especially since we’re not just working behind desks. The V.XI XTU pants have the 5.11 patented kneepad system and soft internal kneepads. My thoughts on knee pads in the past have been negative, due to them always sliding out of place. While on a SWAT team, I eventually stopped wearing the knee pads due to constantly having to adjust them. With the V.XI XTU knee pads system, I did not have that issue. As part of my testing, I could sprint and drop to a knee and slide in gravel, with no issues. The knee pad stayed where it was supposed to be.
The V.XI Sigurd Shirt holds up in durability, though it doesn’t quite match the ruggedness of the pants. While it’s resilient enough for daily use and can take a few bumps and scrapes, the shirt is more vulnerable to snagging on sharp edges or rough surfaces. However, that’s to be expected given its lightweight nature and breathability—it’s a trade-off, but one that’s manageable.
Functionality and Storage
One of the standout features of the V.XI XTU Pants is their pocket layout. They have multiple large cargo pockets and zippered cargo pockets strategically placed for quick access. You get deep side pockets that can hold a lot without feeling overloaded or cumbersome, and an N6 nylon mag pocket inside one of the zippered closures. The placement is ergonomic, making it easy to access everything without having to twist or bend awkwardly. In high-stress situations, this ease of access can be a lifesaver.
5.11's V.XI XTU pants have numerous pockets for storage and removable knee pads.5.11
Additionally, the pants have ventilation openings on the inside of both legs. This was particularly useful after running, to allow the heat out and the cool air in. The pants have a hook-and-loop adjustable waistband, which helps in maintaining a snug fit, particularly when wearing a duty belt. Something I was excited to see was the added feature of the Ortholite foam support at the back waistband. Whether your demanding situation is a tactical response or EMS call, the added back support is a huge feature.
For the V.XI Sigurd Shirt, functionality shines in its minimalistic design. It doesn’t have as many pockets as the pants, which is a positive, since you don’t want to be carrying your cargo on a shirt.
The shirt has 5.11's own stretch knit mesh with Cryo-Tac properties, which helps keep you cool, wicks away moisture and has anti-odor performance. The only issue I had with the V.XI Sigurd shirt was with tucking the bottom into the pants and staying tucked. The blend of nylon and elastane creates a material that slides easily, combined with a shorter length, creates a tucking issue.
Performance in Different Environments
I tested the V.XI XTU Pants in a range of climates, from hot and humid weather to cooler conditions, and they performed well across the board.
In warmer temperatures, the pants breathe well and don’t retain excessive heat. They’re moisture-wicking, which keeps things comfortable during long shifts, particularly in active settings. In colder weather, the pants provided enough warmth when paired with thermals underneath. I tested the pants with a cutting strike from a slightly used machete with no damage to the fabric. The pants also protected my legs while climbing over a barbed wire fence in a quick tactical manner, which was a surprise to me. After a second attempt and allowing more weight to press on the wire, the added pressure did allow a barb to pass through the fabric. Even with the puncture, the fabric did better than I expected with barbed wire testing.
The V.XI pants did well during testing for sniper movements. Thanks to 5.11’s patented kneepad system, I was able to remove the external outer shell with ease and utilize the soft kneepads inside the pant to protect my knees during hand and knee crawl, high crawl, medium crawl and low crawl.
5.11's V.XI Sigurd Shirt is available in long- and short-sleeve versions. It can be worn alone, under a carrier, or as a layer.5.11
The V.XI Sigurd Shirt was surprisingly good in hot climates, thanks to its moisture-wicking fabric, which keeps sweat in check. At the end of testing, this shirt became my go-to hiking shirt. When tested in colder environments, the shirt worked well as a base layer, although it’s too thin to provide warmth on its own. Paired with a jacket or plate carrier, it’s excellent for winter conditions as it fits snugly without adding bulk.
Professional Aesthetic and Versatility
The V.XI XTU Pants and V.XI Sigurd Shirt achieve a good balance between looking tactical and approachable. You could wear them to a community engagement event or a high-stakes operation without looking out of place in either scenario.
My Review
Overall, the 5.11 V.XI XTU Pants and V.XI Sigurd Shirt are excellent additions to any law enforcement wardrobe. They offer comfort, durability, and a professional appearance, which are essential in our line of work. While the pants stand out for their durability and versatility, the V.XI Sigurd shirt performs well as a base layer, particularly in warmer climates or as part of a layered setup in colder conditions.
If you’re looking for tactical gear that combines functionality, durability and versatility, the V.XI collection V.XI XTU pants and V.XI Sigurd Shirt from 5.11 are worth the investment. While they come with a few drawbacks, their strengths make them reliable for everyday duties and high-stress situations alike. In the field, having gear you can trust can make all the difference—and in this case, 5.11 delivers on that promise.
David Lee Stephens launched his law enforcement career in 2002 and has since dedicated over two decades to serving and protecting his community. Over the years, he has taken on pivotal roles, including Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, detective, S.W.A.T team member, crimes scene technician, and certified Firearms Instructor.
