[SHOT 2026] 5.11 Tactical Roundup - AMP is Back, VXI Goes Full Send
Walking into the 5.11 booth at SHOT 2026 felt like deja vu. The AMP pack is back. After teasing it on social media late last year and watching the comment sections explode, 5.11 listened and brought back their All Missions Pack series in limited quantities. But that's just the opening act. We spent time with the team getting the full rundown on everything from plate carriers that won't ship until 2027 to a partnership with Beyond Clothing that brings new office-appropriate uniforms to the VXI line.
The AMP Pack Returns - But Only 511 Units
5.11 is manufacturing exactly 511 units of each AMP size in each colorway. That's not a typo, that's brand consistency taken to its logical conclusion. Available in March 2026, you'll get your choice of black, ranger green, or dark kangaroo across the AMP 12 and AMP 24 models. The AMP 10 joins the lineup as the smallest option in the series.
According to 5.11's designer Scott Lambert, the AMP series was developed to answer demand for "a backpack that can be both overt and covert." They're not as aggressively tactical as the Rush series but tougher than the Dart EDC packs. Think of them as splitting the difference between duty bag and commuter pack.
AMP Series Key Specs:
- AMP 10: 20L capacity, 18"H x 10"W x 4.5"D, 2.9 lbs, $170 MSRP
- AMP 12: 25L capacity, $170 MSRP
- AMP 24: 32L capacity, $190 MSRP
- Construction uses 500D Dobby Nylon across the body with heavier 1050D on the base for abrasion resistance
- HEXGRID mounting system allows 12-angle gear attachment (MOLLE limits you to horizontal/vertical)
- Quad-zip setup opens the pack completely from any direction
- Ships with a removable HEXGRID panel
- Concealed carry section includes loop backing and strap routing for holsters
- Back panel molds to your torso for weight distribution
- Works with 5.11's entire Gear Set lineup for custom organization
The limited run makes sense as a test balloon. If these 511 units sell out fast, expect 5.11 to commit to a full production run.
Low Viz Everyday Carry Gets an Update
The LVC12 backpack sits at $160 and ships in seven colors. It's designed to work with the LV6 waist pack through an attach/detach system, letting you build out a modular carry setup for travel. The ambidextrous CCW compartment up front works equally well for quick airport access to electronics. We watched the demo of slinging it around and accessing the front pocket, and it's genuinely quick.
Inside you'll find fleece-lined pouches for phones and glasses, external water bottle holders, hook and loop backing for organizational inserts, and a padded laptop compartment. It's available online now, which means 5.11 is confident enough in this design to skip the SHOT Show exclusive window.
Skyway Survival Plus - Now Full-Size Pistol Compatible
The original Skyway chest pack could handle compact pistols but nothing larger. The Skyway Survival Plus adds about an inch on each side and incorporates ambidextrous quick-release tabs. Drop the tabs and the whole front flap opens for emergency access to a full-size handgun. Pricing sits around $90-100, putting it right in line with comparable chest rigs from other manufacturers. It's a sensible update to a pack that already had a following.
VXI Line Expansion - Boots, Plate Carriers, and the 2027 Wait
5.11's VXI collection targets high-end law enforcement and specialized units. At SHOT 2026 they announced the VXI Tier boot featuring Gore-Tex for wet weather protection. The boot uses an exoskeleton design that shaves weight compared to traditional duty boots while maintaining support. 5.11's PU and Echofoam insole system handles comfort duties. The Atlas Tread technology is supposed to improve stability and footing. Pricing wasn't announced but expect these to cost more than your standard patrol boots.
The real headliner is the VXI plate carrier, which won't ship until mid-2027. That's a long wait, but 5.11 wanted to show what they're working on. The carrier features Tacklam laser-cut MOLLE in an offset pattern that spreads load more evenly than traditional straight rows. An Italian-made Dwi buckle system handles quick release and quick donning. Shoulder pads are removable, and extra bungee routing on the straps helps manage heavy plate setups during all-day wear.
Three different panel options accommodate soft armor, hard armor plates, or load-bearing configurations. It's a modular setup that lets you swap front panels based on mission requirements.
Beyond Clothing Partnership Brings Office Wear to VXI
Beyond is a sister company under the same parent corporation as 5.11. The partnership brings three Beyond products into the VXI lineup: the Roman Shirt, Element Shirt, and Element Pant. These target officers who need desk-appropriate uniforms that can still handle the occasional plate carrier.
The Roman Shirt is built tougher than 5.11's existing Cigar shirt. The fabric is engineered to handle wear from plate carriers and load-bearing equipment. The collar has three configurations depending on what you need: stand it up for coverage, fold it down for traditional appearance, or tuck it inward to keep it from catching wind when you're in vehicles or aircraft. The tail runs longer than standard shirts to prevent gaps when you're reaching overhead. Ventilation panels under the arms help with heat management.
Element Shirt Features:
- Bicep pockets on each arm
- Bicep ventilation panels
- VXI signature zippers throughout
- Velcro wrist closures
- Chin guard at collar
- Extended tail to stay tucked
Element Pant Features:
- Hook and loop waist fasteners replace traditional buttons
- Adjustable waistband uses Velcro instead of the old tunnel design
- Cargo pockets mirror on both legs
- Adjustable knee pad mounting (you supply your own pads)
- Venting on each knee's side panel
- Zippered storm pockets so your gear stays put
- Reinforced knee areas use heavier fabric
- Belt loops plus suspender attachment points
These aren't field uniforms. They're designed for administrative work, office duty, or courtroom appearances where you still need functional pockets and durability but can't show up in full tactical gear.
Men's and Women's Outdoor Lineup
The Peak Pant launched at $130 with a two-tone green colorway. The fabric has stretch without losing durability. Cargo pockets include internal organization and reinforced construction strong enough for knife carry. Side venting on the cargo pockets improves airflow during outdoor work. Reviews from early testers have been positive according to 5.11 reps at the booth.
For women, the Valkyrie Tight ($115, available now) combines two fabric types: stretchy material where you need freedom of movement, and tougher stuff on areas that take abuse from brush and rocks. Think of it as strategic armor for hiking tights. You get cargo pockets with Velcro closures plus slip pockets for quick access. The High Atlas women's jacket uses Primaloft insulation as a mid-layer rather than a down replacement. Three colors are available.
The Founders Jacket returns in Flint (a medium gray that's neither charcoal nor dove gray). MOLLE webbing on the exterior lets you run comms gear if needed. Zippered breast pockets keep essentials secure. It's designed as a travel jacket that stuffs into a backpack, which makes it genuinely useful for anyone bouncing between climates at SHOT Show or flying between ranges for work.
So which 5.11 products are worth the money? The limited AMP release will sell out fast if you're interested. The VXI plate carrier looks promising but you're waiting until 2027. The Beyond partnership clothing fills a real gap for officers who need professional appearance without sacrificing function. And the everyday carry updates (LVC12, Skyway Survival Plus) show 5.11 is paying attention to what people actually use rather than just what looks cool on a mannequin.
Staff Writer: TheFirearmBlog & AllOutdoor.com | Certified Gunsmith | Published Author | Firearm History Enthusiast
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In my humble opinion when it comes to 5.11 products there are some good and not so good products. The good: a lot of their clothing, some of their footwear, some of their pouches, and most of their packs, particularly the non-tactical looking packs. Most of those items are fairly solid. The not so good: so far all of their plate carriers, some of their pouches, inconsistent colors across lines, and painfully SLOW innovation. To date 5.11 has never produced a quality plate carrier that is even remotely close to being on par with the higher tier brands. Their Tac Tec PC...seriously? Garbage! We'll see how their new plate carrier shakes out but just from the few images I have seen on video, I have concerns related to the design. Yes, I said some of their pouches are good but some really are not. As for innovation, lets be honest 5.11 isn't exactly blazing trails and their process for R&D seems to be among the slowest in the industry. Only Crye seems to move slower. Brands like Agilite (and others) are running circles around the competition and not only are they moving quickly, they are producing some very innovative products and doing that while producing products with very high quality standards. I will say I am interested in looking closer at those newer VXI Tier boots because I am in the market for a good wet weather boot. Again, I do however wonder how long it will take to get those boots to market. Bottom line, 5.11 seems comfortable settled into the middle of the pack which is sad. I think they are not quite living up to their potential. I think for them to get out of the middle of the pack they need to speed up their innovation, look closely at what their competitors are doing really well while still maintaining the unique 5.11 brand. But what do I know, I've only been operating in the tactical world as an end user in some challenging environments for some 40+ years. Beware the old man who earns his living in a profession where men die young.