Review – 5.11 Tactical Women’s Apex Pants
Morgan Rogue 05.03.22
I’ve owned several tactical pants by 5.11 Tactical and have loved every single one of them. In fact, I rarely have to buy new ones because of how long they last. 5.11 Tactical is a superior brand and quality is a top priority.
I had the chance to try out the women’s Apex pants and I have some mixed feelings about it.
Let me reiterate that I love 5.11 Tactical and they’re always doing their best to innovate and change up their gear and clothing any chance they get, which is what I really appreciate the most about them. They aren’t looking to just have the same ol’ stuff all the time. They’re moving and shaking with the ever-changing times and demands of their audience.
I’ve only worn these pants a few times and something just seems a little off about them. Maybe it’s just me, but these aren’t my favorite 5.11 Tactical pants.
The fabric is very durable and very well stitched, which I expect from 5.11. But it’s also very stiff, even after washing, it’s just stiff and I’m not sure what that’s about. It’s so stiff that I almost feel constrained by the pants like I can’t walk right. Even getting in and out of the Jeep is a little awkward.
They’re made of Flex-Tac, a mechanical stretch canvas combined with Teflon. They claim this combination is supposed to deliver superior flexibility but to me, it just feels a bit stifling. I really don’t know how to explain it. They’re not tight, they just feel…off.
For everyday use, I’m not a fan of the cargo pockets. I so wish they would have kept the velcro or even a magnetic pouch flap, but the zipper is a pain to use. My hand scrapes against the zipper each time I reach into it because the pockets and zipper are so tight. There are magazine pockets inside the cargo pockets and they get in the way of using those pockets for anything other than storing magazines. If I’m using it as an everyday pant,
I realize the internal pockets are for magazines, and if I were to wear these only at the range, maybe they wouldn’t be such a pain, but that’s really the only functional way to use those pockets, as pockets for magazines when at the range. Because just trying to use them for everyday use is just not functional.
The belt loops are huge though which I love because I have some thicker, bulkier belts and there’s absolutely no problem getting my belts in those loops.
I just wish I loved these pants more and I’m not trying to be negative, because like I said, I like 5.11 Tactical, but I guess we can’t win them all. I might stick with my other pants from 5.11 and use these as a backup and for the range only, but I’ll be kicking them out of everyday rotation. Call me crazy, I like wearing tactical pants for the outdoors, off-roading, and just every day.
Maybe these pants will fit you and your needs. If you go to the range a lot and you’re in need of some durable pants with magazine pockets galore, then these are definitely the pants for you.
If you’re looking for a great pair of pants for the range, at $90, the women’s Apex pants by 5.11 Tactical can be a great option.
