Patrik Orcutt 12.13.24
With the colder months and Christmas fast approaching its time to start laying up while looking for those gifts for the ones we love. Speaking of gifts I’ve got a great one here for anyone in your life who lives to be warm and stylish and its the 5.11 Seth Shirt Jacket.
5.11 Tactical is a California-based company known for designing and manufacturing high-performance tactical apparel, gear, and accessories. The brand originated in the 1960s when rock climber Royal Robbins developed the first pair of durable climbing pants, named “5.11” after the highest level of difficulty in the Yosemite Decimal System, signifying exceptional performance. In 2003, the company was officially established as 5.11 Tactical, focusing on outfitting law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders. Over the years, the brand expanded its offerings to include tactical backpacks, footwear, and everyday carry (EDC) gear, catering to professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. In my opinion, 5.11 has come a very long way since I was first introduced to the brand about 15 years ago. Today, 5.11 offers lots of less tactical products of a higher quality that don’t scream “He has a Gun!”
Around a year ago 5.11 sent me the Seth Shirt Jacket for review. I ended up wearing it at home for the holidays when my father spotted it and quickly let me know he thought it looked super comfortable. I let him put it on and that was the end of the Seth Shirt belonging to me. He loved the Seth shirt jacket so much I just gave it to him right then and there. I would later buy myself another copy of the jacket once I returned from my holiday trip. 5.11 has not been allowed to preview this review prior to its publication.
Specs – 5.11 Seth Shirt Jacket
- Outer Material: 100% cotton twill with a brushed finish, providing a soft, durable exterior.
- Lining – Body: Polyester fleece for warmth and comfort. – Sleeves: Polyester taffeta with light insulation for added thermal protection and easy layering
- RAPIDraw™ Snap Placket: A snap closure system that looks like buttons, designed for quick access to concealed carry gear.
- Two zippered hand pockets for secure storage. Two chest pockets, offer room for glasses or small essentials.
- Cuffs: Adjustable snap cuffs for a customizable fit.
- Classified as a medium-weight jacket suitable for temperatures as low as 30°F, depending on personal preferences and layering.
- Design: Timeless buffalo check pattern for a classic flannel look.
- Color Options: Typically available in plaid styles, although availability may vary due to discontinuation on some platforms
- MSRP: $55-$100 depending on color
Design and Build Quality
The Seth Shirt Jacket features a 100% cotton twill exterior with a brushed finish, providing a soft, comfortable feel and a classic buffalo check pattern. Internally, it incorporates a polyester fleece lining for the torso and insulated polyester taffeta sleeves. These materials ensure warmth and comfort in cooler weather without being overly bulky. The jacket is well-suited for moderate climates, offering sufficient insulation for temperatures as low as 30°F, depending on what part of the country you are in and how much whiskey you have consumed.
One of my Favorite features of this jacket is the RAPIDraw™ snap placket, which mimics the look of buttons while allowing quick access to concealed carry items. This makes the jacket appealing for those who prioritize tactical functionality without compromising style. The jacket also includes two zippered hand pockets and two chest pockets for easy organization and storage of small essentials, such as gloves, a smartphone, or sunglasses
Comfort and Fit
Designed with versatility in mind, the Seth Shirt Jacket provides side seam vents and adjustable snap cuffs to allow for better airflow and personalized fit adjustments. Users have noted the comfort of the jacket due to its soft fleece lining and ergonomic design, which accommodates layering without feeling restrictive. Additionally, I have found this jacket to be a great option for CCW tasks. I Like my Shirt jackets to be a little larger for layering purposes but this also makes it easier to not print when carrying a pistol.
Likes
- Ultra Comfortable
- Hides a pistol well
- Pretty affordable
Dislikes
- Many of the better colorways like the one in this review are no longer available
Final Thoughts
The 5.11 Seth Shirt Jacket is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile, midweight layer with tactical capabilities and a casual design. Its combination of style, warmth, and practicality makes it a worthy addition to an outdoor or urban wardrobe. However, its moderate insulation might not satisfy those in harsher climates, and its tactical aesthetic might not appeal to everyone. I love my Copy of the jacket and I kind of look forward to wearing it when it’s a brisk morning and I need something to keep me alive while I’m making my coffee. As I have already elaborated on my father is also a big fan of the Seth Shirt jacket. In fact, when I call him it’s pretty much the only thing I see him wearing around the house this time of year.
