Top 7 5.11 Everyday Gears for Trainers, Hikers, & Runners

Training kit is weirdly personal. One person wants pockets for keys and gels. Another just wants nothing rubbing, bouncing, or overheating. And if you mix gym sessions with trail walks and the occasional “I’ll just do a quick 5K”, you need gear that adapts without turning your wardrobe into a complicated system.

5.11’s best everyday pieces lean into comfort, durability, and simple performance details. These 7 picks are the kind you reach for on autopilot—because they work.

1. Skyweight 24L Pack

The Skyweight 24L Pack is the rare rucksack that feels organised without making you feel like you’re packing for Everest. The bucket-lid opening makes it easy to throw layers in quickly, while the external “first grabs” pocket is perfect for keys, gels, or headphones.

On longer walks, the comfort bits matter: a padded harness, adjustable sternum strap, lumbar pad, and an airflow channel on the back panel help it sit nicely when you’re moving. You also get dual stretch bottle pockets, compression straps, an internal hydration sleeve, and a concealed bright rain cover for sudden weather mood swings.

2. PT-R Charge Short Sleeve Top 2.0

The PT-R Charge Short Sleeve Top 2.0 is for those sessions where you start “steady” and somehow end up sweating like you’ve been chased. It’s lightweight, breathable, and uses a mesh lower back panel to dump heat when the effort ramps up.

Small details make it easy to live with: moisture-wicking and anti-odour finishes so it doesn’t turn into a “one wear only” tee, a soft crew neck, and a tagless label so nothing scratches mid-run. There’s also a subtle reflective mark on the shoulder, which helps when your workout sneaks into early or late light.

3. PT-R Brooklyn 5" Short

The PT-R Brooklyn 5" Short is built for the “gym first, quick run after” kind of day. The fabric has four-way stretch with Enduro-Flex, and it’s paired with a soft waistband so it stays put without feeling tight when you’re moving fast.

For runners, the practical wins are the attached liner for coverage, perforated side panels for airflow, and an anti-odour, moisture-wicking finish. You also get pockets that actually help: a hidden waistband pocket for a key, plus a low-profile zipped pocket at the back for cards or a small case. Reflective details add visibility at dawn or dusk.

4. PT-R Havoc Cap

The PT-R Havoc Cap is the kind of cap you forget you’re wearing—until you try training without it. It’s made with a stretchy Enduro-Flex fabric and uses Vent-Tac ventilation, so your head doesn’t feel like it’s in a greenhouse after ten minutes.

The sweatband is built to wick moisture and fight odour, which is exactly what you want on long weekends when you’re doing more than one session. It keeps things simple with a five-panel shape, pre-curved brim, and a low-profile closure. Reflective logos and trim are a nice touch when you’re out early or coming home late.

5. Duty Ready + Merino Crew Sock

If your feet are unhappy, the rest of your kit doesn’t matter. The Duty Ready + Merino Crew Sock leans on Merino wool with breathable mesh knitting, so you get warmth when it’s cold and less swampiness when it’s not.

Comfort is where it earns its keep: heel and toe cushioning, extra forefoot cushioning, and arch support that helps on longer walks and faster runs. The “no quit” cuff is designed to stay up instead of sliding down, and the fabric is moisture-wicking with odour control—ideal when you’re doing a hike one day and intervals the next.

6. 5.11 A/T BOA Lite Mid Boot

For mixed terrain, the 5.11 A/T BOA Lite Mid Boot is a “one pair does most things” pick. It uses a high-abrasion mesh upper to keep weight down, plus a welded TPU support structure that holds your foot steady when the trail gets uneven.

The BOA Fit System lets you dial the fit quickly (great when socks get damp or you swap from walking to climbing). Underfoot, there’s an Ortholite insole, a high-rebound midsole, and a multi-direction lugged outsole for traction. It also includes a removable support plate designed to help when you’re carrying more than just a water bottle.

7. EDC 2AAA Flashlight

Early starts and winter evenings are where the EDC 2AAA Flashlight becomes your favourite thing. It’s small enough to live in a jacket pocket or running belt, but it still puts out 127 lumens—enough for spotting uneven pavement or a dodgy patch of trail.

It runs on two AAA batteries, uses a single mode switch, and is rated IPX-4 for water resistance. It’s built to handle drops (impact resistance up to 2 metres) and includes a removable pocket clip and keyring hole, so it stays within reach instead of vanishing into the bottom of your bag.

How to Choose the Right 5.11 Kit for Your Routine

• If you do short runs + gym, prioritise: liner shorts + pockets + a top that breathes where you actually heat up.

• If you hike most weekends, prioritise: a pack that carries comfortably and keeps water easy to grab (bonus points for a rain cover).

• If you train early/late, prioritise: small reflective details and a pocket light you’ll actually carry.

• If your feet get hot or blistery, upgrade socks before shoes. It’s the cheapest comfort multiplier.

• Keep it boring: pick one “default outfit” that works, then repeat it. Consistency beats overthinking.

Get Set Go!

The best everyday gear isn’t dramatic. It’s the stuff that doesn’t distract you—no rubbing, no bouncing, no constant adjustments. Adopt 5.11 Tactical and start with one upgrade that fixes your most annoying problem (overheating, uncomfortable carry, foot fatigue), then build from there as your routine gets more consistent.