5.11 TACTICAL TACTEC PLATE CARRIER (CROSSFIT)

Colorful run-of-the-mill civilian weight vests are "OUT" for training; plate carriers are "IN." Does this have something to do with the militarization of sports? A little bit. The trend was started by CrossFit – which originated in the USA, lives by the motto "sports connect people," and where there are few inhibitions about training with individuals from police and military backgrounds. Early on, the professional equipment supplier 5.11 Tactical teamed up with CrossFit. And that's how it looks at the CrossFit Games, the Olympics of CrossFitters, as shown above: everyone competes against each other with the 5.11 Tactical TacTec plate carrier. We took a look at the plate carrier for you.

Ready for strenuous use in sports. In essence, the TacTec is a genuine plate carrier for professionals in police and military. However, the sports version has a special feature that we will show you later.

If any of you are wondering: "Will the 5.11 Tactical plate carrier fit me, what size is it, etc.?", the correct answer is: the TacTec fits and suits everyone. One size fits all, so to speak. Although you have to think a bit further: plate carriers are determined by the size of the plates, which are meant to protect the heart and lungs. So it depends on the size of the protective plate you need. The TacTec has Velcro lining on the inside edges, so you can press any plate size into it. Sports plates are usually an average size M. So: it always fits.

Not only in service, but also in sports, it is important that the TacTec is well padded. The thing hangs on your shoulders, after all. The TacTec is a champion in this regard; it fits great, is truly comfortable, and perfectly suitable for prolonged wear.

This also applies to the surfaces facing the body. The coarse and very robust mesh also helps with ventilation, ensuring a constant supply of fresh air. It's best to start slowly with plate carrier training; the more movement, the more body heat is generated, which is naturally dissipated less effectively than if you were just training in a T-shirt. Heat buildup is an additional challenge during training, often the so-called "final boss" that drives your inner couch potato to distraction.

And in with the filling (plates). The German name "Plattenträger" as well as the English term "Plate Carrier" accurately reflect what the TacTec does in an emergency. It holds bulletproof plates. In the military "field," the vest is also an essential piece of equipment for carrying gear, meaning pockets for magazines, hydration bladders, all kinds of pouches, etc. are also mounted. Then the item gets really heavy.

The sports version of the 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier has internal straps that further secure the steel sports plates, preventing them from damaging the Velcro lining during frequent jumping, bending, and running. That wouldn't be ideal for your feet (toes), as a plate – weighing 3.5 kg or more – could fall down.

Upper front area of the TacTec: the entire surface is covered with Velcro in a laser-cut design. The strips are actually MOLLE openings and belong to the mounting system for pouches. Athletes – CrossFitters – will need this less, but patches always work, as seen in the header image at the very top and the last image from the 2015 CrossFit Games at the bottom. Athlete names, CrossFit logos, and all kinds of good luck charms, everything holds bombproof. Velcro makes it possible. Above it, there is a small compartment closed with Velcro: it was specially designed for doping bars ;). The Velcro strip above it is also for name tapes in the military style.

Conclusion: Can thousands of CrossFitters be wrong? The TacTec is, so to speak, the standard or a monopoly among followers of this sport. It is also a great plate carrier that withstands a lot of athletic abuse.