With regards to weapons, almost everybody has their very own “go-to” model. Similar with ammo. Mushy items generally is a extra aggressive market, however for years 5.11 has stood head and shoulders above the group. From head to toe, and from informal to closely tactical, 5.11 makes gear for the informal consumer {and professional} alike. Whereas they’re the largest child on the block, anybody could make errors. So is the brand new A.T.A.C 2.0 boot one other success or a misstep from an organization conditioned to success? Learn on..
First let’s cowl the story of the tape:
Tech Specs:
- Full-length twin durometer Ortholite® footbed
- Full grain suede toe
- 840D nylon higher
- Achilles heel flex zone for enhanced consolation & flexibility
- Shock Mitigation System®
- Strobel building
- Lighter weight higher building
- Ortholite® Achilles cuff for consolation
- YKK® facet zipper
- Slip- and oil-resistant outsole
- Knife pocket
At first look the A.T.A.C 2.0 (simply ATAC2 any further) seems like a reasonably extraordinary tactical boot. A deeper inspection actually reveals how a lot thought and engineering went into the design of this boot. Consolation and sturdiness apparently snuck away for a romantic tryst, and the ATAC2 is the consequence.
The only real has glorious grip, and is agency, but yielding. There’s nice foot assist right here, however I’m not strolling on a plank.
The insole is comparable. It’s tender and offers some “squish” for foot consolation, however is agency sufficient you don’t really feel such as you’re strolling on marshmallows. I used to be shocked to see it’s simply foam. This complete boot looks like a velvet lined pickup truck.
I like YKK zippers. I’m struggling to know how different zipper producers are nonetheless hanging round. When a boot, tent, or sleeping bag has YKK zippers, it reveals a dedication to high quality in one of many first areas producers like to chop prices
However a boot’s a boot proper? Properly, 5.11 all the time does their finest to verify their gear stands out, and the ATAC2 is not any totally different. Little touches just like the knife pocket on the facet of every boot (actually a multipurpose pocket), the closely strengthened pull straps, and the velcro hook-pile-loop zipper guard actually add to the entire bundle.
Time Spent
Options look nice on paper. However one incorrect sew in a boot means you’ll have a scorching spot in a mile, or a blown sole in 50. Time spent utilizing and abusing a product means greater than all of the options on this planet.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to get the 5.11 ATAC2 early sufficient in Spring that some chilly climate was nonetheless right here on my little mountaintop homestead. Quickly, the moist climate moved in, and now we’re properly into some mighty scorching days. Thus far, the ATAC2 has dealt with the change in temperature simply positive.
These aren’t devoted winter boots, nor are they minimalist desert boots. The ATAC2’s are a jack-of-all trades design, and I like them for it. Hike across the hillside throughout the days, carrying feed, constructing supplies, and instruments. In the event that they had been too scorching, they’d be gone. Likewise in the event that they couldn’t preserve the rain and dust out, they’d be gone. Retaining heat with temps within the 20’s and 30’s isn’t an issue, simply loosen the laces a bit and add wool socks.
It’s been a very long time since I used to be paid to kick in doorways. Since then, Uncle Sam purchased be a brand new, titanium hip, so kicking issues isn’t as enjoyable because it was. I’m taking aside an previous secure, which incorporates busting down the previous plywood partitions. I’ve kicked in a good variety of them with the ATAC2’s on my ft, which appeared a great way to check the “Shock Mitigation System®”. A tough sole sends the jolting affect straight to my hip, however the ATAC2 positively managed to tame the quantity of stress tossed onto my steel bones.
While you’re climbing, your ft are the very last thing you need to be worrying about. As soon as they begin burning, blistering, or aching, crap rolls downhill fairly quick. I’m fairly impressed with the “trip high quality” of the ATAC2, it’s like driving on a brand new pair of high quality tires. The truck (me) may be previous and run-down, however these tires are gonna carry out for a very long time.
The wrap-up
I assessment a LOT of drugs. I don’t simply use it for a bit, I incorporate every merchandise into my life for some time. When I’ve a knife in, it’s the one one I take advantage of for months. A rifle? That’s the one I’ve to tackle my long-planned looking journey, prefer it or not. Why do I point out this? Properly, I’ve extra boots to begin working with as soon as I’m finished with the ATAC2, and that pisses me off a bit. These aren’t simply boots I like, they’re my go-to pair now. They’ve handed my issued OD Inexperienced Jungle boots, and my issued Danner Acadia’s. They’ve handed my Danner Scorch’s and my Merrill climbing footwear. All of the miles I’ve placed on them, and so they nonetheless look new other than some grass and dust. These are essentially the most supportive and comfy footwear I personal, bar none. Now I’ve to place them within the closet for some time to put on one thing else, however I’ll let you know this: I don’t envy the boots that must observe the 5.11 A.T.A.C 2.0.
5.11’s A.T.A.C 2.0 runs $120, and is on the market in sizes from 5-15, with common and E-width choices. Examine em out!
