5.11 A.T.A.C 2.0 8″ Boot – Review

In relation to weapons, almost everybody has their very own “go-to” model.  Similar with ammo.  Mushy items is usually 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 person {and professional} alike.  Whereas they’re the most important 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® aspect zipper
Slip- and oil-resistant outsole
Knife pocket
Made in Bangaladesh

At first look the A.T.A.C 2.0 (simply ATAC2 any longer) seems like a fairly abnormal 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 end result.

The only has wonderful grip, and is agency, but yielding.  There’s nice foot help right here, however I’m not strolling on a plank.

The insole is comparable.  It’s tender and provides 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 stunned to see it’s simply foam.  This complete boot seems like a velvet lined pickup truck.

I really like YKK zippers.  I’m struggling to grasp 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?  Nicely, 5.11 at all times does their finest to verify their gear stands out, and the ATAC2 isn’t any completely different.  Little touches just like the knife pocket on the aspect of every boot (actually a multipurpose pocket), the closely bolstered 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 the earth.

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 nicely into some mighty scorching days.  To this point, the ATAC2 has dealt with the change in temperature simply high-quality.

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.  Preserving 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 outdated secure, which incorporates busting down the outdated 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 influence straight to my hip, however the ATAC2 positively managed to tame the quantity of stress tossed onto my steel bones.

While you’re mountaineering, 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 “journey high quality” of the ATAC2, it’s like driving on a brand new pair of high quality tires.  The truck (me) is perhaps outdated and run-down, however these tires are gonna carry out for a very long time.

 The wrap-up

I overview 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 exploit 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?  Nicely, I’ve extra boots to begin working with as soon as I’m executed 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 mountaineering sneakers.  All of the miles I’ve placed on them, they usually nonetheless look new apart from some grass and dust.  These are essentially the most supportive and cozy 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 accessible in sizes from 5-15, with common and E-width choices.  Verify em out!

Jens “Rex Nanorum” Hammer

@Rexnanorum