5.11 LV6 2.0 Review: A Little Bag That Can Do A Lot!

This 3L bag from 5.11 is very versatile, has lots of compartments and can be worn multiple different ways. It’s not perfect, but worth checking out and a great bang for your buck!
www.511tactical.com/lv6-waist...
#511
#edcbag
#ccw
#lv6

[@unityxg]

I tuck in my 5.11 tags so that nobody sees it and is like "oOoOoO 5.11, must have some valuable resources in there".

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

Some will know what “5.11” typically means, but I’m sure most average ppl have no idea.

[@enriquediaz7547]

I’ve been into 5.11 lately. I carried a 2-banger on vacation & it was super flexible(attaching a point & shoot camera on the molle). I actually appreciate the thinner/malleable material.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

Yeah! I’ve never tried a 2-banger but all the ones I’ve tried I’ve enjoyed for specific purposes!

[@oldmantod]

I am stopping in the 5.11 store down in COL this weekend to pick up another LV6, I gotta check out that two banger.

[@enriquediaz7547]

carried it again on a recent flight/trip. Still a great bag! I can add/remove other attachments (such as a camera) etc as the activity needs. I carried an insta360 camera this time and was able to carry the 15” stick in the rear open slot, along the strap. It was almost invisitlbe

[@danjohnson5952]

I just ordered mine and it should be here this week , I seen a couple people mod them already cut off the keychain and replace it with the carabiner hook and cut off the compression straps for a cleaner look and in the pass through to put a flashlight and knife 👍

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

Awesome, let me know how you like it and if you mod it at all 👍

[@oldmantod]

I have taken to cutting off that plastic keyclip piece and adding a small size carabiner (like 1/2") to make the "clip" easier to use.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

That’s a good idea, I’ve never tried doing that!

[@oldmantod]

@@Enjoyyourcarry very specifically the NiteIze company has a clip that these tiny carabiners hang off of, thats got much better functionality. Another hack I have been using lately is I bought 100 feet of 1/8th" shock cord and then 100 of the plastic cord locks and making my own cable organizers and those little loops that you use to store things and secure stuff closed.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

@oldmantod if u feel like it send me some pics to my email of what you’ve done!

[@oldmantod]

will do@@Enjoyyourcarry just wrapping up my first ever bout with the 'Vid, so starting to feel human again. I will put a vid together and shoot you a link (warning, its gonna be an ugly vid, I am nowhere near as polished as you and Klint over at Perfect Bag).

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

@oldmantod glad you’re feeling better! And no worries at all on the video quality!-mine are pretty amateur too!☺️

[@morrisonghost3348]

I don’t own one of these personally but Iv used ALOT of 5.11 gear both professionally and personally. Thank you for this review I want a CCW Fanny pack and I was thinking about getting this one becuase Of how much I know and love there gear. This review gave me a lot to think about. On a side note I’m willing to bet the key ring is intended to hook to one of those Keydex trigger guard protectors that are usually on a long string. I sometimes leash my holster to them since I typically keep my handgun in its regular pants holster even if I’m putting it in a backpack. Thanks again for the review

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

Thank you for your feedback! Yeah this to me is not the best CCW Fanny pack because of the fact that most pews will not fit in the hidden pocket. And you’re probably right about that key ring-I need to look into how that actually works bc up to now i don’t really know🤣

[@kiendinhkhoi]

There are a few points I underestimate about this product as follows: 1) The bottom of the bag has no padding, which means that if you put your phone in there and put the bag on the ground roughly, it can damage the phone. 2) The "ccw" compartment and the mesh compartment at the back will become useless and inaccessible if you wear it on your stomach because it uses velcro and you can't get the "toy" out. 3) Even though it comes from the famous brand 5.11, the quality of the watch is quite poor, making me feel like it's very cheap. Do not use seatbelts like other brands do. 4) It would be better if the main compartment could be opened at a 170 degree angle so we could easily access items inside. 5) The 3 small mesh compartments inside the main compartment are too big, so we can't install the "EDCs" nicely. It would be better if it were straps so we could fix the flashlight, leatherman,... 6) The white plastic coating inside will peel off after only about 1 month of use

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

You make some interesting points. It’s def not perfect, but no bag is. I don’t love the CCW compartment, either, for various reasons. And perhaps you should look at a chest pack specifically if you like the idea of wearing a bag with CCW compatibility on the stomach or higher on the chest.

[@houseofstylz]

I got one, I like it. Never used the stabilization strap either. Cut the plastic adjusters off the compression straps and folded them behind…will probably cut them off eventually. I have a blue one…would buy another one…black next time.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

I’ve wondered about taking off the compression straps! Would love to see a pic at my email if you get a chance! [e-mail]

[@huarachesverdes2464]

I took the compression straps completely. I didn’t find any use for them. Makes the bag look smoother.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

I may try this too at some point.

[@oldmantod]

@@huarachesverdes2464 Thank you for that recommendation, did the same and it is a completely different bag all together. maybe I will do a vid on it? What cutting that off DID allow me to do is put a (perfect fitting) fixed blade inside a (perfect fit - lucky for me) leather sheath. In there snug as a bug man.

[@jienluciano1673]

If the hidden compartment is zipped and was intended for ccw, this would be the perfect sized EDC CCW bag. And would not consider buying the Vertx SOCP fanny pack

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

I agree.

[@DarrenSylvander]

It would be interesting to mod with additional hook & Loop to increase size of body side compartment. That is where a 365xl wants to live. It is sooo close.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

It’s definitely frustrating for me that most CCWs don’t fit in the hidden velcro compartment.

[@oldmantod]

as far as the elastic, most of my sling straps end up staying one "length" once I get the length set, I meticulously wrap gaffe tape around it to keep it set and get rid of that loose hanging loop.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

This makes sense. I sometimes adjust the length though, depending on how I feel like wearing the bag, so this probably wouldn’t work for me🤷🏻‍♀️

[@oldmantod]

I hear ya@@Enjoyyourcarry - since we all have eleventy billion of these kind of bags, I do have one that I am trying something out. I am using a couple black binder clips to see if that can be a solution as well. I never found those stretchy bands to be effective in holding those straps together.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

@oldmantod haha “eleventy billion”…facts☺️

[@bruceamdahl5971]

@@oldmantod I think I will soon have eleventyteen billion of them.

[@oldmantod]

@@bruceamdahl5971 I created a FB group based upon bag exchanges, just trying to figure out how to get it up off the ground.

[@oldmantod]

Ok, Errbody hear me out. When I packed this out for my final configuration, even something as small as the .380 Sig bang bang just would not fit in there, if I am going to need the bang bang, I use the 5.11 Waist pack, very similar size however has some of the Molle and the overall size allows for more pack out. This thing and the way I have it loaded up is just too small for comfort carry. Next - I have the LV8 and the LV10 (yes I have entirely too many 5.11 bags), the LV10 I use the TrekPak dividers to build out the platform I need to carry a Nikon Z6ii/Z9 and three lenses, it works great for that. The LV8, meh, I gotta figure out how to use it, I may repurpose it for when we go down to the river to fish and throw two of those Flambeau organizers with some bass lures. As far as the LV6: I have taken the LV8 strap off that and am using it on the LV6, makes a WORLD of difference when I add the Peak Design Capture (for my camera) and walking around, the smaller Z6ii can hang off the backpack strap. Plus the LV8 strap allows me to add the 5.11 Skyweight pouch to the strap for quick access to wallet, etc. Mix and match the straps is a new level with this bag. Here is where the hear me out part comes in. With this particular LV6 bag, I took the plastic clips off the original LV6 strap and looped them into the 5.11 LV18 backpack so that when I remove the strap from this LV6 (if you are following along, remember its the wider strap from my LV8)it attaches as you mentioned to the bottom of the backpack as designed. The way they set this up to hook to the backpack is genius. There is alot to say about having the LV6 packed out for usage everyday and then when it comes time to travel, strap it to the LV18 backpack without having to do a gear check as you know you have the same thing that you carry every day already (wallet, flashlight, wipes, drugs, antacid, Tactile Turn Pen, iPhone/S22Ultra charging cable, charging brick, ZeroFued pouch with torch lighter and cigar cutter, bandaids, single use superglue, lens wipes, moldable glue, Leatherman, small cloth tabs that when you add drops of water they unfold into a 12x12 wipe, earpods, small Gerber pry/razor knife and of course topped off with a Heroclip). NOT having to gearcheck the backpack to make sure you have everything is straight cash money with the way I travel and take my backpack on photo shoots. For the hook and loop I put one of those cheap organizers from Amazon in there, its got one big loop, three pen sized loop and a netted pouch. The cool thing about having all that loop in this bag across the width, is the organizer is just about the same width of the bag at 7.5", what I do is pulled the middle 4" away from the loop part of where it attaches and inserted a few 3x5 index cards in there, so i can slip cash behind there as well as my Tile (so it never gets lost) and also have something to write on if necessary. I know that is alot to read, however I think I have watched this video at least ten time over :)

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

Thanks for this! Very interesting! Would love to see how the lv8 strap works on the lv6!

[@Tech4Ten]

Which sig bang did u try to fit in there? Also in the main compartment or the hidden?

[@oldmantod]

P238 in the hidden@@Tech4Ten

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

@oldmantod Btw do u have any recommendations for a CCW compatible backpack that’s 20 liters or less?

[@oldmantod]

@@Enjoyyourcarry I PROMISE I am not a shill for 9.11, I have just spent tons over the years of getting the right fit. Specific for a backpack recommendation it would be their Rush series and I will tell you why. 1 - it has the space behind the front admin area to slip a firearm in, thats the design right, it has a velcro rip open for quick access - the second reason is that in that Rush series when I don't mind all the molle looping, I have enough space for a Tenba BYOB unit to throw a camera and few lenses in there PLUS room for two laptops and a tablet. One of the lesser used spaces people utilize on those Rush series is on the flat piece that rests against your back, they insert a plastic "sheet" that holds the shape, some people put camel back water packs in there. I remove the plastic piece and don't put a water pouch in there and that space holds both my macbook pro and my lenovo tablet, THEN on the inside of the backpack, there is a space for another laptop slip. They carry alot of gear when they are built out, but alas you ARE stuck with the molle. **** let me check. my LV18 right quick, I don't normally use that with a firearm because its travel **** Ahhhh yes - on the LV (Low Vis) series, there is a discreet panel that opens from both sides that has the space for a holster AND you don't have any of that molle that screams tactical (no shade there, I have/use many slings/backpacks and love the flexibility of molle). If you want me to whip up a quick one-take with a few of those options, let me know, I will go do that for you.

[@Tech4Ten]

What gun have you tried putting in that hidden compartment? Im thinking of modifying one with hook and loop in hidden pocket and placing a shield plus in there. Thoughts??

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

I tried a walther pps m2 with velcro holster. No dice. Perhaps a micro compact would fit, I don’t have one to try🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Tech4Ten]

@Enjoyyourcarry btw for future reference I just got the 1.0 lv6 and the hidden compartment IS NOT VELCRO LINED. So looks like the velcro is a new addition in the 2.0. Also my M&P shield plus fits in the hidden compartment perfectly and closes.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

@sairdruk thanks for letting me know! Interesting that the shield fits! So it’s just in there with no holster? I wonder if the compartment is bigger on the first version?🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Tech4Ten]

@Enjoyyourcarry currently in there with no holster. No round in chamber. Since I have version one looking to add hook and loop to hidden compartment with holster. But right now really liking the deep hidden gun. most of the time pistol on my body, AIWB but when hopping in the truck nice to pop the shield in the sling bag for comfort and ease of accessibility.

[@oldmantod]

@@Tech4Ten I think the smallest that could work for me would be the LV8, I have a long story but making it short, I swapped firearms with a buddy who was in the market (I have more than I need), I gave him the choice of a bunch and ended up him opting for the complete custom Smith (trigger job, stipple job, elephant/ostrich holster, etc.) for a cheap $500 firearm he had.

[@CryptoChristopher]

Are you able to carry a regular bottle of water in the main compartment?

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

Like a plastic Poland spring bottle? Yes.

[@CryptoChristopher]

Awesome, thank you for all of this info! Just went ahead and bought the last one in the area. It fits a bottle of water perfectly in the main compartment along with my P365XL (with optic) perfectly in the hidden compartment. It fits tightly at an angle, but it does allow the velcro to seal it shut.

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

@CryptoChristopher that’s great! I so wish a CCW fit better in the hidden compartment but oh well 🤷🏻‍♀️, maybe on a new version?? We can hope☺️

[@oldmantod]

@@CryptoChristopher You mentioned that "the last one in the area" - I had them ship a LV6 from Kissimmee to Columbus to get on a project right away, however when I was sweet talking the 5.11 person to make the shipping happen, they mentioned in their systems they showed a bunch "on the way". She mentioned that could mean that a bunch are being put in production, could be shipped to stores, etc. - she said that it could mean many things, but the ONE thing she did mention is to not run to EBay or any risky ordering process as 5.11 is NOT planning to change or discontinue the line. She said if you want one and can be patient, they will be stocked back at the stores eventually. BTW all this 5.11 talk - another thing I learned is that when you goto their web page, not only is the warehouse a source for delivering your product but ALSO if there are not available in the warehouse, they will route the order to a store to fulfill. So for instance I ordered something from them and it took FOREVER, I finally sent an e-mail and essentially they reached out to the store that committed to fulfilling the order direct to me to give them a kick in the pants.

[@doncampbell8081]

LOOKS GOOD.. HOW MUCH DO THEY COST???

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

Check the link, I think around $42 right now…

[@mmaephillips]

Unfortunately, they've been on back order since right after I bought my LV18 pack...

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

Check eBay!👍

[@dskennels210]

I bought this bag and was disappointed with the size . Idk what they expected you to carry in that hidden pouch. I can carry a ruger lcp max in there but it's tricky to get out freely

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

I agree. Someone on Reddit said they cut off the compression straps and I’m curious about how that might help. Still leaves that hidden compartment issue, though.

[@joonies82]

Yeah agree would be more functional slightly larger, just a tad. But there is always the sling lv10 if you need to one up

[@dskennels210]

@joonies82 I believe I picked that up recently. That one has some problems of its own but I like it better

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

I’ve actually had the lv10 and for me it wasn’t very comfortable to wear…but the new lv8 I would be curious to try out!

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

The lv8 or 10? Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@leninjelder]

The clip is for your trigger guard

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

The key clip thing?

[@leninjelder]

Yes

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

How would that work?🤔

[@joshkimball1768]

Why not show how to wear it as a fanny pack?

[@Enjoyyourcarry]

I have yet to work out how to change the camera angles well while doing a video to show me wearing the bag, but I totally hear your point.