511 Defender-Flex Tactical Jeans Review - Best Jeans Ever!

My 5.11 Defender-Flex jeans are the best jeans I have ever worn. They have just the right amount of stretch for most activities and are built to last. I especially like the "hidden" pockets in the back.
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[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

To everybody recommending Vertx jeans: I ordered a pair to see for myself. They are way too slim fit for me. And the ankles are nowhere near wide enough to work with my ankle gear. They are very nice jeans, they just don't fit my requirements.

[@kjake12505]

I get it. I don't carry much on my ankles, except occasionally a g43 which I don't have a problem, but can see the vertx is tighter. I'm all about comfort above all else with jeans, especially as I get older and my body doesn't match these days with the way most jeans are cut. I found the vertx to fit my body type much more comfortably then My 5.11. To each their own, and I'm glad you found what works for your needs.

[@user-DarkXY]

I had multiple 5.11 jeans and the crotch gets fuzzy and breaks over 2 months the moment it touches stone, concrete, and wood benches

[@da.reverend]

"If you don't like it, I don't care. Because, I like it a lot." One of my favorite lines in your review. Rock on.

[@brianshuler6951]

As a rancher's son, a bull and bareback bucking horse rider (long ago), and a rancher myself, I have worn Cowboy Cut Wranglers for over 60 years and still do. They work great for my concealed carry, both on my hip and AIWB.

[@da.reverend]

“If you don’t like it, I don’t care.” Best line in the video. 😊

[@Enough_Tumbleweed]

I'm with you on Levi's. I was always a wrangler fan anyway. But when levis went full leftist awhile back, it killed any chance that id ever wear any.

[@donrichter3523]

Whenever possible, I refuse to buy product from companies that hate me and my opinions. That definitely includes Levi Strauss, as there are lots of options for pants.

[@jsantef]

Levi's are anti gun also!

[@jory6781]

I have 6 pairs of theses jeans and just wore out one of them after having them for 5 years, they are worth the price and they will definitely hold up too anything.

[@kjake12505]

I have been wearing these jeans for years, and lovve them. Then I found vertx Jeans, they are a must try, and for me even better then 5.11 for comfort. Same pocket setup as well.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

What about the ankles? It is a deal breaker for me if they don’t work with ankle kits.

[@jasondeboo6732]

I found that in comparison (I’m a big guy with big calf/ankles) that the 5.11’s are perfect. The Vertx jeans are nice, but calf and ankle are way tighter. IMO

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I ordered a pair of Vertx to see for myself. They are way too slim fit for me. And the ankles are nowhere near wide enough to work with my ankle gear. They are very nice jeans, they just don't fit my requirements.

[@mathiask7959]

I currently wear Levi jeans but after a couple of commercials they put out I’ve been looking for something else Not going to burn what I have but will replace them as they wear out

[@timhuffman5311]

Hi Brian, good video. I have worn these jeans for 5 years now and pick them up whenever they are on sale. You hit all of the best points of these pants; I would add that they last a long time. The mag pockets really make it easy for those extra mags.

[@dc5131]

I haven’t had a pair last a year

[@AlaskaMatt]

Inside the waist band there are small pockets for escape and evade gear like a handcuff key or other small items to make life easier in bad situations

[@3wheelmannc860]

Comfortable and usable pants are a must. Two things for me (personal preference) I would like to see an additional "5th" pocket on the left side, and I do not like pants with that colored thread. I prefer the stitching to be more subdued or to match the pants. 5.11 makes good stuff imo.

[@ChuckisOutside]

Good review. Pricey jeans but they look comfortable, functional and look good also.

[@powers1776reset]

I have four pairs. Love em!

[@fishtasker]

Awesome setup!

[@michaelk487]

Cool

[@carlthetruthwilliams9447]

Excellent review...Thank you....

[@jmartinez2359]

Nice nice 👍

[@defyzs7657]

Theyre nice....but i ditched them for the särma tactical jeans from varusteleka. Most durable, best looking/fit and best pocket layout

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

How big are the leg openings? I wear a fairly bulky ankle med kit and the 511 ones are really too small for it but I make do.

[@defyzs7657]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose they're perfect. I wear an ankle kit as well.

[@tom_olofsson]

Great review. Thanks for the detail.

[@larryhillman3813]

I have several pairs of these which I started wearing back in 2020 and 2021. They are the best jeans that I have ever worn. However, when I first bought them, they were going for $ 30 to $35 and now they are at $ 75 which is pretty pricey for jeans but I agree that beat the main brands by a long shot. The mag pocket is a big plus. I don't concealed carry but I do carry a large folder and the mag pocket is perfect. These jeans are very tough and durable as well.

[@oleboy7615]

Levi is also extremely anti-gun so that’s a nonstarter for me. I also love the 5.11, and agree with this assessment on the other jeans as well. Good review.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Well, Levi’s is a San Francisco company

[@longbow5423]

75 bucks for a pair of jeans?! No way, Wrangler's on sale via Amazon for 17 bucks or so a pair. Boot cut relaxed fit. Can't beat'em stay safe

[@alexanderheling2057]

I like going to the thrift stores even though you might not find what you want the first time if you have patience over time you could find the ones you're looking. I even luckily found an unused 511 tactical pair of pants for $7 a while back. Just go to the rich suburbs and you will find the better stuff.

[@hansolo3504]

They have sales all the time on the website

[@TheBeatenPaths]

While I've never had 511 jeans, I've owned other 511 pants, and they've worn out far too quickly. I've moved on to Fjallraven. So far they've out-worn 511, Carhartt, Kuhl combined.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Ankle room? In my experience, European pants are generally slimmer fit than I like.

[@TheBeatenPaths]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose Lots of it. And most of their models have adjustable cuffs and gaiter clips. Check reviews on here of their Vida Pros.

[@free2chasehappy]

How good does the Fjallraven wear? I work as a mechanic and in construction and some of my jeans just don't last.

[@jamesbarker4752]

I wear them too. They are awesome jeans. And Levi Strauss is also anti second amendment big time.

[@16grouse]

Nice Jean review and a nice shirt, what brand of shirt, thanks

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

The shirt is a Tru-Spec Plaid Camp Shirt and they broke my heart by discontinuing that style

[@MichaelR58]

Brian , good review , thanks for sharing ,God bless !

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks for watching!

[@mon0theist_tv]

Thanks for telling us all the reasons hwhy 😉

[@garrett4971]

Btw, I would recommend looking at Ammo Armor for carrying mags. I have them and they are awesome. Been carrying for about ten years (since I was 23) and went through multiple types of mag pouches before I found them

[@Lazerscythe]

Looking at old news reports, Levis withdrew funding because BoA were discriminating against people for being gay or atheist. Which seems like a fair thing, no brand wants to be associated with discrimination.

[@lanedexter6303]

I’m rural and I’m sort of a walking hardware store and survival kit (before I retired, a friend at work called me Inspector Gadget). We’ll probably never find the perfect pants, but my favorite is 5.11 original cargo pants. I cut off two side belt loops on newer ones so they’ll be like the originals (I don’t quite have Batman’s utility belt, but close). Back around the time I started motorcycling, I decided to avoid much gear in back pockets (comb and handkerchief is about it. But I need those cargo pockets. I make my own knee pads because the ones from 5.11 are inadequate. But even original cargo pants were up to $55 last time I bought, so I’m always looking..,

[@vashmatrix5769]

Levi's also is anti-2A. I mostly like em' but they seem pretty thick & hot for my taste. Maybe for winter. How tall are you?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I am about 5'8" and these 5.11 jeans are actually not thick at all.

[@vashmatrix5769]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose ok. Thanks.

[@williamgates5652]

Real Ranch jeans from Atwood’s. $10 a pair, mid-weight, don’t twist at the legs, and are comfortable from day one. You won’t be disappointed.

[@marcusalancate1782]

"...two squirrels fighting around my feet" ...i cracked up. LAPG has some jeans with adequate stretch and extra mag pockets in the back. Soft & comfortable but they run extra large in their sizing. They do have extra belt loops in the back but the spacing is off in my opinion. Not as expensive as your 5.11's there. I think i got mine for 35 or 40 something $. Still too much for my tastes but some yard sale shopper got a surprise of a deal on 2 pair.

[@grizzmax]

I agree with your point about Levi's. If they want to go WOKE, let them go BROKE!

[@jrc19901]

I just got two pairs, heard the ink bleeds, had that happened to you?

[@phyllismulkey3778]

they look comfortable

[@kbjerke]

I've been looking for a better pair of jeans for quite a while now... won't buy Levi's *OR* Lees because of their political positions. Wranglers have been my go-to for years, but as you say, the price is good, but quality varies. I just checked with Amazon (Canada) and they do have the Defender - Flex in stock, and at $94.00 plus tax, they certainly aren't cheap! But over the last few weeks I've returned two different brands of "tactical" pants, as they did not suit my needs. So, I think you've found a winner there! I'll have to order a pair and see if I agree. I do like the deep watch pocket idea (for the same reasons as you!) and the extra one in back... plus the reinforcing. I don't "carry," but do have a knife, flashlight, and other odds and ends on my person all the time. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@RadDadisRad]

Try Duluth Trading Flex.

[@hansolo3504]

Great review thanks. Can you do a review of the 5.11 PT-R Havoc Shorts?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

we'll see

[@hansolo3504]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose Okay thnx. They are having a 20% off sale on everything right now until May 16th

[@somedude1590]

I dont wear denim anymore ... weird . I used to love denim and then I just really didnt anymore. I think because theres so much more advanced fabric . I really like 5.11 taclite and stryke gear . propper kinetic too . I just go for that ripstop canvas type now I guess. Shame I really like the look of denim too . Just cant do it no more for some reason .

[@scottnewton6684]

I’m in the same boat. I’ll wear jeans occasionally but after trying the 5.11 Stryke pants that’s about all I wear. They are so darn comfortable.

[@somedude1590]

@@scottnewton6684 try the propper kinetic line . I like them BETTER than 5.11 anything

[@scottnewton6684]

@@somedude1590 I’ll do it. How do they compare size wise with the 5.11?

[@somedude1590]

@@scottnewton6684 bout the same . the 5.11 tacliteshave elastic waistband so do the propper . I bought true to size and they fit well . even have a grippy strip around the inside of the waist so your shorts stay in place under heavy movement . Better pockets . I really like them better than the 5.11 I bought 3 pairs of the kinetic shorts ( Florida man , no need for long pants really ) and theyve quickly become my goto . Button primary closure too !!

[@rpd189]

Vertx are even better with more features and more comfortable with the way they do the articulating knees.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

OK, I just ordered a pair. We'll see how the ankles work.

[@rpd189]

Lots of hidden pockets and ventilated pockets

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I ordered a pair of Vertx to see for myself. They are way too slim fit for me. And the ankles are nowhere near wide enough to work with my ankle gear. They are very nice jeans, they just don't fit my requirements.

[@rpd189]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose True, a little slim but they stretch, I can see with your setup on the ankles won’t work out, I glad you at least tried it.

[@user-ql7eb6ln1n]

It's hard to find a store near me that sells those.

[@sasquatch885]

They look good. I’ll have to give them a try. Based on the direction BSA has gone, I wonder if Levi are supporting them again.🤔

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I have no idea and don't care. I still am not buying them ;-)

[@sasquatch885]

I no longer support either Levi or the BSA anymore.☝🏻

[@stevesager4032]

What is your favorite bushcraft knife mine is the Lt wright genesis Scandi A2 steel

[@79dogface]

Awesome review. Do they sit high on the waist ?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I guess that depends on what you consider high. All I can say is they seem to fit like regular jeans. They’re not hip huggers. Mine ride about 2” below my belly button.

[@fishtasker]

I love 511 jeans and boots own alot :med kit check ✔ ankle negative boot holster but I wear boots all time

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Like "cowboy boots"? I have some Frye boots but I just can't get used to the heels.

[@jonhighsmith803]

The ongoing search for jeans that don't suck! I've looked and tried on some of the 5-11 but not these, have turned down those simply because made in China. So could you pass along that info my way? Thanks for the SOP infomercial because it is getting difficult to find decent jeans.

[@AffordableArmory]

I used to wear the 5.11 jeans. However, I had an issue with multiple pairs developing holes in the knees after less than a year of use. That’s completely unacceptable. I now wear Vertx jeans. Same concept, better execution. No holes. They’ve lasted much longer.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I ordered a pair of Vertx to see for myself. They are way too slim fit for me. And the ankles are nowhere near wide enough to work with my ankle gear. They are very nice jeans, they just don't fit my requirements.

[@AffordableArmory]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose Well I’ll semi-agree with that assessment. I’ve found that when I’m ankle-carrying an IFAK and/or backup gun, I have to put them on before I put the jeans on. It’s nearly impossible to pull them over the top of ankle rigs, but stepping into the pants with the gear already on seems to work. As to the slim fit, I like the slim fit. It’s not 1994 anymore. Baggy jeans and parachute pants are long gone.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

@@AffordableArmory as they say, different strokes.

[@techti8792]

Those vertx defiance jeans are to slim. I feel like a mumble skinny jeans mumble rappers trying those vertx on

[@fgallogallo7]

Been eyeballing them jeans for a while. Like you said a little bit expensive. Might have to get a couple pair. There’s nothing wrong with hog holsters I don’t own one there’s just so many good ones out there you don’t have to explain yourself Brian. It’s a personal preference as you know. Nice hat as well. Stay safe my friend

[@RadDadisRad]

Look at Duluth Trading Flex. They come with a warranty and are comfortable.

[@grizzmax]

It may not be the same with Defender-Flex model but one problem I've had with 5.11's has been that the crotch went so far down as to actually restrict movement. Maybe 5.11 changed that by now, I don't know.

[@RadDadisRad]

Duluth Flex fit jeans. Levi’s can pound sand.

[@christianboyles96]

Duluth jeans are the best. My 5.11 only lasted 6 months before a tear in the crotch. I've had my duluth pants over a year and look new.

[@garrett4971]

I normally wear a 32 waist. Do these have enough stretch to IWB carry wearing my normal size and not squeeze the hell out of me? I am lookin at the Defender Flex Slim jeans

[@free2chasehappy]

How is the durability of the fabric? I work on cars and in construction and cheap jeans just get chewed up on the job. Thanks!

[@gordonvanderelst923]

I’d say They are more of a light duty . Not for construction

[@free2chasehappy]

@@gordonvanderelst923 gotcha, thank you very much!

[@paparich19X]

Levi’s pays employees to work for gun control groups. I have several pairs of old Levi’s that I refuse to ware and won’t ever buy from them again. Check out Howitzer jeans they donate 5% to veterans and have “We the people” embroidered on the coin pocket also have a magazine pocket.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Maybe I will. Thanks

[@dannpd1955]

Get you some bell bottoms. 😎

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

And a suede fringe vest. (I used to have both back in '76)

[@dannpd1955]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose you and me both. Wish you the best in what’s coming.

[@marthagonzalez5528]

Do they make for women .

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Sort of. They make Defender-Flex Slim Pants for women. Here's a link I found. Apparently they are really on sale at their website right now. Like, "maybe they are being discontinued on sale" for $15" right now

[@mclyker]

Did you look at Vertx?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Not yet. I asked my friend James Yeager what works for him because I know he wears ankle gear. He has never steered me wrong. But, based on several comments on this video, I just ordered a pair of Vertx. We'll see.

[@mclyker]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose You mean "our friend". 🙂 Thanks as always. Great review.

[@Pops1959]

I’ve got 2 pair of Vertx. The stretch is very good and they are comfortable. I carry a pocket holster in my back pocket for my secondary carry. The holster has worn holes in both pairs. That hasn’t been a problem with Wranglers. I’ll have to give these 5.11s a try.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I ordered a pair of Vertx to see for myself. They are way too slim fit for me. And the ankles are nowhere near wide enough to work with my ankle gear. They are very nice jeans, they just don't fit my requirements.

[@mclyker]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose What size do you wear?

[@mw5832]

Brian what is the rise on these jeans?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Regular?

[@Vakhtang_Magradze]

What is the color of these pants: medium wash indigo or Stone wash indigo?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Stone wash.

[@Vakhtang_Magradze]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose Thank you!

[@aew0aew0]

I just got a pair in and tried them in. My thighs and butt were just too big.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

All righty then ;-)

[@tlpoutdoorsman]

I stopped supporting BSA as well... for the garbage on sexual EVERYTHING!!!

[@JAriC-wo6ok]

Does the waistband stretch?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Just enough

[@ucitymetalhead]

I didn't know that about Levi's though I do agree with their stance on the matter.

[@EARLEHORTONCOXNET]

Comment

[@bagualimara6883]

Pooooooor Dioooos!!!! Hablaaa Demasiadooo!!!

[@MrCarpen7er]

Jeans are known to be killer pants. Worst type of fabric for survival.

[@Call_Me_Dragon]

Cool