REVIEW: 5.11 Tactical Duty Kilt

Born out of an April Fool's joke - and yet so comfortable to wear ... We are of course talking about the 5.11 Tactical Duty Kilt (TDK). As kilts are becoming increasingly popular (in Carinthia, the 2nd Alpen-Kilt Hike will take place on May 25), as it gets warmer and summer draws near, we want to present this otherwise rather exotic piece of clothing to you today. And maybe also answer the eternal question: what does a man wear underneath.

First of all, the wearing sensation is very unusual, because you can feel every gentle breeze on the skin that is otherwise covered by trousers under the TDK. But it is precisely this feeling that is pleasant on warm to hot summer days. The TDK is fastened with two rows of snaps. Vertical loops designed as badge holders are arranged on the front two belt loops. Additionally, there are D-rings for the sporran (the pouch that always hangs in the front) attached here. With paracord, you can also attach a MOLLE pouch here as a substitute and in style.

Here is the back and side view of the TDK. Although very simple, it attracts a lot of attention, and sometimes giggles and whispers, probably because of the age-old question of what a Scot wears underneath. There are belt loops at the waist to accommodate a duty belt or riggers belt.

Now for the special features of the TDK. It comes with two removable side pockets, which contain compartments for M4 or pistol magazines. The attachment is released with snaps, not Velcro as one might expect. The pant pockets also have the usual reinforcements for folding knives found in 5.11 tactical pants. The cotton/polyester blend fabric is also treated with Teflon (usually found only in pans) to make it less likely for dirt to stick to the TDK. Very neat.

Finally, a picture to answer the old question mentioned earlier ... or maybe not. Nevertheless, we give you a deep insight into our private lives. By the way, a Scottish member of the British High House once answered the classic question of what he wears under his kilt with the defiant words "My balls". And we can reveal this much: that is definitely true.

CONCLUSION: A very rare piece of legwear in our region. 5.11 has succeeded in giving a traditional piece of clothing a tactical look. The TDK can be worn not only on St. Patrick's Day or at Dropkick Murphys concerts, but also in everyday life. You just have to be able to handle the many looks you will attract.

The 5.11 Tactical Duty Kilt is available, for example, through TACWRK. Here in Khaki or in Black for 79.90 Euros (excluding shipping). Other colors available on request.

Here is the video from April 1, 2012, which first introduced the TDK and ultimately led to its success. Particularly educationally valuable: the note that underwear must be purchased separately. But you can see in tactical movement that they can be functionally useful.