5.11 Tactical started in Modesto, California as a clothing line created by mountain climber Royal Robbins. ... The name “5.11” comes from the highest rock climbing difficulty level that was listed in the Yosemite Decimal System at Yosemite National Park, which was developed by Robbins in the 1950s.
5.11 Tactical has been a big name in the tactical industry for years, but the company’s offerings – and history – go far beyond the well-known tactical pants. ... Many people don’t know that the company that would become 5.11 Tactical started out making climbing gear.