5.11 Cloudstryke 18L & 10L Running Vests

5.11 Tactical had never built a true ultralight daypack. The CloudStryke 18L wasn't just a new product — it required building an entirely new design language for a brand stepping into a category it had never competed in.

The Challenge:
5.11's core identity was built around hard-use tactical gear. Entering the ultralight trail and daypack market meant designing something that felt native to that space — lightweight, performance-driven, and comfortable across a wide range of body types — without losing the brand credibility 5.11 had spent decades earning.

• No existing design language within 5.11 for ultralight outdoor packs
• Needed to fit and perform comfortably across both male and female users
• CMF direction had to feel at home on the trail without abandoning 5.11's tactical roots

The Solution:
As Lead Designer and CMF lead, I developed the full design language for the CloudStryke from the ground up — including a micro-adjustable torso system I designed specifically to solve the fit problem across a broader range of body types.

• Proprietary micro-adjustable torso system with ½" increment adjustability via internal loops — a first for 5.11 — delivering a custom fit for both men and women
• Low-profile breathable mesh shoulder straps and ventilated suspension back panel engineered for all-day comfort under load
• Honeycomb ripstop nylon construction keeping the pack under 1.3 lbs without sacrificing durability
• CMF direction built to bridge 5.11's tactical identity with the aesthetic expectations of the trail market

The Result:
The CloudStryke 18L established a new design language for 5.11 in the ultralight outdoor category — a pack that earned strong reviews for comfort, versatility, and carry performance across a wide range of users and use cases.

• 18L capacity at just 1.28 lbs — ultralight without compromise
• Micro-adjustable torso system delivering fit precision previously unavailable in the category
• Anchor product of the CloudStryke line, available in 10L and 18L formats

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