5.11 Side Trip Briefcase Tactical Reviews, Deals, Problems and Guides

Overall 5.11 does a good job on bags and their briefcase upholds that reputation. The compartments are good size for daily business use. The computer pockets holds a laptop or an easily. The main center compartment can hold a full-size Franklin Planner, a 1" binder, some folders and sunglass case easy enough. The two smaller side pockets are good for a digital camera, calculator, etc.. The hidden pocket for your concealed weapon is located behind the two side pockets. With a Glock 30S and an extra clip no one can tell you're carrying. The little things that would be nice to see are exterior bag connections (just a couple of loops) for a compact flashlight and a cellphone. Inside the concealed compartment there is nothing to help secure a weapon into place, a little telco would be a nice addition. Having said that, other briefcases that have those options tend to go over-the-top and tend to look like weaponized platforms (and not blend-in very well as a briefcase) and carry a much higher price tag. Considering the trade-offs this briefcase does a good overall job for the price.

Well made, like the handle and the wide opening for the center. Also like the interior color is gray; sick of trying to find stuff in a black bag in low light. I carry small tools, cameras, flashlights, gloves, notepads, other supplies and a tablet. Needed more divisions in the center space to keep it organized. I Just cut the front flap off of a leather brief bag I had been using, stuck velcro to the sides and bottom, slapped it into the center-made a divider and am using the old flap pockets to organize. Also, the loop straps in the center are too small for flashlights, but an easy fix. Used a seam ripper to open up every other seam, lets me slip the lights in fine now. Using the "concealed" pouch for the tablet. I keep my guns on me, never in a bag-those are something you never want to get separated from you. Next modification will be to add a USB power tap, run the charging cord out the side so I can plug the briefcase in, charge all the lights and tablet without removing them.

This bag fits all my working needs. It holds my 17" laptop with no problem plus my files, camera, and GPS. The only negative comment I have is the shoulder strap. I know this bag is more of a shoulder bag than messenger bag but I wish it had a foam padding like the 5.11 X-Ray messenger bag which has a pad that is removable but also moves when the bag is moved back to be out of the way when I reach in my front pocket and doesn't stick to my shirt. Of course that is my opinion and I will probably buy a different strap. But overall this is a great bag and I would recommend it.

The only thing I would change is to have a gap in the Velcro for the concealment part to make it easier in a quick access situation. Also include a Velcro holster or molle in there. The rest of the bag has great usable space.

This is the perfect way to store my gear. I love this bag!