5.11 Freedom Flex CCW Hoodie Review (2025)
Testing hidden compartments for discreet cold weather carry - does it beat traditional holsters under layers?
Cold Weather Carry Verdict
Verdict: Ultra-discreet winter carry with slower draws—great when concealment beats speed.
The Freedom Flex hoodie offers a clever solution for cold weather carry, but it's not without trade-offs. The hidden compartments work well for discreet storage and quick access, though draw times are slower than traditional holsters. Best for situations where deep concealment matters more than speed.
Good for discreet cold weather carry
Premium hoodie pricing
Where to Buy
View at 5.11 TacticalDraw Speed Testing
We timed 100 draws from the Freedom Flex hoodie against traditional IWB carry under a regular hoodie. The built-in compartments are slower but offer better concealment and weather protection.
Freedom Flex Compartment
Average draw time
- ✓ Consistent access
- ✓ No snag on hoodie fabric
- ✓ Works with gloves
- × Requires two-step process
Traditional IWB + Hoodie
Average draw time
- ✓ Faster overall
- ✓ More familiar motion
- × Can snag on fabric
- × Printing through hoodie
Hidden Compartment Features
Main Gun Compartment
The primary compartment is positioned at the upper chest and accessible through an ambidextrous zipper. It's sized for compact pistols and includes a retention strap to prevent movement during activities.
Magazine Pockets
Two discreet magazine pockets are positioned on either side. They're designed to be unnoticeable but easily accessible. The retention is good enough for normal activities but not athletic movements.
Cold Weather Performance
Winter Carry Advantage
This is where the Freedom Flex really shines. In cold weather, you typically need multiple layers, making traditional holster access slow and awkward. The hoodie's compartments bypass these issues entirely.
❄ Cold Weather Advantages
- • No layers to navigate through
- • Works with heavy winter coats over
- • Glove-friendly access
- • Protects gun from moisture
- • No belt changes for thick clothing
- • Consistent access regardless of layers
🌡 Temperature Considerations
- • Breathable fabric prevents overheating
- • Moisture-wicking interior
- • Gun stays at body temperature
- • Works well in 20-60°F range
- • May be too warm in summer
Concealment & Discretion
Stealth Rating
The Freedom Flex excels at discreet carry. It looks like a normal athletic hoodie, and the compartments are virtually undetectable. We wore it in various social situations with zero comments or suspicious looks.
Undetectable to casual observation
Passes professional dress codes
Social situation appropriate
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- Excellent for cold weather carry
- Superior concealment and discretion
- Looks completely normal
- Quality construction and materials
- Multiple storage compartments
Areas for Improvement
- Slower draw times than traditional holsters
- Limited to compact/subcompact pistols
- Not suitable for athletic activities
- Premium pricing for a hoodie
- Learning curve for efficient access
Bottom Line
The 5.11 Freedom Flex hoodie fills a specific niche: discreet carry in cold weather or situations where maximum concealment is more important than speed. It's not a replacement for traditional holsters, but rather a specialized tool for specific circumstances.
The construction quality is excellent, and the concealment is genuinely impressive. If you frequently carry in cold weather or need to remain completely discreet in social situations, the trade-off in draw speed may be worth it.
Best For:
Cold weather carry, plain clothes professionals, situations requiring maximum discretion, and anyone who struggles with traditional holsters under heavy winter clothing.