Overview of the 5.11 Tactical Balaclava Dark Navy or Black | 89430
Stay covered, warm, and ready with the 5.11 Tactical Balaclava Dark Navy or Black 89430. This streamlined balaclava gives you full head, face, and neck coverage without bulk, so you can focus on the call, not the weather. The 60 percent cotton and 40 percent Cordura jersey blend delivers no melt, no drip performance while staying soft next to your skin.
From the photos you can see the smooth, flatlock-style seams and low-profile crown that fit cleanly under a duty helmet, bump helmet, or cap. The hinged design lets you wear it as a full balaclava, a neck gaiter, or an open-face hood as conditions change.
Moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric pulls sweat away during long perimeter details, night patrols, or range days. The shaped face panel keeps material off your eyes while you drive, shoot, or run comms. Available in black or dark navy and in Small/Medium or Large/XL, it finishes your 5.11 XPRT uniform system for law enforcement, EMS, security, and tactical users who need reliable coverage in harsh conditions.
Key Features
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Material: 60 percent cotton / 40 percent Cordura jersey for comfort, durability, and no melt, no drip performance.
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Hinged Design: Multi-position hinge lets you switch between full coverage, neck gaiter, or open-face wear in seconds.
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Moisture Management: Moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric helps keep you dry when you work hard in cold or changing weather.
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Low-Profile Fit: Slim crown and stretch fabric sit smoothly under helmets, caps, and hearing protection without pressure points.
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Reinforced Seams: Bartacks at hinge seams add strength where you bend and pull the fabric the most.
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Shaped Face Panel: Contoured opening is cut to leave your eyes clear while covering your nose, mouth, and cheeks.
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Extended Neck Coverage: Extra length at the neck, seals gaps at your collar and prevents drafts.
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Discreet Branding: Small woven 5.11 logo tab at the lower edge keeps the look professional for uniform wear.
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Color Options: Offered in black and dark navy to match standard patrol and tactical uniforms.
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Size Range: Available in Small/Medium and Large/XL to fit a wide range of head sizes and layering preferences.
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Origin: Made in the USA for consistent quality and construction.
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Care Guidance: Machine wash cold with similar colors, then line dry or tumble dry low to preserve fabric performance and shape (assumed based on typical 5.11 garments).
Compatibility
The 5.11 Tactical Balaclava 89430 is designed to work smoothly with your existing duty and outdoor kit. Its low-bulk construction and smooth seams make it a strong match for:
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Patrol and tactical helmets with suspension or pad systems.
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Soft uniform caps and beanies.
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Over-the-ear electronic hearing protection and shooting muffs.
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Eye protection and shooting glasses, with the face opening cut away from the lenses.
It performs best in cool to cold weather, windy conditions, and during night operations where extra insulation and concealment help you stay effective. The fabric is warm enough to cut the wind, yet thin enough to avoid overheating during movement.
It is not intended to replace certified flame-resistant hoods for firefighting, live-fire structural work, or any mission that requires FR-rated PPE. It is also not designed as a sealing surface for gas masks or respirators, so you should confirm fit with your issued mask before operational use.
Intended Users
The 5.11 Tactical Balaclava is built for working professionals and serious enthusiasts who need dependable face protection that will not get in the way. Typical users include:
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Law enforcement officers handling perimeter security, traffic control, and night patrol in cold or wet weather.
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EMS and rescue personnel responding to calls in harsh conditions who need a close-fitting layer that works under helmets and caps.
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Military and tactical team members training on the range, working CQB, or conducting field exercises in cold or windy environments.
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Security officers, patrol drivers, and corrections staff who move between vehicles, yards, and buildings in winter temperatures.
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Outdoor shooters, hunters, and range staff who want a durable balaclava that fits with a full 5.11 uniform setup.
Many users combine this balaclava with the 5.11 XPRT Rapid Shirt, tactical pants, and long sleeve shirt so their head, core, and legs all benefit from the same performance-focused system.
What’s Included
Items not included but commonly paired:
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Duty helmet, bump helmet, or uniform cap.
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Eye and ear protection used on the range.
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5.11 XPRT Rapid Shirt, tactical pants, and long sleeve shirt shown or mentioned in uniform setups.
Packaging is compact so you can store it in a gear bag, patrol car organizer, or locker until you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5.11 Tactical Balaclava
Question 1: How do I choose the right size in this balaclava?
If you usually wear a small or medium hat, or prefer a snug fit, go with the Small/Medium. If you wear large or XL hats, have a thicker neck, or want a bit more breathing room, choose the Large/XL. The fabric stretches, but a close fit will keep the balaclava from shifting under your helmet or eye protection.
Question 2: Will this fit comfortably under my duty or bump helmet?
Yes. The balaclava has a smooth, low-profile crown and flat seams that sit well under most patrol and bump helmets. The fabric is thin enough to avoid hot spots under pads while still adding warmth. For best results, put on the balaclava, adjust the hinge for the coverage you want, then fit your helmet so straps and pads sit correctly over it.
Question 3: Is the 5.11 Tactical Balaclava fire resistant?
The cotton and Cordura jersey blend offers no melt, no drip performance, which helps reduce the risk of the material melting to your skin in high heat. However, it is not marketed as a fully certified flame-resistant hood. It should not replace agency-approved FR head protection when policies or mission profiles require certified PPE.
Question 4: Can I use this balaclava in milder weather, or only when it is very cold?
You can run this balaclava in a range of conditions. It shines in cool and cold environments, but the moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric lets you use it in transitional weather as well. Many users wear it as a neck gaiter or open-face hood in mild temperatures to block wind and dust without trapping too much heat. In very hot climates, lighter gear may be more comfortable for long wear.
Question 5: How should I wash and care for the balaclava to make it last?
Wash the balaclava in cold or warm water with similar colors and a mild detergent, then line dry or tumble dry on low heat (care method assumed based on typical 5.11 garments). Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and very high dryer heat, which can weaken fibers, damage stitching, and reduce the no melt, no drip performance over time.
Why Buy from WCUniforms
When you pick up your 5.11 Tactical Balaclava 89430 from WCUniforms, you are working with a crew that knows real-world duty work. WCUniforms is owned by a former law enforcement officer and EMT, and USMC and USCG military veterans. We have used the products we sell in the field, so we understand what must perform on patrol, on the range, and on deployment. Most orders ship the same day, with a goal of within 48 business hours for in-stock items. You get hassle-free 30-day returns (some exceptions apply), SMS and email tracking updates for every order, and real human instant chat during business hours plus phone support at 855-452-4440 whenever you need help.
MPN: 89430
| UPC |
MPN |
SKU |
COLOR |
SIZE |
STOCKED |
ORIGIN |
| 888579069259 |
89430-724-L/XL |
5-89430724L-XL |
Dark Navy |
Large/X-Large |
N |
US |
| 888579069211 |
89430-019-S/M |
5-89430019S-M |
Black |
Small/Medium |
Y |
US |
| 888579061925 |
89430-019-L/XL |
5-89430019L-XL |
Black |
Large/X-Large |
Y |
US |