What’s new for women’s concealed carry wear in 2012? For Woolrich Elite Series Tactical, it’s a tactical pant for women that promises a more flattering fit and all the features you could need. TacticalGear.com’s Nora Holloway tracked down the brand’s apparel director Brian Miller to get a sneak peek at the revisions to the original women’s Elite Lightweight Tactical Pant.

Woolrich met the request of female officers and concealed carry permit holders by lowering the rise on their existing women’s pant an inch and a half, as well as blending the polyester with a stretchable fabric. That means no more weapons sitting uncomfortably high on your waist, so you can move easily in a more flattering pair of pants.

These pants take a note from the company’s best-selling men’s version by incorporating several of the most popular features:

• Reinforced crotch
• Side elastic for increased mobility and the ability to carry weapons inside the waistband
• Extra-wide knife and cell phone pockets
• Ability to insert knee pads from inside the leg
• Available in Khaki, Sizes 4-18
• Standard 32″ length

What do you think of the changes made by Woolrich?

Get excited, ladies. We’re here to unveil the latest tactical pants made just for you!

Rather than simply shrinking down the size of a men’s pant, Blackhawk decided to start from the ground up and develop a specific fit tailored to a woman’s body. But they didn’t just stop there. The manufacturer loaded the pants up with tons of features, so you get fit and functionality in one great pair of pants. We caught up with A.D.E. Combat Operator Aysha Web at SHOT Show 2012 to find out what sets these tactical pants for women apart from the rest.

Features

• Constructed of wrinkle-, fade- and stain-resistant 6.5 oz. polyester/cotton blend
• DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment resists stains and dries quickly
• Hidden expandable waistband for increased mobility with a clean look
• Silicone grip strip in waistband keeps shirt tucked in
• Angle-cut pockets for vertical storage of knife or flashlight without restricting access to pocket
• Large hidden zipper pocket behind front-right pocket
• Segmented webbing in cargo pockets allows “intelligent” vertical storage of magazines, lights, etc.
• Vertical zipper on cargo pockets opens into separate mesh pocket for easy ac­cess while seated
• Internal pockets on knees accommodate knee pads
• Double layer of fabric on seat, knees and hem
• Diamond gusset on crotch for increased movement

Will you try Blackhawk’s new women’s tactical pant?

Designed to be outdoor tough and streamlined, the pants are constructed of a nylon canvas, four-way stretch fabric that is abrasion resistant. Weighing just 7.5 ounces, the durable water repellent finish keeps these pants beyond dry. They also offer protection from the wind.

These pants were built to maximize mobility! Their strategic pocket design reduces bulk. The unique 3-in-1 rear pockets are tailored for specific tools, like cellphones, wallets and knives. In addition, the hand pockets are exceptionally deep, meaning operators can have more essential gear at the ready.

The stretch-woven fabric and unique pocket arrangement ensures a wide range of movement. To improve the fit, they have a shaped waist. The pants are also rigger belt compatible.

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While not flame resistant, they are supremely durable and comfortable. Only offered in black for the time being, the Diamond Peak Field Pants are available in 30 (regular), 32-40 (regular and long) and 42 (regular).

Leave it to the original makers of 5.11s to merge the comfort and cut of denim with the functionality of tactical pants.

Recently released out into the wild, the Taclite Jean-Cut Pants are the answer to one of the biggest complaints about tactical pants—the fit. Some have pants legs that are too wide; others have a waist that features too much elastic. Whatever the case may be, 5.11 has set out to resolve this issue.

5.11 Taclite Jean-Cut Pant

• Patterned after the traditional jean and featuring our lightweight Taclite® ripstop fabric
• Trim and professional appearance with a slim cut
• Made from our fade resistant 6.14-oz., 65% polyester/35% cotton ripstop
• Shaped waistband
• 9 pockets, including internal magazine pockets
• Genuine YKK® zippers, Prym® snaps
• Teflon® treated for spill and stain resistance
• Imported

Have you tested out the new jean-cut tactical pants? What did you think?

You’ve seen the international tactical pants from a distance. Now it’s time to take a closer look.

Helikon-Tex’s Urban Tactical Pants hit the streets earlier this year and haven’t looked back. The video above demonstrates the pants’ pocket uses, flexibility and versatility.  The pants survive a ride in a Range Rover, a street deal gone awry, a day at the range, some hand-to-hand combat and kneeling in the grass.

Story: New ‘Urban Tactical Pants’ Launch in Europe

We are, however, disappointed to discover what was actually in that briefcase. What a letdown!

What do you think of Helikon-Tex’s tactical pants?

It’s no secret that Vertx makes some heavy, hardcore tactical pants. Take a look at the photo above if you need proof.

Its original trousers, which hit the market in 2008, had a fabric weight of 9 ounces. That’s half an ounce more than any tactical pants on the market today. So, it makes sense to make a lightweight counterpart. It’s something that’s been in the works for years now.

As we reported back in October 2009, the new lightweight pants were initially expected in early 2011. However after various delays, the pants are officially due out sometime this fall. Sure, it’s a little behind schedule, but as the No. 1 requested item from Vertx customers, the pants will likely be a hit.

The new Vertx Phatom LT pants are slightly different then the ones outlined in our initial report. The pants will not feature coldblack technology (as far as we can tell). However, it will still feature Intelli-Dry™ technology (see below), a DuPont-like coating that makes the pants liquid repellent, moisture wicking and stain resistant. The pants will be available in three more colors than first expected including black, navy blue, O.D. green, desert tan and khaki.

UPDATE: Vertx lightweight tactical pants are now available for both men and women.

PHANTOM LT

Fabric: 65/35 Polyester/Cotton

Weight: 6.5 oz.

Weave: Mini Rip-Stop

Features

• Wrinkle resistant
• Machine washable
• Deep dye for maximum color retention
• Intelli-Dry™ technology:
• Liquid repellent on outer surface
• Moisture wicking next to skin
• Stain resistant
• World-class design and functionality with articulated knees, crotch, rise and waistband for a great balance of comfort and mobility.
• Concealed zippered pocket on right side bearer plus back pocket credential flap to defend your valuables
• Multi-purpose cargo pockets for duty item storage

Sizes: Men’s Inseam sizes 30, 32, 34, 36; Waist sizes 28-35 (odd & even), 36-54 (even only); Women’s Inseam sizes 30, 32, 34, sizes 0-18 (even only)

Will you be testing out Vertx’s new lightweight pants?

Often overlooked in the tactical world, females will encounter a bevy of sizes and colors when it comes to the new tactical utility pants. Once as rare as tactical pants for fish, the market for ladies tactical pants appears to be growing significantly. Sure, it’s still a nascent one, but it has come a long way from not existing at all.

The women’s Magnum RD Pants ($49.99) joins a lineup that includes 24-7 Series, Vertx, Propper (who make both regular and lightweight pants for women) and Woolrich. Previously, TacticalPants.com gave 24-7 Series pants the Editor’s Choice Award as the best-fitting tactical pants for women. However, Magnum RD pants might give it a run for its money. Why?

First of all, the pants have a spectacular fit. And by fit, I mean the trousers don’t sit above your belly button or make you appear to be wearing a diaper. Whew, so that’s a relief. The pants actually sit an inch below the belly button. For me, there was no awkward tightness (or looseness) around the waist or rear area. However, after the first wash the pants were just a little tighter. I’d keep that in mind when ordering a pair.

Fit is always a concern, but functionality is by far the most important element of any pair of tactical pants. Bereft of that noisy Velcro, the pockets are symmetrical and are large enough to comfortably fit smart phones and PDAs. Can’t say the same for the iPad, but then again, who on Earth is putting an iPad in their pants? There are also some pretty sweet knife pockets that can come in handy for more than just weapons. Additionally the hand pockets feature a ventilated mesh that could prove to be a positive attribute in hot weather.

My only complaint about the RD pants was the pant length. On my first wear the pant were almost too short, but they weren’t “flooding” just yet. After the first wash? All bets were off. I am 5’5”, 120 pounds and ordered a size 2. Perhaps I needed to go a size up? (Note: Magnum has revealed that its next order of women’s pants will include an unhemmed version.)

Aside from the length issue, the pants are perfect. And I can still safely say they are the most comfortable tactical pants for women I’ve ever worn.

The pants are available in black, desert sage, mocha and navy in sizes 2 through 14.

Features

• 6-Month No Fade Guarantee
• 5.6 oz. rigid 100% cotton for lightweight durability
• Internal waist band adjustment belt
• 12 utility pockets with undercover design
• Including dual cell phone hidden pockets
• Breathable nylon mesh lined hand pockets
• Reinforced binding edged knife pockets
• Rhombus designed crotch for mobility and durability with breathable vents
• Articulated knee design
• Quad-stitched center back belt loop
• 4″ fabric reinforced heel cuff
• YKK zipper
• Steel pass-through button fly

Experiencing temperature-induced discomfort when wearing traditional tactical pants during the summer months? Blackhawk’s Lightweight Tactical Pants may just be the perfect solution.

Made of a lightweight, durable material, the pants still have all the popular features of the original style. Weighing in at just 6.5 ounces, they are 65% polyester and 35% cotton ripstop.

Key features discussed in the video include:

• Water, stain resistant and quick drying
• Elastic tunnel waist
• Silicone tacky strip (to keep shirts tucked in)
• Angle-cut pockets
• Zipper wallet pocket
• Secret stash pocket at the seam
• Reverse pleat cargo pockets

Currently, the tactical pants are available in black, olive drab, navy and khaki with chocolate brown to be added soon.

What tactical pants feature do you find the most useful?

Tired of last season’s tactical pants? Well, luckily 5.11 Tactical is releasing three updated styles this fall. Aiming to address a wide variety of public safety situations, the pants are designed to perform in hands-on duty situations, range training, office tasks and everything in between.

Available in black, khaki and TDU green, the 5.11 Stryke Pant ($69.99) takes a new look at the construction of the cargo. The Flex-Tac fabric allows for the pant to be breathable, lightweight and stretch and recover without the use of spandex. In addition, the pants are soil, stain and fade resistant. Boasting 10 pockets in all, the pants have off-seam side pockets, accessory pockets on each side, back flap Velcro-secured pockets and low slanted cargo pockets. Other features include discreet reinforced knees, self-adjusting waist and front belt loops that can double as a badge holder.

For those jean wearers, 5.11 Tactical has taken the traditional jean and upped its functionality with the Taclite Jean-Cut ($49.99). Made from the popular Taclite fabric, the pants is styled in the 5+4 pocket fashion. Of its 9 total pockets there are 4 multi-use pockets that can store magazines, cell phones or knives. Wrinkle-free and fade resistant, the 6.14 ounce poly/cotton ripstop pants come in khaki, charcoal, TDU green and dark navy. Comfort and range are emphasized with the relaxed fit waistband, diamond gusset and discreet reinforced knee panels.

Although the Covert Khaki 2.0 ($49.99) may look like a casual dress slack with its permanent creases and flat front, it has exceptional on-the-job-functionality. The pants are made of 7.25 ounce, wrinkle and fade resistant blend of poly/cotton twill that has been treated with Teflon. The genuine YKK zipper and bartacks at high stress areas ensure the pants stand up to the rigors of any job. Available in black and khaki, it has 6 pockets: 2 standard rear pockets with button closure, 2 concealed vertical thigh pockets with zippers at the seams and 2 traditional style front pockets.

Also on the tactical pant front lines is Woolrich’s Elite Concealed Carry Chinos ($57.99), which became available this past June. It is perfect for when discretion is a must. The clean profile has no external cargo or utility pocketing; however, there is a hidden chamber pocket. Composed of 7.8 ounce cotton stretch twill fabric, it has a comfort waist with elastic side panels with 3-ply, dual-chamber pocket bags. Allowing a discreet carry option, the inner chamber can be accessed through an “invisible” zipper. Out chamber pockets provides conventional pocket function with reduced printing. The chinos come in black and khaki.

Is there a style of pant that you are looking forward to seeing this fall?

Helikon-Tex Urban Tactical Pants

Sure, I’ve worn cargos before, but I’m happy to say the Urban Tactical Pants were my first experience in a “tactical” pants, and a rather rare tactical pants specimen at that!

I was upset to see that I wasn’t exactly the first person in the world to review Helikon-Tex’s new take on tactical pants. However, I’m quite certain I’m the first person stateside to take these trousers out to test. I have been wearing the pants now for several weeks and have been overall pleased with the fit and functionality of the pants.

It’s obvious that these pants are an amalgamation of the tactical pants that have come before it. You can see hints of a lot of previous tactical pants currently on the market mixed into the design—the 5.11-inspired back pockets and a hint of stretch material like Vertx. One of the most unique aspects of the pants is its Velcro fly. Not being much of a button-fly guy, I found the hook-and-loop closure to be functional indeed. I will say, however, that I worry about it wearing out over time.

The first time I tested out the Urban Tactical Pants, I was on a paintball field on a pretty hot day. The pants were breathable, even in the warm temps. It was approximately 85 degrees in direct sunlight. The 97 percent cotton and 3 percent spandex material did not feel stretchy. The spandex is not noticeable. The pants are definitely not lightweight and feel sturdy even though the material isn’t exactly the most comfortable.

Back pockets appear to be 5.11 inspired

Features

• 97% cotton, 3% Spandex allowing fabric to stretch
• Gusseted crotch for mobility
• Knee area designed with “darts” to enable body shaping
• No metal elements
• Hook-and-loop fly
• Designed for shooting, hiking, climbing

At first I tried to wear the pants on my hips because that’s where other pants normally fall on me. I was obviously a novice when it came to tactical pants—I didn’t realize they are meant to sit high on the waist. As soon as I pulled up the waistline, the pants fit well. I felt like the waistline was a little too high for my taste. Another complaint? The pants were just a little too tight on my rear. I would have preferred a looser fit in that area.

While wearing the pants, I was able to move freely while on the ground doing army crawls. They were well equipped to handle tactical movements. The deep thigh pockets were able to hold a lot of paintball tubes, which would be great for ammo if you were out on the range or on a mission.

The pants were not too baggy like other tac pants I’ve seen. They were definitely not hammer pants. The reinforced and articulated knee shape was a nice touch. It wasn’t really noticeable, but I think that’s a good thing. Ff your pants don’t come to mind when you are being fired upon, then they are definitely doing their job. I didn’t really notice the gusseted crotch, yet I was never uncomfortable in that region. Again, my only complaint was that it was a little tight in the rear.

My girlfriend was probably the least excited about the new addition to my tactical wardrobe. She asked me if I plan to wear the pants outside the house. I am going to surprise her by wearing them with a tuxedo jacket to a nice dinner. I’ll let you guys know how that one goes!

Note: According to Helikon-Tex, Urban Tactical Pants will be available through European dealers only. The recommended dealer is hwesta.eu, who will ship worldwide. The suggested retail price is 69 EUR or about $97. Limited quantities of the pants will be available for purchase on July 1, 2011.