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The Ultimate Guide to Tactical Pants

News  May 13 2010
 — By Jeanette Kozlowski
The Ultimate Guide to Tactical Pants

Now that you’ve read the guide, you probably know all there is to possibly know about tactical pants, right? Wrong.

While it may appear that way, we still think there’s more to learn. Our goal is to constantly expand and update The Ultimate Guide to Tactical Pants for as long as tactical pants exist on this planet. So, basically forever.

Eventually we will include an in-depth look at all 30 plus styles of tactical pants. For now, we started with the basics—the original tactical pant from each manufacturer. Later on, we’ll add high-quality photos to give you a better idea about what each pant looks like before you decide to buy a pair. Essentially, this is our non-fiction War and Peace, if you will. We want it to have as many chapters, as many details as possible—no matter how minuscule.

In order for us to improve upon this guide, please let us know what we’ve missed. Is there a certain style or brand that should be included? Was there something we forgot to measure? Anything specific you’d like to see photographed? Tell us!

And if you’re a manufacturer, please send us your pants! We might have some or most of your styles in-house, but unfortunately we don’t carry every tactical pant under the sun—at least not yet. If you do send us your pants, we’ll gladly test them out, take a lot of pictures and tell you what we think.

Feel free to leave a comment or drop us an e-mail. We’re here to help. We’d like nothing more than to provide you with the most comprehensive information and be a resource for tactical pants enthusiast worldwide.

(33) Readers Comments

  1. I must agree with D Kominsky. This isn’t the “Ultimate Guide To Tactical Pants” if RAILRIDERS didn’t make the list. Designed with the help of a Navy Seal, their “VersaTac-Light” is their best selling pant. Unlike all the pants in the review which are:

    1. Too heavy using 6-9oz fabric, and
    2. Too hot using only 35-40% cotton (100% cotton canvas too heavy)

    RAILRIDERS use 3oz duralite nylon (ultralight, breathable, no fade, no shrink) & are still tough as nails…these pants retail for $110 and are worth every penny. Check out these features:

    -Super tough yet light 3oz Duralite Nylon shell
    -Reinforced seat and knees of RailTex nylon
    -Engineered Side cargo pockets with internal pockets to hold flashlight, mag clips, with additional space
    -Vertical zippers on front of cargo pockets allow access while sitting, kneeling or driving a vehicle
    -Reinforced pocket openings for abrasion against knife clip chafe
    -Pockets close with choice of both velcro and double button closure
    -2 back pockets with flaps, velcro and button closure

    Check em out at http://www.railriders.com!

  2. I’m wondering if the companies have ever thought of dirt. Tactical pants gets dirty, yet many companies keep using fabrics of low quality like Blackhawks 8.5 oz canvas (way too rough surface, needs to be a lot more smooth and dense) or even worthless ripstop of some kind. In the Blackhawk example they can’t even be washed in high temperatures (max 30 degrees C or 86 F) which means there’s no way to get them clean. I washed my pants in 40C two times and now the color is fading. Not really tactical I think.

    If I could get any of the pants above in warp satin, 50% cotton/50% polyester it would be great. I love my Blackhawk Tactical Pants, but the fabric used is a joke.

    I have a pair of these pants: http://www.recon.se/klader/byxor/recon-faltbyxa-svart
    They are in warp satin, 50% cotton/50% polyester and can be washed in 60 degrees C (140F) and I have used them a lot. They don’t fade, the fabric is very tough and thanks to the smooth and dense fabric, dirt is not a problem. If they are covered in clay or mud: Just let them dry and brush them. Presto!

    That’s what I call tactical.

  3. the kitanica pnt xa pants are bad ass the only thing i did not like were the Velcro but that was fixed with some 1 inch nylon straps and some side/quick release buckles pretty stealthy too

  4. the kitanica’s are bad ass the only thing i did not like were the Velcro but that was fixed with some 1 inch nylon straps and some side/quick release buckles

  5. We have not heard of ID Gear. Corrections brown sounds very similar to Sheriff’s Brown by Propper, which can be found here – http://bdu.com/propper-poly-cotton-ripstop-bdu-pants/sheriffs-brown?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=sm

  6. What I am looking for is Corrections Brown BDUs for my husband. The Brand listed on the tag is ID Gear. I can’t find it anywhere. We bought 2 pairs in 2010 and the place we bought them said that they only ordered them that 1 time and they always carry Propper.. The Propper brand says made in Dominican Republic. The ID Gear brand says made in USA. both say they are made of the 65%polyester/35% cotton but the ID Gear brand is less stiff. Has anyone heard of this brand or maybe know if the company that makes it is actually under a different name? any help is appreciated…

  7. We carry EMT and EMS pants at our superstore TacticalGear.com!

    http://tacticalgear.com/mens-propper-critical-edge-emt-pants

    http://tacticalgear.com/mens-24-7-series-ems-pants

    All EMT and EMS pants come unhemmed, so they will have a 37″ inseam. We’re not sure if your measurements requires a 38″ inseam. If you do need something with a 38″ inseam, the Propper brand will come close (I’m pretty sure their unhemmed length is 37.5″), but they do not make them any longer.

  8. What I really need are ems/tactical pants in a 34-36/38. Can anybody please help me!?

  9. Kenny, you can find our return policy here: http://tacticalpants.com/return-policy

    Feel free to contact our customer service team directly if you have additional questions!

  10. I would like to know your return policy if something goes wrong … wrong color, wrong size, flawed item, etc.

  11. I would like to see an option of a higher waisted version for us guys with long torsos. I really like the original 5-11 covert tactical pants.

  12. Please add these two:
    http://www.railriders.com/men-versatac-light-pant-p-954.html
    and
    http://www.railriders.com/men-versatac-mid-pant-p-955.html

    Very tough. The side cargo pockets include zippers on the front for access while seated, in addition to top access.

  13. Anything about Superdry core cargos or their core lite cargo?

  14. were can i get the new crye ac combat pants in army acu .

  15. Seamus – You can find more information about those companies on this page – http://tacticalpants.com/tactical-pants-for-men

    Thanks!

  16. Dear Sirs: How about doing a brief write-up on each of the Tactical Pants companies ?? Who? What? When? Where? Who formed the company and why? EX: Blackhawk formed by an ex-USA soldier whose Tac equipment failed him in the field. Nescessity’s the mama of invention always prove to be good motivators. Does the firm sell USA-produced goods? Where is firm based geographically ?? Blah, blah… Obviously, don’t violate firm’s privacy and/or security concerns by publishing any sensitive data. DON”T be like the liberal pukes media who feel that WIKILEAKS actions are justified. Operate on the rarest modern commodity—Common Sense. Later, Seamus.

  17. Hi!
    I am looking to suggest a three layered cold weather clothing system to a Marine Commando unit in Asia.
    For the top part the commandos have chosen the BlackHawk Shell Jacket, mid layer fleece and a 180s thermal underwear.
    For the bottom please suggest a soft shell tactical pant that is suitable to be worn between 180 thermal underwear bottom and the black hawk shell pants
    my email is ashboydelfou@yahoo.com

  18. How about a tactical kilt? Utiliykilts are sort of in that direction, but I’d really like to see it taken to the extreme. Feel free to flame away, but I think a good design would be cool. (Same with an tactical apron.)

    5.11 used to be the highest grade for a rockclimb but that was awhile ago. It’s up to around 5.15 now.

  19. The Kitanicas are pretty baggy as are the Vertx.

  20. Which ones would you say are the baggiest (as in baggy) of them all? I just don´t like a straight (or tubular) fit.

  21. I’m a big fan of the LAPG Operator Pants. I’ve gone through about 10 pairs of 5-11s over several years but I got tired of the appearance of the front pleats, the elastic waist, and the rear slash pockets.

    I also tried the Tru-spec pants but the fit was strange.

    Now I have several pairs of LAPG Operator Pants.

    Pros:
    - The Poly/Cotton blend which doesn’t shrink, wrinkle, or wear like cotton.
    - The waist which can be cinched to a static size and doesn’t look hokey like elastic.
    - Flat front looks better than pleats.
    - I like having two cellphone pockets, with no flaps. One for my thin wallet.
    - The organizers inside the main cargo pockets are great for keeping my keys from rattling around.
    - The price ($20) is unbeatable.

    Cons:
    - I’d rather have less conspicuous main cargo pockets.

    I also have high hopes for the LAPG Stealth Operator Pant which ships in a couple months.

  22. I’m working on getting my hands on a sample pair of the LAPG Operator Pants. However, Crye doesn’t give out test gear so their addition to the guide will be unfortunately delayed. Great to hear that you had good experiences with both.

  23. I have had good luck with Crye Precision’s Combat Pants for hard use and LA Police Gear’s Operator Pants for daily use. $100 apart in price, too.

  24. We will definitely add a “size” category to each pant … I can see how that could be helpful. And I’ll look into Dickie’s, too. Thank you!

  25. Next time you publish, you should list the size options available as well as whether or not there is a woman’s pant (with sizes). This should be in the quick guide, not just the manufacturer’s disertation. It is a huge consideration if buying for a squad.

    Also, Dickie’s now makes a good economical EMS pant – check them out before your next comprehensive guide.

  26. I want to lament the passing of the 5.11 HRT – reinforced knees and a Kevlar crotch…can’t get much better than that

  27. Since the most tactical thing I do is walk through airport security I like to call this product category “Urban Adventure Trousers”

    Great guide. Comprehensive. Awesome.

  28. The Duck – Just heard that the ITS pants are being discontinued. I’ll probably write a blog post about it next week.

  29. Bruce, good call! And a pretty hilarious error. I’ll get that changed ASAP.

    The Duck, I’m vaguely familiar with those pants. If they are considered a “tactical pant,” we’ll def get them up on the guide. Thanks for your comments!

  30. Any thought on the Blackhawk ITS pants?

  31. Just curious, did Kitanica really name their company after deep fried pig intestines? I think the word you are looking for is “chitin” not “chitlin.”

  32. I love the Verdict section. Sums each pant up in one quick sentence!

  33. looking forward to have tactical pants very latest design with quality news

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