One thing you notice at about every FOB in Afghanistan is that there are a lot of civilians walking around base — all contractors of one sort or another.
And it seems that every one of those civilians (aside from the kitchen workers) are wearing so-called “tactical” pants…and when you get a closer look at their duds, you notice it’s pretty much a 5.11 world over there (I say ‘there’ because we’re back from our embed now, safe and sound).
I’ll have to admit, I brought two pairs of pants on my embed: one was an old pair of Patagonia cargo pants that have served me well on embeds since 2004 and one was a pair of 5.11 tactical pants in FR material I got for Iraq back in ’08.
It just so happens that I received an email while I was over there from a company that built a Web site dedicated to reviewing a wide range of tactical pants — it’s artfully titled The Ultimate Guide to Tactical Pants. There are detailed descriptions of pants from designers like Blackhawk, Vertec, Tru-Spec and EOTAC along with pricing info and a handy-dandy chart with materials and features broken down.
It’s maybe more than you’d ever want to know about “tactical pants,” but I could see if you’re outfitting a group of contractors or a PD or something, this “at your fingertips” kind of resource might be helpful.
Now Ward really liked his Blackhawk pants, and I’m sticking by my Patagucci ones, but if drifting through this web site gives someone in the market for some tactical pants an idea of alternatives to 5.11, it’d be nice to see a little variety cruising around the DFAC (not that there’s anything wrong with 5.11…) now and again.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I like the Woolrich Elite Tactical Pants. They wear well, you can get light weight or heavy weight. These pants wash well and do not stain easily. These are my favorite of the Tactical Pants.
Thanks for posting this, Christian. You know, there's really a tactical pant out there for everyone. I've heard the good and bad about every brand — it just comes down to a personal preference. In an update we hope to include a fabric guide and glossary as well as links to customer reviews of each style of pants.
LA Police Gear (.com) have their own versaion of tactical pants that are comfortable, functional, and affordable. You can also find 5.11 and other brands, usually at bargain prices (buy one, get one free, things like that). I've spent a few $$$$s there.
I bought a pair of Tru-Spec and love them. The best pants I've ever had.
dont leave out TAD Gear. http://www.tadgear.com
TAD Gear Force 10 Cargo Utilities, Rip Stop
how can i get info on the army sent to the house
I have 5.11 which are very comfortable. I also have Tru-Spec 24/7 and while they fit well, they don’t breathe well. If you sweat in 24/7s, you might as well be wearing rubber pants.
Rubber pants? That sounds awful! I wonder what makes them so unbreathable considering they are both 100% cotton canvas.
Rail Riders VersaTac mid….they are indispensable. Mag pouches on both legs and tons of secure pockets. Material is Nylon so it drys quick…but its a heavy weight material that is absolutely indestructible.
I was going to comment on VersaTec, but you beat me to it … I have both mid and light weight, love 'em.
Theres a few companys i havent heard anyone mention so i figured Id give some input. I was issued The Force tactical pants and they were horrible!!! knees ripped in no time. The next round i got Propper and pretty happy with them. They look just like 5.11 but with a few differences, great buy especially the price only $35. 2cents
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I’m very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs.