The Ultimate Guide to Tactical Pants

News May 13 2010

— By Jeanette K.

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.

(23) Readers Comments

vv
May 14, 2010 at 10:00 pm

looking forward to have tactical pants very latest design with quality news
Dan
May 19, 2010 at 11:06 am

I love the Verdict section. Sums each pant up in one quick sentence!
Bruce
May 19, 2010 at 12:47 pm

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.”
The Duck
May 19, 2010 at 12:58 pm

Any thought on the Blackhawk ITS pants?
Jeanette K.
May 19, 2010 at 1:10 pm

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!
Jeanette K.
May 21, 2010 at 9:24 am

The Duck – Just heard that the ITS pants are being discontinued. I’ll probably write a blog post about it next week.
Greg Friese
May 21, 2010 at 7:28 pm

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.
JB
May 24, 2010 at 1:26 pm

I want to lament the passing of the 5.11 HRT – reinforced knees and a Kevlar crotch…can’t get much better than that
M Fish
May 25, 2010 at 8:23 am

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.
Jeanette K.
May 25, 2010 at 8:43 am

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!
Mike T.
May 25, 2010 at 11:56 am

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.
Jeanette K.
May 26, 2010 at 7:02 am

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.
Jeff
June 14, 2010 at 1:38 pm

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.
Sam
June 15, 2010 at 1:11 am

Which ones would you say are the baggiest (as in baggy) of them all? I just don´t like a straight (or tubular) fit.
Jeanette K.
June 15, 2010 at 5:39 am

The Kitanicas are pretty baggy as are the Vertx.
John Norris
June 19, 2010 at 5:46 pm

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.
Ash Kumar
August 1, 2010 at 2:30 am

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
Seamus Casey
November 18, 2010 at 12:42 am

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.
Jeanette K.
November 18, 2010 at 11:27 am

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

Thanks!
mckenzie tompkins
March 5, 2011 at 9:53 pm

were can i get the new crye ac combat pants in army acu .
bhardin
March 24, 2011 at 12:41 pm

Anything about Superdry core cargos or their core lite cargo?
D Kominsky
April 20, 2011 at 4:25 pm

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.
exgunn
February 19, 2012 at 9:26 am

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.