Tested: The Best Tactical Pants For Modern-Day Operators

As garments that are purpose-engineered for military personnel operating in some of the world’s most hostile and unforgiving conditions, tactical pants represent a unique style of bottom that combines the immense durability of workwear items with the unrestricted mobility and storage of modern hiking trousers. And while this space was once largely dominated by only a handful of brands, the tactical pant segment has hugely expanded in recent years with an ever-growing selection of mission-ready, mil-spec bottoms designed to meet the uncompromising needs of the world’s most elite contractors and operators. So, while there are now more options to pick from than ever before, the reality is that all tac-pants are not created equal, and as such there’s a small selection of pairs that objectively stand above the rest. And it’s these garments that we’ll be highlighting today in this guide to and hands-on review of the best tactical pants for modern-day operators. 

Selection & Testing

Between purpose-built tactical trousers and pairs of pants that just happen to lend themselves to military and tactical use, there’s absolutely no shortage of available options when shopping for tactical pants these days. In an effort to seek out the latest and greatest this space has to offer, we began our search by first generating a list of criteria that we would use to guide our selections. Taken into account were areas such as primary construction, secondary materials, hardware and trim, overall design, and features. This allowed us to then create a shortlist of candidates that we suspected may stand as some of the very latest and very greatest tactical pant options. 

While relying on spec sheets and product descriptions can be informative, the only way to really get a more comprehensive sense of how a pair of tactical pants feel and perform, one really does have to get hands-on with them. So, that’s exactly what we did; sourcing units of each pair on our shortlist before putting each one through its paces across a series of tests that we created to more objectively judge each pair. This included going hiking in each pair, as this gave us a sense of how comfortable each pair was, while also enabling us to get a sense of each pair’s overall mobility and range of motion and movement. To gain more insight into these pivotal areas, each pair was taken to our local indoor climbing gym, where their range of motion was really put to the test. 

Tested while wearing combat boots, each pair of these pants were also fitted with a tactical gun belt loaded with a sidearm and several spare mags. This allowed us to get a sense of how supportive each pair was and how well they’re able to distribute weight. Our hands-on testing process would also reveal vital information in other areas that helped give us a better overall sense of how each pair stacked up. This was achieved by closely examining and scrutinizing each pair of tactical pants — both before and after testing. This clued us into other crucial areas such as build quality and craftsmanship. Armed with extensive notes from this testing period, we then proceeded to use this intel to narrow down our original shortlist to a final selection of what we ultimately found to be the very best tactical pants that money can buy. 

Measurements: I’m a fairly slender 6’2”, weighing in at around 180lbs. Although I personally lean towards slim-fit pants, for the purpose of this guide we focused exclusively on pairs of tactical pants with straight-cut — or slightly relaxed — fits. Each pair of tac pants you see in this guide is a size 32” (waist) x 34” (inseam). These tactical pants were also tested using a pair of standard combat boots. 

Tru-Spec Original Tactical Pants

Best Budget/Value Pants: Part of the brand’s 24-7 Series, the Tru-Spec Original Tactical Pants are a fantastic pair of entry-level BDU-style pants that offer ample features and durability in a super accessibly-priced package. Also offered in an 8.5oz cotton canvas-shelled version, the version of Tru-Spec’s Original Tactical Pants that I tested is cut from a 6.5oz cotton-poly blend. The fit of this pair is on the baggier side, though they’re still able to deliver pretty decent range of motion, with the only noticeable restriction being that these pants make it difficult to raise one knee above the waistline. 

Being a more budget-focused pair of tactical pants, you may expect this model to be fairly minimalistic, though it actually boasts a pretty decent number of features and upgrades over traditional military pants. The front of the waistband is connected to the rest of the waist using elastic sections that are self-adjusting ensuring a snug fit every time. I also love how this cleverly-designed waistband system is IWB-holster/sheath-friendly as well. The presence of work pant-style knee overlays add a bit more abrasion resistance on this pair’s most damage-prone areas. Another element that jumped out at me during testing was how the size, width, and placement of the oversized belt loops make Tru-Spec’s Original Tactical Pants perfect for carrying a gun or duty belt — another major selling point on these budget-friendly BDU-style items. 

In total, this pair boasts a whopping 12 pockets — and that doesn’t include the pair of slips in the knees for housing knee armor or pads. This includes two regular side pockets, two standard back pockets, and individual dedicated knife slip pockets separating the side and back pockets. Below are a pair of cargo pockets that feature underlying top-entry pockets and supplementary overlay pockets. What’s more, both the side, back, and cargo pockets are all particularly deep, plus they’re anchored to the shell of the pants, preventing larger or heavier items from bouncing around and repeatedly hitting you in the leg during physical movement. With the acceptation of the side pockets, every pocket feature a storm flap with a slanted cut that makes them easier to open and access — a detail found on U.S. Marine uniforms that I appreciate being carried over here. 

Mobility on this pair revealed itself to be pretty decent, with the only noticeable restriction being that these pants make it difficult to raise one knee above the waistline. A major part of what sets Tru-Spec’s Original Tactical Pants apart from other tactical trousers on the market is the unbeatable bang-for-your-buck that they offer, with less than $65 getting you a stellar pair of bottle-ready bottoms. Additionally, Tru-Spec’s Original Tactical Pants also boast a surprising number of smaller, premium touches — despite the accessible price point — such as an embroidered Tru-Spec logo on the rear belt loop and a bespoke waistband button. There were a few areas that I wasn’t so fond of that I came across while testing. For starters, the shell construction is incredibly stiff — and doesn’t soften up much once broken in. The build quality is also a bit lacking, with numerous loose threads visible right out of the box. Lastly, as much as I like the dedicated knife slip pockets, I do wish they were sized slightly larger, as full-sized tactical folding knives like the Spyderco Para Military 2 and Benchmade Claymore aren’t able to fit into said pockets. 

Verdict: If you’re looking for a rugged pair of BDU-style bottoms that won’t break the bank, your best option is almost certainly the Tru-Spec Original Tactical Pants, as they really do offer unparalleled value. 

Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1

Best Plain-Appearance Pick: The Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 Pants are a modern take on a pair of tactical pants that tick the vast majority of the boxes one would hope for from an item in this space, while boasting a markedly more plain and versatile appearance that doesn’t scream tactical pants. In fact, from some angles, this pair just looks like ordinary slacks. Immensely comfortable, the Delta Stretch 2.1 features a shell made from a 9.2oz cotton-Spandex blend. Reinforced with barracks or YKK rivets at all key stress points, and equipped with double-stitching at all heavy-wear seams, the Delta Stretch 2.1 Pants also featured the third-best range of motion out of all the tactical pants that I tested, bested only by PDW’s Raider Field Pant GC and ThruDark’s Charge Trousers, both of which legitimately have off-the-chart mobility that’s unlike anything else I’ve ever worn or even come across. This area on these Vertx pants is owed to a combination of a fully gusseted crotch, an articulated back yoke, a contoured high back rise, and articulated knees. 

Though they have the most plain appearance of any pants on this list, they also manage to boast the most pockets, with 14 in total. This includes regular side pockets — supplemented by a second zipper-secured pocket on the lefthand side — and a total of four back pockets. What’s more, like the Tru-Spec pants, Vertx’s Delta Stretch 2.1 Pants feature dedicated knife pockets on both side, both with leather cuff overlays. While these knife pockets are large enough to fit knives like the Spyderco PM2 and Benchmade Claymore auto folder (two of our favorite EDC self-defense knives), they’re just barely big enough. What really makes the Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 pants special, however, is undoubtedly the pair’s combination of excellent value and incredibly versatility. Sure, its quality materials and craftsmanship also play defining roles — as does its immense comfort — but its main characteristics are no doubt value and versatility. 

I liked these pants before even getting hands-on with them, and my proclivity for them only increased the more time I spent with them. With that said, there were a few very minor gripes that I came across while putting them through their paces. While the stretch mesh pockets do help to bring a bit of airflow and ventilation to the table, I’d ultimately worry about the mesh getting punctured, cut, or torn when carrying heavy or pointy gear. During the time I spent testing these pants, the mesh pockets showed no signs of potential failure (or even any basic wear and tear), but I still question how they might holdup in the long run. Additionally, though reinforcements have been added to all the pockets and at all key stress areas, these tac pants are sadly devoid of any overlays. This does lessen their ability to stand up to abrasions, though it also plays a major role in giving them their more normal appearance, as well as their immense versatility.

These pants are noticeably more slender-fitting compared to every other pair I tested (aside from Vollebak’s Indestructible Pants), though I still wouldn’t classify them as being of the slim-fit variety. As someone with skinnier legs that tends to gravitate towards slim-fit jeans and slacks, I actually really liked how these Vertx pants fit, though I also realize not everyone will share this sentiment. The combination of a more slim-fitting cut and a shell construction with light stretch properties together make for an exceptionally comfortable pair of pants. I also appreciate a few of this pair’s more subtle details, such as the custom brass waistband button, the suede logo patches on the inside of the fly and waistband back, and the little color-matched embossed leather Vertx logo patch on the back of the pants. The build quality on these pants also feels fantastic, and is easily on par with pairs costing two-to-three-times as much. 

Verdict: Thanks to a design with an unassuming-looking appearance and the vast majority of must-have tactical-specific features, the Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 Pants makes for what’s unquestionably one of the most versatile pairs of tactical pants on the market — as well as being one of the most value-laden. 

Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Pant GC

Best Stretch Pants: Despite operating in a slew of different spaces and producing an enormous range of bags, tools, garments, and gear, Prometheus Design Werx manages to churn out some incredible products — case in point; PDW’s Raider Field Pant GC being no exception. Made in America, the Raider Field Pant GC is crafted from a combination of Guide Cloth 2.0 and a DWR-treated 5.4oz nylon-Spandex blend and is pieced tougher using double or triple needle stitching and bar-tack reinforcement throughout. In addition to boasting a 10-pocket setup consisting of two dedicated knife pockets, four front pockets, and four back pockets, this pair also comes loaded with custom hardware and buttons throughout, included a set of cstom no-twist Delta-ring hardware. 

Also featuring reinforcements throughout, plus the seat and knees both feature double overlays, these pants sport a double-layered diamond-shaped gusset panel, along with shaped double-reinforced knees with articulated darts. As a result, as far as mobility goes, wearing these pants is maybe one step down from being completely naked. There’s quite literally zero restriction on mobility, movement, or range of motion. I’d actually go as far as to say that these pants have the best mobility of any pants I’ve ever tested — and that includes regular jeans, tactical pants, work pants, etc. I was also pretty blown away by just how ridiculously well the C6 DWR coating works on these pants. Water effortlessly beads and rolls off of the material. 

Up front, the corded waistband button is not only insanely rugged and reinforced, but it also makes fastening the waistband an absolute breeze. Having been cut, sewn, and finished in California, these pants also feature pretty terrific build quality and craftsmanship. The immense stretch properties that these pants afford is no doubt owed to the shell constructions’s generous 7% Spandex content. Between the stretch properties and mobility, Prometheus Design Werx’s Raider Field Pant GC are also the most comfortable pair that I tested. These pants also benefit from the use of a cozy liner material, as well as mesh pockets — the latter of which is able to add some ventilation. I also love that the rear cuffs have been double-reinforced, as I’ve destroyed many pairs of pants by having my boots’ heels eventually eat through this area. I also really appreciate how this pair’s dedicated knife pocket setup is actually large enough to fit big folders like the Spyderco PM2. 

There were a few very minor areas that I didn’t love about these pants. While I appriiete how the D-rings have been integrated into the bottom of two of the belt loops, I just wasn’t a fan of the placement of these attachment points or how they functioned, as I found any gear clipped to them would routinely bounce around and wack me in the thigh or groin. Additionally, though they actually work really well, are thoroughly reinforced and well-anchored, the D-ring attachments just look kinda cheap compared to the rest of the pants. As such, I would have preferred if they opted for alloy items. Additionally, regardless of what they’re crafted from, I just don’t like how these triangular-shaped D-rings look — though there is no denying how effective they are. Also, just like with the Vertx pants above, I’m a little worried about the Raider Field Pant GC’s mesh pockets eventually getting torn when carrying heavy or pointy items. Lastly, though they’re perfect for use in warmer climates and more tropical locales, I wouldn’t recommend using these pants in colder regions or climates. 

Verdict: In terms of straight up comfort and range of motion, Prometheus Design Werx’s Raider Field Pant GC really is pretty unbeatable. And, despite its stellar mobility and immense comfort, this pair of American-made tactical pants in no way skimps on durability, being crafted from heavily-reinforced, thoroughly hardwearing materials. 

Triple Aught Design Force 10 RS Cargo Pant

Best USA-Made Pants: The Triple Aught Design Force 10 RS Cargo Pant don’t really excel in any one particular area, but rather, manage to deliver across the board. They’re both comfortable and tough, they’re beautifully crafted and composed of durable high-performance materials, and loaded with practical tactical-specific features and amenities. Manufactured in California using double and triple-needle stitching, the Force 10 RS Cargo Pant is cut from a 6.5oz cotton-nylon blend that’s been fortified via a highly-effective DWR finish. 

The pre-curved design of the waistband enables it to perfectly hug the wearer’s body, allowing it to do a fantastic job supporting a gun or duty belt. Mobility on the Force 10 RS Cargo Pant is decent, but also nothing too special. It’s not bad by any means, as I could freely squat, climb, and run in them, though I could feel some resistant when raising a knee above the waistline. Ultimately, their range of motion just doesn’t feel as unencumbered as pairs like PDW’s Raider Field Pant GC and ThruDark’s Charge Trousers. Alongside a gusseted crotch, this TAD tactical pant model also has reinforced overlays at the seat and knees — the latter of which sit over slip for housing kneepads. This is an excellent touch that I really appreciated. Same goes for the draw string in the bottom cuffs that allows the ankle fit to be dialed in. 

Featuring a total of 10 pockets, the Triple Aught Design Force 10 RS Cargo Pant has standard side pockets with reinforcement overlays for pocket knife clips, two front pockets, two rear pockets, and two cargo pockets, each of which sits over a secondary hidden pocket. This wealth of onbaord storage space is supplemented via D-ring attachment points connected at the front of the pants at the belt loops — a setup that mirrors the one found on the PDW pair above. TAD also offers this pair in a variety of both solid color options, as well as a camo and Multicam colorways. 

The complaints that I had about the D-ring attachment’s on PDW’s pants also apply to the TAD pants seen here, sharing their questionable placement and the fact they’re pone to seeing any attached items bouncing around a lot. Aside from that, this pair’s rugged shell construction also feels a bit stiff right off of the rack, though — unlike Tru-Spec’s pair above — they do break-in and soften up pretty quickly. Despite thoroughly scrutinizing them and specifically looking for faults, this was really the only shortcoming I could uncover. 

Verdict: If you’re in the market for a do-it-all pair of tactical pants,the Triple Aught Design Force 10 RS Cargo Pant is definitely an option you want to consider if you value American craftsmanship, ample cargo space, and a premium material selection. 

Crye Precision G3 Combat Pant

Best Overall Pants: If you ever talk to former or active elite operators about military garments, one name will come up time and time again, and that’s Crye Precision. Headquartered out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Crye simply makes some of, if not the very best tactical clothing that money can buy. For proof of this, look no further than the Crye Precision G3 Combat Pant. Proudly made in America, the G3 Combat Pant features a shell made from rugged 50/50 NYCO ripstop that’s sewn together to mil-spec standards. The front waistband closure consists of a zippered fly and a Velcro closure. Once this front element is tightened, there are two additional adjustable Velcro sections at 8 and 4 o’clock that allow the waistband’s fit to be even more precisely dialed in. This provides just the right amount of support for when carrying a gun or duty belt. 

In total, you get 10 pockets, including regular side pockets and zipper-secured back pockets, as well as oversized cargo pockets. What’s more, just above the knees are a set of smaller Velcro-secured, flap-protected cargo-style pockets that also contain a drawstring that can be used to adjust the height of the kneepads directly below — a design decision I absolutely love as kneepads need to be placed correctly in order to work. Inside the cargo pockets are oversized elastic stabilizer straps for securing larger items like rifle magazines, flashlights, or water bottles. These interior stabilizers keep items firmly in place, by anchoring them to the shell of the pants, preventing any bouncing or shifting during movement. Not only do these pants also feature a dedicated knife pocket with a pocket clip reinforcement overlay, but said pocket is large enough to comfortably accommodate full-size knives like the aforementioned Spyderco Para Military 2 and Benchmade Claymore automatic folding knife. 

Thanks to lightly pre-curved knees and a stretch diamond-gusseted crotch, mobility is actually pretty great, and I didn’t notice any physical limitations during any activities while testing them — with the only noticeable restriction being that these pants make it difficult to raise one knee very far above the waistline. These pants also feature reinforced knee overlays and pockets for AirFlex Combat kneepads. I found the build quality on the G3 Combat pants to be utterly fantastic. All pockets and key stress areas are reinforced, While I could honestly go on for days about the G3’s material selection and build quality, what makes it so special in my eyes is largely its design, having clearly been born out of ample real-world experience on the battlefield that’s been channeled into its creation. I was also pretty eager to try on and test these pants, so they were one of the first pairs that I got hands-on with, and while I was really impressed right out of the gate, it wasn’t until trying the other pairs that I realized just how superior the G3 Combat Pant is to practically everything else on the market — with exceedingly few exceptions. The only thing I tested that could really hold a flame to these were the ThruDark Charge Trousers. 

All of the gripes I had with these pants were not only pretty minimal, but they were also hugely outweighed by the G3 Combat Pant’s myriad of strengths. With an MSRP just north of the $300 mark, I also really wish the G3 Combat Pant shipped with included kneepads (rather than having to purchase them separately). This brings me to my only other real sticking point with these tactical combat pants, which is their price. Considering their meticulous American craftsmanship, material selection, and overall design, I actually think the roughly $300 price tag is wholly justifiable, though I will acknowledge that an approximately $300 pair of pants very well may be out of some buyer’s price range — or is simply more than someone wants to spend when significantly cheaper alternatives are available, even if they don’t boast the same level of quality or performance. What does boast the same level of quality and performance as the G3 Combat pants is the matching G3 Combat Shirt that Crye Precision makes, which obviously pairs excellently with its pant-counterpart. 

Verdict: Like the PIG FDT model is to modern-day tactical gloves, the Crye Precision G3 Combat Pat is widely recognized as the best pair of modern military pants that money can buy, combining top-notch materials, rugged build quality, and a practical yet thoughtful overall design that blatantly benefits from designers with ample real-word experience on the battlefield. 

ThruDark Charge Trousers

Editor’s Pick: If NASA was asked to design a pair of tactical pants with no concern for pricing or development costs, the end result very well may look a whole lot like the ThruDark Charge Trousers. Designed in the UK and meticulously manufactured in Italy, the insanely innovative Charge Trousers boast a main body that’s crafted from military grade Utexbel cotton. Fortified via a DWR coating, this ultra-rugged rip-stop primary construction has been paired with a softer four-way stretch fabric from Italian manufacturer Serates, which is placed at key movement areas to ensure an unrestricted range of motion. Furthermore, the knees are overlaid with Dyneema in a special hexagonal pattern to optimize abrasion resistance. It doesn’t end there though, as CORDURA is also used to reinforce the lower legs and ankles.In terms of fit, I’d say they have a relaxed cut. Not to tight, not too loose. There’s also a bevy of adjustment points that allows you to further dial-in the fitment. 

In my experience, they performed about as well as the G3 Combat Pant from Crye Precision — which speaks volumes as the G3 performed phenomenally and aside from the Charge Trousers nothing else really came close. Thanks to a highly calculated design and material selection, they’re also as comfortable as PDW’s Raider Field Pant GC, which I found to be damn comfortable. Likewise, the Charge Trouser’s range of motion was almost on-par with the PDW pants. I did notice just the slightest bit of resistance when raising my knee well above the waistline, though it’s barely noticeable — and more importantly, aside from intentionally testing range of motion, this isn’t a position that I ever really find myself in so it’s extremely hard to deduct points for this. In all in you get half-a-dozen pockets; a pair of standard front and rear pocket; and a set of lower pockets with VELCRO-secured flap closures. 

Out in front, up top is a stacked dual-snap closure sitting above a zippered fly at the front of the waistband, while there are supplementary adjustable Velcro items at 9 and 3 o’clock that allow this fit to be more precisely fitted. The ankles of the Charge Trousers come equipped with cuff straps that use the same snaps as the waistband closure, and are anchored to an elastic band that allows for an auto-adjusting fit — one of the many features on these Italian-made tactical pants that I really loved. There are also speed hook-style hooks on smaller elastic bands that can be pulled down vertically for connecting the bottom of the pants to a pair of combat boots. Everything is just heavily reinforced, all the stitching is absolutely perfect. It’s just crystal clear that the thing was crafted really really meticulously. The build quality really is second to none in my opinion — though Crye Precision is admittedly a close-second here. 

The only real downside of these pants that I can think of is price, though, all-things-considered, I actually think it’s super easy to justify it. If anything ThurDark could probably get away with charging more than they do. And, while I personally like how they look, these pants’ design is far from minimalistic, and the busy design with all the different materials and stitching may not be for some people — though I should point out that ThruDark also makes a more spartan-looking pair called the Strike Pants which I also got to test out and was almost just as impressed with. Not only is the look of the Charge Trousers purely subjective, but again, I actually like them, though I’m more or less just playing devil’s advocate at this point as I really couldn’t find anything wrong with these tactical pants. 

Verdict: The ThruDark Charge Trousers are easily one of the most innovative pairs of tactical pants ever made. Able to excel at both tactical and general outdoor use, these pants benefit from a spare-no-expense material selection, highly-calculated design, and some seriously-stellar craftsmanship — making them an excellent choice for just about anyone that can afford them. 

Vollebak Indestructible Pants

Best Premium Pick: Technically speaking, the Vollebak Indestructible Pants are probably best classified as joggers. Having said that, they just so happen to possess a host of characteristics that makes them wildly conducive to tactical use. As their name implies, these pants are also made from a material that’s practically guaranteed to provide decades of use. This takes the form of a super-advanced blend of CORDURA nylon and Dyneema that’s also be lightly infused with elastane for some added multi-way stretch properties. In total, this pair features just four pockets; two front pockets; and two rear pockets  — both of which are zipper-secured. The back of the pants also feature a design that sees the back pockets fall away from the shell on the inside. This allows them to be loaded up with gear, without the pockets contents pushing up against the wearer’s body (or poking out from the exterior side). Additionally, heavy duty stitching and tape has been used to heavily reinforce all critical seams. 

They are a bit tight around the ankles yet still easy to slip off. This may sound insignificant, but the immense difficulty of removing the Vollebak Lumberjeans that I tested for our best work pants guide was unquestionably my least favorite aspect of an otherwise stellar pair of workwear pants. Moving on…not only is the appearance of these pants markedly more versatile than every other pair we tested — save for the Vertx pair — but they also lend themselves to a much wider range of uses, being conducive to everything from the climbing gym to travel to jogging to camping to hiking to lounging around the house. Additionally, as you’d expect from a pair of joggers, the mobility and range of motion on this pair is just stellar — furthering their conduciveness to a huge range of applications. The overall fit is comfortable and fairly relaxed, though, like every other pair of Vollebak pants I’ve ever own or worn, the Indestructible Pants are fairly tight-fitting around the ankle. 

It’s abundantly clear that Vollebak went above and beyond simply sweating the details when designing the Indestructible Pants. Practically every facet of these pants are highly calculated and thoroughly considered. Details such as the microfiber-like waistband liner and the zippered pockets’ spring-loaded pulls — which can be lifted to use the zipper, and then automatically return to laying flat against the track after — leave no doubt about how much thought went into the creation of these tactical joggers. Same goes for the dipped alloy drawstring ends. These are all small details, sure, but they nonetheless help to hugely elevate these pants as a whole. 

I only have three real gripes surrounding this pair, the first of which is the fact that it lacks many of the pockets, reinforced overlays, and other features specific to tactical pants (such as knee pad pockets, a knife slip, mag holders, etc). Second, they’re also exorbitantly priced, with a nearly-$800 MSRP. This latter area is undeniably a major sticking point for most people, though if you can afford the hefty price on this pair, we’d highly recommend pulling the trigger on ordering one. Last, the advanced Dyneema-CORDURA blend is a bit stiff. I imagine it may break-in over time with regular use, but with a roughly $800 price tag, this seemed like a fair complaint. 

Verdict: Vollebak’s aptly-named Indestructible Pants are an ultra-hardwearing pair of more plain-looking jogger-style bottoms that possess the range of motion, durability, cargo space, and fitment to excel in tactical scenarios — and to go toe-to-toe with a host of purpose-built tactical pants. 

Tactical Pants Comparison Chart

What Exactly Are Tactical Pants?

As the name suggests, tactical pants are a type of trousers that have been specifically engineered for tactical use — i.e. military and law enforcement applications. Needing to stand up to the rigors of combat, tactical pants are almost always cut from incredibly hardwearing materials which are typically pieced together using super robust, heavily-reinforced construction techniques. As garments that are designed for everything from desert patrols to case quarter combat, tactical pants are also frequently bestowed with built in knee pads and other integrated armor elements to protect the wearer. Additionally, it’s also fairly commonplace to see pairs of tactical pants that feature tactically-focused features such as slips for pocket knives and dedicated pockets for housing magazines. Quite a few pairs of tactical pants have also been designed to accommodate the use of modern gun belts. 

Even more so than workwear trousers, tactical pants are also designed with mobility in mind, and as such tend to boast a largely unrestricted range of movement. It’s also fairly common to see tactical pants that feature a myriad adjustment points to help more evenly distribute the weight and load of any gear being carried, and to better ensure a more precise and snug fit. Like BDUs, tactical pants almost always come in traditional military colors (black, coyote, OD green), as well as in a host of other earth tones and camo patterns. What’s more, thanks to their immense durability and robust materials, tactical pants can also be extremely conducive to other uses such as hiking, off-roading, and spelunking, just to name a few. 

What To Consider When Shopping

As they are extremely technical, purpose-engineered garments, buying tactical trousers is a fairly unique experience that differs pretty greatly from shopping for your average pair of jeans or slacks. Below, we’ll quickly touch on nine of the most crucial areas to consider before pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Construction & Materials: Almost certainly the biggest factor that determines a pair of tactical pants’ overall quality is the primary materials used to make it, as well as the construction techniques used to piece it together. As such, you’ll want to review the main constructions used, as well as if that material is reinforced with items like overlays in key areas. A great many of today’s best tactical pants are also outfitted with membranes.

Armor & Padding: Because these pants are engineered from the ground up for combat duties, quite a few models are equipped with integrated armor or padding to protect its wearer from impacts. Many of these pads are removable, and several can be upgraded.

Mobility, Fit, & Adjustability: Not unlike protective motorcycle gear, for tactical pants to properly do their job, they need to precisely fit their wearer. As a result, most of today’s best tactical pants will offer ample adjustment points to fine-tune their fit. In terms of mobility, fit is important, though you’ll also want to factor in elements like articulated knees and diamond gusset crotches.

Storage: The uses, missions, and applications that call for tactical pants almost always necessitate a decent amount of gear. Consequently, the manufacturers behind today’s most capable tactical pants tend to outfit pairs with a plethora of standard and cargo-style pockets to accommodate all the equipment typically carried by operators.

Climate & Weather-Resistance: The type of climate in which you plan on wearing these pants should also play a role in your decision-making process here. Warmer, more tropical regions will call for cooler, breathable constructions — which are often supplemented via quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and/or antimicrobial properties — while colder or more precipitous locales will require waterproof materials and possibly insulation, depending on the severity of the cold.

Attachment & Gear Support: Above and beyond being outfitted with a myriad of regular and cargo pockets, many of today’s best tactical pants also feature systems for accomodating weapons and accessories. This includes systems for securely holding ammo magazines, dedicated knife pockets, pockets with built-in stabilizers, and belts and waists for securing sidearm holsters.

Price: Tactical pants can hugely vary in price, though the reality is, in 95% of cases, more money will get you a better, higher-quality pair. We also recommend factoring in your intended use into your decision, as this will help determine how rugged — and high-end — of a pair you’ll need, as private contractors will obviously require a markedly more reliable pair than your casual airsoft player. And, while some pairs of tactical pants may seem wildly expensive, it’s worth mentioning that most operators wearing these are trusting their pants — and the rest of their gear — with their lives, and as such the equipment has been designed accordingly.

Color & Camouflage: Tactical pants almost exclusively come in two general color options: earth tones and camo. Both of these groups come in a wide variety of shades and tones, though some pairs are offered in markedly more options than others. More causal uses will obviously allow for almost any color, as where more specific missions and applications will necessitate a much more specific color to match the wearer’s environment.

Brand: When it comes to producing garments or gear for military personnel and private operators, a brand’s reputation means everything. As such, you can typically trust that a brand known for producing quality products will likely deliver an equally quality pair of tactical pants. It also never hurts to look and see what some of today’s most elite fighting forces are wearing, as these outfits do immense researching and extensive field-testing before inking a contract with a supplier.

Honorable Mentions

Whether it’s plate carriers, backpacks, or tactical pants, GORUCK makes some of the most rugged and well-designed military-inspired gear on the planet — with the GORUCK Indestructible Challenge Pants being far from an exception. Cut from 3.7oz ToughDry fabric, the Indestructible Challenge Pants boast articulated knees, a diamond gusset, and a curved waistband that collectively afford a natural, comfortable fit and a totally unrestricted range of motion. Having been slightly edged out by some of our main picks above, we’ve opted to make these GORUCK pants another honorable mention. 

Made in America and backed by a lifetime warranty, the Stone Glacier M7 Pants are an ultra-hardwearing pair of cold-weather performance pants aimed at tactical and hunting applications. Using welded seams, the M7 pant benefits from proprietary Stone Glacier features such as its Stratum Layered Zipper System and the brand’s Contour Waist System. Because these pants primarily lend themselves to cold-weather use, they were ultimately beaten out by several more versatile pairs, leading to the M7 Pants getting an honorable mention slot. Having said that, if you plan on utilizing your new tactical pants in a colder climate, your best bet is almost certainly the M7 Pant — which can also be paired with SG’s matching M7 Jacket. 

NAVAIR-approved, the Massif Hellman Combat Pant V2 tick just about every box one could hope for when shopping in this space, as they feature kneepads, weapon-specific dual-access cargo pockets, a host of adjustment points, stellar mobility, and ultra-rugged, flame-resistant 6oz woven ripstop fabric construction that’s been heavily reinforced throughout. While there’s no denying the immense quality and performance of these tac pants, they do come at a steep price. Because there are similar pairs on the market sold at a more accessible price point — like the Crye Precision G3 Combat Pant — we’ve opted to make the Hellman Combat Pant V2 an honorable mention.

Cut from a three-layer GORE-TEX nylon ripstop shell with SCHOELLER Keprotec instep reinforcements, the  Arc’Teryx LEAF Alpha Pant Gen 2 are a second-generation spare-no-expense interoperation of a pair of tactical pants that are legitimately designed for the world’s most elite operators and fighting forces. While there’s no denying the fact that these are some of the very best tactical pants on the planet, they’re sadly only available to active military and law enforcement personnel, and as such we were unable to source a sample for testing and review — ultimately relegating these pants to a very honorable mention. 

Tested: The Best Tactical Backpacks to Take a Beating

If you’re reading this guide, there’s a pretty decent likelihood that you’ll also enjoy our explorations of some of the other tactical gear segments — including our guide to and hands-on review of today’s very best tactical backpacks, where we take a deep dive into the word of tactical military-style packs.