What Are Tactical Pants?

Tactical pants are one of those things that you know when you see them. They're like cargo pants but more streamlined and purposeful. They're also a little like military utilities, but they're usually styled for the civilian world. In the end, they offer more than just extra pocket space.

Tactical pants are built to be functional during strenuous activity. They contain technical features like angled pockets that allow quick and easy access to gear and reinforced stitching for durability. Although the pants are often associated with duty-oriented professions, they're just as useful for outdoor activities, as well. (You can read more about that in our Tactical Pants by Application Guide.)

Although there are numerous brands like 5.11 Tactical, Condor, Propper, and more that make tactical pants, they all use common styles, features, and construction materials. Therefore, this article will explain what you get when you buy tactical pants and provide guidance so that you can find the right pair for you.

What Tactical Pants Are Best for You?

Before buying a pair of tactical pants, you should ask yourself a few questions. The answers will help you think about the types of features that will benefit you during whatever activity you need them for.

• Why do you need the pants? - If you need the pants for work, there may be some uniform requirements like color or high-visiblity to consider.
• How will you use the pants? - Mountain climbers, for example, need to contort their bodies, so their pants need to stretch and flex.
• What do you need to carry? - Unlike police officers who wear duty belts, EMTs carry essential medical supplies like sheers and thermometers in their pockets.
• When and where will you wear the pants? - Like other articles of clothing, tactical pants have different weights and materials intended for different weather conditions.

Once you have your answers, it's easier to read through product descriptions to figure out which pair of tactical pants to buy.

Styles of Tactical Pants

How tactical pants are categorized varies depending on where you're shopping or the brand you're looking at, but they can all be reduced to three main styles: duty, covert, and EMT. The styles are defined by a mix of function and looks.

For instance, duty and EMT tactical pants scream tactical with their bulging cargo pockets and multiple flaps, whereas covert tactical pants might just look like a pair of khakis or jeans. So if you're shopping for tactical pants, it's easier to look at styles because the style will inherently contain features for a specific purpose.

Duty Tactical Pants

Duty tactical pants often look more like Battle Dress Uniforms than normal pants. Duty pants are designed for utility, so you can run, crawl, and carry stuff. With their deep cargo pockets, extra layering in the knees, and baggy design, they're perfect for running and gunning.

Covert Tactical Pants

Covert tactical pants look a lot like regular pants. That's the point. They're supposed to help you blend in with the crowd. The cargo pockets don't stick out as far, all the extra pockets usually close with zippers, and they also have trendier cuts.

EMT Tactical Pants

While duty and covert tactical pants mostly have general use pockets, EMT pants have slots for specific medical tools. However, the same pockets usually benefit other technical professionals like evidence technicians or archaeologists. Therefore, EMT pants get their own specific style group.

Other Types of Tactical Pants

Like I said before, the categories for tactical pants will vary depending on where you're shopping or the brand you're buying. Fortunately, most manufacturers will use specific designators for their tactical pants. For example, they'll have "hiking" in the name if they're designed for hiking, or "climbing" in the name if they're made for climbing.

Tactical Pants Pockets

You could make any style of tactical pants work for your needs. At the end of the day, how you organize your gear in your pockets is a matter of personal preference, but it is worth knowing the purpose of the features before buying the pants.

Storage is the main reason to wear tactical pants. Most tactical pants have seven or eight pockets. These include two in the front, two in the rear, two cargo, and then an extra pocket or two for a cell phone and knife.

However, manufacturers have gotten savvier over the years. More often than not, a single cargo pocket will have a divider to create a hidden seam pocket. Inside the cargo pocket, you may find elastic bands designed to serve as storage compartments.

Pockets on most tactical pants are also cut for easy access. They're usually wide, angled, and deep so you can thrust your hand inside and retrieve what you need from it quickly.

Besides highly developed standard pockets, it's common to find a variety of specialized pockets as well. These pockets can be specifically designed to fit a:

• Pen
• Knife
• Flashlight
• AR Magazine
• Handcuff Key
• Elastic Cuff
• Shears
• Handgun
• Multi Tool

Materials and Construction of Tactical Pants

While you can find tactical pants made out of a variety of materials, the overwhelming majority are a polyester and cotton blend. The fabric captures the best of both worlds. The polyester makes it durable and easy to maintain while the cotton makes it breathable.

Manufacturers most often use ripstop and twill patterns to weave the pants together. A ripstop pattern is resistant to tearing and ripping, which is why the technique is used to make tactical pants, as well sails, parachutes, tents, and other important items. And, there are a variety of twill patterns like plain twill, denim, and chino.

Additionally, more and more clothing manufacturers use stretchy fabric to make their tactical pants (and regular pants). The stretch is added sometimes by blending elastic or spandex into the fabric while other times it's done using a mechanical stretch finishing.

In addition to using durable fabric, some manufacturers apply a Teflon finish to make the pants water and stain-resistant, and many reputable brands use high-quality fastening materials like brand-name zippers and buttons.

Mobility

Like mentioned earlier, tactical pants are built for more than just carrying stuff. Clothing makers design them for action and mobility, so you'll find tactical pants equipped with a number of specialized features.

• Gusset Crotch - A gusset crotch is a little diamond shape sewn into the pants between the legs. It allows you to move with full mobility without tearing a hole in the crotch.
• Expanding/Sliding Waistband - Tactical pants usually have elastic in the waistband, so the pants fit comfortably around your waist, especially as you move.
• Reinforced Areas - Most tactical pants will have extra stitching or layering for increased durability in high-stress areas like belt loops, knees, hand pockets, and the seat.
• Blousing Straps - Blousing straps will keep your pant legs in place over the laces of your boot. You'll find an actual strap or hooking device near the bottom of the pant leg.

Why Buy Tactical Pants?

Although tactical pants are usually designed for duty-related activities, they can be a valuable piece of gear for outdoor activities as well. In fact, the concept was originated by mountain climbers. If you don't know anything about mountain climbers, they carry a lot of gear. If you're in the market for new pants, browse the selection on OpticsPlanet and but the best tactical pants for you today!