FROM FABRIC TO FUNCTION – WHY TACTICAL PANTS ARE NOT ALL ALIKE

Whether visible or covert, the right tactical pants are so much more than a place to put your keys and wallet. The features you choose can be highly personal and accommodate your need to stash sensitive items and make everyday carry items like knives and magazines readily accessible. There are other factors to consider as well, like comfort, care and durability.

Some manufacturers even offer unhemmed pants, so that their length can be custom-set by the wearer. Custom fitting may also be an option worth considering.

To select the right tactical pants, you need a trusted source like OfficerStore.com or TheFireStore.com that offers well-known brands such as First Tactical, 5.11 Tactical, Elbeco, Propper, Tru-Spec, and Vertx. Many brands provide tactical pants that are designed for both men and women.

Here are a few top features to consider when choosing a pair – or three – of tactical pants.

POCKETS, POCKETS, POCKETS

The big advantage of wearing tactical pants is that they have enough pockets to carry your gear. How many pockets you need is up to you. Ever wonder what that narrow pocket was for? Here’s a quick guide.

Cargo pockets can be utilized for bulky items.

Knife pockets can be long and narrow, often with a reinforced bottom to protect against cutting and excessive wear.

Magazine pockets provides easy access to additional ammunition.

Media pockets hold smartphones.

Slash pockets keep wallets secure and accessible.

Hidden pockets can store sensitive items like handcuff or cabinet keys.

For those in the 10 percent of people who are left-handed or ambidextrous, symmetrical pockets are for you.

MATERIAL MATTERS

The material your tactical pants are made of affects their ability to resist rips (aka ‘”ripstop”), to stretch and to breathe. Here’s what you need to know about the most common types of fabric used in tactical pants.

Cotton: It is comfortable, breathable, and lightweight option, but vulnerable to rips, stains, fading and shrinking.

Nylon/cotton mix: A 50/50 nylon/cotton offers similar advantages to 100% cotton, while being more resistant to rips, staining, fading and shrinking. It can also be NIR-compliant, which means it is hard for others to see in near-infrared light. This is particularly important for stealth applications.

Poly/Cotton mix: This is typically a 65% polyester/35% cotton mix, which has the benefits of nylon/cotton but is lighter.

Poly Cotton Twill: The same as poly/cotton, but a heavier weave for more durability.

Teflon coated: A Teflon coating resists stains, soil and moisture while still being breathable and easy to clean.

Polyester/spandex mix: This blend combines stretch, durability and comfort.

FR (fire resistance) compliance: FR compliance means your pants have a degree of protection against fire hazards.

KNEE PADS

Some tactical pants have knee-pad pockets for padded inserts. Knee pads are often essential for first responder work in difficult situations – like searching on hands and knees for a discarded piece of evidence or kneeling to help an accident victim. Being able to remove pads provides you with choice and the ability to replace old pads when they wear out.

BELT LOOPS: A PERSONAL CHOICE

The number of belt loops on the pants you choose will determine whether your pants can accommodate an inner duty belt, outer duty belt, and a keeper system.

While you are at it, keep an eye out for blousing strings/straps. These can help keep your pants cuffs looking neat above your boots

GUSSETING IS WORTH THE FUSS

According to Merriam-Webster, a gusset is “a usually diamond-shaped or triangular insert in a seam (as of a sleeve, pocketbook, or shoe upper) to provide expansion or reinforcement.” When incorporated into tactical pants, gusseting can provide wearers with improved mobility and better freedom of movement. They can also enhance garment durability.

WAISTBANDS HAVE MANY OPTIONS

Whether your tactical pants’ waistband closes with a button, snap, hook-and-loop, zipper or a combination of them all, it should be flexible yet strong. A well-fitting waistband keeps your pants in place and doesn’t slide down when loaded up with equipment. Some brands offer an elastic waistband which aids in comfort.

STITCHING NEEDS TO BE DURABLE

There are all kinds of stitching options for tactical pants, all of which are designed to be strong. They include Double Stitching: (two parallel lines close to each other), Triple Stitching (three lines) and Bar-Tack Stitching (a series of closely spaced stitches in a bar-like pattern). Reinforced stitching may be added in high stress areas for extra strength.

CHECK THE WASHING REQUIREMENTS

The different fabric types used in tactical pants can have very different washing requirements. You need to check these out before buying, to ensure that you are willing and able to meet them in order to maximize product durability, cleanliness, and proper appearance. In the case of blood and other difficult stains, you may need to follow specific procedures to remove them effectively.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The right tactical pants can make first responder’s work safer, easier to execute, and more comfortable. It is important to find the right ones before you buy. It will pay off on the job afterwards.