View Full Version : Ok, So What Pants Are The Cool Kids Wearing These Days...?
Seems my absolute favorites (Woolrich Elites) are no longer made. Been getting 5.11s because I can get them at cost, but just noticed they are made in Vietnam. I know the war is over, but it's the same government so screw them and their pants.
Don't need Delta operator pants, just something well made, 100% cotton and preferably made in the US. Main features I'm looking for is at least one cargo pocket on each side in addition to the in the pant pocket and a pistol mag / flashlight flap pouch.
Trying not to go back to straight BDU pants and have normal color (non camo) options.
Tru Spec 247s like everyday
Have you seen the Carhartt Force Tappens?
http://www.carhartt.com/products/Carhartt-Force-Tappen-Cargo-Pant-101148
I don't wear cargo pants anymore, if I'm not wearing jeans I like the Wrangler/Riggs Technician Pants. The right side media pocket is perfect for a mag, and the right side leather pocket reinforcement is perfect for the lefty who carries a knife support side.
https://www.wrangler.com/shop/wrangler-riggs-workwear-technician-pant
ETA: seems there is a pants related thread about once a week in the tactical gear forum.
wildcard600
03-09-17, 21:53
I usually wear Wrangler carpenter pants but I don't carry much besides keys, flashlight, wallet, knife and LCR with an extra speed strip. If i'm going somewhere where I may need to operate operationally in an operations environment I will break out the Wrangler ranger pants, but their standard cargos work well too. Hencho en Mexico if that matters.
El Pistolero
03-10-17, 00:15
I don't like 5.11 pants. They are overpriced, poor quality, and inconsistently sized. For that style of pants I much prefer Proppers, they've held up very well for me. I really only wear them for hiking anymore. Ever since getting out of the military I prefer a lower profile look vs. gun shop employee look. I'm a welder by trade now so I have a lot of work clothes. The Wrangler Riggs Rangers and Carhartt ripstop cargo work pants are my favorites. I second the Carhartt Force Tappen cargo pants mentioned above, I just don't wear them myself because they would not last me more than a week for work.
I also have some Carhartt double front firm duck pants that are made in the USA and tough as nails, but they are very thick and heavy and I wouldn't recommend them unless you are welding or working with chainsaws or otherwise require that kind of protection. They also make canvas pants which are significantly thinner than their cotton duck pants and feel like pajamas when broken-in. But these last two pants I mention do not have cargo pockets, but you can fit pistol magazines or flashlights in the side pockets no problem.
I have yet to try any of the Duluth Trading fire hose pants but I've heard nothing but great things about them.
I don't think I qualify as one of the cool kids, but I recently discovered these, and they are fantastic!
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/product/mens-fire-hose-work-pants-92204.aspx
They meet all of your criterion and they are "tougher than an angry beaver!" I never would have given them a second thought, but a friend has some and raved about them. Very comfortable, but still offer excellent protection when trudging through heavy brush. I wear them out hunting. Best pants I've ever owned. I also like their "Buck naked" and "Armachillo" underwear, if you are into that sort of thing.
hotrodder636
03-10-17, 00:18
Second on the Duluth.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/workwear/fire-hose/71703.aspx?processor=content
I'm going to have to look at those Carhartts. The Duluth just look too hot for my AO, 9 months a year... Too bad I ordered a ton of 511s right before I quit being a LEO. If my waistline stays under control, I probably have enough to last 7-10 years before they wear out.
not sure what pants kuhl has or if you like tech type fabrics much ?
great clothes though dry out in a instant breath well and so on for warm or humid climates I would only want to be wearing more modern tech fabric these days and the good ones do not look strange either :)
I wear there shorts all the time and they last incredibly well and the fabric is awesome
I might wear pants maybe if its below freezing camping a couple days a year maybe :)
the whole idea of wearing long pants just bugs the heck out of me wearing them !
used to only wear board shorts in the islands but cant get good ones here :)
I'm going to have to look at those Carhartts. The Duluth just look too hot for my AO, 9 months a year... Too bad I ordered a ton of 511s right before I quit being a LEO. If my waistline stays under control, I probably have enough to last 7-10 years before they wear out.
Yeah, I used to have really good luck with 5.11 stuff when it first came out and honestly it's still ok as far as my needs. I've noticed the quality has slipped lately, but that might just be perception. But that combined with helping support a government that tortured our kids I have no more need to buy their product. Haven't bought Blackhawk in decades for the same reason and I used to swear by their stuff.
hotrodder636
03-10-17, 01:55
Those Duluth pants I linked are a "stretchy" fabric, so you can Ben at the knees, squat, etc and there is some give. They are not as warm as you might think. Plus you should look into their pants for life dealio.
I also have some Mountain Haredwear pants I like a lot, they don't have any extra or cargo pockets--same setup as my Levi's.
contax_shooter
03-10-17, 04:54
I gave in and bought the LA Police Gear Atlas STS for classes. My big complaint so far is that the stretch area for your butt will get wet/stay wet easily if you do anything requiring a seated position in any sort of mud, dew, snow, etc. The other is the zippers aren't the best quality and would prefer a button fly. Fits slimmer so size up if baggier BDU fit is preferred.
These are the only cargo pants I own, I had to stop wearing my issued OCP bottoms because of the increased wear during classes.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/lapg-pt-atlas-pant.html
Vertx has a few options. I like how the cargo pocket is built in, instead of sewn on, if that makes sense.
I like Vertx and Kuhl. Have both and wear my Kuhl's most of the time. They also make a nice pair of shorts.
If i'm going somewhere where I may need to operate operationally in an operations environment I will break out the Wrangler ranger pants, but their standard cargos work well too.
I find it's just easier to slip on my chest rig when I run to the Kwik Shop for a Diet-Pepsi.
Inkslinger
03-10-17, 08:15
These,
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170310/d8cb27d9847da20efeb29aef60edf5f8.jpg
Paired with this,
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170310/c61d0f862230b4199e9ae90421b853d8.jpg
Those Duluth pants I linked are a "stretchy" fabric, so you can Ben at the knees, squat, etc and there is some give. They are not as warm as you might think. Plus you should look into their pants for life dealio.
Like Honu, I also HATE wearing pants and avoid them whenever possible, but I agree with hotrodder636 here that the Duluth pants are no hotter than than any other pants and that flexibility makes them as comfortable as they can be. All pants suck, but the Duluth pants suck less. I've also got some Carharts and a few other brands, and those are what I'm comparing the Duluth Firehose pants to.
Inkslinger, Red was never my color. I was a lll over the the black parachute pants and the members only jackets.
contax_shooter
03-10-17, 09:32
These,
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170310/d8cb27d9847da20efeb29aef60edf5f8.jpg
Paired with this,
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170310/c61d0f862230b4199e9ae90421b853d8.jpg
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/custom/Natalie/Delirious_TV_1.jpg
I'm not kool so I wear whatever is on sale at Kohl's, Costco or Walmart.
Inkslinger
03-10-17, 11:59
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/custom/Natalie/Delirious_TV_1.jpg
Add a plate carrier and he could operate in any occasion.
In all seriousness, I just stick to carhartt. I tried vertx, but found they fit much like LBJ's pants.
https://youtu.be/S3GT9UN7nDo
These,
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170310/d8cb27d9847da20efeb29aef60edf5f8.jpg
Paired with this,
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170310/c61d0f862230b4199e9ae90421b853d8.jpg
What is that? Deadpool Casual? So they can't see you bleed?
I wearing friggin Wrangler jean's so I not the cool kids, just the guy with jeans. And a gun, and knive, and light, and a bunch of other crap in my pockets. Cargos might help but I can't find ones I really like.
In all seriousness, I just stick to carhartt. I tried vertx, but found they fit much like LBJ's pants.
https://youtu.be/S3GT9UN7nDo
The was pure dee Presidential.
Z Cavaricci. :)
If only...
BuzzinSATX
03-10-17, 19:37
Tru Spec 247s like everyday
Ditto. Catch them on sale at lapolicegear.com I wear the style without the cargo pockets. Colors are limited, but comfortable and come out of the dryer looking good to go if you take them out hot...
SeriousStudent
03-10-17, 20:12
Have you seen the Carhartt Force Tappens?
http://www.carhartt.com/products/Carhartt-Force-Tappen-Cargo-Pant-101148
I don't wear cargo pants anymore, if I'm not wearing jeans I like the Wrangler/Riggs Technician Pants. The right side media pocket is perfect for a mag, and the right side leather pocket reinforcement is perfect for the lefty who carries a knife support side.
https://www.wrangler.com/shop/wrangler-riggs-workwear-technician-pant
ETA: seems there is a pants related thread about once a week in the tactical gear forum.
The Carhartt's are half price at Sierra Trading Post.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/carhartt-force-tappan-cargo-pants-relaxed-fit-factory-seconds-for-men~p~8337w/?filterString=mens-pants-and-jeans~d~143%2Fcarhartt~b~3120%2F
Filson !
Holy crap, my budget doesn't allow for them.
Local store is now a catalog store for them, about dyed when I saw prices.
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Serious Student:
They are factory seconds, but my experience is they are like BCM blems - you cant tell.
You just cost me 60.00 bucks!
FromMyColdDeadHand
03-10-17, 22:33
Tru Spec 247s like everyday
Got some of their stuff in on the advice of others here and I've been impressed. What I like about 5.11s is those huge back pockets so can put a phone and lots of crap with out worry about crushing it when I sit down.
Duluth I find to be over priced. Nice stuff- and there underwear is expensive and worth it. Performance crew T-shirts have a light waffle to them and are awesome. There colachillo works as advertised.
Moose-Knuckle
03-11-17, 02:07
The Duluth just look too hot for my AO, 9 months a year...
Duluth makes their signature work pants in different weights. They also make nylon pants with UPF protection and ventilation for hot weather.
CoolDry Fire Hose Summer Work Pants.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-pants/work-pants-for-men/95115.aspx?processor=content
Dry on the Fly Nylon Work Pants.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-pants/work-pants-for-men/59311.aspx?processor=content
Moose-Knuckle
03-11-17, 02:11
Besides Duluthm which I have been wearing for years I like RailRiders VersTac Pants.
They offer different weights for whatever your climate.
https://www.railriders.com/men-outdoor-clothing-pants-c-104_110.html
Eurodriver
03-11-17, 08:14
You could ask this guy where he gets his pants. Maybe they will throw in the 550cord bracelet for free. He got a buffalo tender chicken sandwich at Publix on US 1. Anyone who gets the BTCS Pub Sub knows their stuff.
Had a little bit of a printing issue though, but that just lets everyone know he's a SHEEPDOG. Only thing I'm left wondering is his M4C Username.
4437244371
Outlander Systems
03-11-17, 08:25
Publix Falcons Chicken Tender Sub > BCTS.
Digital_Damage
03-11-17, 08:28
levi's 541 (Athletic cut).
You could ask this guy where he gets his pants. Maybe they will throw in the 550cord bracelet for free. He got a buffalo tender chicken sandwich at Publix on US 1. Anyone who gets the BTCS Pub Sub knows their stuff.
Had a little bit of a printing issue though, but that just lets everyone know he's a SHEEPDOG. Only thing I'm left wondering is his M4C Username.
4437244371
Swear to god one night in publix I was behind a seriously hot chick that was printing a 1911 at 6 o clock through her t shirt.
HighDesert
03-11-17, 19:47
Tru Spec 247s like everyday
Yes!!! I have been rotating 4 pairs of the shorts, wearing them literally every day (I work from home) for the past 2 years.
They are far and away the best I have ever owned. I love them so much that I have about 6 pairs with the tags still on them as backups.
SeriousStudent
03-11-17, 23:37
You could ask this guy where he gets his pants. Maybe they will throw in the 550cord bracelet for free. He got a buffalo tender chicken sandwich at Publix on US 1. Anyone who gets the BTCS Pub Sub knows their stuff.
Had a little bit of a printing issue though, but that just lets everyone know he's a SHEEPDOG. Only thing I'm left wondering is his M4C Username.
4437244371
He goes by Paul when operating overseas, but his username was Stengun.
levi's 541 (Athletic cut).\
Levi's are a seriously anti-2A company and they donate loads of money to 2A enemies.
I stopped buying anything from them years ago.
FlyingHunter
03-12-17, 11:34
Just wish I could find a pair of pants that had a knife pocket just a little below the main pocket so that when you squat or sit the kydex holster material doesn't hit the knife with a resounding click sound.
Inkslinger
03-12-17, 11:48
Just wish I could find a pair of pants that had a knife pocket just a little below the main pocket so that when you squat or sit the kydex holster material doesn't hit the knife with a resounding click sound.
I hate that. My magazine holder on the other side will sometimes click the tail cap of my flashlight.
Got some of their stuff in on the advice of others here and I've been impressed. What I like about 5.11s is those huge back pockets so can put a phone and lots of crap with out worry about crushing it when I sit down.
Duluth I find to be over priced. Nice stuff- and there underwear is expensive and worth it. Performance crew T-shirts have a light waffle to them and are awesome. There colachillo works as advertised.
Keep wanting to try Duluth but get hung up on the price. Is the stuff really worth what you shell out for it? When it comes to clothes I'm a bang for the buck value kinda guy. I'll pay for stuff if it's worth it....
Nate
NAAH Tool Works
Naahtoolworks.com
Naahtoolworks@gmail.com
Outlander Systems
03-12-17, 12:07
http://milspecmonkey.com/clothing/tru-spec-24-7-pants-002.jpg
Tru-Spec 24/7 homie.
Just wish I could find a pair of pants that had a knife pocket just a little below the main pocket so that when you squat or sit the kydex holster material doesn't hit the knife with a resounding click sound.
Or Adidas sweats. I have not bought jeans since high school.
I do, however, go all out for my church clothes
https://images.halloweencostumes.com/products/1475/1-1/purple-pimp-costume.jpg
Digital_Damage
03-12-17, 13:48
\
Levi's are a seriously anti-2A company and they donate loads of money to 2A enemies.
I stopped buying anything from them years ago.
Meh,
Don't care, they fit right. The only ones that do for people with some serious legs and smaller waist.
I like pants that fit look alright and are comfortable,
I'm not rolling around in a pill box so the 5.11/tru spec/Blackhawk is general public is just silly.
SeriousStudent
03-12-17, 15:40
Or Adidas sweats. I have not bought jeans since high school.
I do, however, go all out for my church clothes
https://images.halloweencostumes.com/products/1475/1-1/purple-pimp-costume.jpg
No communion cup?
44405
El Pistolero
03-12-17, 20:31
http://milspecmonkey.com/clothing/tru-spec-24-7-pants-002.jpg
Tru-Spec 24/7 homie.
Yeah that's not low-profile at all LOL.
Yeah that's not low-profile at all LOL.
Hey, he's not wearing a rigger belt, blends right in.
Or Adidas sweats. I have not bought jeans since high school.
I do, however, go all out for my church clothes.
Do you wax yourself Saturday evening or Sunday morning?
cougar_guy04
03-13-17, 09:45
Just curious if there are any cargo pants that are out there that won't make me look like a tactically shat myself? I've been dropping a bunch of weight so I just sent a bunch of pants to Goodwill and they were bit on the baggy side to begin with. Vertx, Carhartt, and Propper STL pants have been under consideration. I'd look at Duluth, but $$$$ (though, if the fit would be right I'll pony up for a couple pair). Looking like I'll be in South FL too so something fairly lightweight but durable would be nice.
\
Levi's are a seriously anti-2A company and they donate loads of money to 2A enemies.
I stopped buying anything from them years ago.
Was kind of my thought. I've got a couple pair that I inherited from my brother when he went up a size in jeans. Like how they fit, but I didn't want to put anymore money in their pockets to buy my own.
Yeah that's not low-profile at all LOL.
Non army man colors help. If you go khaki and a red polo most people assume you are a Target store employee.
BuzzinSATX
03-13-17, 13:29
Just curious if there are any cargo pants that are out there that won't make me look like a tactically shat myself? I've been dropping a bunch of weight so I just sent a bunch of pants to Goodwill and they were bit on the baggy side to begin with. Vertx, Carhartt, and Propper STL pants have been under consideration. I'd look at Duluth, but $$$$ (though, if the fit would be right I'll pony up for a couple pair). Looking like I'll be in South FL too so something fairly lightweight but durable would be nice.
Was kind of my thought. I've got a couple pair that I inherited from my brother when he went up a size in jeans. Like how they fit, but I didn't want to put anymore money in their pockets to buy my own.
I've been wearing these in tan and navy blue and they are all I buy for work;
http://www.lapolicegear.com/truspec-classicpant-247.html
If you wait, LAPolicegear.cm will have sales on TruSpec and you can buy them around $25, usually with free shipping. Sizes run pretty true from my experience.
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cougar_guy04
03-13-17, 16:14
Those look pretty good. I work in an office/manufacturing environment so the attire is pretty much polo shirt and cargo pants/slacks of some sort. I may snag a couple pairs and a couple pairs of the Propper STL to try out.
HardToHandle
03-13-17, 18:29
I loved the Woolrich Elites too. Presently trying out the LAPG Apex pants"... They do run small.
When I need a quasi dressy pant, I have been loving me some LL Bean Dino's.
Moose-Knuckle
03-14-17, 02:30
Keep wanting to try Duluth but get hung up on the price. Is the stuff really worth what you shell out for it? ]
Sign up for their email newsletter. I never pay retail. A couple times a year they run their Fire Hose Work Pants 25%-30% plus free shipping. I stock up when I get a sale code.
Duluth has a great return policy, if they don't work out just simply return them.
Duluth Trading, I have had great luck with their gear. If you need a lighter pant they have some that are not like the fire hose canvas pants that are much thinner and I wear those quite a bit and can be had with cargo pockets.
Try looking at outdoor companies. REI, Columbia, North Face, etc.
Pricey but not the tactical "vibe" of 5.11 or LAPG.
I have some Vertx and like them, but they also look tactical if you're the astute type.
Tru Spec 247s like everyday
So got my 247s today. Comfy fit, pocket options seem good to go and I can even do hook kicks wearing them.
Got a bunch in black and khaki for $18 a pair, will be ordering a few more.
Thanks for the recommendation.
BuzzinSATX
03-15-17, 15:59
So got my 247s today. Comfy fit, pocket options seem good to go and I can even do hook kicks wearing them.
Got a bunch in black and khaki for $18 a pair, will be ordering a few more.
Thanks for the recommendation.
Where did you get them for $18? That's a great deal!
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Moose-Knuckle
03-15-17, 16:31
So got my 247s today. Comfy fit, pocket options seem good to go and I can even do hook kicks wearing them.
They are about the only shorts I wear, I pass on the pants.
I like the internal mag/light pocket in the cargo pocket, haven't used a kydex carrier for my spare ccw mag ever since.
Where did you get them for $18? That's a great deal!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm a MIL/LE supplier, I get stuff at cost.
BuzzinSATX
03-15-17, 17:46
I'm a MIL/LE supplier, I get stuff at cost.
Good deal. I hope they work for you...I've been very happy with mine. Take them right out of the dryer and they are pretty much wrinkle free
The Carhartt's are half price at Sierra Trading Post.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/carhartt-force-tappan-cargo-pants-relaxed-fit-factory-seconds-for-men~p~8337w/?filterString=mens-pants-and-jeans~d~143%2Fcarhartt~b~3120%2F
Bought some relaxed fit Carhartt's from Sierra to try out. Quick fulfillment and shipping, ordered on 3/10/17 @ about 2200, received 3/15/17 @ 1330.
Carhartt's usually fit me a little snug through the crotch for comfort, thought maybe the relaxed fit might work better. I ordered non-carpenter pants jeans (no pockets) and washed duck work dungarees (a plier and a ruler pocket on the right seam and a pocket on the left seam. No hammer loop).
The relaxed fit jeans had a big enough opening on the bottom of each leg that I felt very comfortable wearing my G43 in a Wilderness ankle rig, something other jeans I wont won't allow.
The outer pocket on the right side of the relaxed fit work dungarees is big enough for a 30 round USGI mag, something I like for practicing reloads on the range. Alas for you right handers, the left pocket isn't big enough.
Overall very happy with these.
Thanks for turning me on to them Serious Student!
SeriousStudent
03-15-17, 20:52
You are most welcome. I got three pairs of long pants, and two pairs of shorts, all Carhartt, for a hundred bucks shipped.
If you sign up for their sales emails, you will get codes that make for excellent deals.
I try real hard not to look like anything in particular. I got a new pair of Flat Head denim last year that stands out in no way at all.
I try real hard not to look like anything in particular. I got a new pair of Flat Head denim last year that stands out in no way at all.
If somebody is really looking at my pants, it better be a female.
My girlfriend's best friend once told me she loved those jeans. It was very awkward.
SilverBullet432
03-16-17, 21:12
Ariat M4 FR ....
My girlfriend's best friend once told me she loved those jeans. It was very awkward.
If your GFBF was a female, awkward was the wrong response.
Btw, you are officially old and boring if you wake up and one of your first thoughts is "I get to try out those new pants today" like it's some kind of new toy.
I can now completely relate to my grandfather when he'd get jazzed up (his words) over something like new boots, work gloves or some other thing I considered completely mundane when I was a kid.
Scary that I can remember thinking "he just doesn't get it" and now understanding that at the time he felt exactly the same way about me.
Coal Dragger
03-17-17, 02:25
Yep. I asked for a bunch of SmartWool boot socks for Christmas one year. Was very pleased when I was rewarded with 7 pairs of them. I have officially given up I guess.
Btw, you are officially old and boring if you wake up and one of your first thoughts is "I get to try out those new pants today" like it's some kind of new toy.
Hey! I resemble that remark!!!
Well past the halfway point of the journey here. Have to make the rest of the ride count... Yeah... Pants are cool.
If your GFBF was a female, awkward was the wrong response.
Hell yeah. I'm still wondering about that chick with the 1911 from a few pages ago.
Back to the OP, I want to try Duluth based on their reviews but I'm just not a fan of their styling. I don't think I'm old enough for that yet haha. My favorites have been Vertx for a few years and I am considering their Phantom LT 2.0s but I have a serious thing for dead bird. I want to love their xFunctional Pant but they're a size too small so it's hard to make a decent judgment on them. I'm also not sure that they're the lightest which is kind of necessary out here. I can't do the Tru-Spec look and normally would say the same about 5.11 but nine_banger posted on IG that their Apex pant has replaced his Cryes. Half of me wants to condemn him to hell, the other half wants to buy two pairs.
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MichaelVain
03-28-17, 11:15
I like the 5.11's as they are not as baggy as the normal Vertx pants which I also very much like. The Delta stretch from Vertx is not baggy, and is a less tactical looking pant.
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