How to Choose the Best Tactical Pants
People in the military, police, fire, and lifesaver jobs understand the value of having good tactical pants. The strong fabric, extra knee support, and many pockets have likely been useful in tough situations multiple times. With that in mind, tactical pants are useful for professionals and adventure-seekers alike.
Here we will discuss the different types of tactical pants, including their best features and their construction. We will also look at how tactical pants should fit. Put it all together, and this will help you decide how to choose the best tactical pants.
Jump to:
- Types of Tactical Pants
- Tactical Pants Features
- Tactical Pants Materials
- Tactical Pants Fit
- Choosing Tactical Pants Brands
- Women's Tactical Pants
- Customer Favorite Tactical Pants
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Types of Tactical Pants
Each category of tactical pants varies slightly depending on the specific job that requires the pants.
Overt
Overt tactical pants are designed to replicate the utilitarian style worn by many armies around the globe. Many have combat features such as deep cargo pockets, reinforced knees, and drawstring ankle closures. They are intentionally bold to appear militaristic and military personnel have used these pants for decades. Military-like colors such as camouflage prints, olive green, black, brown, or FDE (Flat Dark Earth) are common for this style tactical cargo pant.
Covert
On the other hand, covert tactical pants blend with everyday clothes. These can be especially useful for undercover detectives, bodyguards, or other low-profile professionals. Covert tactical pants typically have many of the same features as overt tactical pants, but the features are well concealed. Covert tactical pants have oversized pockets, stretchy fabric for more movement, and strong knees for durability.
Tactical Jeans
Tactical jeans take the casual look one step further. Tactical jeans keep you ready and stylish, whether you're at the shooting range or going to the mall.
Tactical jeans sometimes have fewer features than tactical pants. However, they still offer strong construction, deep pockets, and an elastic waistband. These features are specifically designed for concealed carry. One new feature of many tactical jeans is a designated “hidden pocket” for a spare magazine.
EMS/EMT Pants
EMS and EMTs should carry more things with them as they don't know what kind of emergency they will encounter. EMS/EMT tactical pants fill that need well, with many of the same features as overt tactical pants with some specific additions. One addition that sets EMT tactical pants apart is the surgical scissors pocket. Scissors are one item every EMT needs, so the EMT pants have a special pocket designed just for them.
Tactical Pants Features
One of the things that sets tactical pants apart from normal slacks is the abundance of features they offer. Tactical pants offer everything from additional pockets to reinforcement in the knees, and many other features in-between.
Pockets
Knife Pockets If you’re a first responder, you know how important a good knife is for your job. A handy place to store your knife can be just as important. Most pocket knives have a retainer clip, but clipping it to your pocket can be inconvenient. It can keep you from being able to access your pocket for other items, scratch up the face of your watch or phone, or just get in the way.
A dedicated knife pocket built into tactical pants can solve that problem. They are positioned in a spot that is easily accessible. They usually have a strong seam to prevent them from wearing out due to frequent use.
Cargo Pockets Cargo pockets are usually only found on overt tactical pants because they give the garment a military feel. Cargo pockets are usually found on the side of the leg and are usually deep to provide ample storage. Cargo pockets are great for carrying extra magazines, canteens, or just about anything else you need to have on you but don’t want to carry in your hands.
Hidden Pockets While cargo pockets are mainly found in overt tactical pants, hidden pockets are one main feature of covert tactical pants. A hidden pocket can be perfect for carrying a spare magazine without looking excessively bulky. You can find hidden pockets almost anywhere on the pants, including the waist, hips, or legs. One common feature is to provide a hidden pocket behind a visible pocket.
Magazine Pockets When you carry a concealed firearm, you know that you always need to carry spare magazines. Keeping them in a hip pocket can be done in an emergency, but it’s not ideal.
Many tactical pants come with dedicated magazine pockets. These are pockets designed to be the right depth and width to hold a pistol or magazine. The magazine pockets are usually covert, to allow you to carry the magazine concealed as well as your firearm.
Handcuff Key Pockets Tactical pants designed for covert law enforcement often have a handcuff key pocket designed into them. This small pocket is usually hidden in the waistband of the pants in the small of the wearer's back. This is the spot where handcuffs are usually carried. This small but important covert pocket can be a lifesaver for an undercover officer.
Media Pockets With the abundance of portable media today, media pockets are more important than ever. A dedicated pocket for your cell phone, GPS device, or other important device can make reaching for your device more routine and free your other pockets for other important gear.
Slash Pockets Slash pockets are revolutionary. They allow for quick and easy access to items in your back pockets. You can recognize them by the diagonal pocket opening on the back of the pants.
Knee Pad Pockets For some extra padding in the knees, some tactical pants offer pockets in the knees to allow for padded inserts. This is best for law enforcement and SWAT-type users who are kneeling often.
Pocket Closures
Pocket closure technology has come a long way. Several different closure types are used on the pockets of tactical pants. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Buttons Button closures have long been the standard on tactical pants. However, they can be difficult to manipulate, especially in cold temperatures or with gloves on.
Hook-and-loop Hook and loop closures are more convenient than buttons because they can be accessed more easily. An issue with hook and loop closures is that they lose their stickiness fast, so your pockets stay open.
Zippers Zippers have become the preferred closure type on tactical pants in recent years. They are easy to manipulate even in cold weather and don’t wear out the way hook and loop closures can. Additionally, you have zero risk of small items falling out of pockets sealed with zippers.
Concealed Carry (CCW)
One of the most common uses of tactical pants is for the concealed carry of firearms. When you carry concealed, you want to make yourself look as inconspicuous as possible. That means wearing pants that blend in with people around you, not stand out. Covert tactical pants have magazine pockets and elastic waistbands that help you blend in when carrying concealed.
Reinforcements
One important consideration when choosing a pair of tactical pants is the reinforcements it provides.
Knees Extra material in the knees allows tactical officers to kneel without hurting their knees. Crawling, laying, and kneeling won’t wear out your knees as fast if they are reinforced.
Seat A little extra padding in the seat of your pants is always a good thing. It can help when you fall down, and help to make your pants last longer.
Belt Loops One often-overlooked area of reinforcement is the belt loops. Many tactical officers wear large amounts of gear on their belts, including a full-size pistol and spare magazines. This can weigh down your belt. Having strong belt loops on your tactical pants will ensure they last and won’t fail you when you need them most.
Reinforced Stitching Key stress points on tactical pants typically feature reinforced stitching. This includes strong bar tacks, along with double and even triple stitching.
Mobility
Mobility is how your body can move around in your tactical pants. Tactical professionals know that your clothing needs to allow for amazing ease of movement.
Gusseted Crotch Extra room in the crotch means that your tactical pants won’t bind up when you squat or bend. Comfort is important.
Articulated Knees allow for increased freedom of movement during bending and squatting. This prevents your pants from restricting you and slowing you down.
Adjustable Waistband Tactical professionals often need to carry a gun, and sometimes that means concealed. An expanding or adjustable waistband allows you to keep a gun and holster inside your waistband without squeezing your waist.
Tactical Pants Materials
If you’re hard on your pants, a good material is important for longevity and to withstand daily wear and tear. Technology has produced materials for tactical pants that make them last longer than ever before. Here are some of the most common materials for tactical pants.
Ripstop Weave One of the most durable fabrics is Ripstop. The checkerboard pattern is great at preventing rips and tears.
Stretch Technology advancements allow the fabric to stretch and return to its original shape. This is especially useful for professionals who are on the go constantly. Stretch tactical pants have gained a lot more popularity in recent years.
100% Cotton Cotton fabric has the advantage of being breathable. Cotton allows your skin to breathe and air to get inside your fabric, which lets your sweat evaporate. On the other hand, cotton is heavier and prone to shrinking.
Polyester/Cotton Blend Poly/cotton blends won’t be as breathable as 100% cotton but makes up for it with durability. This fabric also won’t shrink like 100% cotton will.
Nylon/Cotton Blend Nylon/Cotton blend is another blend that makes tactical pants extremely lightweight. They are also shrink- and wrinkle-resistant.
Treatments/Coatings Many tactical pants receive coatings or treatments that help protect the fabric and make it water resistant as well.
Tactical Pants Fit
Fit is mostly a personal preference, but can also make a big difference in how your tactical pants feel. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t perform at your best, so it’s important to get your fit correct.
Relaxed Fit Relaxed fit pants are known to be roomy and comfortable. They are an ideal choice for comfort-minded customers.
Slim Fit Slim does not mean skinny. Slim fit for tactical pants is not form-fitting like skinny jeans are. Instead, they are close fitting for a polished appearance yet fully functional. The picture above is an example of a slim fit tactical pant.
Big & Tall or Plus Size Just like any tactical clothing, you can find big and tall tactical pants or plus size tactical pants too.
Finding Your Size
Your pant size is a combination of two numbers, your waist circumference and your inseam. To find your waist circumference, measure around your waist at the hips with a flexible measuring tape. While measuring, don’t flex your abs or suck in your gut.
For your inseam, you can use your favorite, best-fitting pants in your closet. Lay them down flat and measure the length of the leg, from the crotch to the hem. That number is your inseam.
Men's sizes are written with the waist first, then the inseam. For example, 34x32 means a 34” waist and 32” inseam.
Choosing Tactical Pant Brands
More and more brands now make tactical pants. Some of the biggest tactical pants brands are 5.11 Tactical, LA Police Gear, First Tactical, VertX, TRU-SPEC, and Propper. When selecting a brand it is important to consider many factors.
You are looking for a brand that offers high quality tac pants and reasonable prices. You will also need to make sure the pants you select meets all the key features you need. LA Police Gear has an expertly curated selection of tactical pants for you to choose from.
Women's Tactical Pants
We've heard all about men's tactical pants, but what are the best women's tactical pants and what are some key differences? While there are more similarities than differences between men's and women's tactical pants, the fit and style of the women's tactical pants is definitely an important distinction. Many of the tactical pants for women feature more of a slim or athletic fit. They also are more likely to utilize stretch fabrics.
Some of our favorite women's tactical pants are the LAPG Women's Stretch Ops, LAPG Women's Operator Pants, 5.11 Women's Stryke Pant, 5.11 Women's Apex Pant, and the LAPG Women's BFE Pant. But there are many more styles available and be sure to look at the fit, pocket configuration, customer reviews, and the available colors while shopping for your tactical pants.
Conclusion
There are many different factors involved in choosing the best tactical pants for you. Features, closures, materials, and fit all play an important role in your decision. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that there are specialized tactical pants for every situation. Decide what you will be using them for before you make your purchase.
Are you a tactical officer, such as a SWAT member? You might need overt tactical pants. Are you an undercover detective? You might prefer covert tactical pants. If you’re an EMT you will want pants especially designed for EMS or EMT.
No matter what your need, there’s a pair of tactical pants for you. Looking to learn more about tactical gear too? Read our selection of tactical gear guides.
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LA Police Gear Stretch Ops Women's Tactical Pants
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