Tactical Pants: What They Are and Why You Need Them

Americans demand pants that can keep up with their lifestyle. Whether navigating the urban jungle, hiking the rugged Appalachian mountains, or working a job that wears out all but the most durable clothes, getting the proper clothing is essential. Enter tactical pants. Tactical pants provide functionality, durability, and comfort. 

Over the last 20+ years, I have owned countless pairs of surplus pants, cargo pants, and tactical pants from all sorts of manufacturers. Lately, many of my most frequently worn have been from LAPG. 

Photo caption: My LAPG BFE pants get worn for many different occasions.

In this article, I will discuss how tactical pants, like the LAPG Atlas and BFE pants, provide enhanced mobility and durability while offering a large carrying capacity that makes them incredibly functional. Combined, these factors make tactical pants an essential piece of kit. 

Keep reading to discover why tactical pants should be part of your everyday clothing rotation.

Tactical Pants vs Jeans vs Khakis

Jeans and Khaki pants have long dominated the more casual parts of the pants market. Not as fancy as dress pants or slacks, these pants styles can be found anywhere from ball games to casual work environments. But they have their downsides. 

Modern jeans and khakis are less durable than those of yesteryear. I have worn holes in a brand-new pair of “modern” jeans after just one or two times of hard use around my farm. Not to mention, they have significantly less storage space.

So What Makes Tactical Pants Different?

Durability

Durability is one of the most critical factors for selecting tactical pants over jeans and khakis. Standard pairs of jeans and khakis simply don’t hold up to an active lifestyle or hard work. 

They’ll often rip at the seams and can struggle with rugged terrain, getting easily snagged and cut. 

Photo caption: The reinforced hems on my most hard-worn pair of Atlas tactical pants refuse to quit despite extended hard use.

Tactical pants, in contrast, do not have these same issues. Heavy-duty materials like ripstop fabric and Cordura make for rugged pants. These materials are combined with reinforcing failure points like the knees and hems with double stitching, which leads to durability that other pant styles can’t match.

Photo Caption: The number and types of pockets on the BFE pants are fantastic. You can also see the quality of the pants' construction.

Functionality

Similar to cargo pants, tactical pants are known for pockets. However, tactical pants have a significant advantage in the placement and design of the pockets. Cargo pants pockets are often bulky and can be very obtrusive. Tactical pants pockets are positioned to allow easy access and are often designed for specific items in your everyday carry (EDC). Phones, wallets, knives, spare magazines, you name it, you can find a pair of pants that has a designated spot for the item. 

Photo caption: LAPG BFE pants are great on the range, and they have extra room for spare magazines.

Have you ever dug through the pockets on your cargo pants and grew frustrated with the experience? Try a pair of tactical pants. Some pants even have designs with concealed pockets for those who need to be more discreet. Blending into any environment but maintaining functionality, there are tactical pant designs out there to meet the need.

Mobility

Let's face it: we have all worn jeans or khaki pants that looked great but were uncomfortable. We suffered through wearing them because who doesn’t like to look good? 

Tactical pants prioritize freedom of movement without sacrificing aesthetics. Features like gusseted crotches and articulated knees give the wearer a more comprehensive range of motion. 

Some tactical pants also utilize stretch material, like LAPG’s Stretch Tech System (STS). The material used for the stretch areas on tactical pants is also much higher quality than what you will find on your store-brand “stretchy” jeans. 

Photo Caption: LAPG Atlas pants are perfect for hunting, as they make crouching and kneeling comfortable.

Tactical pants aren’t limited to being full-length, either. Many are also available in short versions. You can get the quality construction and functional design of a full-length tactical pant but with the comfort of shorts in warm weather.

Applications Where Tactical Pants Excel (my experiences)

Tactical Situations

Based on the name of the product, this is an obvious one. 

I am by no means a tactical hero. I don’t have experience in the armed forces, I am not a police officer, and I have never been shot at by anything more than a paintball gun. 

That being said, I have been part of the firearms community for over two decades. Whether it’s been simple range days or complex training classes, tactical pants have been a staple in my wardrobe. 

Just look at the gear worn by the United States military, especially since the Global War on Terror (GWOT), and you can see where much of the inspiration for modern tactical pants comes from. Many of those who design tactical pants are either law enforcement or veterans of the GWOT and have put their first-hand experience into crafting pants that will meet the needs of those who live at the sharp ends of the spear.

Work Wear

Workwear is another area where tactical pants shine. For me, my “work” is on my farm. I wear my LAPG pants daily when caring for my animals or fixing things on the farm. A well-designed pocket layout, tough material, and comfort make tactical pants ideal for rugged use.

Last week, I built a chicken coop for my newest batch of chicks. I specifically choose to wear my LAPG Atlas pants since they are rugged enough to handle working with wood, hardware cloth wire, and power tools. 

Photo caption: My most well-loved pair of tactical pants and boots.

Anyone who lives on a farm or a large rural property can testify to the hard work required to maintain it. I have worn my tactical pants when clearing brush, cutting down trees, hunting varmints, hogs, and deer, managing my bee hives, and doing many other strenuous activities. 

Never once have I wished I had on a pair of jeans; my tactical pants are better in every way.

Photo Caption: LAPG Atlas tactical pants go well with LAPG tactical boots.

Working on a farm isn’t the only place where tactical pants put in hard work. My brother-in-law is a mobile mechanic. Let me tell you, that’s not a job for the faint of heart or for those who don’t like their hands dirty. If that describes your job, you know it better describe your pants, too. 

Another application where tactical pants thrive is with first responders. One of the coaches of my kids' ball team is a firefighter, and he is always in tactical pants. Even though he isn’t on a ladder truck anymore, he is sporting his tactical pants, whether he is enforcing a burn ban, throwing batting practice, or responding to a fire.

Everyday Activities

I wear tactical pants daily. My LAPG Chino pants are the most professional and least tactical. They are quality pants that provide the durability benefits of more “tacticool” pants but with a less tactical look.

Photo Caption: LAPG Chino pants look like most other khakis but are more durable and functional.

My LAPG BFE pants blend tactical functionality and practical looks best. Thankfully, I work a job where business casual is the norm, and they don’t care that my pants have extra pockets. 

They are one of my favorite pants to wear around town, and they are also great for those who are concealed-carrying. They don’t scream, “this dude is carrying,” yet are ideal for it.

The waistband has just the right amount of stretch to make carrying comfortable, and the firmness to ensure your firearm remains precisely where you put it.

Depending on your lifestyle, everyday activities can significantly vary. For me, everyday activities include 9-5, my kid’s baseball games, running around town, and attending church. 

Tactical pants don’t have to look like something you bought at a military surplus store. They can facilitate your daily activities and still look good doing it.

Preparedness

Ever feel like you couldn’t carry everything you needed? A pair of jeans or khaki pants often has four pockets for your phone, keys, wallet, knife, and anything else you want for your EDC. Those are four crowded pockets. 

Depending on where you are going and what you are doing, there are several items you should carry that you don't have room for unless you are in tactical pants. The extra pockets on tactical pants grant lots of practical functionality.

Want to carry a pocket pistol for your concealed handgun? Tactical pants have got you covered. Need to carry a first aid kit or tourniquet? Your tactical pants might have a specific pocket for just this reason. 

Are you building a chicken coop and know you will forget something and have to return to your shed later to get it? Okay, maybe that’s just me.

You get the point. Tactical pants are incredibly versatile. They enable you to work smarter, not harder, and with more comfort than I would have thought possible before I started wearing them.

Last Words

Tactical pants provide a wide array of essential features for everyday life. Whether you’re outside working or sitting in a movie theater enjoying well-earned time off, tactical pants are up to the task. They are durable, comfortable, and functional pants that are easy to move in. What more can you ask for?

If you don’t have a pair of tactical pants, I highly encourage you to get your first pair. You will not be disappointed when you start putting them through their paces. If you are anything like me, once you have your first pair, you will quickly find the total number of pairs growing.