The Best Pants and Boots for Range Day
The Best Pants and Boots for Range Day
When it comes to range day, you want to be sure you are in the most comfortable attire possible so you can perform your best. However, it is equally important to make sure you are wearing clothing that you would wear on the street so you can be sure you are ready for any circumstance. Finding a pair of pants that is the best of both worlds is the ideal way to go as far as clothing for range day.
Comfortable Attire
Having attire that will not just get you through the day but that is comfortable and durable makes all the difference, especially on range day. When you are on your feet for hours at a time, doing drills in every kind of weather, you need clothing that will hold up. Stretch material such as a polyester and cotton blend, is the best choice when it comes to range day. The more stretch and mobility there is, the better your range day performance will be.
LAPG’s Urban Ops Tactical Pants are a great choice for firearm qualification days. They allow for a good amount of movement due to the cotton and polyester blend. In addition, there are seven pockets in the Urban Ops Tactical so you can fit extra magazines right in your pockets.
I have worn the LAPG Stretch Ops Tactical Pants for women while going out for target practice. These have a lot of mobility and were so comfortable I was able to focus on the target without distraction. They have the same blend as the Urban Ops for men. These pants are great for any outdoor activity.
Another great pair of pants when it comes to comfort and mobility is the 5.11 Tactical Men’s ABR Pro Pant 74512. My husband has a pair of these pants are they rank among his favorite. These have FlexLite fabric which makes doing any type of drills on range day more comfortable. In addition, these pants have areas designated for knee pads making them ideal for range day in particular.
Features to Consider in Range Day Pants
Whether you are at range day for your agency or you are breaking in your firearms, there are a few features you should consider when choosing the best tactical pants for range day. Aside from mobility, you should choose a pair of pants with enough pockets and with certain types of pockets included. For instance, having pockets that fit extra magazines is the way to go. Having the right type of pockets in the right spot makes all the difference especially when you are training.
Another aspect to consider is the fit. For instance, for me, I prefer pants that are not too tight but also not too loose. I look for pants that I don’t have to worry about getting caught on, but I also prefer pants with a decent amount of mobility.
Waterproof material is an additional feature to consider. There have been several times I have been grateful I had tactical pants that were waterproof or at the very least dried quickly. The terrain where I usually conduct target practice has weather that can change in a matter of seconds. It is best to have tactical wear that holds up in all terrain and all types of weather.
Features to Consider in Range Day Boots
It is also a good idea to pair your pants with your boots. Some tactical boots just seem to fit with certain pants more than others. For target shooting or training on the range, finding a boot you are comfortable in is equally important. Pairing that boot with a good pant can almost complete your range day attire. In my experience, a higher-top boot offers the most support and protection, especially for that environment. The Merrell Moab Defense Zip Composite Toe Boot offers solid support while keeping feet comfortable. They are breathable absorb shock and offer stability. The bottom of the boot has a good grip and is rugged making them a good choice for wearing long hours at a time.
The LAPG Sector Side-Zip Waterproof boot is another good choice. It is waterproof and breathable so you get the best of both worlds. The anti-fatigue insoles are a feature that is helpful on those long-range days. These are 8" high as well which offers great ankle support. The tread on these boots is rugged and durable so no matter where you are training, your footwear will hold up throughout the day.
Depending on personal preference you may or may not want a side-zip boot for range day. The choice to have a zipper or not may depend on the type of drills you do. For instance, if you know ahead of time you will be on the ground a lot you may want a boot without a zipper. Having a boot without a zipper on the side may be more comfortable if you are doing training drills that require you to crawl or kneel often.
I like the 5.11 Tactical A.T.L.A.S. boot for outdoor use and they offer support without compromising stability or ruggedness. My husband and I both have a pair of these. The A.T.L.A.S. are slip and oil-resistant too. The tread on these boots make them a great choice for range day, or on duty. We have both used these boots for several different occasions.
Have a Few Options Picked Out
It is also best to have a few different options when it comes to range day pants and footwear. I have found it is best to find at least two pairs you prefer because sometimes one pair fits the type of drills you will be doing better than other days. There is a wide variety of range day pant options and boot choices on the LA Police Gear site. There are numerous options for men and women including style, fit, and brand. Once you figure out the features you like best in pants and boots, you can narrow down your search to pinpoint what you prefer in range day attire.
