8 Best Tactical Pants: Yep, Tactical Pants…
We can make anything tactical. What started with tactical guns has evolved into tactical lights, tactical gloves, tactical this, tactical that, including tactical pants. Tactical means a lot of things, and there are three definitions in the dictionary. The one that most coincides with tactical pants is: (of a person or their actions) showing adroit planning, aiming at an end beyond the immediate action. Having and using the right tool for the right task certainly meets that definition of tactical.
Tactical pants sound ridiculous until we break down exactly what we are talking about and consider the tactics and applications that we use these pants for. Tactical pants describe a set of pants designed to meet specific tasks and goals. Those tasks and goals can vary quite a bit.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best Tactical Pants
Best Tactical Pants
Best for military Crye Precision G3 Pants |  |
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Best everyday 5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants | |
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Best hot weather work pants Truewerk T1 Werkpant | |
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Best work pants Carhartt Force Pants | |
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Best range pants Viktos Wartorn Pants | |
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Best for concealed carry Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 | |
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Best duty pants 5.11 Apex Pants | |
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Best pants series UF Pro P-40 Series | |
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Spec Comparison of the Best Tactical Pants
Below is a table of the specifications for the best tactical pants.
| Pants | Pant Type | Number of Pockets | Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crye Precision G3 Pants | Overt | 10 | 28 to 46 |
| 5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants | Covert | 7 | 28 to 44 |
| Truewerk T1 Werkpant | Covert | 8 | 30 to 44 |
| Carhartt Force Pants | Covert | 7 | 30 to 50 |
| Viktos Wartorn Pants | Overt | 7 | 28 to 44 |
| Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 | Covert | 14 | 30 to 44 |
| 5.11 Apex Pants | Overt | 10 | 28 to 44 |
| UF Pro P-40 Pants | Overt and Covert | Varies | 28 to 44 |
List of the Best Tactical Pants
Here is our list for the best pants for your tactical needs:
- Crye Precision G3 Pants
- 5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants
- Truewerk T1 Werkpant
- Carhartt Force Pants
- Viktos Wartorn Pants
- Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1
- 5.11 Apex Pants
- UF Pro P-40 Pants
Best Tactical Pants – Reviews
1 Crye Precision G3 Pants : Best for military
Crye Precision G3 Pants
The top tier of tactical pants, durable and feature rich and the pants of choice of top tier operators.
- Material A+
- Mobility A
- Durability A+
- Value B-
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Crye Precision G3 Pants Specs
- Pant type Overt
- Number of pockets 10
- Size range 28 to 46
Crye Precision G3 Pants Review
Crye Precision is the king of tactical soft goods. They make uniforms for the most demanding users, including members of the American Special Operations community. They are unbeatable in terms of durability and capability. If you need an overt pair of tactical pants and have the funds, the Crye Precision G3 series are for you. They have a super tough design, a diamond gusseted crotch, and the use of 50/50 NYCO ripstop to keep them operating.
These pants give their end users maximum mobility and allow them to climb, jump, do Zumba, or whatever else they need to do! The Crye Precision G3 Pants come with a ton of extra features. This includes the ability to insert removable Crye Airflex Combat Knee Pads into the pants. This gives you a soft surface when taking one of those extended outboard security knees. Additionally, they have ten freaking pockets to store whatever goodies you might need to carry.
This includes dedicated pockets for a knife or light and cargo pockets that can hold water bottles, magazines, and Skittles. You know the important things. The waistband allows you to easily adjust it a fair bit, and it’s not something that stands out. You can also add height at the knee to give you a little extra room if you need it. The Crye Precision G3 pants have thought of everything, and it shows. So does the 300-dollar price tag!
Crye Precision G3 Pants Pros and Cons
- Ultra flexible
- Modular
- Super comfortable
- Expensive
2 5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants : Best everyday wear
5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants
An every day pair of pants that give your benefits over standard jeans.
- Material A-
- Mobility B+
- Durability A
- Value A-
Our Grade
A-
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5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants Specs
- Pant type Covert
- Number of pockets 7
- Size range 28 to 44
5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants Review
I have tons of these pants, so I might be biased. The Defender Flex jeans are some of my favorite pants, and I don’t necessarily wear them for tactical purposes all the time. The Defender Flex jeans are super comfortable and seemingly last forever. I’ve had the same pair for years and years now, which has evolved into not only jeans but into some khaki-style pants and more dress-style designs. The Defender Flex pants also really live up to the name Flex.
These pants move and groove and that mechanically stretched denim mixes well with cotton and polyester to provide a rugged but comfortable pair of pants. They have just enough stretch to make movement simple and comfortable. Squatting, stretching, climbing, and any other activities won’t be challenging with the Defender Flex pants in play.
Moreso than that, the pants feature seven pockets. We get all the basic front and back pockets you expect, but also two hip pockets. These are sized just right to accommodate AR-15 magazines, but you can also fit magazines, lights, tourniquets, and beyond. These pockets are invisible, and when they aren’t used, they blend right in. The Defender Flex pants have a little give at the waist, which makes carrying IWB and AIWB quite comfortable.
5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Pants Pros and Cons
- Flexible
- Tough
- Two hidden pockets
- Somewhat heavy
3 Truewerk T1 Werkpant : Best hot weather work pants
Truewerk T1 Werkpant
A pair of pants for hot weather physical work that give you protection, flexibility, and extra pockets.
- Material B+
- Mobility A
- Durability B+
- Value A-
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A-
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Truewerk T1 Werkpant Specs
- Pant type Covert
- Number of pockets 8
- Size range 30 to 44
Truewerk T1 Werkpant Review
The Truewerk brand is not your normal everyday average tactical clothing company. As the name implies, they designed Truewerk for the working man. They make clothes that are tough for the outdoors world, for working outdoors, for fishing, hiking, and even concealed carrier if you so choose. They are low-profile pants that offer you some super slick capabilities. The T series Werkpants represents different levels of weight for different seasons. The T1 is their lightweight summer pant.
It’s ultra comfortable in hot and humid environments. We get moisture-wicking material that throws sweat to the curb and improves overall comfort. This keeps you from getting the dreaded swamp butt and really ups your comfort. The Truewerk T1 pants offer you a fast-drying pant that works perfectly for the great outdoors while remaining low key. The pants are made with double-stitched seams and are designed to be abrasion and tear-resistant.
Comfort is a big part of these pants, and they make it easy to move with their 4-Way stretch design. They bend perfectly at the knees and make it easy to accomplish whatever you need to accomplish. There are eight pockets built into these pants. These include a variety of modern options to accommodate cell phones, tools, knives, lights, and spare magazines when necessary.
Truewerk T1 Werkpant Pros and Cons
- Super lightweight
- Modern design
- Stretchy and comfortable
- Only great for summer environments
4 Carhartt Force Pants : Best work pants
Carhartt Force Pants
A pair of work pants that will last a long time and allow you to get things done.
- Material B+
- Mobility A
- Durability A-
- Value A-
Our Grade
A-
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Carhartt Force Pants Specs
- Pant type Covert
- Number of pockets 7
- Size range 30 to 50
Carhartt Force Pants Review
Carhartt is well known for making rugged and tough clothing for working men. These are the type of clothes that can be used at job sites for years and never tap out. They are incredibly rugged and make use of ripstop fabric to keep them together. The belt loops are sewn-on-seam designs that make it easy to carry a heavy load regardless of what you are carrying. To improve comfort and durability, the crotch portion is also gusseted.
These are covert pants that just fall into the realm of basic cargo pants. Admittedly, they aren’t the most stylish design, but they are very functional and capable for hardcore tasks. The pockets are all reinforced and can carry a heavy load without tapping out easily. Carhartt makes use of something called Rugged Flex, which seems to be a really fancy way of saying the pants have a nice flex to them.
They allow you to move without complaint, and you can do anything you want without your pants holding you back. Personally, if I have to chase small children and hold their things, then the tactical application of these pants is doing just that, and they let me do that. Plus, they make concealed carry easy and work well with a supportive belt and a handgun.
Carhartt Force Pants Pros and Cons
- Super tough
- Stretchy
- Affordable
- Not the pinnacle of style
5 Viktos Wartorn Pants : Best range pants
Viktos Wartorn Pants
A durable pair of pants that would be great for range and other firearms training.
- Material A
- Mobility A-
- Durability A-
- Value A
Our Grade
A
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Viktos Wartorn Pants Specs
- Plant type Overt
- Number of pockets 7
- Size range 28 to 44
Viktos Wartorn Pants Review
Viktos is another high-end gear company working to produce some extremely well-made clothing, boots, and belts. The Viktos Wartorn Pants are overt tactical pants with a mission in mind. They are aimed at the police and military market but wouldn’t be out of sorts in other uses.
This is especially true when it comes to training at the range or packing for the apocalypse. The Wartorn pants offer you an outstanding degree of comfort and durability. My personal favorite feature is the padded waistband, which is designed to accommodate heavy-duty belts, especially gear belts. This preserves your hips and sides from being rubbed raw. You also get some massive belt loops to help support a big heavy belt.
The Wartorn pants have these awesome, dedicated cargo pockets with a cut in the flap that turns them into magazine pouches. You get one rifle and one pistol option. It’s handy for quick storage of extra ammo when you’re on the go. Plus, you get plenty of pockets for extra goodies and necessary EDC gear. We even get an internal pocket for knee pads.
The Wartorn pants are also super comfortable. The crotch gusset not only aids in movement and mobility but also prevents, um, well, let’s call it, guy pinch in a particular region of our anatomy. I can appreciate that, and I’m sure most others will too.
Viktos Wartorn Pants Pros and Cons
- Smart waistband design
- Awesome cargo pockets
- Super comfortable
- They tend to fit large
6 Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 : Best for concealed carry
Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1
A covert pair of pants that offer tons of storage and are perfect for concealed carry.
- Material A-
- Mobility A+
- Durability B
- Value A-
Our Grade
A-
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Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 Specs
- Pant type Covert
- Number of pockets 14
- Size range 30 to 44
Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 Review
When you want the raw power of cargo pants with the covert nature of khakis, then the Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 pants are for you. They pack 14 pockets in a low-profile design that houses all the gear you need to conquer the day, be it the job site, the police cruiser, or the mall with your family. Some pockets are small, and they designed the mini stash pockets for items that are roughly 2 inches long. The Delta Stretch 2.1 series pants pockets are even designed with leather reinforcement to prevent wear and tear and knife notches to make them easy to access.
The Delta Stretch 2.1 gives you ultra tough fabric with an ultra-gusseted crotch, double-stitched heavy-wear seams, and articulated pleated knees. The belt loops can accommodate a belt 1.75 inches in width, so you can have a supportive, heavy-duty design to support your concealed carry pistol, your spare mags, tourniquets, and other goodies you might need to carry throughout your day.
The Delta Stretch 2.1 pants have a four-way stretch design for maximum mobility. They bend, move, and stretch where you need them to. They are super comfortable and are a common mid-weight pant. At 9.2 ounces, they won’t sweat you to death. Plus, they just look like pants and not much more.
Vertx Delta Stretch 2.1 Pros and Cons
- Tons of pockets
- Wallet traps to protect valuables
- Reinforced, well-thought-out pockets
- Tight On the Legs
7 5.11 Apex Pants : Best duty pants
5.11 Apex Pants
A great pair of pants for duty full of pockets and made from a sturdy material.
- Material A-
- Mobility A-
- Durability A-
- Value A-
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
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5.11 Apex Pants Specs
- Pant type Overt
- Number of pockets 10
- Size range 28 to 44
5.11 Apex Pants Review
If you are going to name your pants Apex, you best come with fire, and 5.11 Tactical seemed to do just that. The 5.11 Apex Pants are overt tactical pants that are designed for overt use but would also blend well with concealed carriers living active lifestyles. The 5.11 Apex Pants pack ten pockets, but they aren’t your dad’s cargo pants. They feature flat-sitting pockets that don’t flare out and make themselves obvious.
They still offer you plenty of room for goodies. We have massive front pockets, well-made rear pockets, and an all-around excellent design for access to those pockets. They sized the cargo pockets for magazines, and we get a hidden handcuff key pocket. Outside of just the pockets, we have a tough pair of tactical pants that are designed to last for just about ever. They made the pants from a mix of polyester, cotton, and Flex-Tac canvas.
This keeps the pants, ensures you have maximum flexibility, and that they dry quickly and easily after getting wet. They are a complete package, and you can tell they are well thought out from the ground up, from the reinforced corners of the pockets to accommodate knives to the concealed carry waistband that allows for a little extra flex and a better fit when you carry a holstered firearm.
5.11 Apex Pants Pros and Cons
- Tons of modern pockets
- Super tough design
- Comfortable fitting
- Tons of color options
- Not super stylish
7 UF Pro P-40 Pants : Best pants series
UF Pro P-40 Pants
The UF pro series of pants has something for every time of year or tactical environment.
- Material A
- Mobility A
- Durability A
- Value B+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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UF Pro P-40 Pants Specs
- Pant type Overt
- Number of pockets 10
- Size range 28 to 44
UF Pro P-40 Pants Review
The UF Pro P-40 pants aren’t just normal pants. They aren’t your everyday average tactical pants. In fact, they are an entire series of pants that incorporate low visibility urban pants to classic cargo pant style, and even shorts. Sometimes you need to show off those calf gains, and the UF Pro P-40 pants allow it. These pants vary wildly in features and design. The urban is slick in its design and low profile covert pants. The All Terrain and Classic pants are total tactical pants aimed at military and police users.
The pants are even modular. You can add a pair of knee pads to the pants, which provide low-profile protection for your knees. A wind-stopper lining can be added to add some weight to your pants, and you provide you with pants just as effective in the winter as they are in the summer.
Plus, the pants are superbly durable and designed for professional users. They won’t rip or tear and can withstand tons of abuse without complaint. The Pro-40 pants are designed to allow for plenty of movement and give you a freeing nature for all your chores. Little things like the dedicated knife pocket, the heavy-duty belt loops, and zippered pockets show that a lot of thought went into these pants.
UF Pro P-40 Pants Pros and Cons
- Modular design
- Incredibly durable
- Super flexible
- Expensive
The World of Tactical Pants
What exactly do we need tactical pants for? To be fair, you might never need tactical pants, but if you do, a pair of skinny jeans just won’t cut it. Let’s look at some uses of tactical pants.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers certainly can’t make do with an average pair of pants. Their tactical tasks can include anything from wrestling suspects to helping with tire changes. They need rugged, well-made clothing that can hold up to those tasks. They also need clothing that holds up to long days and longer nights. Plus, they can always use extra pockets!
Military Use
A big duh here. The military issues its own brand of cargo like pants for heavy-duty use. Much like law enforcement, these troops have a versatile, constantly changing job that has some strict demands for gear and longevity.
Firefighting
Firefighters in both the structure and wildland worlds also have a need for roomy, versatile, and tough tactical pants. Both have different needs, and even the material differences matter due to a strict demand for fire-resistant clothing.
Hiking, Hunting, and Fishing
Here is a big one. If we describe long-term planning as tactical, then we should make well-planned arrangements for outdoor activities, although it is often not considered tactical. A good pair of tough pants can ensure that you don’t feel embarrassed at the boat ramp and give you suitable pants for your chosen activity during the season.
Concealed Carry
A normal pair of pants will work fine for concealed carry. You might not need tactical pants for concealed carry, but a number of modern options have made life much easier if you choose to take that route. Extra give, extra pockets, and hopefully a little additional camouflage will go a long way.
Common Features of Tactical Pants
One of the defining features of tactical pants is durability. These tactical pants have to be rugged and very capable. They should be able to take a beating and last throughout it. These aren’t fast fashion that fall apart in a few washes. They can get wet, muddy, and can make it through forests and urban scapes without falling apart. Gusseted portions and reinforced seams are a must-have.
Your pants should be the last thing that slows you down. They should also allow for good freedom of movement. They should flex and move with you as you walk, squat, jump, climb, or move around. Accommodating a belt is a must have, and if you are carrying gear on your belt, you likely want to have nice thick belt loops.
Weather resistance is another valuable feature. Being water resistant or quick drying is invaluable. You may also need a pair of pants that can resist certain elements better than others. For comfort, you might want lightweight pants for the summer and heavier pants for the winter.
Tactical pants should come with only the highest quality features. That includes YKK zippers, and articulated knees, on top of selective reinforcement of certain areas. Oh, and it’s all about the pockets. Most people recognize tactical pants because of the pockets, and admittedly, they are a big part of the world of tactical pants. Those pockets should be reinforced and capable of holding a heavy load and a nonpermissive load.
Ultimately, the main demand of the tactical world is flexibility. Being flexible is a big part of being tactical. Rolling with the punches and being able to adapt to what is coming at you isn’t exactly easy. Having a pair of pants that won’t stop you from doing so can be invaluable.
Summary
Tactical pants provide an invaluable source of clothing for the more exciting parts of life. We use the term tactical a lot, but it’s not always connected with law enforcement or military use. Tactical is about proper planning, and how your daily equipment fits into that role is part of that planning. We plan out our holsters, our guns, optics, flashlights, and more. Do we ever plan out our clothing beyond looking fashionable? If not, we should.
Pants are just one element of how to plan and prepare for your day. Hopefully, we’ve provided you with a ton of options to give you a better selection of pants for whatever need you may have. This can be overt or covert, but it’s always tactical, and sometimes it’s even fashionable. Looking good is at least half the battle? Right? Don’t forget a good pair of tactical gloves and even a tactical pen for your everyday or tactical uses.
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About Travis Pike
Travis is a former United States Marine Corps Infantryman and currently a firearms writer, instructor, and works in Emergency Management.
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