Best Military Pants Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
As far as comfort goes, the importance comes from the need to be able to wear the pants for extended periods of time without experiencing any irritation. Optimal comfort can be achieved in a variety of ways during the manufacturing of the pants. For one, the fabric used plays a big part, as something that is too stiff and unforgiving can cause discomfort almost immediately. As mentioned earlier, that is why the majority of pants are made with a cotton blend, combining the best of both worlds. The cut of the pants is another major influence on comfort. Military pants do need to be snug in order to maximize mobility and function, with the seat and legs not being too loose. However, if they are too snug, this can cause the waistband to cut into the skin, limit movement, and restrict breathability.
Many people like these pants for their durability, functionality, and comfort. Military pants also look and feel great which makes them great for many indoor and outdoor activities. You can find a very professional look when you are wearing your favorite military pants.
Fit
Many pants have a very difficult time fitting true to size for a variety of reasons, and this is normally a minor inconvenience. In the case of military pants, however, these specifications need to be as precise as possible. If a pair of pants is purchased with the understanding that they are of a specific length and width, the manufacturers need to ensure they measure up exactly. If there is variation, the wearer will experience a significant reduction in comfort, mobility, and functionality.
Durability
Durability is an important factor for these types of pants, that's why a possible concern is the level of reinforcement in the seat, knees, and stitching. Wearing pants day in and day out can cause them to wear out very quickly, hence the reason for reinforcing military pants in these various ways. Too much though, can result in the pants coming off as stiff and unyielding, eliminating mobility and comfort.
The final point considered regarding durability was the type of materials used. Fabrics such as cotton and nylon are naturally excellent choices due to their strength and breathability, but used by themselves can limit movement. That’s why the materials used are often a blend made up primarily of cotton with a few stretchier fabrics mixed in.
Features
A major selling point to a good pair of tactical pants is its features, including the ability to carry several items on your person without the use of a backpack or other carrying case while also keeping your hands free as much as possible. While this is all well and good, special consideration needs to given concerning the number of pockets and loops as well as the placement of them. For example, having an extra large flashlight is definitely useful, but not if it’s draped across the front of the person, potentially prohibiting motion.
Beyond the pockets, many tactical pants offer built-in features such as slots for neoprene knee pads, holes to facilitate draining in case the pants become waterlogged, or interwoven Teflon or Duratex fabrics to guard against stains or spills. Other great features to look for include:
Teflon: A Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based formula consisting wholly of carbon and fluorine. Materials containing this substance cannot be wet due to its high dispersion levels.
Duratex: A medium weight, commercial grade, non-permeable fabric with properties similar to those of Teflon.
Ripstop: Woven fabrics made using a special reinforcing technique designed to resist ripping and tearing. Thick threads are interwoven in a cross stitch pattern. Fibers commonly used include silk, cotton, and polyester, with nylon being used for the cross-hatched threads that give it the rip resistance.
Gusset: A piece of material that is sewn into a garment to strengthen or enlarge a part of it.
Value
When compared to criteria used for selecting other types of pants, those used here for military pants do vary just s bit. For most other pants, their functionality needs are fairly limited to little more than comfort, fit, and covering the lower half of the body. For military pants, however, the requirements are much more involved. There still aren’t that many, but they do differ. For example, in this buying guide, the price was not considered to be a major factor, as it means little when engaged in a life or death situation. Mobility, however, now becomes a much more critical feature.
By now, it should be obvious that these specific criteria were chosen because they are integral to their individual and collective success. In this case, the functionality I’m referring to is in regards to the level of customization that various makes tactical pants offer.
Customization is really what sets these apart from typical cargo pants. Where cargo pants have an average of six pockets, military pants can have up to twelve in some case, both for general use and specific items such as magazine clips, utility tool, or survival kit. Along with all these pockets can be found an array of loops. These are used to hold such survival gear as ropes, a flashlight, or other necessary tools.
BEST MILITARY PANTS REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY
1. 5.11 Tactical Stryke
The tactical pants made by 5.11 are another excellent choice for military pants. These pants are made out of a ripstop fabric that prevents shredding and tearing. They are lightweight, comfortable, and durable because they are made from a blend of cotton and polyester. The pants are treated with a Teflon coating which helps protect them against stains. These pants have twelve different specialized pockets which make it easy to carry your gear.
Teflon Coating
The pants are treated with Teflon. Teflon is a great material because it resists stains. This means that your pants will continue to look fresh and new even after wearing them many times.
Rip stop Fabric
These pants are durable and long-lasting because they are made from ripstop fabric. The fabric itself is mechanically stretched and is made out of a blend of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton.
Cost and Value
You should expect to pay a heavy price for these pants but they are well worth the extra money. These pants are very high quality and have excellent features that will justify the price.
2. CQR Tactical 103/104
These pants are constructed with designs borrowed from law enforcement and military. Some of the important features include ripstop fabric and specialized cargo pockets which make them an excellent choice for military pants. You can expect these pants to be high performing and durable because they resist stains, wrinkling, shrinking, and fading. This makes them an ideal choice for purposes such as hunting, firefighting, law enforcement, or other uses.
Specialized Pockets
There are a total of eight pockets on these pants that are specialized for tools and equipment. This makes it easy for you to securely carry items such as ammunition or magazines but also items such as your phone or keys.
Duratex
These pants are treated with a material called Duratex which has Teflon like properties. You can expect these pants to be highly resistant to staining and it will also resist containments such as dirt or mud.
Cost and Value
These pants have are averagely priced and make an excellent value. They offer features found in more expensive pants such as resistance to stains and lots of functional pockets. They are durable and long-lasting due to their construction.
3. Tru-Spec
Let's begin with the tactical pants made by Tru-Spec. This is a military-style pair of pants that boasts many of the features that are popular with military designs. These pants have two cargo pockets with specialized pockets for magazine clips. There is also a pocket for pocket knives and even a cell phone pocket. These features make these pants in an ideal choice for military pants.
Magazine Pockets
Gun enthusiasts and hunters will enjoy the specialized magazine pockets that are located inside of the cargo pockets. The pockets all you to easily and securely store additional ammunition clips. This is especially ideal at the shooting range or on a hunt.
Reinforced Knees
The knees are reinforced and also have slots for knee pads. This is a useful feature if you find yourself kneeling down a lot for shooting or target practice. Anyone who works kneeling down a lot (such as plumbers) may also like this feature.
Cost and Value
These pants have a below average price. They get their value from having a lower price point but also by including important features such as specialized pockets. They also are long lasting and resist stains due to a Teflon treatment.
4. Helikon-Tex Urban
To be completely honest, before working on this list, I had never heard of Helikon. Fortunately, after seeing what they have to offer in the surprisingly crowded world of military pants, I’m now a believer in what they do. They offer uncompromising quality for all the professionals that trust their pants while adding revolutionary comfort and functionality not seen nearly enough.
Lots of choices
Just because these are pants meant for very high-stress professions doesn’t mean you can’t add a bit of personality to them. Being able to choose from so many colors is definitely a good start.
Move it
These pants are constructed mostly of cotton, as is typical for military pants. However, there is just a touch of spandex to give them a great range of motion and a comfortable fit.
Cost and Value
Yes, Helikon is a leader in their field, well known for their high-quality pants. However, for what you’re getting, they can be seen as quite expensive to those not familiar with what makes them so good.
5. Propper BDU
You may want to consider these pants if you are looking for military pants that are constructed to an actual military specification. These pants are sewn to MIL-T-44047E, which is a military specification, making these into authentic military pants. These pants have useful features such as drain holes on the cargo pockets that allow water to drain out of the pockets if the pants get waterlogged.
MIL-T-44047E
These pants are constructed to the MIL-T-44047E military specification. You can expect these pants to be durable and long-lasting as they are authentic military pants. They have features such as reinforced knees and seat.
Drain Holes
The cargo pockets have drain holes in them. This is a useful feature in the event that the pants get waterlogged because they will allow the pockets to drain water quickly.
Cost and Value
These pants are an excellent buy at their below average price. You will find important features such as the six pocket design. The pants themselves conform to military specifications so they are long-lasting and durable.
6. Match Wild Cargo
You might want to consider these pants if you are looking for excellent outdoor hiking pants. They are made from a 100 percent no stretch cotton which is breathable and makes them ideal for wearing outdoors. You can purchase these pants in a large variety of colors including variations of camouflage. They also have eight pockets which will provide you with more than enough room for your gear.
Cotton
These pants are made from 100 percent cotton. This makes them feel really soft and keeps them breathable. The fabric is no-stretch cotton so that pants continue to feel good even after wearing them for an entire day.
Lots of Colors
You can purchase these pants in 43 different colors including different variations of camouflage. People who hunt or play paintball will appreciate the large selection of colors so that they can pick a color that blends well with their surroundings.
Cost and Value
These pants have an average price. They get their value from features such as the 100 percent no-stretch cotton and they have lots of pockets. Many people like these pants because they feel great and fit well.
7. Rothco BDU
If your goal is to blend into your background then you should take a look at these pants. These BDU pants are sold in a large selection of camouflage which allows you to pick a color that is most suited to your background. That makes these into really gnarly military pants for activities such as hunting or paintball. They have all of the features one would expect from military pants like cargo pockets.
Camouflage
You can pick from twenty-four different colors of camouflage which allows you to pick the perfect camouflage for your surroundings. This makes these pants a great choice for activities such as paint-balling.
Adjustable Waist Tabs
It is not necessary to wear a belt with these pants thanks to the adjustable waist tabs. These tabs help ensure that that pants stay on your waist and do not sag. Of course, there are also belt loops as well.
Cost and Value
These pants have an average price and make for an excellent value. The value comes from the fact that they include features found on more expensive military pants but also from unique features such as a large selection of camouflage.
8. Rothco Vintage
Tactical pants aren't the only kind of military-style pants. These pants are paratrooper pants that are inspired by paratrooper designs. They have important features such as a total of eight pockets and a pair of two-inch waist tabs. These pants feature a blend of cotton and polyester which makes them feel super soft and comfortable to wear. You may also like how roomy the pants feel.
Eight Pockets
These pants have a total of eight pockets. There are two slit pockets on the waist and a total of four cargo pockets on the legs. The seat has the last two pockets.
Soft Cotton
The fabric is made from a blend of polyester and extra soft cotton. This makes the pants both very durable but also extra soft. Many reviewers have raved about how soft these pants feel.
Cost and Value
These pants have a price tag that is slightly above the average but they are worth spending a little extra. The extra soft cotton is one of the many ways the pants justify their price as many people really enjoy how they feel.
9. LA Police Gear
Here is another brand of military pants with a focus on law enforcement needs. You will find features such as the cargo pocket have a top pass slit which allows for quick access to items such as a pocket knife. The crotch is gusseted which will allow you to move easily in these pants. They are made out of ripstop fabric that is a blend of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton.
Gusseted Crotch
Ease of movement is an important need for military pants. These pants feature a gusseted crotch which allows for easy movement in these pants. This makes them very ideal pants when there is intense action.
Elastic Waistband
The pants have an elastic waistband. Its main purpose is to help ensure that the pants fit well around your waist and provide extra comfort. People who carry concealed handguns will appreciate the extra space for their holsters that they pants provide.
Cost and Value
These pants have a price that is slightly above the average. They get their value by incorporating many features found in high-end military pants. For example, these pants have features such as specialized pockets and ripstop fabric for extra durability.
10. Propper Canvas
If you are looking for a pair of pants that can securely hold your gear, then these khaki pants may be for you. They feature nine specialized pockets which can hold items such as smartphones, keys, wallet, and tactical gear as well. Many of the pockets feature a pocket within a pocket design so pants help your items stay accessible and organized inside of the pockets.
Nine Pockets
One of the most important features found in these pants are the nine pockets. Having this many pockets makes it really easy to carry your gear out in the field. This is really nice for people who hunt.
Teflon
The pants will continue to look new after a long time thanks to the Teflon treatment. The Teflon acts as a stain barrier which makes the pants resist staining from liquids and dirt.
Cost and Value
You can expect these pants to have a below average price. This makes them an excellent value because they still have features such as Teflon coating and lots of pockets which are found in more expensive pants.
Sources
- The Bug Out Guide, Survivalist Site ,
- Survival Frog, Survivalist Site ,