If you are looking for the best tactical pants, chances are you’ll come across a great pair here. There is nothing better than finding tactical pants that are fitting and work as an excellent addition to your wardrobe. Not only that, you’ll have a pair that is proven to be durable and will have all the pockets you need to carry as many tools as possible without feeling overloaded.
Believe us when we say that they are not like any ordinary pants that you wear.
In a moment, we’ll be unveiling our list of the best tactical pants that are currently on the market. For now, we’re going to discuss when wearing these pants will come in handy and why the ones we’ve chosen for our review list make the cut.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Tactical Pants
- OUR TOP PICK: 5.11 Tactical Stryke Pants
- RUNNER-UP: Tru-Spec 24-7 Men's Tactical Pants
- SECOND RUNNER-UP: Condor Tactical Pants
Comparison of the Best Tactical Pants
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When Would Tactical Pants Come in Handy?
This is a question that gets asked a lot. And it’s a multi-answer question that we can easily answer. Here are some of the best times when you should be wearing a pair of tactical pants:
During Outdoor Activities
More specifically, if you are hunting, fishing, or spending the day at the range (among other outdoor activities), then odds are you’ll find that a pair of tactical pants will be exactly what you are looking for. You’ll have plenty of pockets to store accessories like magazines, extra rounds, and other EDC tools that could be useful in any given application.
Vertx Delta Stretch Pants
Every Day Use
While it might not be a smart thing to wear the same tactical pants every single day, this is where you may need to buy a few pairs. This way, you’ll be able to use them and have the ability to carry a good number of EDC tools on hand. Sometimes, you’ll never know when disaster strikes or when SHTF. It’s even better to be prepared than never at all.
While on the Job
Tactical pants will come in handy as part of your work attire. Specifically, if you work in law enforcement or as a first responder then wearing pants like this will be better than regular pants. Not to mention, you will have tools that are useful to your profession within reach. And you will also find yourself in environments where you’ll need to move fast. Tactical pants are made from durable materials that can withstand any environment and are generally more durable than standard pants.
Why Did These Tactical Pants Make Our List?
We were able to make a selection based on some interesting characteristics and features. Choosing a pair of pants at complete random will yield disappointing results. So we managed to find the best pairs of pants for review based on the following reasons below:
Affordable For Most Budgets
Whether you are on a specific budget or if you have money to throw around, you’re obviously going to find a pair of pants that will be best for you. The important thing to note here is that you should find a pair that is of great quality. If you are on a budget, find the best quality that you can afford. Sacrificing quality for affordability would be your biggest mistake.
Superior Durability
As a rule, anything that is considered tactical should be tough in durability. Such is the case with tactical pants. You want them to be made from materials that are proven to be tougher than the materials of any normal pair of pants. What you want to avoid are pants that have materials that can wear and tear easily after short term use.
Allows For Quick and Nimble Mobility
Imagine wearing a regular pair of pants and trying to jog or run. Not only will this feel unusual, but it might also accelerate the possibility of damaging your pants. You want your tactical pants to be lightweight and thus make it enough to where you are running and moving around quickly and not worrying about damaging them because of consistently quick motions.
Review of the Best Tactical Pants
The following is a list of the best tactical pants. While you are looking through the list, it’s important to note any features and characteristics that stand out as interesting. You can also make a process of elimination based on what you don’t want in a pair of pants so you can make the decision process a lot easier.
Let’s begin with the “best overall” choice:
Best Overall:
5.11 Tactical Stryke Pants
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were very impressed with these tactical pants. They said the pants were lightweight, very durable, and an excellent fit for all recreational and occupational users. One user who is an EMT said that these pants were perfect for his job. He was able to easily store some medical tools inside the pockets and could access them quickly to perform the procedures needed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These pants are made from Flex-Tac materials. This has the ability to stay intact and not rip at all. Wears and tears are often common in a pair of pants (especially when worn after six months to about a year). But these pants can definitely stand the test of time and consistent use no matter the application.
Who Will Use This Most
These pants will be fitting among various users. So, you can use these for when you are hunting or hiking. Alternatively, if your job involves the need of using tools on a regular basis for saving lives or gaining access to places in a tactical situation then odds are these pants will be your best bet.
Bottom Line
There’s a reason (or two) why the 5.11 Tactical Stryke Pants are number one on the list (and likely the hearts and minds of tactical users). They are excellent in quality and will give you just enough to handle all the urgent EDC tools you need to use. There is no better way to put a good pair of tactical pants to use like answering the call of duty or spending time outdoors.
Runner-up:
Tru-Spec 24-7 Men's Tactical Pants
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users said that these pants were very comfortable and had some pretty deep and spacious pockets. They were using this for various applications. This was also a good pair of pants for anyone who conceal carries a pistol on a regular basis (preferably using IWB holsters).
Why it Stands Out to Us
What makes these pairs of pants stand out better than most is the ability to stay sturdy even after a long period of use. Of course, these pants are also made for anyone who might be planning on venturing with a few much needed EDC tools. Even with tools at your disposal in almost every pocket, you can still move freely and quickly if you need to.
Who Will Use This Most
These will be ideal for concealed carry users who will be carrying compact pistols for everyday use or even during their usual trips to the range. If you are training for self-defense purposes, these are the pants that will work out quite nicely when you are “running and gunning”. In fact, you’ll feel like you’re quicker than ever when comparing it to wearing a pair of regular pants.
Bottom Line
The Tru-Spec 24-7 Men’s Tactical Pants are quite sturdy and will be excellent in terms of providing the best storage space possible with the pockets that come with it. You’re definitely going to be happy with these pants if you are carrying a pistol and want to also carry a few extra magazines as well.
Best for the Money:
Condor Tactical Pants
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This pair of pants is excellent in quality while being able to sport an affordable price tag. Of course, if you want the best quality affordable then you’re really going to enjoy wearing these pants for any purpose that is considered fitting. One user said that he was able to wear these when hunting and said he had no trouble carrying a couple of additional magazines and his hunting knife. He kept it simple and still these pants delivered well beyond expectation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These tactical pants are made from a well-known name in tactical gear. Condor always delivers on the promise when it comes to manufacturing reliable, high-quality gear for any purpose. These pants are made from polyester that is impossible to rip, fade, or stain. So, you get a great deal of durability for a steal of a deal. That ain’t bad for someone looking for a pair of pants on a budget.
Who Will Use This Most
These would be ideal for use if you are taking part in outdoor activities. Especially if you are hunting or spending the day at the range. These are the ultimate in survival attire. So when the SHTF, you’ll have the pants that will come in handy whether you wear them regularly or not. Plus, you get plenty of tool storage as well and can be readily accessible when you need them.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an excellent pair of tactical pants that won’t suck the life out of your bank account, then chances are the Condor Tactical Pants will be exactly what you are looking for. These are arguably one of the best pairs of multi-purpose tactical pants that you’ll find anywhere on the market with an affordable price tag to boot. Why settle for a cheap pair of pants when you can get your hands on these?
Best Tactical Pants for Hot Weather:
LA Police Gear Cargo Pants
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were those who were looking for a pair of tactical pants that were breathable and were not unbearable to wear in the summertime. These pants delivered on the promise and then some. Users said that they stayed dry and were not as sweaty when wearing these pants. Not to mention, they were lightweight and users were able to walk, jog, or run. One user said that these pants were perfect for his occupation work as a security guard on days when the heat would get to be too much while he was outdoors.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Sometimes, you could wear the wrong pair of pants and you’ll start to sweat underneath. We won’t go into explicit details, but dealing with a swamp ain’t too pretty. But with that in mind, these pants are made from ripstop material that is lightweight and enough for you to keep cool all day every day. And that “swampiness”? Yep, you can say goodbye to all of that.
Who Will Use This Most
These are the perfect pair of pants for law enforcement, security, and first responders (among others) that want something that will keep them nice and dry and not feeling sweaty and overheated. Plus, you want something that will be more comfortable even when the heat is not.
Bottom Line
The LA Police Gear Cargo Pants will definitely stand out as the best pair of pants you’ve ever worn for the purpose of summertime use. No longer will you have to suffer from the consequences of wearing a pair of pants that will make you feel like you are sweating more than normal on hot days.
Best Tactical Pants for Everyday Wear:
Vertx Phantom OPS Pants
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
There were so many users who had nothing but great things to say about these pants, that we can sum up a few key takeaways. For one, the pants were made for tactical purposes for sure. More specifically, the quality was impressive to where there was never a single rip, moisture was nonexistent, and stains and spills didn’t stay on long. One user said that his coffee cup was leaking a bit and it hit his pants. What made these pants impressive for him was there were no coffee stains to speak of after cleaning it off.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a pair of tactical pants that will be next to impossible to ruin, these are it. You are looking at fabric that is made from a combination of high-quality materials that will ensure that these pants stay stain-free, wrinkle-free, and even rip-free for as long as you wear them. Indeed they are sturdy, but they are still pretty darn lightweight (thus giving you excellent mobility).
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a great pair of multi-purpose tactical pants, then you’re in luck. Of course, these might be the last pair of pants you may ever buy for outdoor activities simply based on quality alone. You’ll walk away happy knowing that you chose the right pair of pants that will give you excellent sturdiness and no grief when it comes to stains, rips, moisture, and everything in between.
Bottom Line
The Vertx Phantom OPS Pants are the real deal when it comes to everyday wear. These are so tough that you might as well get a pair for each day if you want to. But if you want a pair of pants that will ensure that you are prepared for just about any situation and you are ready to evacuate in a moment’s notice, these could be right up your alley.
Best Tactical Cargo Pants:
5.11 Tactical Men's Work Pants 74434
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many of the new users who bought these pants were mostly using this for work purposes only. But about a third of them were wearing these were first responders. For the most part, they were able to store a good number of tools and accessories in their pockets. Also, they were proven to be very accommodating to users who conceal carry on a regular basis.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a pair of tactical pants that will be ideal for storing tools and goods, then you’d be hard-pressed to find a pair like this anywhere else on the market. If you are a first responder or a member of law enforcement, you can be sure that these pants will serve you well given the number of pockets they have. Store these with your tools or additional accessories and you will be set and ready to go whenever you are out and about on the job.
Who Will Use This Most
Naturally, these pants will be your best option for when you will be working jobs where the need for accessories and tools will be likely. It can be as a first responder, working construction, or protecting and serving your community as a police officer. If you want the perfect tactical pants for your work attire, these just might be your cup of coffee.
Bottom Line
The 5.11 Tactical Men’s Work Pants are no ordinary pair of work pants. They’re the kind of pants that you can wear all day, every day. Plus, you can carry as many tools as needed if and when the job calls for them. They are super sturdy and very comfortable to wear no matter how tough work can get.
Best Lightweight Tactical Pants:
5.11 Tactical Men's Taclite Pro Work Pants
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to most users, they said that they were quite satisfied with these pairs of pants. They said that the pockets were great for tools. Plus, it was easy for them to remove their smartphones from their pockets (and put them back). Either way, they didn’t struggle with accessing their tools and accessories when they needed them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These pants are light in weight but do a good job of allowing quick and fluid movements. So, you can walk fast, jog, or run with these pants (even when fully loaded). These will come in handy if you are looking to navigate the rough terrain or running away from some kind of danger. It won’t feel heavy or slow you down when all you need to do is stay in motion.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a simple, lightweight tactical pants that are guaranteed to stay fit and sturdy, these are the pants you want to consider for your EDC attire. Whether you wear them regularly or just on the weekends these pants will certainly give you better movement and storage compared to a regular pair that just might last you half the year.
Bottom Line
The 5.11 Tactical Men’s Taclite Pro Work Pants will feel comfortable and will feel like you are wearing a feather for pants all day and every time you wear them. Whether it’s at work or while you are outdoors all day long, there is nothing more comfortable than a pair of tactical pants that won’t slow you down even if you are on the move or if you are climbing to new heights on the hiking trail.
Best Stretch Tactical Pants:
Vertx Delta Stretch Pants
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
These pants were snug and well fit for most sizes. And they stretched out nicely without damaging the elastic waistband. For this reason, this was a popular choice among those who conceal carry with an IWB holster. One user said that these pants were a huge help in providing excellent concealability for his pistol.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Often times, you need to wear a larger size pair of pants in order for your IWB holster to fit. Not so, with this pair of pants. The waistband will stretch out far enough to fit your pistol of choice (with the holster you choose). If you are looking for a durable pair of pants that will accommodate most concealed carry users, you’ll never get tired of wearing these.
Who Will Use This Most
These will be useful for most users that will be carrying compact pistols. You can keep your pistol under the radar and out of plain sight all day long and be prepared for any dangerous situation if and when they occur.
Bottom Line
The Vertx Delta Stretch Pants will be great for any user. But it will definitely excel when you are carrying a pistol of your choice. You will wear these while you are out and about or at the range, these pants will certainly give you plenty of pockets of extra ammo or anything you might need on hand for tools and accessories.
Benefits of Investing in a Pair of Quality Tactical Pants
Knowing what you’ll get out of a pair of tactical pants is key. But what kind of benefits will you get out of the whole deal? Here’s what you get:
All Your Tools in the Right Place
You’ll have plenty of pockets at your disposal. And with a good amount of space, you’ll be able to store any EDC tools that will work for any intended application. So you can have them within your reach without having to carry a bag or a belt.
Long-Lasting Durability
Anything that is considered tactical is almost guaranteed to be durable in quality. So, you can expect these pants to last you years since the materials are more likely to stay intact compared to regular denim pants. You won’t have to worry about worn down spots or any rips later on down the road.
Provides Concealability For Pistols
Indeed, a holster can do so much when it comes to concealing your pistol of choice. But a pair of tactical pants can play a supporting role in ensuring that your pistol stays intact and out of sight. That way, it won’t look like you are obviously carrying something (and making some people around you uncomfortable in the process).
Conclusion
If you are looking for a pair of tactical pants, then finding a pair from the list above will be key. Especially when you are looking for a pair that will last a long time and will be perfect to wear in any appropriate setting. Whether it’s for work or play, these tactical pants were made for getting down and dirty and keeping you ahead of the curve in emergency situations.
People Also Ask
The following is a list of questions often asked by those who are potential tactical pants buyers. Use this as a brief guide so you have additional information that will be helpful in your search for the perfect pair. Here are the following questions:
Are Tactical Pants Waterproof?
Not all tactical pants are waterproof. Yes, there are tactical pants that are either waterproof, water-resistant or both. Either way, it will depend on the material that is being used to ensure that they are waterproof and will keep you dry.
What Does 5.11 Mean?
5.11 Tactical is a company that is known for manufacturing gear and tools for those looking for something that’s high in quality and reliable. The company got the name 5.11 based on the highest level of difficulty for rock climbing.
What Are BDU Pants?
BDUs stand for battle dress uniform. These are pants that you will be wearing if and when you are typically in a tactical situation.
