What are tactical pants? If this is the first time that you have heard of this type of pants, then this is the right read for you.
If you are someone who works for any safety and protection services company, and you are just starting, of course, you should have the right tactical pants. Regular cargo pants just will not cut it, and we are here to tell you why.
Apart from telling you what tactical pants are, we will also briefly go down through memory lane as to how it developed. Of course, we will also give you some tips and tricks on how to get the best ones as well as give you a style guide.
Do you still not believe that you do not need tactical pants? Well, let us change your mind!
What Are Tactical Pants?
In general, tactical pants are just like any cargo pants, except there are certain modifications that make these pants suitable for combat. This is considered as everyday wear for those who work in law enforcement, military, fire department, EMT, SWAT, FBI, and the like. At first, these were only worn by mountain climbers, and since it has been proven effective to aid in performance, some government and private corporations adapted and revolutionized this style of pants.
More often than not, it comes in a solid color. They are also usually made from a material that is lightweight which can be ripstop poly cotton and polyester. Its belt loops are also different in such a way that they are thicker so that it can accommodate a large belt. In turn, the belt will hold firearms, handcuffs, and other tactical gear.
In terms of pockets, they usually have external ones which can fit a small knife. The knees and seat are also double reinforced so that it can protect against any abrasion.
Sometimes, there are also knee slots in the interior so that you can attach kneepads that are made of neoprene. Some types have gussets, bar tack, and some even have a coating of Teflon.
Fabric Types and Blends
As we have mentioned earlier, the material used should always be lightweight because the wearer should be comfortable. Imagine this: you are under extreme heat while carrying a heavy rucksack, and all the while you have such uncomfortable pants, will your mind be focused while you are in a mission? No! So you should know what fabric to go with when choosing your tactical pants.
1. Cotton Ripstop
- Blend: None
- Weight: 6.5 ounces
- Not that durable
- Resistant to fading
- Less likely to shrink
2. Polyester and Cotton Twill
- Blend: 40% polyester and 60% cotton or 35% cotton and 65% polyester
- Weight: Seven ounces
- Resistant to fading
- Less likely to shrink
- Does not wrinkle easily
- Can hold against wind
- Durable
3. Polyester and Cotton Ripstop
- Blend: 35% cotton and 65% polyester or 40% cotton and 60% polyester
- Weight: 6.5 to 6.6 ounces
- Can prevent tears
- Resistant to fading
- Less likely to shrink
- Does not wrinkle easily
- Can stand against the wind
- Dries quickly
- Durable
4. Nylon and Cotton Ripstop
- Blend: 50% nylon and 50% cotton
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Can prevent tears
- Approved to be used on military procedures
- Resistant to fading
- Less likely to shrink
- Does not wrinkle easily
- Can stand against the wind
- Dries quickly
- Durable
How Do You Choose Your Tactical Pants?
As you might have noticed already, there are a lot of styles and options. Just by basing it on the fabric, there are also a lot of blends that can affect how these tactical pants will wear. With that in mind, you should have certain factors to look out for so that you end up with the best tactical pants which can help you have a successful mission.
1. Determine the Temperature
Some tactical pants get too hot while others are very breathable that you might get cold. As such, you should first know where you are going to be deployed.
If your mission is in an environment that is hot, you should opt for a piece with lightweight fabric. A good rule of thumb is to go for synthetic and breathable fabric materials that weigh about 6.5 to 7.5 ounces.
On the other hand, when you are going somewhere cold, go for a piece of heavy and thick fabric. We recommend that you choose a poly-cotton or full-bodied cotton blend. Usually, this type of fabric blend weighs eight to 8.5 ounces.
2. Current Activity
Will you just be walking it out? Will you be running a lot? How about ground positions?
Make sure that you know what type of activity you are going to do. If you will be very active, get one that has a construction that is athletic. Better yet, go for a ripstop fabric, as this is an extraordinary fabric that is tear-resistant.
On the other hand, if you are always on the move, you can try to use a gusseted crotch so that there is a lot of wiggle room between your thighs. This type of design also allows for comfort and flexibility which can be of use when there is a lot of crawling and lying in your mission. Moreover, make sure that the stitching is doubled for added security.
3. Tactics or Stealth
This is in line with the previous category, but this time, we are talking about the accessories and pockets that are needed to be attached to your tactical pants. When you are going the tactical route, then it is expected to wear one that has a lot of pockets and can hold a heavier belt because you will be carrying a lot of firearms.
On the contrary, if you are under stealth mode, a slim fit is better paired with hidden pockets. In this way, your equipment will not get snagged, and it is also less likely to make any sound.
This style looks like more of regular cargo pants. Surely, if you are undercover, then you should not have bulky tactical pants, right?
Final Words
By now, you know what are tactical pants. Generally, they are special pants made of different fabric materials. Your knowledge of those fabrics is essential in order to appreciate them for what they truly are. Just remember, lightweight but functional is the way to go.