So, Superman, you are setting off to save the world. Got everything? Map, compass, x-ray vision, pants? Yes, pants. No kidding. If clothes maketh the man, a decent pair of tactical pants has to make a superhero. Not just any old superhero either. One that is ready to take on the challenges of just about anything the world has to throw at him and his durable yet fashionable outerwear.

When you’re ready to undertake a tactical mission and have all your superhero gear in place, you’re not good to go until you’re wearing the best tactical pants. While they may look like any ordinary piece of clothing, like the real Superman’s cape, they are different. These are highly durable, heavy-duty pants, laden with pockets perfect for carrying plenty of the stuff that any self respecting superhero needs. Just the ticket when you are off on a mission to explore the planet.

TOP MENS TACTICAL PANTS

1

Editors Rating

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These pants so comfortable that you wouldn’t mind buying more than one. The pockets are many and all of them are great. The back pockets are expandable with hook and loop enclosures enabling you to secure whatever items you want to put in.

There are also 2 accessory pockets which have stiff inner lining to keep sharp objects like knife or cutter. The cargo pockets give you easy access to put your regular use stuff like mobile phone or wallet. The colors come as shown, even the Khaki one is exactly how it has been shown in the picture. There is ample room for you to crouch, bend and crawl if you select your size properly.

The pants are quite flexible and the expander waist ensures you are comfortable even after having a hearty meal at work or during travel. Be sure to select the right size. If you buy a too tight one, the stitch near the inner thighs may open when you bend excessively creating a potential disaster.

Pros

  • checkIt dries quickly and is wrinkle-resistant.
  • checkIt comes with many pockets, including expandable back pockets, for storage.
  • checkIt is extremely lightweight and durable.

Cons

  • cross-altAfter repeated wash for a year, the color starts to fade.

Specs

  • Brand Name Tru-Spec
  • Weight 0.66 Pounds
2

Editors Rating

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Here comes quality and durability without shelling out a hell lot of money. The waistband doesn’t have any elastic, so you don’t have to worry about any marks when you wear them for long.

The fluid resistance works perfectly no matter how much fluid you throw at it (just about anything from water to blood to puke). There are plenty of pockets that give you a lot of space to keep all your stuff – mobile, wallet, keys, even mini pocket guides and books and other essentials.

You need to wash the material with care. When in constant contact with hot water, the color starts to fade. Besides, when exposed to extreme heat or flames, the material will start melting and can cause serious issues for the person using it.

The fitting is quite loose in the thighs, which ensures you are able to freely move, squat, bend or crawl. The only flip side is that the stitching of the buttons is not all that great and with regular washing, the buttons will eventually come out. Buy the correct size, as the tight one may not be a good option for you. There are chances of the cloth getting torn while bending or squatting if it is too tight.

Pros

  • checkThey use anti-odor technology for longer use.
  • checkThey repel water quite nicely.
  • checkThey feature a fuller cut for all-round comfort and flexibility.

Cons

  • cross-altVery light material, so not suitable for winters.

Specs

  • Brand Name Under Armour
  • Weight 1 Pound
3

Editors Rating

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If you want comfortable yet professional looking pants, which you can wear even to your office or during any travel, this is the one. These tactical pants are semi-thin and light on the skin, and give a relaxed feeling. They keep you cool during hot weather too.

The pants look soft but are rugged enough to be even suitable for hiking. The quality is very good and whether you bend, squat or crawl, the stitching won’t move even the slightest. Easy to clean and wash, durable, can be worn daily, this pant is really worth the price even if it is on the higher side.

The color options are quite different but they may be a bit different in reality from what’s shown in the picture. For example, the cannon color is actually the regular dark brown. Choose your size after going through the size chart. Usually, you may want to go for a size lower than your usual one as these pants are meant for loose fitting.

Pros

  • checkYou will have a plenty of unique colors to choose from
  • checkThe material is comfortable and offers ultimate breathability.
  • checkThey are water and wrinkle-resistant.

Cons

  • cross-altPrice is quite high.

Specs

  • Brand Name Under Armour
  • Weight 1 Pound
4

Editors Rating

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These cargo pants offer great performance, durability and near-perfect quality. The material is designed for robustness and flexibility. You can’t resist buying more than one once you see and use the product. There are also plenty of pockets so you can keep your stuff everywhere. The front and side pockets are quite spacious and you can keep any model of phone easily. The back pockets come with Velcro and are slanted for an easy access.

When you decide to buy, choose one size bigger as it will fit you better than the exact size. For example, if you want a medium, you could go for a large. The colors don’t fade away even after multiple washes. You can wear them daily, and they will look the same every day.

From casual wear to hiking, you can wear them anywhere anytime. They are also a good wear for winters and provide good warmth. The only major flipside is that the buttons are not stitched well and come out easily with a few washes.

Pros

  • checkThey repel fluids, dirt and other contaminants (oh my god, so awesome!).
  • checkThey deliver great performance and durability.
  • checkThese are fade and wrinkle resistant and do not shrink.

Cons

  • cross-altFitting may not be great if you are a bit over-sized.
  • cross-altButtons are not that great.

Specs

  • Brand Name CQR
  • Weight 0.2 Pounds
5

Editors Rating

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When you demand some serious durability from your tactical pants, look no further than what the PROPPER has to offer. Thanks to its nine-pocket design, you will never run short of storage spaces. From your large screen smartphone to your bulky multi-tool, you can carry anything in these pockets and access them whenever you want.

The durability is not going to be an issue with these pants because they use rugged canvas fabric, but it is nice to see it come with DuPont Teflon fabric protector that make these pants stain and water resistant. Just like durability, the company has not cut any corners to make these pants comfortable too. You will love how an action-stretch waistband is introduced to enhance the overall comfort level. With its internal opening on the knee pads, you will find it easier to bend and crawl at will.

Overall, it is a really nice option for anyone looking for a right pair of tactical pants, but some users have complained about the low quality of the zipper. Other than this, you will have no real problems, be it their reinforced stitching or spacious pockets with pocket guards. It certainly offers a good value for money!

Pros

  • checkIt uses a combo of polyester and cotton for durability.
  • checkIt is shrink, fade, and wrinkle resistant.
  • checkIt comes with nine pockets for ample storage options.

Cons

  • cross-altThe zipper is not of the highest quality.

Specs

  • Brand Name PROPPER
  • Weight 2 Pounds
6

Editors Rating

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The combination of cotton and polyester with Teflon fabric protector gives you a pair of highly durable yet comfortable tactical pants. You will never have to miss pockets, as there are plenty of them – nine in total basically – and they are spacious enough to hold your stuff. Interestingly, you will find a couple of hook and loop back pockets that are highly efficient, especially when you notice they come with wallet “pocket in a pocket”. The availability of a couple of hidden coin pockets is an added advantage of buying these pants.

With these tactical pants, you don’t have to worry about durability because they withstand heavy use perfectly. They are water and stain resistant as well, so you will have a greater peace of mind when enjoying on your next camping expedition. The presence of YKK zipper, extra-large belt loops, PRYM snap, action-stretch waistband, and reinforced seat and knee also plays a big role in making these one of the most popular tactical pants from the POPPER. Just keep in mind that these pants are not cheap and cost much more than many others in the same category.

Pros

  • checkThey use Teflon fabric protector for added durability.
  • checkYou will love an additional wallet “pocket in a pocket”.
  • checkYou will appreciate its relaxed fit and comfortable fabric.

Cons

  • cross-altThe price may be a bit high.

Specs

  • Brand Name PROPPER
  • Weight 3 Pounds
7

Editors Rating

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Because of their relatively looser look, they work great to provide you with ample freedom to move around on your camping expedition. In fact, you’re never going to experience any issue in terms of mobility, and that is also because it comes with fully gusseted crotch.

Their design makes them look quite like your regular cargo pants, which certainly makes them a great option for everyday wear, but they serve much more than your regular cargo pants. You will find a variety of pockets, some small, some large, but they are all highly usably and placed perfectly. With all these pockets, you can carry everything from your compass and tactical pen to your police bad, pepper spray, and of course, your smartphone. You will also find a double front belt loop that you can whenever you like.

The fabric is durable, yet extremely comfortable. The presence of an adjustable elasticized waistband means you can adjust everything without having to ratchet down the belt first. While it is generally a comfortable pair of pants, the only issue is related to the silicon strip that you will find in the waistband. It is there to keep your shirt in place but it chafes your skin and is quite irritating. Everything is just perfect!

Pros

  • checkThese pants are true to their sizes and fit nicely.
  • checkThe size of the belt loops is just perfect.
  • checkThere are plenty of pockets to carry stuff.

Cons

  • cross-altThe silicone strip on the waistband is irritating.

Specs

  • Brand Name Blackhawk
  • Weight 1 Pound
8

Editors Rating

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Thanks to the use of Flec-Tac proprietary fabric and two-way mechanical stretch cotton/polyester ripstop fabric, you will never experience any issues in terms of comfort and durability. The use of this specially designed fabric makes these pants durable without adding weight to them. You will feel extremely comfortable in every condition, recreational and professional.

The availability of so many pockets is another reason behind the popularity of these tactical pants. There are 12 pockets in total, but you will really love double-deep cargo pockets, especially designed for tactical use.

You will notice that these pants use the Teflon fabric treatment, which means there shouldn’t be any issue related to stains and spills. Even after a tough day on the field, your pants will continue to look perfect. In terms of comfort, there shouldn’t be any problem with features like a fully gusseted crotch, a self-adjusting tunnel waistband, and articulated knees. With these features, kneeling, running, and crawling will become a breeze. You will love it for the way it performs, but be sure to cough up some money because it seems a bit pricier than other similar pants in the market.

Pros

  • checkThese pants use Flec-Tac proprietary fabric for added comfort.
  • checkThey use a combination of cotton and polyester ripstop fabric for durability.
  • checkThey are stain and liquid resistant.

Cons

  • cross-altThey are a bit pricey.

Specs

  • Brand Name 5.11
  • Weight 0.6 Ounces
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Editors Rating

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These tactical pants from Vertx use a fabric containing Lycra and cotton. The blend really works great to offer added durability without making you feel uncomfortable on those hot summer days when you decide to hit the field. You can wear them for as long as you want and still feel comfortable, as they handle extreme temperatures exceptionally well.

These tactical pants are great for everyday use because of a low profile. The reason is that most of those cargo pockets are concealed, making these pants look like a pair of casual cargo trousers. On the right side, there are concealed cargo pockets with zippers to protect your stuff. The back pocket comes with a credential flap that also helps keeping your stuff safe. The only issue is that you will not find reinforcement for the main pockets, which means you will have a hard time sorting heavier objects.

Overall, these pants are comfortable and durable with plenty of storing capabilities. Articulated knees and a gusseted crotch will also go a long way in keeping you comfortable while on a camping trip.

Pros

  • checkThey feature a gusseted crotch for maximum mobility.
  • checkThey have concealed tactical pockets for a cool look.
  • checkThey have plenty of pockets of storage.

Cons

  • cross-altYou will miss reinforcement for main pockets.

Specs

  • Brand Name Vertyx
  • Weight 2 Pounds
10

Editors Rating

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Designed mainly to provide you with the mobility, speed, and comfort you need to fulfill any tactical mission with ease, these tactical pants is something you should have in your possession. There are many pockets to help you carry a lot of your stuff. Having inset zipper pockets combined with internal attachment points is another added benefit. Because of those attachment points, you don’t have to worry about losing your belongings while moving around.

These pants use Amphibious cloth (AC) material, which is not only durable but comfortable and lightweight as well. The fabric dries quickly too, so you don’t have to worry about what conditions you find yourself in on a tactical mission. It also resists wrinkles and liquid naturally, so you will find it easier to wash them.  These pants come with a gusseted crotch, which means the freedom of motion will never be an issue. Its standard fit also adds to the overall comfort. The only thing to consider is the price tag, as it may be a bit expensive than most other tactical pants available on the market.

Pros

  • checkThey feature pockets with internal attachment points for safety.
  • checkThey have plenty of pockets to carry a variety of objects, both small and large.
  • checkThey feature a gusseted crotch to enhance freedom of motion.

Cons

  • cross-altA bit pricey.

Specs

  • Brand Name TAD Gear
  • Weight N/A
11

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If you’re looking for a tough pair of tactical pants, you will never go wrong with your decision to buy these Challenge Pants from GORUCK. The use of a two-way stretch fabric is the reason why it can withstand harsh conditions while keeping you comfortable.

You will find so many pockets on these tactical pants to help you store your stuff easily. The good thing is that back pockets are reversible, which means you can pull out and clean them quickly. Those cargo pockets come with interior drain holes to keep everything dry. With two specially designed horizontal pockets and rear welt pockets, you will never have to worry about carrying your belongings.

The freedom of movement is great too because it features a diamond gusset for extra comfort. They use abrasion resistant spandex to provide you with the right stretch and recovery. Articulated knees also play a role here and provide you with additional room for kneeling and squatting. Overall, it’s all good, but with a pair of pants of this caliber, you have to be ready to shell out some cash.

Pros

  • checkThey feature a curved waistband for comfort.
  • checkThey have a diamond gusset to allow for extra stretch.
  • checkThey feature pockets with interior drain holes.

Cons

  • cross-altThey are a bit expensive.

Specs

  • Brand Name GORUCK
  • Weight N/A
12

Editors Rating

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The pair of Force 10AC cargo pants is a great choice for anyone looking for a combination comfort, durability, and ample storage capabilities. You will find eight logically placed pockets on these pants. There are also a couple of hidden passport pockets that you can use to carry your sensitive documents discretely. There are internal pocket dividers as well that help secure flashlights, radios, and even spare magazines. The cargo flaps feature pass-though slots that can be used to carry longer items.

Because of their unique design, you can always turn them into your pants for everyday use.  However, it is mainly designed for tactical use, which you can tell from its bellowed design that allows for expanded storage space. The use of nylon fabric means that the pants are comfortable and durable at the same time.  They repel water quite effectively.  Another nice feature is the use of inserts at the knee that offer increased protection. It is worth mentioning that though these cargo pants are expensive, they certainly offer a good value for your money.

Pros

  • checkThey feature eight pockets in total.
  • checkThey are wrinkle and stain resistant.
  • checkThey have inserts at the knee for added protection.

Cons

  • cross-altThey come with a high price tag.

Specs

  • Brand Name FORCE
  • Weight N/A

BUYING GUIDE & FAQ’S

What are the main benefits of wearing tactical pants?

Do not be confused into thinking any regular cargo pants have the capacity to compete with top-notch tactical pants. They are designed with strength, durability and functionality at the forefront of the designer’s mind.

These heavy-duty pants stand no nonsense. Made mainly for law enforcement, and for saving the world, no matter what strains are placed on them during your outdoor activities, they hold their own and more.

Most are constructed from heavy duty cotton, although there are some made from even stronger materials out there. They easily withstand the rough and tumble of the outdoors which is why they are a favorite for military men and outdoor enthusiasts as well as other, more run of the mill superheroes.

Pockets are good, but more pockets are better. Moreover, pockets that are strategically placed are just perfect for the modern “explorer”. You never know what you are going to need and having it handy somewhere in your pants is just a bonus.

To make sure you don’t blow your cover or maybe to keep items discreet and safe, these modern, out of this world pants have hidden inside pockets. That means even more carrying power when you are out and about and no hassles walking around with a cumbersome tool belt.

Even a Superman likes to be comfy and these pants offer all that. Knee pads for when you are ferreting around on the ground doing your super thing, with drawstrings at the ankles that keep dust and insects out. And if you get a chilly, in your ice palace or wherever, you can always stuff the bottom of the pants down into your tactical boots and get yourself a bit cozy. With the flexibility of the material, you won’t feel restricted or all trussed up and nothing is going to tear. That leaves you comfortable for having a perfect time out in the wild.

What are the main things to consider when buying tactical pants?

Now that you have gathered the fact that tactical pants do play a big role in determining the quality of time you have in the outdoors, it’s time to buy one for you. Here are the few main features to consider when you are thinking about investing in a new pair of tactical pants.

Style

While your focus is always on having some real fun out of every expedition, it never hurts to move around in some style. There are two styles to choose from in tactical pants, the casual and formal

Casual and Classic

The casual tactical pants have all the visible features of classic tactical style from big side pockets to comfortable loose waistband. These pants are ideal for your lazy days at home or for your adventurous trips out to save buses from cliffs. Anytime you need comfort and convenience to be your top priority.  Use the roomy side pockets of these comfy pants to carry along any equipment you’ll need like your multitool or useful bits of string and the TV remote control.

Formal Style

Formal style or low profile tactical pants combine the comfort of tactical pants with formal dressing. Great for a guy who doesn’t know what the day will fling at him. These pants have all the features of classical tactical pants but they are not so in your face. The big cargo pockets are hidden and stay flat when empty going unnoticed. You could easily wear these pants at your work or when going out without looking too casual.

Durability and Versatility of the Material

The tactical pants are often used for camping and adventurous sports, like leaping off tall buildings, so the durability and versatility of its material matter a lot. It should be waterproof and withstand in all kinds of weathers be it a light snow flurry or full on stormy. Choose your pants wisely, keeping in mind how and where you’re going to wear them. For water and beach, there’s fast drying but if it’s durability that counts, it pays to be savvy about what you intend buying.

The tactical pants available in the market are made with different types of materials. Here is the list of all you can choose from including the treated and blended ones.

  • Pure Cotton Pants: Cotton is the most comfortable and durable material. It is rough and tough and keeps you comfortable by retaining water in the fibers. But they are not good for wearing on outdoor adventurous trips as they are quite heavy. Cotton blends are more preferred by people to pure cotton pants, as they don’t retain the water making them lightweight and fast drying.
  • Teflon Coated Pants: Water resistant pants are good for going out in damp weather but they are not waterproof. Teflon coated pants are better at repelling water and keep your pants good looking even on rainy days. These treated pants don’t allow water to stay on its surface and roll it back. But these pants are not completely waterproof and won’t go well if you are planning to paddle around in water.
  • Silicone Treated Pants: Silicone treated cotton material is even more resistant to water and perform comparatively better than all the treated and blended cotton when it comes to waterproofing. You can use silicone treated cotton pants for water fun and adventures but it is not 100 percent waterproof although they dry faster.
  • Canvas Pants: Canvas is a completely natural and waterproof material which is why it is used to make sails. Canvas woven material is best for vigorous water activity as they are completely non-absorbent. Canvas pants ensure no water retaining, but they are inflexible and limit your movements due to their heavy weight.
  • Synthetic Pants: Synthetic materials, like Lycra and spandex, are ideal for pants especially for water sports as they don’t absorb any water and are lightweight. Although they are not always that comfortable they ensure complete protection from dampness and keep moisture away.

If you are a sports enthusiast and enjoy your adventures outdoors, then it’s worth paying for quality pants every time. Like anything, you get what you pay for, and paying the most you can afford is an excellent strategy for buying tactical pants.

Flexible Pants

No one likes to be restricted in their movements when they out and about doing superhero things. A tight crotch can upset anyone’s day and sap the fun right out of any thrilling adventure. So, apart from trying them on and performing a few squats, look for stretchable materials and gussets and pleats in the appropriate places for all round comfort.

Pockets and zippers

One of the most ubiquitous features of tactical pants are the big pockets on either side. Carefully check them over for their storage capacity and zippers, to make sure they are where you want them and the sizes you need. These pockets carry your required tools and other basic stuff like a flashlight and rope easily but it’s good to be able to reach them when you need to, particularly when you are on the go. These pockets often come with zippers to keep things secure. Most of the pants have these feature pockets but some have them smaller and more low key, so think carefully about what you want from your pants before you pay up apart from just keeping your legs warm.

Size and weight of the pants

You definitely want your pants to be portable for when you have to carry spares on your long missions. Make sure your pants are lightweight and will roll up to occupy minimum storage space to ensure easy traveling.

The color of the pants

Tactical pants come in an almost endless variety of colors. Choose yours on the basis of your preferences and according to the requirements of your tasks and situation. So if you plan to be out hunting the supervillains often, I am sure you can work out, it’s best to go for the colors that help you blend in with your surroundings.

Are my tactical pants waterproof?

Well, the answer to this question is that no tactical pants are completely waterproof like your scuba wetsuit. But these pants are water resistant and keep you away from dampness in rainy weather. They can resist any kind of liquid pouring on them, staying just fine even if oil spills on them. These pants though, can’t rescue you if you waddle on the beach or walk in the pool of water. They become wet and soak up some water. But the beneficial feature is that they dry fast once you are out of the water.

How I will find the perfect loop size?

Tactical pants are meant to be used with tactical belts, they are needed to fasten pants snug on your waist. Every manufacturer has different size charts for its loops so follow these ways to find the size of yours before cashing out on a belt.

  • Check the product description on the manufacturer’s website, the information regarding the sizes is often easily available there. Manufacturers keep on updating their sites with their new arrivals and keep customers informed about the availability of old stocks.
  • Check the reviews from other customers about the same product. You will get an idea about the size from the discussions and reviews. You may also get some valuable information in the question answer thread about the product as many other people will be interested in sizing details.

If you fail to get any information from the above two sources then contact the customer support center and ask them directly. They are the best people to guide you as they have exact information usually at their fingertips although you may have to wait for their reply in case of an email query.

Are these pants weather resistant?

Like your other clothing accessories, no single pair of tactical pants can go well in hot and cold weather alike. Different materials are suitable for different weather. Polyester pants go well in the cold and rain keeping you insulated. However, polyester pants can give you heat rashes and boil your skin on hot sunny days. Breathable cotton pants are ideal for summers as they retain water and keep you cool but are totally useless in rainy weather as they will soak water up and give no protection at all.

Invest your money wisely in the pants that go well with the average climate of your territory and can be used all year long. Buying specific pairs for summers and winters, and separate pants for different campaigns is the absolutely best investment if you’re crazy about wearing tactical pants and frequently on the go for missions.

How heavy are tactical pants usually? Will they weigh me down?

Tactical pants are designed to keep you comfortable and well protected when you’re on a tactical mission or simply enjoying a camping trip. Therefore, they have to use durable material, but they are not heavy at all, as adding more weight would slow you down, which defeats the whole purpose of buying a pair of tactical pants. Most of these pants use a lightweight poly-cotton ripstop fabric that is durable and light. Just keep in mind that the overall weight actually depends on the gear you carry because these pants usually come with 8-9 pockets and have the ability to store a lot.

CONCLUSION.

The fact of the matter is that you will benefit a lot by going for tactical pants for any tough mission. They offer added protection and have so many storage options available – some of them even come with concealed pockets for added safety. The good thing is that you can now find many brands offering pants that look quite like your regular cargo pants but are super efficient too. Just be sure to consider your budget constraints and compare the available options to buy the best tactical pants for you.