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What are Tactical Pants Made Of? [UPDATED FOR 2020]

What are Tactical Pants Made Of? [UPDATED FOR 2020]

Tactical pants have become one of the most in demand security products in 2020. They’re designed to withstand intense physical demands and harsh environments, making them a nonnegotiable accessory for military, law enforcement officials, EMTs, outdoorsmen and individuals who like to be prepared.

What is it that makes tactical pants so durable? In this article, we will explain what are tactical pants, as well as what tactical pants are made of and how you can go about choosing the best pair for your needs.

What are Tactical Pants?

Tactical pants are pants designed to provide storage for tactical gear and durability to withstand a variety of operational circumstances.

Tactical pants are not cargo pants. They may look similar but they’re not one and the same. Cargo pants are simply regular pants material fitted with side pockets. Tactical pants are materially upgraded in their design for action and protection.

Durability is of primary importance when manufacturing any pair of tactical pants, which is why they’re often reinforced with bar tack stitching, gussets, and water-resistant coatings. Tactical pants are created with a range of storage features that make it easy to keep essential gear close by.

Security professionals, outdoorsmen and prepared citizens see tactical pants as a form of armor. Tactical pants are an essential item to anyone who takes their situational preparedness seriously.

What are Tactical Pants Made Of?

Tactical pants are made from a variety of fabrics. Each of these play a role in the weight, flexibility, and how comfortable the pants are in different temperatures.

Here are some of the most common fabrics used for tactical pants.

  • Ripstop weave. This unique weave helps prevent tears and abrasions, while still keeping pants lightweight. The textured design also helps keep stains and soils to a minimum, with the bonus of it being wrinkle resistant.
  • Stretch. Thanks to some recent technological advancements, stretch fabric can maintain its integrity and shape much more than before. Stretch tactical pants are generally made with a combination of spandex, elastane, and neoprene. If you value a good range of motion, look out for these fabrics.
  • Polyester/Cotton Blends. This blend of natural and synthetic fabrics is used to make tactical pants more shrink and wrinkle resistant. They also won’t fade as easily. Unfortunately, pants that contain polyester aren’t as breathable.
  • Nylon/Cotton Blends. Nylon is another popular fabric to pair with cotton because it’s both lightweight and durable. Nylon is also softer and stronger than polyester if comfort is important to you.
  • 100% Cotton. Breathability is the best benefit of choosing this fabric. Unfortunately, cotton tactical pants tend to shrink and wrinkle quite easily, plus it’s much heavier than other fabrics.

Many of today’s tactical pants are also coated with DuPont Teflon, which is a treatment that protects the pants from liquids and oils.

Unfortunately, this treatment slowly starts to wear off the more you wash your pants. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find pants that have a treatment woven into the fabric. Not only will the pants last longer but they will be more comfortable too.

How to Choose a Pair of Tactical Pants

Along with deciding on which fabric, here are a few other factors to consider when choosing a pair of tactical pants.

Types of Tactical Pants

  • Overt. These are very similar to what the military wears. You can expect combat-like features such as deep, specialized pockets. If you’re more about the functionality than how the pants look, this is a good choice.
  • Covert. If you need a pair of pants that will help conceal the fact that you’re carrying gear or a weapon and don’t necessarily look like tactical pants, look for covert tactical pants.
  • Tactical Jeans. These are ideal for everyday wear, but also have the ability to protect you should you wish to spend a day in the outdoors. Not only is the denim durable but it has CCW functionality.
  • EMS/EMT. If you need a tough pair of pants with enough compartments for your medical tools, opt for tactical pants that are specifically designed for EMTs.

Tactical Pants Features

  • Pockets. Pants aren’t tactical without a selection of pockets. Every pair of tactical pants has cargo pockets, which can be used to store essential gear. If you carry a knife or magazines, you will be able to find a pair with pockets specifically for this. If you value discretion, many pairs of tactical pants have hidden pockets too.
  • Pocket Closure. This might be an insignificant feature to some, but for others, how their pockets close, matters. Some tactical pants pockets close with buttons, while others have zippers or Velcro. While Velcro is the preferred choice due to its reliability, but zippers are preferred because they eliminate noise. It all depends on what you will use the tactical pants and pockets for.
  • Concealed Carry (CCW). Manufacturers of tactical pants are aware of the challenges associated with concealing a weapon. Tactical pants that have CCW functionality are made with specific fabrics and have deep inset pockets and large, wider belt loops. Reinforced stitching is also used to support guns and holsters.
  • Reinforcements. You also want to consider the extra protection that a pair of tactical pants provides. Reinforced knees and seat areas offer extra comfort and reliability, while specialized stitching is designed to prevent rips and tears.
  • Mobility. If you need pants that can match your peak performance requirements, look for a pair with a gusset crotch, articulated knees, and an expanding or sliding waistband. 

Tactical Pants Fit

  • Relaxed. If comfort is one of your key requirements, opt for tactical pants with a relaxed fit.
  • Slim. This fit is polished because they’re cut close to the leg. Slim fit is more formal and modern.

When considering fit, keep in mind that tactical pants sit a bit higher on the waist than other pairs of pants in your closet. For this reason, it’s recommended that you take proper measurements of your legs and inseam before you start shopping.

Tactical Pants Weight

Lastly, there’s weight. The fabric that’s used to manufacture a pair of pants will determine most of the weight. Original weight is any pair that’s 7 ounces or more per square feet. 

Fabric that’s labeled as lightweight is under 7 ounces per square feet – these pants are ideal for warmer climates.

Conclusion

Taken into account all of the above, we recommend the Propper STL III Tactical pants. They're a lightweight option and you can grab them at an incredible price.  

Now that you know what your options are, all you need to do is visit our tactical pants page and enter in the details of what you'd like. You'll find that we have some amazing deals on the highest quality tactical pants. 

22nd Oct 2020 Bereli

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