In a high-energy environment or tactical scenario, regular cargo pants or jeans won’t cut it. Instead, you’ll want to get your hand (or legs, as it were) on the best tactical pants you can find. Tactical pants provide exceptional storage space to keep extra magazines and other tools and equipment in convenient locations for fast retrieval.
They’re far preferable to keeping all of your extra stuff in a static location where it can’t be of help in a dicey situation. In addition, tactical plans are generally flexible and durable so they won’t rip easily but can maintain a high degree of freedom as you run, jump, or slide in the pursuit of your objective.
Overall, tactical plans are a great investment. But how can you know which to choose?
In this guide, we’ll go over the best tactical pants you can find online, whether they’re CQR, TRU-SPEC, or Scollor tactical pants. We’ll also explain any possible flaws a particular pair might have. Let’s dive in.
12 Best Tactical Pants
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1. Pro Tactical
Pro Tactical
Free shipping
Features
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL - Constructed using premium polyester and cotton mechanical stretch Taclite ripstop fabric with a triple-stitching built, this pair of pants is sturdy and flexible to ensure maximum performance in the field.
- TEFLON-TREATED FABRIC - Coated with Teflon, these pants have a protective finish that resists stain, soil, and moisture without compromising breathability. The coating also makes it easier to clean this garment!
- FULLY GUSSETED CONSTRUCTION - Featuring a gusseted inseam and a fitted appearance, this pair of pants offers optimum flexibility and a comfortable fit to eliminate your worries about rips and tears.
- SPECIALIZED POCKETS - Specially designed for professionals on the go, this pair of pants has 8 pockets including strap-and-slash seat pockets to provide ample storage and easy access to all your mission-critical gear.
- TRUSTED BRAND - Developed with quality in mind, 5.11 Tactical offers a wide range of products that includes shirts, pants, bags, accessories, and more. Defining their brand through challenge and fortitude, 5.11 promises readiness beyond limits.
These tactical pants are tough and perfect for storing sharp objects.
Key Features
- Ripstop fabric
- Wear-resistant finish
- External knife pocket
These pants are ideal for those who like to hold many different types of equipment and components at the same time. There’s an external knife pocket to take advantage of as well is too large cargo pockets that are ideal for holding things like magazines or cell phones.
The pockets make use of a signature rear strap and slash pocket design that’s easy to get into yet secure once the zippers and snaps are in place.
The pants are lightweight yet durable and made with ripstop fabric that’s already inherently resistant to tear damage. To make things even better, the pants are treated with an HT Teflon finish to reduce the likelihood of them being worn down even further. Combined with a reasonable asking price, these pants show great value for money.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile pocket designs
- Wear and tear-resistant
Cons
- Not ideal for colder weather
Get these tactical pants if you frequently store sharp or pocket tearing objects.
2. Defender-Flex
Mens Defender-Flex
Free shipping
Features
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION - Constructed with 10 oz mechanical stretch denim from 76% cotton and 24% polyester with Lycra T400 Tough Max, this functional jean features improved strength and durability to offer you a year-round wardrobe staple.
- ON- AND OFF-DUTY WEAR - With its sleek look, this denim pant has the look of your favorite jeans paired with tactical features, making it perfect both for everyday casual wear or for maximum performance during duties.
- SPECIALIZED POCKETS - Specially designed for professionals on the go, this pant has dual back patch pockets, two rear hip pockets, and the 5.11 signature mag pockets to provide ample storage and effortless access to all your mission-critical gear.
- STRETCHABLE FABRIC - This pant is strategically designed using mechanical stretch fabric to ensure style and comfort while retaining its natural shape amidst daily grind.
- VARIETY OF COLORS AND SIZES - This 5.11 Defender-Flex Straight Jean is available in sizes 28 to 44. Choose between 30-36 lengths to suit your height.
These tactical pants are durable and promote casual or serious wearing depending on preference.
Key Features
- Made from 24 percent polyester
- Looks casual despite extra pockets
- Quality construction
This set of pants benefits from quality construction. It uses mechanical stretch denim containing 24% polyester. This improves both strength and durability to allow you to continue to wear the pants throughout the year as a staple clothing item if you so choose.
Despite being tactical pants, this set is sleek and can be used for daily events and activities. It doubles as both casual and serious wear depending on your needs.
The pants have specially designed pockets: dual back pockets, two rear hip pockets, and mag pockets that provide for plenty of storage and access to all of the gear or supplies you could need during any tactical event or expedition. The combination of stylish design and practical pockets make this a versatile set of pants for just about anyone.
Pros
- Affordable
- Casual and tactical
- Stretchy
Cons
- Not as durable as some other tac pants
These are ideal if you go from tactical pants to casual pants situations frequently.
3. Tru-Spec
Tru-Spec
$50.44 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Straight-Leg Cargo Pants: Our classic cargo pants for men are designed to combat harsh weather when on tactical missions, camping, or hiking; Their durable construction makes these tactical pants a closet staple for years to come
- Efficient Design: Our men's cargo pants come with an inside opening for knee pads and a YKK brass zipper; Lightweight fabric is comfortable and allows for wide range of activities
- Multiple Pockets: These hiking pants feature deep front pockets, 2 cargo pockets, 2 expandable back pockets with hook and loop closures, and additional hidden pockets for essentials
- Comfortable Fit: Our cargo work pants for men have an adjustable slider waistband that eliminates the need for gathered elastic or side tabs and accommodates paddle-style or inside-the-pants holsters with 2-inch belt loops
- Lightweight Men's Tactical Pants: These tactical pants for men are made with a polyester-cotton blend and engineered for on-duty or off-duty wear; Suitable for casual and outdoor activities like hiking, traveling, walking, camping, and more
These tactical pants have exceptional pocket design and long-lasting fabric.
Key Features
- Teflon coated
- Expandable back pockets
- 6 pockets in total
These pants may not have the highest amount of storage pockets available, but each pocket design more than makes up for this apparent limitation. To knife or accessory pockets are included that have a stiff using interlining. This makes them excellent choices for storing accessories that often shred the inner lining of weaker pockets.
There are also two thigh cargo pockets that have a hoop and loop closure to allow for easy closing and opening. Finally, there are expandable back pockets that can carry larger accessories for more magazines than the others.
Even besides the pocket pros, these pants have several benefits including a Teflon coating that combines with ripstop fabric. Put together, these elements ensure that the pants do not tear easily and maintain exceptional wind and fading resistance.
They’re also quite quick to dry after being washed and are wrinkle resistant as well. The pants are typically very comfortable so long as you fit within their recommended sizing ranges, as the waistband isn’t as flexible as many other tactical pants you can find.
Pros
- Lots of color choices
- Excellent durability/resistances
- Pocket designs are good
- Dry quickly
Cons
- Expensive
- Relatively few pockets
These are great tactical pants for those who like easy-access pockets in smart locations.
4. Men’s STRYKE
Men's STRYKE
Free shipping
Features
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL - Constructed using premium patent-pending two-way Flex-Tac mechanical stretch fabric, this pair of pants is sturdy and flexible to ensure maximum performance in the field.
- TEFLON-TREATED FABRIC - Coated with Teflon, these pants have a protective finish that resists stain, soil, and moisture without compromising breathability. The coating also makes it easier to clean this garment!
- FULLY GUSSETED CONSTRUCTION - Featuring a gusseted inseam and a fitted appearance, this pair of pants offers optimum flexibility and a comfortable fit to eliminate your worries about rips and tears.
- SPECIALIZED POCKETS - Specially designed for professionals on the go, this pair of pants has 12 pockets including double-deep cargo pockets to provide ample storage and easy access to all your mission-critical gear.
- TRUSTED BRAND - Developed with quality in mind, 5.11 Styke Pants are available in 12 colors; TDU Green, Charcoal, Black, Khaki, Stone, Storm, Battle Brown, Burnt, Coyote, Ranger Green, Tundra, and Dark Navy-Blue.
These tactical cargo pants have a special fabric and a self-adjusting waistband to promote flexibility.
Key Features
- Uses Flec-Tac proprietary fabric
- Self-adjusting waistband
- 12 pockets
These EDC pants are some of the most thorough you’ll be able to find. They include 12 different pockets all across the pants’ surface area, including low-profile angled pockets for quick access and double-deep cargo pockets for storing extra accessories and equipment.
There are also front pockets sized for EDC items, as well as a secret interior kneepad pocket. The knees are sewn for exceptional durability just like the rest of the pants. They use a proprietary fabric that allows for flexibility and tear resistance at the same time.
The pants also utilize a Teflon finish to prevent wear and tear and stop the pants from losing their color over a short period of time. Efficient and durable zippers and snaps ensure that pocket security is maintained even with heavy use and the aesthetic is clearly modeled after traditional military and law enforcement designs.
Overall, these are an exceptional pair of pants that are only marred by a high asking price. Still, if you’re after the best these may be the best tactical pants around.
Pros
- Lots of color options
- Durable yet flexible
- Lots of versatile pockets
- Pocket security is long-lasting
- Secret kneepad pocket
Cons
- A bit expensive
These tactical pants are great for folks who need a little extra flexibility and who hate when pockets tear.
5. EMS Pants
EMS Pants
1 used from $48.34
Free shipping
Features
- QUALITY FABRIC CONSTRUCTION - Made from TacLite ripstop polyester-cotton fabric, this pants provides an efficient, breathable, and lightweight bottom for optimum comfort.
- COMFORTABLE FIT - Featuring self-adjusting tunnel waistband, fully gusseted inseam, and double-reinforced seat and knees. This men's pants will surely look great and move with you throughout the day.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL POCKETS - The thigh-mounted cargo pockets offer internal dividers for sorting your essential gear, secondary cargo pockets at the calf offer additional storage, and a web strap for a customized loadout.
- UNIFORM PANTS - Developed with Teflon finish, providing you with pants that are dirt, stain, and soil resistant for a quality that lasts. It's also integrated with YKK zippers and Prym snaps, adding guaranteed reliability to the apparel.
- PROFESSIONAL DESIGN - Engineered with comfort and performance you won’t find anywhere else. These lightweight and durable EMS pants offer enhanced comfort, a range of motion, and storage options made especially for duty wear.
These tactical cargo pants are well-made and have pockets that promote organized storage.
Key Features
- Self-adjusting waistband
- Internal dividers and pockets
- Web strap
These pants are heavy-duty and definitely look the part of a piece of tactical clothing. They utilize a lightweight, breathable, and durable fabric that can resist ripping and tearing much more effectively than typical pants fabrics.
They also feature a self-adjusting waistband that helps keep the pants comfortable across multiple size ranges. There’s also a fully gusseted inseam to provide exceptional durability alongside double reinforced seating and knee spaces, which are ready for kneepads. All of these aspects combine to make a pair of pants that are not likely to degrade anytime soon even with heavy use.
It has multiple cargo pants pockets for storage, and the thigh mounted pockets have internal dividers that let you sort your gear efficiently. Finally, a web strap is included to customize your loadout.
Pros
- Customizable storage
- Very durable
- Comfortable
- Lots of extra space
Cons
- Dividers are relatively weak/tear easily
These are the best tactical pants for folks who like to organize more than anything.
6. CQR Tactical Work
Features
- CQR Flex Operator PantsSeries designed for law enforcement, military, and outdoor activities.
- [Materials] Mix of Polyester & Cotton fabric is for maximum mechanical flexibility and stretch.
- [Duratax Ripstop Fabric] Ripstop fabric has excellent durability and is water-resistant and stain-resistant.
- [Multi Pockets] Tactical pockets allow you to carry various tools and equipment without holding on your hand.
- [Heavy Reinforced Structure] Double-stitching for vigorous dependability.
These tactical pants have plenty of space and special Duratex fabric to promote maneuverability and strength.
Key Features
- Flexy Duratex fabric
- 8 cargo pockets
These pants provide a huge amount of storage space for magazines, tools, and other equipment while providing exceptional comfort and flexibility. The Duratex fabric that makes up the pants can repel liquid, dirt, and other contaminants while still allowing maximum mechanical flexibility. Duratex fabric is essential in any pair of waterproof tactical pants.
The pants are also designed to stretch up to a certain extent to allow for variable size ranges and potential water retention. In addition, they’re made of ripstop material to prevent easy tearing while in use.
8 cargo pockets are available to use. The pants are clearly designed with military and law enforcement aesthetic inspiration without directly copying either design. The pants are both shrink and wrinkle resistant even if you wash them in a traditional washing machine.
Pros
- Durable but highly flexible
- Repels all kinds of contaminants
- Lots of storage space
- Excellent aesthetic
- Affordable
Cons
- A little hot in warm weather
These tactical pants are a great balance between flexibility and durability.
7. LA Police Gear
LA Police Gear
Free shipping
Features
- VERSATILE - Loaded with features, our Urban Ops Tactical Pants can be worn as hiking pants, work pants, duty pants, or EDC pants without looking out of place.
- DURABLE - High quality materials, reinforced bar tack stitching, RipStop fabric, articulating knees, and a gusseted crotch provide freedom of movement and rip/tear resistance to ensure these tac pants will hold up in rough and unforgiving conditions.
- POCKETS - 7 total pockets; including 2 front pockets, 2 rear pockets, 1 front slip pocket, and 2 large cargo pockets, these cargo pants offer plenty of room to store and organize all your EDC or duty gear.
- FABRIC - RipStop fabric aids in preventing small tears and rips from spreading, while a special fabric treatment makes these pants water and stain resistant. This will keep you looking clean and professional.
- STRETCH WAISTBAND - These tactical trousers have a self-adjusting elastic waistband that offers a precise fit for added comfort while also giving your more room for concealed carry of an IWB holster or to tuck in your uniform shirt.
These tactical pants allow for easy access pockets for less money than many competitors.
Key Features
- Features articulated knees and gusseted crotch
- Slanted cargo pockets for easy access
- Elastic waistband
These pants are another affordable and versatile alternative that provides an excellent use for folks on a budget. There are only a handful of pockets compared to many other tactical pants options, but each pocket has a slanted opening for easy access. Some of the pockets have flaps to prevent your equipment or components from falling out while being seated.
The front pockets, in particular, are optimized for cell phones, knives or other small devices that you may need to retrieve quickly. All of the pockets are durable and utilize a ripstop fabric that reduces the likelihood of wear and tear.
There are articulating knees and a gusseted crotch area that improve mobility and comfort while retaining long-term durability even under heavy use. A locking brass YYK zipper ensures that this aspect of the pants will last just as long, if not longer, than the fabric itself.
There’s also an elastic waistband that improves comfort and allows for folks of variable sizes to use the pants without issue.
Combined with the low asking price, these pants are some of the best in terms of total value for money. Be sure to browse their collection of colors to choose the one that fits your aesthetic best.
Pros
- Great durability and pocket design
- Durable zipper
- Flexible waistband
Cons
- Not super breathable
These tactical pants are great for folks on a budget who need plenty of pockets for fast equipment retrieval.
8. Mars Gear
Features
- 12 strategically placed pockets
- Smart sized pockets for electronic gadget or pistol/rifle magazines
- High rise cargo pockets with hook and loop flap
- Gusseted crotch
- Elastic waistband
These are tactical pants with tough stitching and tons of extra space.
Key Features
- 12 pockets
- Gusseted crotch
- Elastic waistband
These pants have a high number of cargo pockets: 12, among the highest on the pants we’ve reviewed so far. These pockets all strategically placed in optimal locations for easy access while retaining mobility options. The pockets are all additionally sized perfectly for electronic gadgets or other equipment like magazines.
There’s also a hidden inner knee pocket where you can store your most valuable equipment in secret. All of the pockets are made from a ripstop material that reduces the likelihood of wear and tears and lets you safely store things like knives or keys without compromising the integrity of the pocket itself.
The pants make good use of a gusseted crotch and elastic waistband. Both of these aspects allow for flexible movement and for folks of various sizes to comfortably wear the pants without sacrificing long-term durability.
The highest cargo pockets also use a hook and loop flap for extra security. The pants can be purchased for a very reasonable asking price, although they don’t have many colors to choose from in comparison to most other tactical pants options.
Pros
- Excellent pocket placement
- Lots of storage space
- Flexible yet durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Not too many colors
They’re a great choice for those who like a balance between storage space, flexibility, and durability in their tactical pants.
9. Helikon-Tex
Features
- Unique US and EU patented design - A well-known, Helikon-Tex best seller
- Thanks to its 2-way elastic fabric, you get a comfortable, slim look with an increased range of motion without unnecessary stress on its seams. Its stretchable waist gives you up to 2 additional inches for improved comfort
- Its lightweight and breathable materials provide an increased comfort during prolonged use in a magnitude of different climates
- The casual, low profile design combined with the jeans look gives the versatility and capabilities to fulfill the needs of professional users while in an urban setting
- It has a perfect, patented pocket arrangement for carrying all your essential equipment in an organized discrete fashion without losing your tactical advantage; ACCESSORIES AND BELT NOT INCLUDED
These lightweight tactical pants are some of the most comfortable around and are ideal for operations in hotter weather.
Key Features
- Patented design
- Lightweight material
- Patented, diverse pocket arrangement
These tactical jeans are imported and use a combined US and EU patented design. It utilizes two-way elastic fabric to keep you comfortable and allow for increased motion without sacrificing the seams or the slim aesthetic. The waistline alone gives you two extra inches to improve fit and comfort.
The material is both lightweight and breathable which makes it a great pair of pants for extended use in hot or humid climates. The low-profile design makes it so that you don’t easily stand out, but it maintains enough pockets and padding to allow for increased storage capacity and durability.
The pockets are perfectly arranged to carry all the essential equipment you might need.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Fit nicely
- Breathe in humid climates
Cons
- Pricey
These tactical pants are great if you overheat frequently during tactical excursions.
10. 5.11
Features
- UNIFORM PANTS - Engineered with Teflon finish, making it dirt, stain, soil, and liquid resistant. It's also integrated with locking YKK zippers and Prym snaps, adding guaranteed reliability to the apparel.
- COMFORTABLE FIT - Features a professional flat front design with permanent military creases and an internal gripper panel to keep your shirt securely in place, ensuring a professional profile in any setting.
- MULTIPLE POCKETS - Tailored with numerous roomy pockets including twin covert storage pockets and a flashlight pocket, keeping your hunting, tactical gear, and small personal items ready and handy.
- MAXIMUM MOBILITY - Designed to meet dress code and functionality requirements with self-adjusting tunnel waistband and bar-tacking at all stress points. Enhances range of motion while staying snug all day long.
- TRUSTED BRAND - Developed with quality in mind, 5.11 Tactical offers a wide range of products that includes shirts, pants, bags, accessories, and more. Defining their brand through challenge and fortitude, 5.11 promises readiness beyond limits.
These tactical pants are among the most flexible and comfortable while still promoting tactical use.
Key Features
- Twill
- Side cargo pockets
- Teflon treated
- Elastic waistband
These pants are some of the most comfortable you’ll find that still maintain some extra storage space for any supplies or components that you might need for your tactical exercises. It uses side cargo pants to provide you with plenty of room for storage and transportation.
At the same time, it’s been treated with Teflon to provide exceptional stain and soil resistance. Even rolling around in muddy terrain won’t result in a lasting color change or abnormal damage. You can, therefore, continue to wear these pants multiple times in the foreseeable future.
They’re also quite comfortable with a self-adjusting comfort waist. The waistband is made with elastic to let it flex and stretch with your shape and your weight range. They’re perfect for people of many sizes.
If you have a backup belt, these pants are compatible with such a device as well.
Pros
- Compatible with a backup belt system
- Elastic waistband improves comfort
- resistant to stain or soil damage
Cons
- Not good for casual use
These are great if most tactical pants are uncomfortable for you.
11. ZAPT Combat
Features
| Binding | Misc. |
| Brand | ZAPT |
| Color | Multicam Black |
| EAN | 0762640842272 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 0762640842272 |
| Label | ZAPT |
| Manufacturer | ZAPT |
| Package Dimensions | Height: 240; Length: 1210; Weight: 215; Width: 1080 |
| Product Group | Sports |
| Product Type Name | SPORTING_GOODS |
| Publisher | ZAPT |
| Size | Large |
| Studio | ZAPT |
| Title | ZAPT Tactical Molle Ripstop Combat Trousers Army Multicam/A-TACS LE Camo Pants for Men (Multicam Black, L) |
| UPC | 762640842272 |
| UPC List | UPC List Element: 762640842272 |
These are tactical pants with extra padding in critical locations and plenty of storage space.
Key Features
- 12 pockets
- Double layer seat/knee areas
- Velcro strap system in the waist
These pants make good use of 12 different pockets aligned up and down the legs. The pockets and the pants as a whole are made of a durable and breathable ripstop fabric that allows flexibility and comfort even in hot or humid climates. Its durability is nothing to sneeze at; the seating and kneepad areas are double layered to prevent easy tearing and ensure a long effective lifespan.
The YYK zipper is made from a rugged metal that is sure to last as long as the fabric. In addition to these aspects, the waistband uses a simple Velcro strap system. This keeps the pants tight and fitting but allows for quick size adjustments on the fly.
Overall, these pants are some of the heaviest duty tactical pants you’ll find. They’re a bit pricey but exceptional for those who plan to be in rugged terrain frequently.
Pros
- Very long-lasting
- Super durable
- Flexible and breathable
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- Expensive
These are an ideal choice for those tired of their pants ripping at the knees.
12. ZAPT
Features
| Binding | Misc. |
| Brand | ZAPT |
| Color | Coyote Brown |
| EAN | 0762640839661 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 0762640839661 |
| Label | ZAPT |
| Manufacturer | ZAPT |
| MPN | 762640839661 |
| Package Dimensions | Height: 315; Length: 1441; Weight: 218; Width: 1126 |
| Part Number | 762640839661 |
| Product Group | Sports |
| Product Type Name | SPORTING_GOODS |
| Publisher | ZAPT |
| Size | L36 |
| Studio | ZAPT |
| Title | ZAPT Tactical Pants with Knee Pads Airsoft Camping Hiking Hunting BDU Ripstop Combat Pants 13 Kinds Army Camo Uniform Military Trousers (Coyote Brown, L36) |
| UPC | 762640839661 |
| UPC List | UPC List Element: 762640839661 |
These tactical pants have extra-tough kneepads for increased strength and movement.
Key Features
- Kneepads
- Gusseted crotch stitching
- Velcro waist adjustment system
- Kneepad adjustment system
These pants stand out as relatively unique compared to many competing options. First and foremost, there are dedicated kneepads located right atop the pants’ knees. These kneepads provide extra durability and comfort and prevent the pants from being torn easily even if you roll or kneel frequently.
The kneepads can be removed, but they can also be adjusted via a rope located in each front thigh pocket. This means the pants can be worn by many folks with variable leg lengths, so don’t worry if you have longer or shorter legs than most.
The pants have plenty of pockets to provide optimal storage options and a low-profile Velcro waist adjustment system. Combined with crotch stitching, these pants are among the most flexible and durable options at your disposal.
Pros
- Flexible and durable
- Kneepads can be adjusted for comfort and effectiveness
- Plenty of storage space
Cons
- Not the most breathable pants
Get these tactical pants if the padded kneepads are something that appeals to you.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there’s plenty of great tactical pants to choose from. Whichever you end up going with, be sure to pair them with a solid belt and some good boots. You’ll be prepared for any situation.
For more expert advice and guides visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage.
The Review
Best Tactical Pants
Check out our review of the best tactical pants on the market today before making a purchase.
Review Breakdown
-
Pro Tactical
-
Mens Defender-Flex
-
Tru-Spec
-
Men's STRYKE
-
EMS Pants
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CQR Tactical Work
-
LA Police Gear
-
Mars Gear
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Helikon-Tex
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5.11
-
ZAPT Combat
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ZAPT
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