pants good for EDCing lots of stuff

C

camp4fun

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Jan 17, 2008
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I was wondering if any of you guys have found some pants that you really like for EDCing all your knives/gear. I just wear standard Levi's most of the time, but I know there has got to be better pants out there-maybe with nicer pockets, more room, better materials, etc. I'm looking for some pants that don't scream tactical or sheep dog though-pants that are comfortable and that can be worn everyday. This is not to say that they shouldn't be tactical though ;). Thanks ahead for any recommendations.
 
At work I use Army BDU, winter weight canvas. The cargo pockets are a huge bonus, and the price is very reasonable compared to commercial 'tactical' pants. My fixed-blade utility knife hangs off my belt into the cargo pockets (used to wear a compass the same way back when I worked as an archaeologist), and there's plenty of room for the notebook, gloves, hand tools, and electrical tape that I regularly use at work.

I wouldn't wear camo around town, but it's good enough for the drill rig. Plus, the BDUs are available in solid tan.
 
I order BDU-styled poly-cotton ripstops (don't get the cotton ripstops). They are the same BDU design, but use the slightly cheaper but more shrink-resistant polyester/cotton (gotta look good for work!) instead of the military nylon/cotton. The cargo pockets are gigantic and can easily fit giant rolls of duct tape; the regular side pockets are very roomy as well. At $30 they are cheap compared to "tacticals", but as a hiker and mountain biker the ripstop is priceless. Why?

The ripstop weave is the weave used in parachutes, and will absolutely refuse to tear. If you wear regular khakis and catch your pant leg on a sprocket, get ready to be sprayed with mud and sand the rest of your trip because it'll instantly make a 4-inch tear if you are pedaling hard at the time. Even jeans will tear more than ripstop. Not only that, but they are an extremely tight weave. If you have only worn cotton or denim, you will be surprised as to how warm, windproof, and quick-drying light pants can be.

If you are familiar with BDUs, they also have the same style ankle laces that ties down the pant ankles tightly around your hiking boots as to not let in sprays of mud and sand.
 
I wear the 5.11 pants and shorts all the time now. They last longer than all my jeans and are more comfy, IMO. Pockets will hold knives, small guns, extra mags, small flashlights, etc. They have a little elastic around the waist, too, so when you're not carrying IWB, your pants aren't all bunched up under your belt. Not too tactical-looking, either, so you won't scare the sheep. :D


+1 on the ripstop BDU's, too. :thumbup:
 
I just got back from a year tour in the sandbox and have started wearing wrangler cargo pants from wally world, seem to be pretty durable and don't scream ARMY. They are under 20 bucks as well so that is the best deal I can find so far, I may move up to 511 eventually, but these wranglers will keep me busy for a bit.
 
After many years of doing the "carrying lot's of crap in my cargo pants" routine. I switched to a belt-sheath carry system for all my goodies.

You can get belt loop pouches for just about anything. I find it is much easier to prevent against snags, damage, and pants-ings, to carry everything at the waist. it is also easier to manuver and there is less danger of losing something when you sit down or find yourself inverted. another benefit for me is that you can't forget to wear a belt

I do find it necessary to wear shirts untucked as to not look like too much of a ninja.
 
Eddie Bauer makes a decent pair of cargo pants that are AWESOME. Dual side pockets, cargo pockets with a "zippo" sized inner pocket. The only problem is that there is velcro on the cargo pockets. But apart from that, they are tough and great to wear.
 
+1 on the Carhartt jeans. They come in black, blue, and tan. I love the utility pockets on the legs, they allow me to keep a backup flashlight and folding knife clipped where they are easily accesible. Not to mention they aren't made by a company that donates money to gun banners.*coughLevi'scough* They also came in forest green, but they recently discontinued that color.
 
Thanks for all of the recommendations. I really like those ripstops. I just ordered them and am looking forward to giving them a try.

Darn Gunfucius...well I guess in my defense I'll just say that I'm a young guy just getting on his feet and my Levi's were not bought with my money or at my request. I hate supporting non-democratic countries or the liberal agenda in any way. Thanks for mentioning that. Levi's will never get my money. You've actually made me realize that I need to be sure to look up the brand names of things I buy to see where their money is going-not just look at where their stuff is manufactured.
 
I have a pair of them BDU pants.

I can fit 5 cans of beer and/or soda in each cargo pocket, maybe more if they were arranged more efficiently.
 
+ 1 to 5.11...

Very comfy. Rear big big pockets. Warm enough but no too much.
And... strong!. Recently I fall with my bike and they stay 1 piece. (Me too :-)
 
Not quite the question, but I love 5.11 Shirts and coats. The giant pocket that is designed for pistols works great for wallets, cameras, sunglasses, diapers, wetknaps...you know all the survival necessary for an urban dad. :D
 
+1 on the BDU's!! Not down for the 5.11 pants, though. The cargo pockets aren't bellowed properly and anything in them grinds my kneecaps if I have to take a knee or crawl around for whatever reason. The phone pocket is useful. They're sized to fit a host of useful things.
 
the 5.11 pants are good pants but i dont like the "look" they have, i like std BDU's better myself. they just look kinda dorky to me lol. but i do have a couple pairs i only wear when hunting/etc and they are well made.

also dont like how the back pockets are on the 5.11's.

i prefer truspec desert BDU's though really, i just like how they are cut better.

i wish i could find some BDU pants that are made outta HEAVY cloth vs lite, and i mean heavier than the 5.11's, i have some old truspec day-deserts like that and have never been able to find any others that were as heavy cloth, i got 'em in ~'94 or so i guess truspec disco'd 'em.
 
I've been wearing the Columbia GPS pants for a while. I just picked up two more pair at Sportsmans Warehouse for $27.00 less a 10% promo they had going. Plenty of pockets and very comfortable.

In the Summer I wear only shorts and have really liked the 5.11 Blue Waters. Again lots of pockets and very comfortable.

Win
 
I quite like Carhart carpenter pants. I've got the heavy cotton ones, one step down from the double-front work pants.
 
I'll throw a vote out there for Dickies carpenter jeans, just in case you still want to wear denim.
 
camp4fun said:
Darn Gunfucius...well I guess in my defense I'll just say that I'm a young guy just getting on his feet and my Levi's were not bought with my money or at my request. I hate supporting non-democratic countries or the liberal agenda in any way. Thanks for mentioning that. Levi's will never get my money. You've actually made me realize that I need to be sure to look up the brand names of things I buy to see where their money is going-not just look at where their stuff is manufactured.
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Hey, no problem. I like helping people.:)
 
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