Who makes the best BDU's

Joined
Jul 10, 2004
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195
or cargo pants. I've worn Propper BDU's for years & i was curious about what else is out there, I've liked what I've seen from Royal Robbins & others
but i thoughti'd ask first.
 
I've always stayed with mil-spec, and although I've had different brands they all hold up well. I just go for whatever's spec and cheapest. .
 
I've never had good luck with BDUs, spec or otherwise. They get torn up pretty quickly with any kind of use.

My current favorite cargo type type pants are either Carhartt or Duluth Trading Co. firehose pants. Both hold up well.
 
i still like the royal-robbins stuff myself, imho its pretty high $ for BDU's but they wear well and dont fade badly with use, other than them i just like the std BDU's from brigade quartermaster as well as anything.
 
Geraldo said:
or Duluth Trading Co. firehose pants. Both hold up well.

i ordered a pair of those & wasn't satisfied. can't remember why i didn'tlike them, i gave them away.
 
Are all BDU's cotton?

I've got jeans... that wear just fine... but they are cotton and awful cold when the winds blowing in high humidity! :cool:
 
The "propper" brand was not allowed at my last unit as they turned a purple color as they faded and were washed. Standard mil-spec BDU's from clothing and sales work just fine. As far as them not holding up, I was a Combat Engineer up until last year, and if we can't tear up BDU's, they last pretty damn well! I still have a set from basic ('98) and although very faded, still holding up. Hope this helps.
BTW, Royal Robbins/5.11 Tactical stuff is VERY, VERY good stuff. Top of the line as far as I'm concerned.
 
I used to buy RR pants (I am a rock climber). Lately, though, the ones I found in Mountaineering shops were not as good. The fabric was lighter weight, the pockets not as deep. These problems seem to have been solved by the 5.11 Tactical line. All one could ask for, and more. They are just hard to get, most places that list them don't have them in stock, and are back ordered. I have some on order from 1SKS, and I do not expect to see them before mid-January.
 
I second 5.11 tactical. All quality stuff and very, very well made and comfortable. I have three pairs of their pants and also two of the vests.
 
Not bdus but lots of useful pockets, the carhart tool pants in denim, sandstone or duct. They wear forever and though the tool pockets are as generally useful as true cargo pockets they do work very well for carrying, phones, wallet, knives, lights etc.

The dual reinforced knees are awesome and feel like wearing comfortable armor.
 
I bought a pair of 5.11s. I must be too young to be tactical. The darned things look like old man pants. Far too dressy for me. Comfortable, but too dressy. Definitely for the middle-age and up.

I bought a great pair of "younger" style BDU style pants at American Eagle Outfitters, and love them. They sit nice and low on the waste. Proppers ride up to around my nipples!!!
 
I agree with Buzzbait. I always thought the 5.11 pants looked kinda dorky (although I've never tried them on, or even seen them in person.) They even have elastic in the waist--right? Not for me. Give me regular ol' BDUs!

Scott
 
I like the Carrhart Cotton Duck Cargo Pants... not BDU's by any real means, but nice, neat, wears out like a pair of casual Khakis and much stronger than any poly-cotton blend. They have "pull the dot" snap flaps for the cargo and butt pockets and nice strong belt loops... the best part of them is the cotton duck... strong yet soft after a few washings...
 
I wear Standard mil-spec BDU's (made in USA). The rip-stop ones are the best. And they wont break the bank either.

I bought Propper once, and while the quality seemed good, I was quite put off by the Propper logo with American flag on the inside waist. Closer inspection of the pants revealed they were "foreign" made. Felt deceived and will never buy Propper again. They were more expensive than GI BDU's anyway.
 
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