5.11 Men's Tactical Pant, Cotton, Coyote Trouser

Alongside 5.11’s Tactical Shirt, the original Tactical Pant has earned a worldwide reputation as ‘the’ trousers to have in adverse conditions for many professionals. Working within the humanitarian aid industry, the clothing you wear is as equally important as the help you’re delivering. A typical day can range between negotiating with customs officials, conducting field reports with other agencies to being interviewed by local and worldwide news agencies – in all of these areas, 5.11’s tactical pant have proven to stay hardwearing, carry the vital everyday items needed, remain smart enough for being in front of a camera or foreign diplomat and comfortable enough to wear throughout the working day.
Owning several pairs in the last decade, all having the same consistent design and build quality throughout, I find they constantly perform whilst retaining their renowned features throughout the years. Having found each pair to maintain 5.11’s design and build quality throughout from accurate sizing and genuine YKK zips and prym snaps to consistency of colour and durability (aided by reinforced areas and stitching), they are my ‘go-to’ trousers when deploying to foreign climates.
So what makes them work for me? The front pockets are deep and allow items to be carried comfortably without risk of the contents spilling out. The added touch is the reinforced edges allowing items to be clipped inside the pocket without wearing the material, nice. The thigh pockets also allow a good amount to be also carried but not too much for that familiar leg pocket bulge that weighs the trouser leg down. The rear pockets are deep and have been really thought out, enabling a secure place for documents and papers on the move. The front thigh pocket is a great addition but could do with enlarging for modern smartphone sizes with their bump cases. The elasticated waist helps to ensure they fit especially when a small weight loss due to climate is to be expected. The belt loops work! So many cargo type trousers have belt loops which don’t really carry the weight of the trousers with items stored – these do with ease. Adding to that the extras carried on my belt, and these trousers definitely carry them with comfort.
My only issue with these? The weight. They do tend to be heavier which is to be expected due to the materials and reinforcing used. Does it stop me from wearing them? No, they are still the trousers which have proven themselves to work for me again and again. With the introduction of the Pro Pant, the weight concerns would appear to have been resolved but hopefully not whilst sacrificing some of their durability. And cost? Some would say that they are pricier compared to other ‘cargo type’ trousers, but with the average price at the same level as some designer jeans, you get a huge amount for what you pay for and for me, that will continue for a long time.