tactical pants

First source: Wrangler (jeans) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia It shows that the last U.S. sewing plant is closed in 2005.

Wrangler Cargo pants sold in Walmart are made in Nicaragua. The workers are unionized and work in plants compliant with the recent ILO Better Work standards (which the US backs). The government is democratically elected, and employs a presidential model (as opposed to a parliamentary system). The products are exported under CAFTA.

The product itself uses good materials, is a solid design and the workmanship is good. The workers are able to enter the workforce after a modest amount of time in training because production sewing of this type does not require a high degree of skill. This product (very large scale production) cannot be manufactured in the US because the relatively low skill workers will still expect to be paid two or three times the current market, and lets be honest, they would drag ass and make trouble through the union. Quality would suck and the company would lose money.

Here is some more bad news... every year, it gets easier for people to move around the world chasing better pay, that means thousands of people with low and medium skill willing to work for half of what a US kid demands... and at the higher skill jobs, they are getting tough too.

What is the US doing about it... we make absolutely sure we tax the crap out of anyone competitive and aggressive, and provide unrelenting government subsidy to those that want to drag ass and whine about it, so long as they show up and vote themselves more entitlements every 2-4 years. The 50% or more of our population dependent on government subsidy know not to improve themselves or work hard, as that will dry up the subsidy... so here we are, draining our own competitive edge while the rest of the world gets stronger by the minute.

I think just maybe, we need to stop now, avoid becoming the THIRD massive example of socialism's fallacy (China and Russia both created HUGE examples of how this model sucks).. and embrace real capitalism.... win by being better, pure and simple...

When a US plant makes a pair of pants that is the correct mix of quality materials, quality design, quality manufacturing and price, I'll be first in line to buy it. Until then, you can stuff your socialist protectionism.
 
Hands down Mascot-after trying Cabelas, Ll Bean, 5.11(crap), mil surp. and a few others...
Kevlar covered knees with a removable, conformal knee pad, 3M retro reflective piping.
I've worn these for long range, 3-gun and tactical competitions as well as for wilderness search and rescue.
I'm in the functional apparel industry and found the Mascot product to be a great product for the price. The importer is Repcon Northwest.
They also support the shooting community.
REPCON NW - Representing MASCOT Workwear Clothing | Elvex | Hultafors
 
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What is the US doing about it... we make absolutely sure we tax the crap out of anyone competitive and aggressive, and provide unrelenting government subsidy to those that want to drag ass and whine about it, so long as they show up and vote themselves more entitlements every 2-4 years. The 50% or more of our population dependent on government subsidy know not to improve themselves or work hard, as that will dry up the subsidy... so here we are, draining our own competitive edge while the rest of the world gets stronger by the minute.

I think just maybe, we need to stop now, avoid becoming the THIRD massive example of socialism's fallacy (China and Russia both created HUGE examples of how this model sucks).. and embrace real capitalism.... win by being better, pure and simple...

When a US plant makes a pair of pants that is the correct mix of quality materials, quality design, quality manufacturing and price, I'll be first in line to buy it. Until then, you can stuff your socialist protectionism.

Wow, you really misread what I quoted and referenced. Too bad for you. I never supported socialist protectionism. I was only discussing quality. But hey, what would you know, you cannot even read well. I guess misrepresenting someone else's viewpoint is okay for you. Sad, really.

Contribute to the thread and stop being an idiot.

Meanwhile, I leave you with some of the other people that shop at Walmart. They obviously agree with you and so you can join their camp:

funny-walmart-shoppers-34.jpgfunny-Walmart-06.jpgfunny-Walmart-13.jpg

Now you can stand up with them and be proud. When you get to your next match, you can brag to everyone how you purchased your pants from Walmart and how proud you are that they were made in Nicaragua. You can further state that American companies are crap and that you believe that America is the "THIRD massive example of socialism's fallacy". Let us know how it went.
 
Contribute to the thread and stop being an idiot.

LOL.

When you start with someone on the internet, you never know how it's going to come back. You've regurgitated all the majors points of the common position... "buy American", "Walmart is bad", "people in Walmart are fat and stupid", etc. In a decade or so, it will independently occur to you that accepting any of these statements as blanket true is silly. To be a responsible citizen of this nation, you have to think through every decision. The fact that you are now name-calling and posting pictures of fat people tells me you are too immature to absorb the concept at this stage in your life. Best of luck!
 
Why do some people always recommend the cheapest piece of shit options?

I have the 5.11 Men's TDU pants, part #74003: Amazon.com: 5.11 #74003 Men's Ripstop TDU Pants: Sports & Outdoors

I purchased them about 7 years ago. I have competed in probably 50 USPSA, Action Pistol, Long Range Precision Rifle and 3Gun competitions. I wear them EVERY time I go shooting. That means I have probably worn these things over 200 times, through very difficult situations, rolling all over the place, hiking, sweating, etc. They have been flawless. They have a ton pockets, with pockets within pockets, elastic waistband, tie done cuffs, extra material around the crotch and knees, etc. They even came with internal knee pads.

The Old Navy Cargo pants are not ripstop nylon and would probably only last a season or two for me. I cannot understand how $57 (my cost on Amazon for my size and color) is too expensive.

No thanks to the people pushing Old Navy. That crap is going to cost you more in the long run. While the Old Navy's will require replacement every 2 years, I will have mine for over a decade at this rate.


My $20 old navy cargo pants seemed to survive multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. But evidently those conditions weren't tough enough. I better
run and get the $70 pants that make me feel like a cool guy.
 
My $20 old navy cargo pants seemed to survive multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. But evidently those conditions weren't tough enough. I better
run and get the $70 pants that make me feel like a cool guy.

Huh, I never knew that you could be considered "deployed" to the green zone. Hope you did not get that many paper cuts. Must have been really rough. So the pants worked out great did they? Good for you.
 
They are not cheap but, I like North Face convertible pants. They are light enough for warm weather, but provide enough protection from wind to be comfortable in our mild Texas winters. The legs zip off so you get a pair of shorts out of the deal as well. They have plenty of pockets and I haven't had a problem with durability. The material is lighter than that used in the 5.11 pants but, much more substantial than that used in Colombia "fishing pants." Did I mention that they have a lifetime warranty? I did have a zipper that ripped out. I sent them to TNF with a letter and they sent me them back with a new zipper installed. The only thing that I don't like about them is that their sizing is a bit hit or miss. I have 5 pairs of pants and they all vary by about 1-2 inches in inseam length, though they are the same model and "same size." If you can try them on before you buy them, I highly recommend these pants. I wouldn't buy them on line, due to the inseam length variance mentioned above.
 
Since no one has mentioned them....I bought some Condor pants from LA police gear after an extensive search for LONG pants. 36" inseam doesnt cut it for me. I wear 32x38" jeans. These come in a 37" unhemmed length that I ordered and I'm not going to hem them up. I dont have long term wear and tear report, I just got them about a month ago. They seem well made and durable. They arent $200/pair. One thing I noticed, that may or may not be a big deal for some....the crotch gussett doesnt hang half way down my thigh (like some BDUs). If I have any complaint about them, the thigh is just a hair tighter than I like. Overall 8/10

Worth a look IMO.

Condor Tactical Pants Lightweight Ripstop
 
I feel a little weird asking other guys about pants but here goes. I'm looking for something light weight to wear this summer for 3gun matches, maybe a couple tac matches, and just range use. I tried on a pair of 5.11 taclite pants last night and they're nice and light weight, comfortable pants but they taper a lot to the bottom of the legs and are pretty tight around the ankle. Are there any other pants out there that are similar to these but don't have as much taper at the bottom and a little looser at the ankle?

Thanks for your help.
Brad

To circle back to this thread, I wanted to give you my impressions of my new Crye Precision G3 Combat pants. They are loose or tight, depending on how you adjust the two velcro side adjusters, one behind the knee and one at the ankle.

I wear a 34-36 waist and 34-36 inseam depending on the pants. Send me a PM.

I ordered them in 34 inch waist and length long, which works for me being a 34 waist and 34 inseam. They are super comfortable. The knee pads stay in place and they are adjustable up or down. Everything about these things are quality.

Buy once cry once get the Crye Gen3. Fit is awesome and comfortable and knee pad location is adjustable as I am only 5'9"

Only downside is wife gave me a ton of shit for pants costing so much oh well ordering another pair tonight to ensure I can cover a 2 day comp

Branson, thank you and damn you for pointing these out. Thank you because they are the nicest field pant I have ever owned. Damn you because I just bought a $230 pair of pants now. (Although, I have spent $450 on a pair of Arcteryx's, but they were for my backcountry search and rescue days in the snow country.)

Meanwhile, they were designed and manufactured in the USA. They are quality and I plan to get a ton of use out of these, with likely 10-12 competitions just this year alone. A big selling point was that they come with a lifetime warranty. So if I have any problems, I just ring the wonderful Americans at Crye Precision and they will take care of me. They answered the phone on the 2nd ring, no voicemail maze to navigate.

Good luck to all of the other poor souls who think Gap and Walmart are a great alternative to the "cami's" that were issued to our troops. I cannot imagine someone saying to the quartermaster "Nope, I do not want those specially designed fire resistant pants, I got these on sale for $14.99 at Gap, but if I experience any kind of fire or IED, I would rather just go up in flames."
 
I feel a little weird asking other guys about pants but here goes. I'm looking for something light weight to wear this summer for 3gun matches, maybe a couple tac matches, and just range use. I tried on a pair of 5.11 taclite pants last night and they're nice and light weight, comfortable pants but they taper a lot to the bottom of the legs and are pretty tight around the ankle. Are there any other pants out there that are similar to these but don't have as much taper at the bottom and a little looser at the ankle?
Thanks for your help.
Brad

I absolutely dig my Propper STL I tactical pants. Way comfortable, not sweaty, a little stretchy for full mobility and there are tons of practical pockets (can accommodate AR and multiple pistol mags if desired). Reinforced area for knife carry.
Been wearing daily for around 6 months and no complaints, I like them quite a bit better than others I tried in their price range ($60). Everything I've checked out from Propper has been top notch so far.


http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PJiMAn9ta3Y#
 
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What do you all think about the arc teryx alpha leaf pant. I'm looking for something water proof but still tough as nail for rolling around on dirt and rocks???

JC,

I have the Arcteryx Alpha SV pants, which are of similar material in Goretex. I believe that the LEAF pant has a slightly tougher Goretex. Well if that is the case, the Goretex material I have on my Alpha SV's are more than enough. I crawled throw so much stuff, digger for bodies, surviving snow storms and walking through heavy manzanita/brush during my search and rescue days. The material hardly shows a scratch. Awesome stuff.

I love the Arcteryx but thought that $400 was just too much for a summer pant.
 
What do you all think about the arc teryx alpha leaf pant. I'm looking for something water proof but still tough as nail for rolling around on dirt and rocks???

They are great but pricy as hell. I take them on hunting trips for wet weather. Not an everyday pant IMO.

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Go 'Old School" w/Jungle Fatigues

If you're still looking. Try your nearest 'Army Surplus' dealer. Most have new and used Jungle Fatigues. Come in 'rip-stop' nylon or 'rip-stop' cotton. Cotton is best. Cool
light weight, plenty of room. Rip-stop factor keeps them from unraveling if torn. Inexpensive, too, around $30.00 for new, somewhat less for used. Come in O.D. or
'Tiger Stripe'. Tacticool? Very, in Tiger Stripe.
 
I bought some of the Duluthflex firehose work pants for work. They are super comfortable and appear to be fairly durable. I haven't had a chance to really test their durability yet. They are lighter than jeans but a little heavier than military ripstop pants. I think they will be comfortable to wear in all but the hottest weather (95 or above).

I also bought a pair of the Duluthflex quick dry cargo pants for work in hot weather. These are more comfortable and lighter weight than the firehose pants, military ripstop pants and so far the 5.11 taclite pro pants but my first impression is they will be the least durable.

The 5.11 taclite pro pants are pretty comfortable but I expect they will become much more comfortable after getting broke in some (similar to military ripstop pants, which to me seem like they need worn and washed several times before they feel good). I also believe these will hold up similar to military ripstop pants.

I have been issued and worn the BDU, DCU and ACU army military ripstop pants. The ACU pants are junk in my opinion but the BDU and DCU are fairly light weight and comfortable after they have been broke in some. Both BDU and DCU are pretty durable. Only wore 2 pairs of the DCU pants for a year and a half every day in field condition 50% of the time and garrison condition the other 50%. The only thing that failed on them was the stitching in the crouch area after probably 8 to 10 months. This was re stitched and I still have them and wear them occasionally.

Out of all of these pants I would say the military pants are my favorite overall right now but I have not had enough time with the others to make a very good decision. The military pants were free so that is a factor in their favor and they are pretty durable but both of the Duluth pants are the most comfortable. To me the 5.11 pants are pretty similar to the military pants other than having a couple extra pockets and such.

Hope this helps someone.
 
Another vote for the Wrangler Cargos from Wally World for 3Gun. Why? Because they have an additional open pocket between the cargo pouch and the leg which is ideal for storing the "load and make ready" magazine. With this, I am not wasting any precious belt real estate with a subsequently empty mag holder and do not need to dig into the (purposely) closed cargo pockets.

Sorry if that offends any tacticool preppy-boy.

As far as 'Made in the USA' is concerned: Does anyone honestly think that we can maintain our global technological leadership by sewing garments together? I think these days are long over. Today, we are better off designing garments here and making a bundle on the distribution/retail end. This is the old 'make or buy' decision every individual manufacturing company faces - just on a bigger scale. There is nothing wrong with buying commodities and making only the stuff where you have an edge.

PS: Looks like the Force 10 pants have the additional open pocket too.
 
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+1 on the Rail Riders Versatac. I have had a pair that is worn 2-3 times per week since 2007. These are extremely thin material pants. You cannot kill them. I have worn them in many firearms training classes like VTAC and Magpul where you are going to knee, prone, all sorts of different positions, in competitions, hunting... They still pretty much look like the day I bought them. I own pants from Arcteryx, North Face, Carhart, 5.11, Eotac. None compare to the RR.
 
Do yourself a favor and try on the 5.11 Traverse pants. They are nothing like the rest of their lineup - much more comfortable, slimmer cut, slightly stretchy and very lightweight. I've tried on quite a few pants and these are really the one ones I've come across that I can comfortably wear on/off the range. They are padded and reinforced in all the right places.

They are also perfect for the summer months because they dry very quickly if you get them wet. I have a couple pairs and even after more than 20+ washes they hold up like new.

Sizing is spot on (for me at least).

Good luck!
 
I just ordered a few pair of the crye pants and while they are expensive as hell as a civilian who will wear them in precision rifle matches I'd expect them to last a long ass time and they have the lifetime warranty. To me that's a big selling point. My daughter went though about 3 backpacks a year and I finally broke down and bought her a nice Northface which has a life time warrant that we have used once for a small rip which was completely my daughters fault but they just handed her a new one and said have a good day. That 180 bucks should last me a long time and she won't get another unless she wanted to buy one.

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