One of the ones that fall into the latter category are the 5.11 TacLite Pro series of pants.
A lot of folks don't like how 5.11's fit but I actually am partial to it. One note of caution, my jean size is NOT my 5.11 size (36 Jeans, 38 in 5.11's) so keep that in mind if you decide to order some but I've heard folks say the other way too.
With 8 pockets, there's no shortage of places to carry stuff in the TacLite Pro.
Also, if I carry a knife on my ankle (or a small backup gun) there's enough "give" in the cut of the cuff to make drawing it as easy as an ankle draw can be.
And you can also see the key ring (more to follow) and the level of corrosion on it from over 2 years of wear, since the pair I photographed for details IS MY FIRST PAIR of TacLite's.
Be careful on your fitting if you carry IWB. Just because it's comfortable doesn't mean they fit... Case in point, with some of the pairs of these I have (2 which were bought early and are smaller) they fit and I can secure them comfortably carrying my pistol and SOCP dagger inside the waistband... But if I bend over the snap comes loose. The pairs I bought AFTER I learned that fact (a size bigger) do not have this problem.
Note: If you are male and keep a kubaton on your keys... DEFINITELY DO NOT run or go into some form of dynamic activity with them attached to this! I promise you'll regret it... and any of your buddies present will laugh a lot... Don't ask...
They call it a "holster stabilization strap."
I know it's been being done for a while, but I can honestly say I've NEVER carried this far back and I have found and still do find that the carrying of a pistol on your ass cheek to be retarded... and that's where it rides if you use this strap. (If you must for administrative, operational, or personal preference reasons carry on or behind the hip, try carrying at 3:30 JUST behind the crest of the hip so the corner of the slide (NOT the leading edge of the holster) are even with your pants seam... Just try it. Of course I usually carried closer to the crest of the hip, but I know a lot of people can't or won't do that.)
Where it does work for you LEO's and Security groups out there is as a drag handle for a down team mate. Me and a friend tried this... While I wouldn't want to count on it holding up for more than a hundred yards or so, it's plenty fine for short hauls of a few yards.
One other thing... These straps are dead giveaways that your khakis aren't your average khaki cargo's. Granted so are the slanted pockets but they're not the glaring "GUN GUY" giveaway that this is.
One it shows the angled and reinforced pocket openings.
The angled opening of these crazy deep pockets helps you insert or retrieve items, especially when wearing a loaded down equipment belt.
The reinforcements keep pocket clips on knives and flashlights from tearing up the openings of your pockets.
On $55 pants, this is a nice touch.
Two, this illustrates the liberal use of double-stitching.
I actually haven't found anything single stitched on these pants.
It can hold knives, but I use it for my LG Android Phone.
It can be a pain in the ass to get the phone out sometimes since it's as wide as the pocket opening but at least I know it's not going to fall out of this pocket.
I think they mean it for a knife but I carry my knives elsewhere.
This is the opening of the rear pocket and they are secured with probably a 3/8" by 1" strip of Velcro.
The cargo pocket flaps are secured by Velcro strips as well but I haven't (nor do I intend to) measured them.
The front left pocket (more to follow) is secured by a much larger piece of Velcro.
Pop the flap, give the bottom a push with the fingertips, pull the can, give 'em hell.
This is where I carry my OC when I wear 5.11's bouncing.
I own 1 pair each of OD Green and LAPD Blue, and 3 each of Black and Coyote Tan.
As for ratings: (x / 5)
Comfort: 4
They do ride a little low in the straddle for me which can become a problem on a long night if I've left the UnderArmor drawers at the house. Other than that, they are light, quick drying, and fairly comfortable.
Fit: 3
Like I said, they ride a little low and they can have sizing issues.
Gear Compatibility: 4.5
For duty use these don't interfere a bit with belt worn kit... unless you're wearing single strap drop leg rigs.
Professional Appearance: 4.5
With the exception of wearing a slick shirt and keeping it tucked in, these work really well at presenting a professional appearance, but I haven't tried starching them to see how that works.
Durability: 5+
I have only tore up one pair of 5.11's and they were my VERY first pair which I bought in 2007 and they lasted until 2012 and that involved a barbed wire fence... So I'd say they're pretty tough.
Total Score: 21/25
Percent: (Score x 4)
84
Hey, if you're in the market for a pair of comfortable, duty type pants and aren't restricted to a "Class A" type uniform, there are a good option to consider.
Until Next Time,
Stay Safe
Happy Hunting
1* (2*)
Watch Your Six
-Kenny Smith
CEO, TFTG