6 Best Tactical Cargo Pants

Outdoor Moran is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

What are the Best tactical cargo pants? Read on to discover the best on the market.

Are you going out for a military operation, responding to an emergency alert or are you just an adventurous person planning a mountain climbing trip? If the answer to my questions is yes then the one thing you should not forget is a pair of tactical cargo pants.

As the name suggests, they are an improved type of pants with strong deep cargo pockets to hold your tactical gear as well as your essential personal items without creating a bulge.

The best Tactical Cargo Pants are well-fitting and are designed to withstand tough situations without compromising your flexibility or comfort. If anything, this type of pants protects you from liquids, stains, and fatigue in the most comfortable way.

They are made of polyester and cotton which are breathable and durable materials with fast-drying ability. They have reinforcements on the buttocks and knees to withstand random and rough movements during combat.

Features to Consider for the Best Tactical Cargo Pants

Performance- the ability of the pants to protect you in all situations should be the number one priority when purchasing tactical cargo pants. If you are mountain climbing, for example, you should be confident that the pants are thick enough to protect your knees in case of an accident.

Pocket holding ability- cargo pants have generally deep pockets. They are convenient as they can carry much load without forming bulge or fatigue.

Weather resistance- protect yourself from cold and wet weather with good quality waterproof pants. The ideal pants should also be moisture-absorbent to keep you dry of sweat and any other type of moisture around your body.

Flexibility- tactical pants are made with a good fitting that does not affect your flexibility. This is an important feature as it enhances your comfort when on the mission.

Durability- always choose good quality materials such as polyester and cotton which are durable and wear-resistant. Some pants have additional reinforcements on the most vulnerable areas such as the knees and buttocks for extra security.

 

Best Tactical Cargo Pants-Our Top Picks

 

5.11 Tactical Men’s Taclite Pro Work Pants

5.11 Tactical Men's Taclite Pro Work Pants, Style 74273

 

Check Best Price

 

This Taclite Pro pant Style as one of the best tactical cargo pants is made of 65% Polyester and 35% cotton, hence the lightweight nature. They come with a fully gusseted crotch that allows for maximum flexible movement.

Made for people who are always on the move, these pants have pockets strategically positioned all over the pants for ease of access and storage. There are cargo pockets on both sides of the thighs and a magazine pocket located all over the pants for easy access even when in action.

A front knife pocket provides room for a 5.11” knife. The magazine pocket and knife pocket are reinforced with 100% Cordura Nylon for durability.

These 5.11 Style 74273 pants have signature slash pockets on the front along with the strap. The poly/cotton rip-stop is anti-fade therefore the pants will provide you with long-lived style and protection in a neat, clean and durable manner.

The pants are treated with HT Teflon Wear-resistant finish that is resistant to soil, stain, and liquids. The belt loops are thick to accommodate large belts that can carry the weight of a sidearm, cuffs, or other tactical equipment.

Additional features such as YKK zippers, Prym snaps, horn buttons, and clip loops on the front of the Taclite Pro Pant offer extra protection and a good fit. The 5.11 Taclite Pro pants are available in more than 10 colors among them Black, Storm, Coyote, TDU Green, Tundra, TDU Khaki, and Dark Navy.

Features

  • 65% Polyester and 35% cotton
  • 100% Cordura Nylon reinforcement on pockets for durability
  • Double-reinforced seat and knees, bar tacking at major seams and stress points, and triple-stitching provide wear resistance
  • 8 pockets including strap-and-slash seat pockets offer adequate storage space
  • A fully gusseted crotch allows for maximum flexibility and strength
  • Lightweight and durable Taclite fabric
  • Non-fading poly/cotton rip-stop
  • The action waistband is adjustable for a perfect fit
  • Hip-mounted D-ring
  • YKK zippers and Prym snaps
  • HT Teflon treatment provides stain, soil, and liquid resistance

 

UNIONBAY Men’s Survivor IV Relaxed Fit Cargo Pant

UNIONBAY Men's Survivor IV Relaxed Fit Cargo Pant

 

Check Best Price

 

Unionbay is committed to providing affordable, durable pants with the main focus being on the needs of the customer. These survivor IV pants are a classic type of pants with side cargo pockets for easy accessibility and belted waist for a perfect fit.

They are cut in soft cotton twill and feature the perfect length, cargo pockets, and a relaxed fit for comfort and movement. They are available in tall and big sizing and sit below the waist with a relaxed and comfortable fit.

Survivor IV is made of 100% Cotton with a Zip fly with button closure that provides a secure closure with style. They have a vintage wash that gives out a lived-in look.

Features

  • 100% Cotton
  • Button Fly closure
  • Machine Wash
  • Relaxed fit.
  • Belt included for fit adjustment
  • Zip fly with button closure
  • Measurements-1″ high and 6″ wide
  • 18” leg opening.
  • Sits below the waist.
  • Bellowed cargo pocket for multiple uses
  • Vintage wash to give a worn, lived-in look
  • Classic cargo pants with side-placed cargo pockets and belted waist

 

CQR Men’s Tactical Pants, Water Repellent Rip-stop Cargo Pants

CQR Men's Tactical Pants, Water Repellent Rip-stop Cargo Pants

 

Check Best Price

 

CQR men’s tactical pants as some of the best tactical cargo pants are improved and developed with good quality cotton and polyester materials.

They incorporate duratex fabric that is repellant to dirt, liquids, and others hence maintaining your stylish look through the entire day. The stitching and ergonomic designs are carefully crafted for maximum comfort and flexibility.

They are made with a touch of military and law enforcement design making them long-lasting and tolerant of intense situations. The material shrinks, fade, wrinkle, and is wear-resistant thus enhancing the durability of the trousers.

The CQR tactical pants have a high-quality metal alloy button and zipper with a durable mounted stopper for secure closure. These pants have eight multi-purpose cargo pockets that provide deep and secure storage.

The hatched back pocket is designed for easy access even when wearing gloves and a side secure Velcro secured pocket that offers simple storage of magazine clips and other small items.

The pants have a partially elastic waistband with a black nickel-plated D-Ring that provides easy hook-on installation of tactical accessories.

Features

  • 65% polyester and 35% non-fading poly-cotton fabric
  • Duratex fabric which is 100% similar to Teflon repels liquids, dirt, and other contaminants.
  • Metal alloy button and zipper with a durable mounted stopper provide good coverage to avoid embarrassment
  • Shrink, fade, wrinkle and wear-resistant
  • 8 multi-purpose cargo pockets for holding and storage of essential tools and equipment
  • Velcro Flap back pocket-the hatched back pocket design allows access even with gloves on.
  • 35 different color options
  • Partially elastic waistband for flexibility and comfort

 

Men’s BDU Casual Military Pants

Men's BDU Casual Military Pants

 

Check Best Price

 

BDU Casual Military Pants are made from sweat and moisture absorbent, breathable, soft, and comfortable 100% Leather material. The material is wear and stain-resistant suitable for casual and outdoor activities such as hiking, skateboarding, fishing, and climbing. These pants have straight leg openings with a drawstring tie to fit with tactical boots.

These pants as one of the best tactical cargo pants are made to suit the needs of individuals who are always on the move by incorporating a multi-pocket design.

They have 2 front slant pockets, 2 thigh buttoned flap pockets, 2 leg buttoned flap pockets, 2 rear buttoned flap pockets, and one Left slant decoration zipper pocket all of which provide adequate storage for tactical and essential items.

They also have a right-leg cargo pocket strongly sewn on the seam belt for mobile phone storage.

Features

  • 100%cotton
  • Sweat-absorbent, breathable, soft, and comfortable material
  • Wear and stain-resistant for maximum durability
  • Y-shaped Zipper and button closure are durable and secure
  • Sits at the waist with a loose fit and straight leg openings with a drawstring tie to fit with boots
  • Multi-pockets with closure provide adequate storage that is safe and convenience
  • High-grade resin buttons for a delicate texture
  • High-quality and double-thread sewing for more strength and durability
  • Machine wash

 

LABEYZON Men’s Outdoor Work Military Tactical Pants

 

Check Best Price

 

LABEYZON tactical pants are made from 97% Cotton and 3% Spandex. The materials are lightweight, rip-stop, and comfortable. They are available in a variety of colors- Grey, Khaki, Black, Greyish Green, and Brown and are suitable for all seasons all year long.

They feature an adjustable elastic waistband with wide belt loops to accommodate different belt sizes.

To maintain the quality and durability of your pants, Machine wash temp 30℃, do not dry clean, only use non-chlorine bleach when needed. Dry the pants by tumble drying on normal or medium heat than iron with low heat and no steam.

Elastic waistband with widened belt loops, plastic triangle ring, and slope-type leg cuffs is all meant for a good fit of the tactical pants. The rear pockets are fitted on both sides of the hip circumference for ease. This is definitely one of the Best Tactical Cargo Pants.

Features

  • 97% Ripstop Cotton and 3% Spandex
  • Suitable for all weather and seasons
  • 9 pockets- they include 2 front pockets, 2 back pockets, 4 side cargo pockets, and a small internal pocket
  • Multiple color options
  • Button closure
  • Stretch, breathable, durable, scratch-resistant, wear-resistant, and comfortable material.
  • Elastic and adjustable belt for a comfortable fit of pants

 

LA Police Gear Men’s Urban Ops Tactical Cargo Pants

LA Police Gear Men’s Urban Ops Tactical Cargo Pants

 

Check Best Price

 

The Urban Ops Pants as one of the best tactical cargo pants is made of  65% Polyester and 35% Cotton Rip-Stop Fabric with an elastic waistband that gives you protection all through.

The articulating knees and Gusseted crotch make are good and convenient for individuals who have a love for outdoors.  The Urban Ops Pants offer multiple pockets that is a single front slip-pocket, slip back pockets and front pockets are designed with a knife or flashlight clip. Slanted cargo pocket flaps allow easy access even when seated.

LA Police Gear Urban Ops also features 6 Belt Loops that accommodate most belts of up to 2” “inches”. As opposed to other tactical cargo pants, the Urban Ops run slightly smaller. They are available in 9 different colors and a wide range of sizes (30L*28W to 50W) to choose from.

Features

  • 65% Polyester/35% Cotton Rip-Stop Fabric
  • Zipper closure
  • Slanted Cargo Pocket Flaps for Seated Access
  • The front slip pocket is perfect for a cell phone or for an AR-15 magazine
  • Elastic Waistband provides extra comfort and flexibility
  • The articulating knees and gusseted crotch allow for improved and comfortable movement
  • 22 Individual Bartacks to Increase Strength
  • Articulating Knees
  • Size runs slightly smaller than typical cargo and tactical pants.

 

Best Tactical Cargo Pants FAQs

  • Are tactical pants waterproof?

Tactical pants have duratex or Teflon lining which is water and stain-resistant. They lock out water but allow moisture and sweat to sip out leaving you dry and cool.

  • What does BDU stand for in pants?

BDU stands for Battle Dress Uniform which was used by the United States Military as the standard combat uniform from the 1980s to the early 2000s. The BDU pants reviewed in this article are durable having been made with 100% cotton with an 8-pocket design.

  • How can I style tactical pants?

Tactical pants are crease-resistant hence do not need any styling. They are easy to wash and dry then you can proceed to put them on or just fold and store them.

  • What are tactical pants used for?

Basically speaking, tactical pants are EDC armor. They are mostly used by law enforcement officers, Emergency responders, FBI, military operators, and other individuals working or spending time in the line of fire. They are however used by civilians, especially outdoor lovers. They are suitable and convenient for hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities.

Conclusion

The best tactical cargo pants are the ones that protect you from external elements that risk your health. It is important to understand that different brands and designs offer varying kinds of protection.

Always choose the tactical pants that are the best for your environment, style, and most importantly those that suit the kind of activity you are set out to do.