I don't really care for blue jeans. So I came across these tactical pants (link below) and bought one pair to see if they could take the abuse the forest dishes out. They are still in one piece and very dirty but no rips and tears. I'm pretty happy with them; they are a lot better for hiking steep slopes and carrying stuff in the pants. I'm going to get some more pairs.
If they don't hold up, go 5.11 or go home. Light weight and tough as hell. Of course, you can have my wranglers when you pry them from my cold dead hands. 🙂
The cops have very good things to say about 5.11 though.
Good pants!
http://www.wrangler.com/store/WRG_WESTERN_STORE_US/en_US/style/3w060.html
> I don't really care for blue jeans. So I came across these tactical pants (link below) and bought one pair to see if they could take the abuse the forest dishes out. They are still in one piece and very dirty but no rips and tears. I'm pretty happy with them; they are a lot better for hiking steep slopes and carrying stuff in the pants. I'm going to get some more pairs.
>
> $20 Tactical Pants
I have been getting the ex officio superlight work pants. Probably not as tough as 'tactical' pants, but they last around two years here with all the thorns and nasty stuff I crawl through, and they weigh about as much as a t-shirt. i can zip off the bottoms of the legs for shorts when I'm working the beach. bonus!
Since most of my work is urban or suburban, jeans work fine.
But on JB's posted recommendation, I ordered a pair of pants from these folks:
http://www.lapolicegear.com/511-tactical-tac-lite-pro-pants.html
Going to try them out this weekend.
I looked at the 511 site on recommendation from a CHP Sergeant we did some forensic work with but 50 bucks is a little rich for pants that will get a lot of abuse in the forest.
I've been looking at Ripstop BDU's.
I'm getting hooked on cargo pockets for phone and field book.
Rick
The pocket flaps keep out the usual amazing volume of dirt and leaves that get into the pockets.
Except the ones I acquired have an open pocket behind the flapped cargo pocket on the leg. Those got some stuff in them and the open front pockets get some stuff in them. But the open leg pocket is a perfect place to stash your field book quickly but I wouldn't leave it there for hiking because it could fall out.
I take the truck keys and put them in a velcro flap protected pocket. I sure would like to have my keys with me at the end of the day so I can drive out of there :-).
I've been wearing some variation of cargo pants since 1975, right around the time that bluejeans went over $20. The pockets are great for carrying books, nails, flagging, etc.
Dave, I caught the closeout sale (just a couple of extra clicks on the website) for under $20, plus shipping.
Yeah I saw that.
Closeout items have a lot of limited choices, sizes.
Dave,
I tried a pair of LA Police Gear Tactical Pants last Month. They are great! Light weight and so far holding up fine. Can never have enough pockets.
Bob
I might give some of those a try.
But, just out of curiousity, how often have you guys washed your cell phones, calculators, and/or other expensive pocket items?
I already keep my cellphone in my pocket so it's a habit to not leave it in there.
I got a 5.11 belt for 15 bucks at Blumenthals (a local uniform store). No metal so it can stay on through metal detectors.