Tactical pants for hunting

[EastTNHunter]

I guess this comes from being raised on military surplus BDUs as hunting clothing. I learned to love the cargo pockets and the rip stop material (I still have a few pair that I just can’t kill after decades of use in some pretty tough stuff), but didn’t care for the bagginess. Looking at the dedicated hunting pants from Kuiu, Sitka, First Lite, Badlands, etc, I just don’t think that it will be in the budget for another couple of years. I use lightweight hikers in hot weather, but I like something a little bit heavier in colder weather and when wearing through briar patches or sage flats. The Tru Spec 24-7 looks like it gives me what I want for an about half the price (or less) than the hunting brands. Anyone use these for hunting? Can you tell me what makes the branded hunting pants better?

 

[Hunter0925]

I just wear 5.11 tac lite pants. Been wearing them for years.

 

[EastTNHunter]

I just wear 5.11 tac lite pants. Been wearing them for years.

They look really similar overall and are only $5 more. Do you use the 32” inseam?

 

[ccc23454]

I am a huge truspec fan! I wore the 24/7 daily as uniform item until I retired. To say I (and others worked with) were hard on them is a true understatement. I evolved to the expeditions for hunting pants due to better practical design and less as a uniform appearance. The expeditions have same great waist band that allows easy underlayers with comfort fit, vented leg/boot zips, pockets in right place and made of great material for walking thru mixed vegetation. The only down fall of expeditions (not other lines) is the nylon crotch seams wear out quicker than i prefer but usually still couple years of heavy use. The only 5.11 pant with any advantage is the meridan, it has leg zips. I spend a significant number of days afield a year and wear the expeditions majority of time with a mix of kuiu attacks and guides rest of year. Hope that helps

 

[Hunter0925]

They look really similar overall and are only $5 more. Do you use the 32” inseam?

Yes

 

[brownbear932008]

I just wear 5.11 tac lite pants. Been wearing them for years.

Another vote for 5.11s they are tough pants. I have a lifetime of them in the closet. Use them for lots of things.

 

[44hunter45]

I wore Bundeswehr surplus wools for years. Still out there is you wear something like 32 short. Not much in my size any more. Have you looked at Varusteleka online for Euro surplus?

 

[EastTNHunter]

Well, I ordered a pair of each today and we’ll see which one I like and which one fits better.

 

[Badknees104]

this thread cost me some $$..ordered a pair of TruSpec myself..

 

[duckhunt]

this thread cost me some $$..ordered a pair of TruSpec myself..

Also going to order some now.

 

[NY_BLUES]

I have worn First Tactical with good results. I wear them for work as well and they hold up to pretty good abuse. Come in a variety of colors, I prefer the forest green, gray and brown. Run true to size.

 

[MtsPSU]

You might give the Fjallraven pants a look. Check these out—I have several and love them.

https://www.rei.com/product/229159/fjallraven-vidda-pro-ventilated-trousers-mens?CAWELAID=120217890017758333&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2291590122%7C1189635027976%7Cbrand_flag%7C12509091080&msclkid=399f42814a8417c1802328c487118ca3&gclid=399f42814a8417c1802328c487118ca3&gclsrc=3p.ds&gad_source=7&gad_campaignid=12509091080

 

[thundermountain]

5.11s for sure.

 

[rmyoung1]

I was under the impression that 5.11 pants all had significant amounts of cotton in the fabrics. Not true?

 

[LongCut]

I have darn near every brand of "tactical" pants out there. But for hunting, it's Kuiu for me. The Attack pants and the Axis Hybrid pants are awesome. Super comfortable, leg vents, great pockets and durable. The Axis Hybrids also have a waterproof seat and lower legs.

 

[Phaseolus]

If the pant doesn't have hip zips I'm not buying it. They really extend the temperature range of use.

 

[EastTNHunter]

I was under the impression that 5.11 pants all had significant amounts of cotton in the fabrics. Not true?

65% polyester, 35% cotton.

 

[EastTNHunter]

If the pant doesn't have hip zips I'm not buying it. They really extend the temperature range of use.

I’ve never worn pants with hip zips. That very well may be a helpful feature, but not one that I can miss because I’ve never used it. Does it just open a couple of inches to let air flow?