Helikon-TexMen UTP Urban Tactical Pants, Military Cargo Style

These are the best pants I've ever had. They are comfortable and fit right. The pockets are all in the exact right places. The side zippered pockets are perfect for my wallet to be in a secure place, along with other things I need to access frequently. Bonus: Not only is my wallet more secure, but it sits on the side now, instead of me sitting on it. That is BIG because it is hard on the back and butt to sit on your wallet (and it doesn't do the wallet any good, either). And the velcro side pockets are perfect for cell phone or my garage door opener. Now I have my opener with me, so I can open the door if I'm not in the car. I can just push the button while it's in the pocket, so I don't even have to take it out (or reach for it when in the car). And there are two small rearward side pockets that are perfect for my key rings (one on each side). This is important because over time your keys bang up-and-down in your pocket and eventually wear a hole in the pocket. So the keys stay nice and snug in the small rearward pockets---no bouncing around to wear out the pocket. A person can use their imagination for how to use the various pockets. And I like the combination of zipper pockets and velcro pockets (zipper for better security, such as a wallet).

I would like to see knee pad insert pockets for the price.

Products in this review. UA Elite Tactical, Free Soldier, Condor Sentinel, and Helikon Tex Urban. Products were evaluated using the following categories. Quality of materials and construction, Fit/feel, and finally functionality.UA ET – Pros: Heavy duty material, durable construction with double stitching on important seams. Sizing was true. Ordered a 30/ 34, got exactly that. Velcro waist and ankle closures. Plenty of pockets located in useful locations. Cons: No waist adjustment or elastic waistband. Bulky like many manufactures of tactical pants, UA has made these in the older now out of date bulky styling. You would need to have legs like an NFL linebacker in order to fill them. This is important to two reason. Too much fabric and the pants tend to rub causing chaffing, especially true when pockets are loaded with equipment. Second is noise reduction, the more fabric you have the noisier they will be. Points lost for price point, original retail was $299.99, later dropped to $199.99. This line has been discontinued. I have not tried the new line of UA tacticals as of yet. Largely do to their higher price points.Condor Sentinel – Pros: Like all the others sampled material and stitching was good. Sizing was true, ordered a 32/34, and got exactly that. Best feature of these was the internally structured elastic waistband. They were by far the most comfortable in the waist of the four I tried for this review. Cons: After that not much to speak of. More of a cargo pant really. No lower leg pockets, Button waist closure instead of Velcro. No leg closures. Gusset or groin area was huge, and disproportioned. Same bulky Construction as UA ET. This pair was the only pair of the four I actually returned. Price point was solid at about $50.Helikon Tek Urban – Pros: Solid construction, custom sizing, ordered a 30/34, fit was true. Velcro waistband closure. Modern athletic cut, no extra fabric. Great overall fit and feel. Good pocket configuration, especially liked the thigh set up. One magazine Velcro pocket on inner thigh, and one large (cell phone/ wallet) pocket on outer thigh, both legs. Cons: No lower leg pockets or closure. Belt loops, too many, too wide. There is hardly any room for belt accessories should you choose to add them to your belt. I wear these weekly, they are exactly as advertised, an Urban Tactical. Which is really a hybrid between cargo and true tactical. If you are looking for a low bulk, slimmer modern fit utility pant. These will do nicely. Points lost for price point at around $75. These should be in the 40 - 50 range.Free Soldier – Pros: Heavy duty materials with double stitching. Pockets galore, from clip/ magazine pockets to large cargo. Seriously they are everywhere. Mole system (left side only), lower leg pockets. Adjustable Velcro waist straps. Cons: No custom sizing. Asian sizing is always a problem, especially in the length. I am a 30/34, so I ordered a medium for length. Waist is a bit big, but prewash length was ok. Would have liked a bit more length. Not a problem if you are under six feet, but taller than that and these will run short on you. Bulky old school design, too much fabric like the others mentioned previously. No lower leg closures. Button waist closure instead of Velcro. Mole system is rare on pants, I like that they added it however it is of little use on the left side to me, because like most of the world’s population I am right handed. Price point solid at $50.Of the four I tested Free soldier was the best true tactical pant, they are the closest to being what I would consider the best tactical pants ever. Because they are I am including a message to the designers in the hope they will take to heart some of my suggestions.Free Soldiers designers: Please add the following features. Sizing, sizing, sizing, we need custom waist and lengths great than 32 inches. Add an elastic waistband, take a look at Condors internal elastic waistband. Add the mole system to the right side. Try a more modern fit, slim down the bulk. Add leg closures. Finally, a Velcro flap waist closure. Do these things and you will be alone in the market place.

These are the best high waisted cargo pants available for most use. I use them for travel, skateboarding, shooting, hiking, and anything else. I own the multicam nylon ripstop ones (the really expensive ones) as well as the brown polycotton ripstop ones after i tried the brown polycotton which i originally bought for a trip to Manila because they have zippered cargo pockets that could prevent would-be-pickpockets (it works...as far as i know). Both pant types are excellent. The pocket layout works very well, and there are no issues with low quality velcro, zippers, or stitching. there are two small front velcro pockets which can hold quick access items securely, such as a flashlight or pistol magazine. There are some features on the nylon multicam pants which are better than the polycotton, which i will describe below:- The gusset patch is made from a different material. on nylon multicam type it is a stretchy breathable yet seemingly durable material, which is better than the standard gusset patch as it is more comfortable and flexible.- The material is nylon ripstop, as opposed to the polycotton blend. Don't worry about it being noisier (think swooshy), as i havent had any issues with that even when brand new. The material also doesnt seem to retain heat more than the polycotton, so it is also suitable to be worn in the summer. Moisture beads up on the nylon material, and it wicks moisture better, making it a better pant for excercise or in the rain (like on a backpacking trip these pants will be perfect).- Both pants have a small pouch on the inside of the waistband front for IWB concealed carry I assume. Would not rely on this feature but it’s there.That's pretty much it! These are high quality RIPSTOP cargo pants, great for four seasons, and the multicam nylon ones are even better than the normal polycotton (worth the $110, ouch!). They last and last and dont seem to fade too much in the wash. I skateboard in these pants (i can't imagine a more brutal test for pants than jumping down a stairset and falling on your butt sliding on rough asphalt) and they just keep lasting. The brown ones have actually just developed their first small hole after 2 years of skating in them, which i'm going to patch and keep going after!

très confortable élastique dans tout les sens

sizing is not great, go at least one size higher

I have had a few pairs of these for a few years now and I am very disappointed with the use of cheaper/lighter material.That might be a bonus to some but should say lightweight….we do notice the difference!

This is not the first pair of these trousers I have purchased and they are still well worth the rather high price. I have worn black ones daily in my work as police staff as they are vastly better than the uniform trousers provided and other colours have proved to be great for casual and holiday wear. This pair of trousers is no exception. The range of pockets means that most items such as wallet, phone and keys can be carried securely and comfortably. The material is tough without being too heavy and hot and manufacturing quality is excellent. A minor criticism of this pair is that the two velcro flapped front pockets have been made shorter. These pockets were ideal for a large iPhone but now they are too short. I also have two pairs of shorts from the same company with the same features and they are great as well.Not that the waist sizes can be a little optimistic. If they are marked, for example 32 to 34 they really mean 32.. The plus though is that they are generous on leg length.

Cargo trousers with pockets low on the thighs are stupid, especially for running and physical activity. These cargo pockets are high and practical. Very well made trousers, worth the expense. Great fit.