Propper Men's Tactical Canvas Pants - Durable Outdoor Work Pants for Hiking, Camping & Military Use

Like most of you, if you are reading reviews for these pants, I am always on the hunt for that perfect pair of practical (or cargo, or tactical, as you prefer) pants. I am not military or law enforcement, and I don't really want to look like a Wannabee - but I do engage in practical activities that require a good pair of practical pants. I'm a competitive shooter (mostly IDPA) and need pants that can hold and stow a lot of gear for a long day at the range. I also need them to be strong and durable, comfortable, and to allow good freedom of movement. And yeah, I will also wear them all weekend long too, or on trips around town.There are a few key brand names in the Tactical Pants business. 5.11 is one, perhaps the most popular or well known. It is difficult to discuss the attributes of a pair of Tac pants without making the obvious comparisons to 5.11. Add to that - this pant is designed VERY SIMILAR in many aspects to the 5.11 Tactical pants. Therefore, it is almost necessary to compare them side-by-side.If you don't want to read all the way through - here's the cut to the chase: I like them very much and have purchased more than one pair. Now, here's why:- Quality of finish and materials is top notch. There are no loose threads, no crooked seams, no dropped stiches. Good stuff all around.- Rip-stop material is light but incredibly strong. You will get a lot of wear from these pants before they hit the rag pile. They also feel very breathable, unlike a typical synthetic feel. This could just be because they are lightweight, but it works.- Sizing is very accurate. One important note however - the sizing is a very true sizing, not vanity sizing. I have several 5.11 pants in 32 waist and they are much looser than these Propper pants are at the waist. That is good and bad... it's okay if you really do know and order your real size, but not if you rely on the "extra" that most clothing makers give these days. That said, I would like a wee little bit of relaxation to the waist. The expandable elastic waistband is a bit rough on the skin. This is in part due to the synthetic material (opposed to soft cotton), but worn snug they will leave some red marks.- The Propper pants are almost a carbon copy of the 5.11 design, but for a few key and very notable exceptions:--- Rear pockets are not as low cut as 5.11, but run straight across at the back--- Inside the rear pockets (which are large and roomy) there is a second pocket that is "regular sized" and perfect for a wallet. This is a HUGE plus for me, because I hate my wallet rolling around inside the 5.11 pants and landing in all sorts of uncomfortable spots. The wallet stays put right where it should be in the Proppers - whether you are a right or left cheek kinda guy... they are both there.--- The front right pocket has a watch pocket as well as a small inner sub-pocket at the bottom. Both good to have. The left has neither and is just a normal pocket. Front pockets are well cut with a good angle, allowing easy in/out access for your hand - even if you're holding something in your hand...--- Fewer belt loops on Propper than on 5.11, and differently spaced.--- Less material in the crotch area on Propper than on 5.11. If you do significant crouching activities, you may notice the difference.--- The fly is shorter on the Propper, maybe by 1/2" or more overall. This does have an ergonomic impact gentlemen (I prefer the 5.11 one).- Things that are same/similar to 5.11 Tactical Pro:--- The lower edges of the pocket stitching is reinforced for a knife or flashlight clip or similar. This should help prevent premature wear from metal clips. (front pockets only on Propper, 5.11 has it also on rears)--- Left side small cargo pocket, perfect for most cell phones, flashlight, magazine, etc. Basically identical to 5.11--- Right appendix D-ring on belt loop--- Similar material weight and construction. Rip-stop synthetic blend.- Miscellaneous comparisons (in no particular order):-- 5.11 is overall more comfortable right off the bat, but Propper is cleaner looking and "dressier".-- Propper has much less "droopy flat butt" look than 5.11. Trade is comfort and flex versus ego and appearance. Your significant other will tell you that you look better in the Propper pants. :-)-- Propper includes a nice duty-style belt in the matching color of your pants. That's nothing to sneeze at, because even a cheap duty belt is $20 or more. The belt is great quality, but is a bit longer than it needs to be. A great added value.Overall, I don't want to give an opinion about one versus the other. I think the comparison is important, whether you're trying to decide between the two brands for a first purchase, or if you're familiar with 5.11 already. In the final analysis - I like these Propper Tactical Lightweight pants, and will order more. I have the gray - which is much darker than the photo here shows. Khaki would probably be my next choice, since summer is coming soon! Propper is about $10 less than 5.11, as of this writing. Consider the included belt, and that is a great value. I think you owe it to yourself to give them a try!Since I wear these as a Class 'C' uniform at the highway patrol, I already knew of their quality and was not disappointed.Pros: strong material that is water proof. lots of pockets. So far, no rips.Cons: tight in seat, needs a gusset. The button that doesnt stay clasped. There is a button on the top of the pants, above the zipper, that is very weak and constantly comes unclasped when moving around, bending over, sitting, etc.The back pockets have inner pockets that are difficult to utilize as the outer pocket is very tight and it has velcro. So you are constantly scraping your hands as you attempt to access the outer and inner pockets.Needs more belt loops. 3 in the back and two in the front with no side loops.Update, I still have these but they have shrunk just a tad. I would definitely recommend getting a size bigger. Stretchy band in the waste is nice, but you don't want it too tight or it pinches a bit. Great pants, I highly recommend. They still hold their deep black after many washings.-------I just opened them an hour ago (they arrived when they said). They fit like a glove, as if they were tailored for me (buy one size larger in waist).I'll add to this review if there are any changes to my present opinion of these pants as I just got them, but as it stands now they are outstanding. Perfect amount of room in the crotch and butt. Nice material, a bit like starched linen in stiffness, but not too stiff at all, they move with you, not like cardboard (I read other reviews that said they were too stiff, NO WAY! It's not a thick enough material to be that stiff 1st off, and 2nd the material is nice). The pockets and all seams are well stitched. The pockets blend in and the black color is pitch black, not some weird off color you might get.Pro's: There is a small change pocket in the bottom right pocket. Two cargo pockets (not big like BDU's, just right for low profile cargo pockets). All lower pockets are Velcro (top front pockets are open, not velcro). A small rectangular left pocket that would be perfect for a small flashlight or extra pistol clip. The belt is great, straight off the bat I thought when I read about these I'd be possibly throwing the belt away, but no it's a nice belt. They are almost straight leg, but with just the right room for wearing in boots or down to the heal.The metal belt loop key holder is nice and small, looks sturdy.For a black uniform I'd be hard pressed to say I've seen better. We'll see how they hold up to cold water washes and perm press cool air dryer (as that's all I would do with these). I'll let you know if they shrink or discolor.They do run tight, so by all means DO ORDER THE WAIST ONE SIZE LARGER! I followed that advice and they feel tailored. I'm 6'1", 220LBS and 32L 36W were perfect as I usually wear a 34. They do stretch in the waist, a little give, when you button them, and when bending over it makes it very comfortable. I immediately did ten squats to see how they were, no movement issues, like butter :)Con's: Not a single one so far, and no I don't work for any companies doing reviews. So you can bet if there is an issue after use and washing etc.. I will update as I'm tired of scams and cheap products built to break.---------------UPDATE 12-19-12---------------The pants are actually kind of noisy now that they've been washed a few times. Color is still crisp black (great tint of solid black), and they haven't shrunk at all. Still love em.PSMy android fits perfect in the extra clip pocket in front.-------------UPDATE 4-26-13------------Pants are still solid black after many washings.. and I was at lunch yesterday, dropped a big bite of gravy, mashed potato and meatloaf on my leg.. I was like great, now im gonna look like I s*** myself.. but it wiped right off with one swoop of a tissue. I think these pants are enchanted when they make them!Also, some people wrote they are stiff, I dont think so, but they feel like they are "starched". Due to this, they stay wrinkle free right out of the washer. I hang dry mine, they dry pretty fast near my heater vent.These run a little tight so I’d go 1-2 sizes up from what you have, normally where 34 waist but grabbed 36 which is a bit of a tight fit so if you want to be regularly comfy I think I’d fit in a 38 waist toooThe pants were a replacement for a pair that I got a few years ago. The first generation were very heavy duty and perhaps 100 canvas.The new generation of pants is more stylist and less strong. People these days are more concerned about they look to others and care less about how durable something is.That said, once these wear out, I will buy more.Quality product, proper sizing and fit. Only one complaint. The snap at the top pops loose, even with a belt, due to my somewhat rotund middle........Great quality pants, not lightweight, and washes wrinkle free! Had them hemmed and I am very happy with this purchase.I've sworn by Propper for years. Hard to beat the price for such a rugged and functional pair of pantaloons. The crotch is high enough that I don't crush my balls when I have to bend and squat, the are seam hasn't failed on me to date (8 years of wearing these pants) and the left thigh pocket keeps my ciggies and lighter easy to access when I need a quick mental health break. The front right thigh pocket keeps my tape measure or Olfa/hook knife where I need it and there are pockets inside of the front right pocket and the arse pockets for separating your knick knacks too. The cut of these particular pants is basically identical to what 5.11 tactical offers for a much better price. The stitching is maybe not as good but for a pair of beater pants that I'll probably burn, melt, scuff and stain I really have no complaints.I'm 6ft 2in and 188lbs. The 32x32 and 32x34 work best for me.This is the fifth pair of Propper pants I have bought. They are flexible, rugged comfortable. Most importantly they fit me perfectly. The only negative (not worthy of losing a star in my rating) is; the black pants dirty easily and love cat hair. Is it an issue? No I have green and blue pants as well. I use them for working in the yard on the tractor, and chopping wood, as well as casual wear. I will buy more.El pantalón está perfecto,trabajo en EMS y necesito movilidad y seguridad al cargar y moverme como para manejar largas jornadas ,el pantalón debes elegirlo de la talla correcta son tallas exactas,es amplio de las piernas pero se puede ajustar con facilidad, mido 1.65mts peso 85kg y utilice un 36x30 .....Exelente y a buen precio,solo no encontré las instrucciones de cuidado pero dudo que se requiera mas que colocarlo en una lavadora ,deben tener precaución con el azul el color se desvanece con el lavado constante pero el material sigue intacto ???Love it! Awesome rugged pants with elastic waist. I do lots of sports (mountain biking, skiing, telemark, cross country skiing, road bike, etc.), conventional pants gets huge waist and tight fitting butt. This baggy fit is awesome. As a cabling guy for the It dept. these are the perfect pants for crawling around and carrying tools in these many pockets. I got kaki ones ans black ones. Only drawback (not worth removing a star) is that I got them with tactical belt included at my local army surplus shop, but without belt on amazon. Love them pants.