After losing 25 lbs over the last sixteen months I needed some new pants. I took the opportunity to pick up several pairs of “tactical” pants from three of the major brands – Vertx, Blackhawk and 5.11. I chose the VertX Phantom LT’s, the Blackhawk Lightweight Tacticals and the 5.11 Taclite Pros.

What follows is a side-by-side comparison of these three market-leading tactical pants along with a few of my likes, dislikes and thoughts after wearing them for several weeks.

First, for those unfamiliar with these pants, here are the manufacturer’s descriptions:

5.11 Taclite Pro Pants
Fashioned after our traditional 5.11 Tactical pant, 5.11 Taclite Pro Pants features a lightweight poly-cotton Ripstop fabric for ultimate breathability and a gusseted crotch for full ROM. Featuring two pleated cargo pockets and a magazine/cell phone pocket over the left cargo pocket for quick access, our ripstop cargo pants are the new generation in tactical pants.

– Lightweight 65% polyester and 35% poly cotton ripstop
– Magazine/cell phone pocket
– Two cargo pockets
– Signature rear strap and slash pocket design
– Teflon fabric protector to repel water and stains
– External knife pocket
– Rear web strap
– YKK zippers
– Prym snaps
– Clip loop
– Perfect for the outdoors, including hunting and hiking

Blackhawk Lightweight Tactical Pants
Our Lightweight Tactical Pants combine the popular features found in the original Tactical Pants but are made using a rugged, lightweight material to create the perfect pants for warmer climates.

– Constructed of durable 6.5 oz. 65% polyester / 35% cotton ripstop fabric
– DuPont™ Teflon® DWR (Durable Water Repellent) fabric treatment resists stains and dries quickly
– Double layering in seat and knees for added wear and protection
– High-quality YKK® zippers and Prym® snaps
– Gusseted crotch allows increased movement
– Extra-wide, reinforced belt loops accommodate BLACKHAWK!® CQB/Rigger’s Belt and other belts up to 1.75” wide
– Silicone grip strip in waistband keeps shirt tucked in during extreme maneuvers
– Hidden, expandable waistband slides to increase waist size for increased mobility
– Angle-cut hand pockets have flat edges for proper placement and orientation of knives, pens, etc.
– Each leg has an easy-access, top-opening mag pouch
– Large, top-opening cargo pockets have segmented 2” elastic webbing inside to secure and properly orient up to three weapon magazines, flashlights, knives or other items for quick access
– Zippered, rear hip pocket keeps wallet secure, out of the way, and separate from large rear pockets
– Large, hidden zipper pocket behind right-hand pocket keeps valuable items secure
– Secure, vertical, zippered storage pocket on the outside of each cargo pocket
– Top-opening mag pouch pockets on each leg
– Front thigh pockets have side zipper pouch and hook & loop top to secure valuables
– 550 cord loop on front waistband allows attachment of carabiners and other items
– Reinforced hems on leg cuffs and hand pockets increased durability
– Traditional fit

VertX Phantom LT Pants
These pants are similar in design to the original VertX pants, but made with an incredible lightweight material that also features VertX’s innovative IntelliDry system. IntelliDry keeps moisture OUT, yet unilike other water-resistant pants, does not keep the moisture IN too. We know the terribly hot feeling you usually get when wearing other brand’s moisture-wicking pants, but these pants do not give you that feeling at all. Try one out and see for yourself how a true moisture-wicking pant should feel!

Seucrity VertX Men’s Phantom LT Tactical Pant have Concealed, on seam zippered pocket and back pocket credential flap [to] defend your valuables.
Comfort VertX Pants have gusseted crotch, articulated knee & hip, and stretch waistband combined with world class patterning for the pinnacle of comfort. The pants that you want to wear.
Arsenal VertX pants also have well organized, multi-purpose and high capacity pockets. The internal Haul pocket fits your mobile coms as perfectly as a set of handcuffs or an AR magazine.
Mobility Additionally, VertX Men’s Tactical Pant have tight sewing tolerances, patterning, and our advantage stretch™ material provide peerless athletic movement. The wide performance range makes these pants appropriate from the briefing to the chase.
Concealment This combination of mobility, low visual profile, and inset cargo pockets give the function of a full battle garment and the appearance business casual. Stay overlooked and underestimated.
Fabric Benefit Intelli-Dry™ fabric treatment that keeps the wearer cool while providing superior stain and fluid resistance. Pant fabric is extremely durable and colorfast.
– 6.5-oz. 65%Polyester/35% Cotton, Low Profile Rip-Stop
– Concealed zippered security pocket
– Articulated patterning
– Gusseted crotch
– Pocket inside cargo pocket for blackberry or cell phone
– Internal stretch waistband
– Back pocket credential trap

The Contenders (Left to Right: 5.11 Taclite Pro, VertX Phantom Lt & Blackhawk Lightweight)

More to come …