Whether you just want to look hip at your next range meet or you genuinely have use for the latest in purpose-built “operator” clothing, the new Vertx pants (referred to sometimes as Vertx tactical pants or low-profile tactical pants) are the way to go.
Vertx is a new offshoot of Arc’Teryx, which itself has made a huge splash in the LE/military world with products such as the Marine Corps’ new ILBE.
Last year, Arc’Teryx was approached by some experienced tactical team personnel about designing a replacement to the 5.11-style pants that had become ubiquitous in the LE, military, and shooting communities. After all, the 5.11 pant was originally made by Royal Robbins and found its first major foothold among law enforcement with FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team. Now years later, every swinging pistol on the planet has a closet full of them.
The idea behind the new design was a more casual, lower-profile appearance that made the pants more suitable for everyday wear, along with some simple product improvements. For example, the pockets are designed to keep your gear — whether it’s your handcuffs, your secret spy decoder ring, or just your wallet — from falling out without the need for flaps and snaps. The material is just flexible and stretchy enough to allow you full range of movement. Joints are articulated and stitching is extremely high quality.
The pants became the cornerstone of the new Vertx line that made its public debut at the SHOT Show. However, some very high-profile units have already been issuing the new Vertx pant with great success and satisfaction among the team members.
The irony, of course, is that just as the Royal Robbins/5.11 pant was originally intended to provide BDU-like capabilities without screaming NINJA!, the Vertx pant will almost certainly come to inherit that mantle once it goes from being the new low-profile choice of professionals to the cool look-at-me choice of everyone.
But regardless of whether you want to be low-profile today or look cool next year, the Vertx pant is definitely the new standard in practical clothing.
Train hard & stay safe! ToddG
I just received my second order of Polos from them today using this promotion code on Facebook
VERTX Just 3 more days for the
Facebook Evaluators promotion
50% off all Vertx and Free Shipping!
Use promo code facefan200
Thanks for the Promo code. Can’t beat that price. Just spent $60.00 a pair on Kuhl’s, and while comfortable, and high quality, a bit spendy.
I may have to talk myself into ordering a pair of pants with that coupon.
Just ordered a pair if khaki and black pants with the coupon. Thanks!
hmm I thought Woolrich pants were all the rage now? I find the 5.11’s just don’t sit right on my fat ass. But I’ve heard the same from skinny in shape guys too.
Thanks! I was looking at ordering a new pair of pants from one of the other companies, but instead I’m going with these.
1 correction, the email sent to me says this:
“Please use promo code facefan200 at VertxTactical.com (offer ends at midnight Friday March 15th 2010)”
I used to wear 5.11’s but the it seemed like the quality went down when they stopped being Royal Robbins, and went straight 5.11.
I now wear jeans everyday, more comfortable and last longer. Plus I don’t look like a cop so people are surprised when I pull out my badge. They look nice, but still too tacticool for me.
These are probably some of the most comfortable pants I’ve had in awhile. Very nice roomy fit. How they hold up is yet to be seen, but I don’t think the owners would put out a POS and the designers at Arc’Teryx wouldn’t either. Definatley worth the money.
But do they have a place to carry your piton hammer?
I am all for pants that don’t look so tactical, but holy cow – all synthetic material? Todd, you know very well how hot it gets on that range in Culpepper in the summer. I would think you’d fry in anything but cotton clothing.
Chimbarazo — I’m not an expert when it comes to clothing or fabric, but I’m pretty sure cotton isn’t synthetic. They’re 98% cotton. No?
Ordered a pair of these “tactical operator pants”. Looking forward to them. 5.11 isn’t what it used to be.
Regards fabric – sorry – a little flare up of dyslexia where lycra content was inverted with cloth content. Yes, they are 98% cotton, and yes, now I am really interested.
Discount code wasn’t working as of 2100 tonight; coded as “expired” at checkout.
Bummer…I’d be a lot more willing to try them for $30 than for $60.
Oh well, thanks anyway.
I ordered a couple pair w/ the 50% off promo and they are worth 100% of the price. I’m wearing them right now out of the package and they’re excellent.
Also, it looks like they have a new promo code from their facebook page (I posted this on M4C too)…
“Your new Facebook promotion, save $40 with purchase of $99 or more. Offer valid on ALL items at http://www.vertxtactical.com. Use promo code: facefan40 from now until 3/31.”
Kind of a large jump from 32″ inseams to 36″, no?
The sizes shown on the information page are not correct. 34″ inseams and unfinished/unhemmed lengths are available. Click through to the order page to see all the size combinations available.
still, 45 bucks a pair for pants is a bit pricey anyway…
I got a couple pairs and they’re very comfortable. I usually don’t care for spare mag pockets on clothing but I carried a mag in the lower pocket for the better part of a day and almost forgot it was there.
Chimbarazo, you might consider the Kuhl Jeans. I have several pairs, and they are very good for warm weather. Light, and comfortable, they breathe well and I have been very pleased with their performance in other hot environments. Not VA, but plenty hot just the same. A bit spendy, but worth it if you spend a lot of time wondering just how much fluid you can sweat out before you kick over and die.
I kind of imagined a less “Tactical” pant when I looked at the VertX online, and placed my order. They are pretty much the next 5.11 Tactical Ted Trouser. Nothing wrong with that at all if thats your thing, and the cargo pockets are much nicer than those found on many of the “Discreet Tactical” line of clothing that is available these days. But they are still pretty far from discreet. No worries, they aren’t necessarily supposed to be.
I was also a little surprised they were made of cotton. But hey, can’t argue that cotton is not comfy. Just not very universal in terms of all weather. Anyone who has spent much time being cold and wet learns quickly that cotton kills. As such, it kind of relegates them to non-winter/cold weather use. But they are a bit heavy, and as has already been mentioned, doubtful they would be terribly comfortable during a full day of VA summer heat/humidity. I foresee the need for some serious “Man-Pons” should the brave decide to wear them in VA in August. So that kind of makes them more of a Spring and Autum pant. Then again, I am probably spending entirely too much time thinking about all of that.
The cut and fit is outstanding, and on par with the cut and fit of pants twice as expensive. I could live without all of the tags on them though. The one in the back was really annoying, and it got cut out quick. The little star on the rear pocket had to go too.
The only issue I had in the fit was a discrepancy in sizing from one color to another. I ordered two pairs of pants, in two different colors, but the exact same size. One fits as it should. The other is giving me motivation to try to lose a few extra lb’s that have found a home around my mid-section. Of course, then I will have to wear a belt with the other pair to keep them up.
I don’t have much need for all of the hidden little pouches and pockets, but the pockets that are important to me (wallet, and front)are easily accessible and hold things in place without having to button or unbutton them to get at them. The front pockets are a little deep, but much better than the 5.11 pants where keys and loose change would end up rubbing against my knee caps.
The belt loops are appropriately spaced for those who carry guns and gear on their belts, and give enough play for even the thickest gun belts to fit, not some proprietary belt so they can make even more money.
All in all a pretty good product, and I suspect as time goes on, there will be some slight mods based on various user feedback to make them even better. For the price, hard to beat in terms of comfort and quality. I’ll probably end up with a few more pairs, just gotta make sure I choose all one color, and/or go on a diet.