With the recent explosion of everyone and everybody selling everything that is tactical and tacticool. (because there is nothing cooler than going to Walmart in your 73 pocket 5.11 pants) We need to talk about what we’re gonna do with all of that real estate and cargo space. But we’re also going to talk about normal people who aren’t level 72 Mage Elite Mall Ninjas, who wear normal things. Like jeans and slacks.
Cargo/BDU/Tactical style pants
Ok, let’s get one thing out of the way. This particular style of pantalones have a lot of advantages FOR THE CORRECT APPLICATION. Going to get some groceries? Not so much. Hunting, Camping, Hiking? Indeed.
So what are you going to do with all those cubic inches? Here’s what I normally carry around when I am engaged in such activities.
Right Top Pocket:
– Good quality pocket knife. I’m partial to the CRKT M-16. I’ve carried one for 5-6 years now and I love it. 3″ partially serrated blade with a tanto point. Before that I carried a Gerber. Just make sure it’s a decent quality. That pile of shit you picked up at the truck stop for 12.95 isn’t it.
– Bic Lighter wrapped with about 2′ of Gorilla Tape.
Left Top Pocket:
– Pelican 1920 Flashlight. (Pelican 1910 is great as well) I cannot tell you how great Pelican lights are. I’ve carried some form of their lights for 20 years now in a really harsh environment and they hold up really, really well. Side bonus of Pelican 1910/1920: They eat standard AAA batteries. The 1920 takes two and the 1910 takes one. NO having to pack around and hunt those communist CR123A.
-Chapstick. Chapped lips suck. That is all.
Right Cargo (thigh pocket): Usually a spare pack of smokes if we keeping it real.
Left Cargo (thigh pocket): Medical. At the very least I normally have a IDF style compress bandage in there in a Ziploc. Ziploc can do duty as a occlusive dressing in a pinch.
One of the drawbacks to this type of pants is that you’re gonna wanna fill all those pockets up. Resist this urge. Weight sucks.
Normal Pants
Right pocket:
– “dress” pocket knife. Currently this is a Kershaw LEEK in stainless. They run about 40-50 dollars. 3″ blade, and its a pretty knife.
– Bic Lighter wrapped with about 2′ of Gorilla Tape.
Left Pocket:
-Pelican 1910. Runs on one AAA battery and is really compact. Bright as hell though.
What you decide to carry around is ultimately personal preference. Just make sure it isn’t crap. I try not to carry around too much stuff in pants pockets, cargo pockets, etc. because it weighs down my pants and aggravates me. But that’s just me.