Tactical pants seem to be the latest targeted part of the tactical goods market. 5.11 Tactical had launched their Stryke pant line up about a year ago and we finally got to test them. Like everything else 5.11 Tactical has done, they came through.
The 5.11 Tactical Stryke pants are offered in 10 colors with sizes ranging from 28” to 54” and several different inseam sizes. This is nice as some manufacturers, and clothing companies in general, often have limited sizing where as with 5.11 Tactical it seems like they have everyone covered. The Stryke pants aren’t designed to be more flashier or “tactical” than your regular pair of cargo pants but once you put them on they feel just better. This is nice because they won’t bring you any unwanted attention.
The specifications:
- 65% polyester/ 35% cotton mechanical stretch Flex-Tac® ripstop, 6.8-oz., Teflon™ finish
- Flex-Tac® mechanical stretch provides lasting durability that moves with you
- Teflon™ finish resists water, dirt, and stains for longer wear
- Front pockets sized for EDC items
- 12 total pockets
- Self- adjusting tunnel waistband
- Gusseted construction
- Articulated knees
- Internal knee pad ready
- Bartacking at major seams and stress points
- 12 total pockets, including double- deep cargo pockets
- YKK® zippers and Prym® snaps
The waistband is elasticated and there is a heavy duty popper button and a sewn in proper button to ensure they stay on. They are made from 5.11 Tactical’s Flex-Tac Ripstop fabric which is actually ridiculously tough. It’s hard to exactly describe the fabric but it’s on the level of goretex without having that annoying crinkly noise goretex makes. 5.11 has also reinforced these pants a bunch of times to the point it would be difficult to imagine them tearing on someone. With that said, don’t expect them to be as water resistant even if 5.11 Tactical does say they somewhat are.
As far as pockets are concerned, there really isn’t a worry with the Stryke pants. You’ll get 12 pockets to store anything and everything you need. This includes 4 pockets on the front, 2 of which are large pockets that close with Velcro and are big enough to easily fit M4 magazines. You will also get 2 smaller front pockets that are perfect for carrying a knife or flashlight without issue (great for everyday carry). There are several other pockets including 2 large back pockets. Finally, should you need knee pads the Stryke pants have knees reinforced and are designed to fit knee pads.
I have to say, 5.11 Tactical has done an incredible job on these pants especially when you consider the price point of around $70-$80! These pants will cost you what a typical designer pair of pants cost and will be better built, I guarantee it. My only knock on these pants is the water resistance which is actually not that resistant. It will protect you against light rain but anything more than that and it’ll definitely soak it and pool. The good thing is that they dry very quickly, shockingly quickly. Bottom line, the 5.11 Tactical Stryke pants feel as comfortable as a regular pair of pants but have the functionality of 2 pairs of tactical pants. We love them. 9.5/10.
Ben