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SHOOTING PANTS BUYER'S GUIDE

Picking the Right Shooting Slacks for Summer

During our hunt for the perfect summer shooting pants, we zeroed in on two key factors: breathability and functionality. After all, what's the point of wearing pants in the baking sun if it hinders our ability to shoot and causes us to sweat buckets? Fabric definitely affects the first factor. So, we weighed each pair to see how they tip the scales against our pair of 32-inch-waist Gap jeans, which weighs 1 pound, 9 ounces. Design determines the second factor. So we wore each model while shooting, hiking, and just running errands to see how well they functioned. Read on to see if there's a pair of pants that meet your range-apparel needs this summer.
  • Screen Ops Tactical Gloves
    5.11 Tactical
    Taclite Pro Pants 1 pound, 5.1 ounces Black, Coyote 65-percent polyester/35-percent cotton $55 511tactical.com
    Innovations: lightweight ripstop blend, Teflon coating, gusseted crotch, rear web strap, rear slash pockets, external knife pocket Pros: These pants are a leader in the market for good reason. They're light, water-resistant, and durable while giving the end user lots of convenient carrying options. Cons: Magazine pocket is on the left side (i.e. for righties only)
  • Lightweight Tactical Pant
    BLACKHAWK!
    Lightweight Tactical Pant 1 pound, 8.1 ounces Black, Chocolate Brown, Khaki, Navy, Olive Drab 65-percent polyester/35-percent cotton $65 blackhawk.com
    Innovations: magazine slots inside cargo pockets, hidden expandable waistband, interior silicone strip keeps shirt tucked in, articulated knees, gusseted crotch, Teflon coating Pros: Subtle groundbreaking design meets quality materials, allowing for a lot of movement, functionality, and ventilation. This pair ranks among the best of the bunch. Cons: Not much to complain about, though fashionistas might nitpick the traditional fit.
  • Tactical Pants
    Condor Outdoor
    Tactical Pants 1 pound, 7.4 ounces Black, Khaki, Navy Blue 65-percent polyester/35-percent cotton $50 condoroutdoor.com
    Innovations: hidden elastic waistband, internal kneepad pocket, coin slot in front pockets, articulated knees, gusseted crotch, Teflon coating Pros: These pants come loaded with pockets (a few of them hidden) for magazines, knives, mobile phones, and more. Cons: Front pockets are kinda shallow. Stitching and Velcro placement making opening the cargo pocket flaps a pain.
  • Stealth Operator Pants
    Condor Outdoor
    Stealth Operator Pants 1 pound, 3.5 ounces Black, Khaki, Urban Green 59-percent cotton/39-percent polyester/2-percent spandex $54 condoroutdoor.com
    Innovations: gusseted crotch, hidden elastic waistband, articulated knees Pros: There's an internal pocket for kneepad inserts (not included) and gadget compartments in each cargo pocket. Cons: The front pockets aren't particularly deep and the flaps on the cargo pockets are annoying to open.
  • All-Season Pants
    Kitanica
    Gen 2 Pants 2 pounds Green, Khaki, MultiCam Navy Blue 65-percent polyester/35-percent cotton $199 kitanica.net
    Innovations: PALS webbing on left hip, expandable rear pockets, removable/adjustable magazine closure, double-layered seat and knees Pros: Forward-thinking design combined with high functionality and top quality materials — all packaged in a cool-looking pair of pants. Cons: Have you seen the price tag? Also, they're the heaviest pants of this group.
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