Many preppers don’t really think about the pants they’ll wear when SHTF. And as a result they’re at a major disadvantage when it comes to survival.
That’s because a normal pair of blue jeans just isn’t going to cut it (for various reasons). Tactical pants on the other hand can give you the edge you need to survive.
You can’t afford to short-change yourself when it comes to prepping. That’s why it’s crucial to give yourself your best chance at survival and check out these…
3 Prepping Tips For Selecting Tactical Pants
First Off… Why Are Tactical Pants Necessary?
Before we get into the prepping tips, we need to understand what sets tactical pants apart from ordinary pants.
The truth is tactical pants aren’t just “pants.” Nope. That’s because they offer a lot more freedom of movement than ordinary pants do (blue jeans are often constricting by comparison). Tactical pants are also more durable (say goodbye to rips and tears), and offer a lot more space to carry your stuff than ordinary pants.
Think about it. When SHTF your pants are going to take a lot of abuse. Therefore you can’t afford to be wearing pants that easily rip and tear, that are restricting your movement, and that don’t hold what you need to carry in order to survive. In short, you need tactical pants to get the job done.
Prepping Tip #1: Selecting The Fabric
Fabric makes an enormous difference when it comes to durability, safety and comfort. And the truth is there’s no one perfect fabric for all situations. Which is why it’s important to figure out which fabric best fits your needs.
First, think about the climate you’ll likely be surviving in. For example, if it’s hot and humid, cotton pants are NOT the ones for you. By contrast, you’re better off avoiding light fabrics if it’s cold all the time. However, if the climate varies (or if you’re feeling risk averse) your best bet is to go with a lighter fabric that breathes well and is durable. That way you can wear thermals underneath when the temperature starts to drop.
Another consideration is the overall comfort of the material. For instance, poly cotton is a popular option due to its overall comfort. On the other hand, natural cotton is a favorite among many preppers. Your best bet for this is to avoid buying anything online. Instead, try on a few pairs made of various materials and see which fits you and your needs best.
One final note: choose wisely between natural and synthetic fabrics. For example, natural cotton will take longer to dry out after getting wet. However, synthetic fabric does not do near as well if caught on fire (and you’re at much higher risk of severe burns).
Prepping Tip #2: Consider What You Need To Carry
When selecting a pair of tactical pants, it’s crucial to balance the overall carrying capacity with the freedom of movement. Not all pairs are created equal – some offer tons of carrying space (which can weigh you down) while others offer less pockets and therefore less restriction.
The trick here is that oftentimes the more pockets you have, the more tempting it is to fill them. (Many preppers have the same issue with bug-out bags). And the more you fill them, the heavier the weight of those items feels – especially after a long day.
Look at it this way. A good pair of tactical pants will have enough room to carry compact essentials such as a multi-tool, knife, flashlight, compass, and other small tools. Here’s a tip: after buying a pair, fill the pockets with these essentials and then wear them on a long hike. Then assess and adjust accordingly.
Here’s another pro tip. No matter if you have lots of pockets or not, it’s crucial to put your tools in the same pockets every single time. This will save a ton of time (and panic) and can easily save your life in a critical moment.
Prepping Tip #3: Solid Colors vs. Camo
Many preppers are tempted to go for the camo look when buying tactical pants. This is because they look cool, and can help you camouflage yourself in a wooded area.
Unfortunately, camo can often have more disadvantages than anything. Why? Tactical gear often makes you stand out – and not in a good way. The pattern often draws attention to yourself (which you don’t want) and it may cause people to suspect you were prepared for this event – and will entice them to steal your stuff.
Not to mention, it’s downright impossible to predict where you’ll be when SHTF. And you simply can’t bank on being in a wooded area 100% of the time. It’s more likely you’ll be crossing a variety of terrain (or will be in a rural/urban part of town when things go down).
Instead, it’s best to err on the side of caution and opt for a dull solid color that blends in and doesn’t attract attention. Colors like olive drab, black and desert tan work well. Plus, these often look casual enough that you can wear them every day without batting an eye (making you much more prepared should a crisis happen unexpectedly).
Tactical pants can be a real lifesaver if you play your cards right. Have more tactical pants tips? Include them in the comments below.
