Tactical pants are essential if you are at the shooting range often, running drills, or just need things available when you need them. I was very curious to see how a tactical pants would be for the archery range. I also wondered how well they would work as pants when I am scouting. Would they hold up to the beating I would give them? Would things stay put inside and out? Are they comfortable and worth the money? Deciding to test out my questions, I have been field testing the Propper Kinetic® Pant for a couple months on a regular basis.
- 6.5 oz 79% polyester / 21% cotton ripstop NEXStretch® fabric w/ DWR
- Durable water repellent (DWR) treatment to resist dirt and moisture
- Durable and rugged ripstop fabric with integrated stretch
- Updated, modern, professional design
- Gripper waistband
- Metal button waistband closure
- Cargo pockets with internal dividers
- Wider belt loops with badge / sunglasses tabs
- Ambidextrous pocket configuration
- Gusseted crotch
- Classic fit
- NTOA member tested and approved
When I asked the Propper team about sizing they were very clear in saying to order according to my size. They claimed the pants would fit properly and they were right! I ordered a 36×30 pant and they fit well. There is a thin rubber strip on the inside top of the pant to allow it to grip your skin to prevent slippage. When standing straight up this worked well. In fact, it has a stretch waistband that adjusts to you and fits very comfortably. When I tested it with a backpack on I found it difficult to pull my pants back up due to the rubber gripping lower than I wanted. If the pants had a bit more of a higher waist I would like them better. That truly is the only thing I wasn’t a huge fan of, but that is very minor.
The Kinetic Tactical Pants are constructed from NEXStretch™ mechanical stretch fabric that stretches slightly and is tough as nails. I spent time hiking, biking, and taking them to the outdoor ranges to see how they would hold up to abuse. I knelt on rocks, hiking through thorned branches, crawled on sand and also had the cuff rub against the pedals and chain of the mountain bike I rode in an effort to test strength. The Kinetic Pants not only held up, but they also cleaned up surprisingly well. My sweat and the grease and grit from the bike was really prevalent, but a quick wash and they looked brand new again. The color stayed strong and the material looked new again. Also, the metal button waistband closure stayed secured throughout all of my testing. This has been an issue in the past due to my aggressive six-pack (belly) and I was concerned the pants would pop open. Not once did that happen.
The Kinetic pant has eight (8) pockets, but some of the pockets are inside other pockets. If you consider those facts the pants could be said to have twelve (12) pockets. As I recommend with any backpack purchase, just because the pants have 12 pockets doesn’t mean you need to fill each and every one of them. Use them properly and they will be a useful tactical tool.
Movement in the pants proved to be relatively easy and comfortable. There was no chaffing and the fabric moves with you. They breathe well, too. I spent a day in 95+ degree temps in the desert and then also in the mountains on a bike (going uphill with a full pack on) and they were great. Even on a 22-mile bike ride and a short hike they stayed relatively comfortable.
Competitively priced at $54.99, the Propper Kinetic® Pant are priced to sell. It’s a great price considering the quality material, construction and comfort. Plus there is free shipping and a low price guarantee. I would recommend the Kinetic Pant for shorter trips, not for long trips in the mountains. These are great for the shooting range, archery range, and for a short hike scouting trip, as they are durable and very comfortable in most applications.
Be First to Comment