Polycotton combat trousers advise desired

[Pierr]

Hi,

I'm looking at the various cheap polycotton combat trousers options, british lightweight and M-65 mainly. I cannot see them "in the flesh" so would like to get some advise if possible.

Some reference points and preferences:
- I own a Fjallraven Greenland Jeans and have owned a Forester. I like the fabric but did not like the Forester cut too much (a bit baggy - I could do with it but not for the price).
- I have owned Craghoppers Kiwis and really disliked both the cut and the fabric (noisy, stuffy).
- I like high waist but would like to avoid an overly baggy cut and military look (I would probably dye them in dark brown)
- I don't use leg pockets much and would happily do without for a more civil look

The options I saw are:
a/ British Army lighweight (http://www.factsurplus.co.uk/product/732) apparently some come without leg pocket, some with one
b/ M65 Combat trousers (http://www.factsurplus.co.uk/product/3)
c/ Austrian ripstop: http://www.factsurplus.co.uk/product/801
d/ Combat. Ref 901S. 6-Pocket. B.D.U Style. Sand. frm Endicott and stated as fitted rather than baggy but also described as "semi-decent quality", whatever this means: http://www.endicotts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=77&products_id=2265
e/ Com-Pant. Multi-Pkt. 'Rip-Stop'. Poly/Cotton. O/G. from Endicott (http://www.endicotts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=77&products_id=2398)

It would be great if you could comment on the differences between some of those models or even suggest other alternatives.

Cheers
P.

 

[treadlightly]

One possible option is regatta polycotton comabat style trousers. The material is softer than craghoppers imho and becomes even softer with wear. Cheap too but not the toughest.

 

[Graham_S]

I've always been a big fan of the M65 trousers, I much prefer them to the UK lightwieghts.
I had a pair of the new style combats, but despite being rip stop, tore them open. plus I didn't like the velcro on the pockets and found the ankle pockets pretty useless.
I now use the 5.11 TDU trousers. Bit more expensive, but worth the extra money (in my opinion)

 

[The Lord Poncho]

'E' looks a plausable copy of 5.11 taclite pants. I have the originals- they are legendary. Dont know about the qualioty of the copy, but if half decent, its worth it. The originals can be got in various colours for just over £30 if you know where to look.

 

[Ex member - Bilgerat]

Military_1st on e-bay... £16.99 ..

 

[Pierr]

Thanks for those reactions.

Graham,
how are the M65 better or different than Britsh Lightweight? Cut, fabric?
And how are the 5.11 better than the M65?

Lord Poncho, Bilgerat,
what are good places to look for good price on 5.11? On Military_1st I don't see taclite trousers below £40.99

Cheers
P.

 

[The Lord Poncho]

This is the cheapest place for taclite trousers that i have found (and indeed any 5.11 trousers). A forces discount (code on the website) will take a further 10% off... Their service is pretty rapid.

http://www.body-armour-protection.co.uk/5-11-Tactical-Coyote-Brown-Taclite-Pro-Pants/

 

[Pierr]

Sounds good, and shipping is very reasonable too. I guess this is a nice middle-ground.

Thx!

 

[PeterH]

Similar price for non TacLites at Bound Tree Medical, need to add VAT but says free P+P

 

[Ex member - Bilgerat]

Bilgerat,
what are good places to look for good price on 5.11? On Military_1st I don't see taclite trousers below £40.99

Not too sure about the Taclite label tho......

Here.... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ARMY-COMB...users&var=&hash=item870c9d7a16#ht_2744wt_1199

 

[Ex member - Bilgerat]

I have had a few of these in various colours and the ones I got are OK.

 

[Martyn]

Helikon SFU's are ripstop Nylon-Cotton, might be a bit too tactical/baggy for you though.

 

[Pierr]

Yeah, Helikon is too tactical for me indeed. I'm willing to trade off some look for dirt cheap (e.g. M65) but not for normal retail prices.

I will probably give a try at those 5.11 taclite from Body Armour for £35 (and no need to dye them - tundra color seems fine).

I would still be interested if someone has comments on the compared fit between M65, british lightweight and 5.11 taclite.

Cheers
P.

 

[Pierr]

Not too sure about the Taclite label tho......

Here.... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ARMY-COMB...users&var=&hash=item870c9d7a16#ht_2744wt_1199

I saw a few Mil-Tec items before and was not thrilled, but that is a very limited exposure of course.

 

[Corso]

Helikon SFU's are ripstop Nylon-Cotton, might be a bit too tactical/baggy for you though.

helikons are gear they even do a simple bdu if you prefer

 

[comeonbabylightmyfire]

Another vote for 5.11 Taclite Pro, I have several pairs. Being poly-cotton they dry very quickly and I like the torch and phone pockets which are additional to the main cargo pockets.

 

[Ex member - Bilgerat]

I saw a few Mil-Tec items before and was not thrilled, but that is a very limited exposure of course.

I agree.... Their T shirts were and still are rubbish..... Unless you like small sizes marked up as XXL and like them to srink.....

 

[Graham_S]

Yeah, Helikon is too tactical for me indeed. I'm willing to trade off some look for dirt cheap (e.g. M65) but not for normal retail prices.

I will probably give a try at those 5.11 taclite from Body Armour for £35 (and no need to dye them - tundra color seems fine).

I would still be interested if someone has comments on the compared fit between M65, british lightweight and 5.11 taclite.

Cheers
P.

I found the BA Lightweights quite close fitting, and lacking in useable pockets. the thigh pocket is flat and uncomfortable when loaded.
The M65s are a bit more baggy, have double seat and knees, and have buttons on all the pockets and the fly, meaning they are repairable in the field with a basic sewing kit, plus they come in lots of colours.
the 5.11s are between the two in fit, I don't have the taclite ones, but I have a couple of pairs of the canvas ones.
They are the least military looking ones, I like the tundra colour. cargo pockets are a little small though.
I love the slash rear pockets, great design, and the corners of the pockets are reinforced for knife clips, which is a nice touch.

Trouser wise I wear mainly 5.11 now, either TDU or tactical trousers.

 

[Mikey P]

Helikons - SF Pants.

 

[Ex member - Bilgerat]

Ohhh... Cancel the e-bay Military_1st Combats...

Mine are not Mil Tec.....