REVIEW: Claw Gear Raider Mark IV

CLAW GEAR has taken another step in practical legwear at fair prices with its new Raider Mark IV Pants. The good thing is that the Raider MK IV can be used both as tactical and combat pants. Compared to the previous model (Raider Mark III), there are some fine improvements. We've put these pants to an initial test:

At the front, the MK IV is classic. There is a wide pocket with reinforced end to counteract the abrasion of knife and flashlight clips. The front slip pockets of the MK III are no longer there. We don't miss them. The thigh pocket (which we'll come back to later) has an opening at the top that fits AR or AUG magazines perfectly. 30 round magazines sit flush with the pocket, while 42 round magazines, as shown in the picture, stick out a bit, making them easier to pull out. However, with full mags, there is already a lot of mass wobbling on the thigh. Especially when using the pants as combat pants and having the magazines on the belt or vest/plate carrier, we would initially leave the pocket empty and use it for tactical magazine changes (the half-full mag on the thigh is easier to find than in the dump pouch).

There are no significant changes to the back of the new Raider compared to its predecessor. There are two zippered pockets, and the seat area is reinforced. Mostly covered by the dump pouch in the picture is the wide belt loop, which is particularly useful for using Rigger and Safety belts.

On the thigh, as usual, there is a large pocket. Unfortunately, it goes up so high that when using an HSGI Leg Rigs (formerly Costa Rig), the pocket cannot be easily opened. For those not using such a rig, they can enjoy a few more cubic centimeters of storage space.

Always practical is the extra zippered pocket, attached to the large pocket and separated by thin Rip-Stop material. As a "Tactical Pants," the pocket is quite fine for driving as it can be easily accessed while sitting. As field pants, one can store items like chest seals here, secure the zipper by pulling the bungee over the button, and store other IFAK material in the large pocket.

A significant change in the knee area is the ability to use Trust HP Knee Pads . With this, the Raider Mark IV can complete its transition into a full-fledged combat pants. Additionally, other insertable knee pads can also be used, but the wearer will not have hard shell protection in front of the fabric.

Of course, the knee area, as in the Mark III, is adjustable and lined with Coolmax. The small calf pockets are still there, where items like firestarter and steel can be stored. Allegedly, there are also people who store a magazine there, which sounds impractical.

The leg closure works with Velcro on the new Raider, unlike the previous model, which makes handling more practical and increases comfort with low-cut shoes (no more fiddling around in the pants and no more annoying plastic part).

CONCLUSION: The CLAW GEAR Raider Mark IV is a versatile pair of pants with good craftsmanship at a reasonable price. The fabric of our Multicam model was rather heavy, which can be warm in the summer but does not detract from its usability on cooler days. The small improvements over the Mark III are positively noticeable. Overall, we really like these pants and will definitely continue to use them for a long time!

You can get the Claw Gear Raider Mark IV directly from Claw Gear in RAL7013 and Multicam at the moment, later in other colors. It is priced at 129.90 euros (MC) and 99.90 euros (RAL7013) directly from CLAW GEAR and is also available at all retailers carrying CLAW GEAR products.