REVIEW: Helikon-Tex Urban Tactical Pants Flex

For the city, the Urban Tactical Pant (UTP) - HERE as a short version in our review - is more than suitable just because of the name. But this is not the normal version, but the new Flex version. That's why we can squat so well, only the little dog is unimpressed.

The belt loops are designed for 50mm wide belts. So most tactical belts fit easily. The pants are made of 50-50 NYCO, a cotton-nylon blend.

The front belt loops are also equipped with a small eyelet for carabiners, very well thought out. The pocket is double reinforced so that the knife clips don't break things so quickly. The back pocket is very spacious and has a small insert pocket. We are carrying a Glock 19 magazine in there for demonstration purposes.

We also have an M4 magazine. The pocket is so deep that it completely disappears inside. 40-round AK47 magazines also fit nicely in this pocket.

The thigh pocket of the UTP Flex is divided in two. The larger compartment is zippered. The smaller one is velcroed.

In the smaller one, smartphones or M4 magazines feel right at home. Of course, also snack bars, in case you are about to be struck by hypoglycemia.

The knee area is slightly anatomically pre-curved by darts.

You will find a mesh pocket inside behind the knee, where padding can be inserted from below.

The leg closure is simply straight and not adjustable. The legs are completely straight cut, so no carrot or bell bottom pants. We like that.

Why is the UTP called Flex in the subtitle? Because unlike the other UTP models, Versastretch material was used in the crotch and back areas.

If this looks familiar to you, we'll tell you where. The Crye Combat Pant (the one at the top in the picture) started with such an elastic strip. The solution can often be so simple, someone just has to come up with it.

With the UTP Flex, the Poles rely on an elastic crotch area. The Americans focus on stretchable knees. Who has set their priorities better?

The UTP Flex also offers you a hidden feature, actually two. It consists of two small slip pockets on the inside, left and right next to the fly.

Here again the pants in full glory on the man. The cut of the UTP Flex corresponds to the size specification and is on the loose side. Overall, it is very comfortable to wear in everyday life as well as on the range.

VERDICT: A classic from Helikon-Tex in new material. The UTP Flex offers you an ideal configuration at a fair price-performance ratio. The strategically placed stretch elements do not restrict your freedom of movement.

You can get the Helikon-Tex Urban Tactical Pants Flex from various retailers - HERE at CAMOSTORE and HERE at TACOPSGEAR - for a price starting from 94.00 Euro.

HELICON-TEX on the Internet: www.helikon-tex.com