The Tactical Way of Lifestyle - Part 2

When you look around, either in everyday life or on trekking/geocaching forums, the most widely spread "tactical" clothing items are pants, underwear, headwear, and boots. Particularly, the number of "combat pants" is countless, ranging from used BW field pants to Leo Köhler field pants in 5FT or black and 5.11 to Crye Gen3 Direct Action Pants.

However, here the line is not clearly drawn. Where is the difference between the black pants of a tile layer who has a tape measure in the knife pocket, or a "normal" trekking pants that has adopted many elements from the military sector?

Clearly, in times of eBay and other platforms, one can get used military surplus goods at bargain prices (Ten BW field pants -> 2€) and they promise one thing above all: robustness, both in terms of fabric and seams. Unfortunately, this "old" clothing is usually not as comfortable, dries slowly, and is comparably heavy.

Manufacturers have also recognized this and are increasingly focusing on blends instead of pure cotton, tailoring the materials to the respective purpose. The best example here would be the Crye pants (u.) which use stretch material in less abrasion-prone areas to increase fit and flexibility. At the same time, reinforcements and knee pads are sewn into the more heavily affected areas. This also optimizes the weight.

Camo or solid colors? An important aspect of "tactical gear" is the color, that cannot be denied. Most wearers prefer muted colors and do not want to run through the forest or daily life like a neon-colored Christmas tree. The decision here is also up to the individual. If you also want to go out for a nice meal on the tour, an ACU pants in UCP may not look as good as a simple solid-colored trekking pants. However, for the nature photographer/observer or someone who prefers to spot the other person first, a suitable camouflage pattern may also be worth considering.

Especially in hiking groups, one is still somewhat looked at oddly with camouflage patterns on clothing - depending on the group - here socially acceptable khaki/brown/coyote clothing makes sense.

The same applies to headwear ... whether it's a baseball cap, fleece watch cap, boonie, fishing hat, winter hat, etc. ... Here, too, the overview is not clear. Men grab what they need, those who absolutely need loops for camouflage material or Velcro for patches will find what they desire - be it from Hazard4, 5.11, VauDe, or other manufacturers. The selection of headwear is highly complex and actually deserves its own topic. Since the head is somehow the most important organ of the human body, one should also consider what is needed, what one is willing to spend - and how it fits into the overall look.

Requirements for underwear also overlap: whether I march in the troop with a vest and backpack, hike in the trekking area, lay down in CQB sprints, or engage in private sports, the tasks overlap. However, in the military, perhaps 1-2 additional requirements (IR security, fire resistance) may be additionally required.

Be it mesh underwear from Sweden, designed to prevent hypothermia with minimal sweat absorption, an athlete's compression shorts, or the high-tech X-Bionic shirt. Of course, this has disadvantages (especially important for the fair sex) in terms of appearance. An Under Armor Loose Fit Heat Gear shirt with X-Bionic Compression Shorts does not (usually) look as sexy as a nice push-up and thong when a woman wants to go out on a Friday evening (and not train for survival). Otherwise, military personnel also like to resort to "civilian" products from the hockey, rowing, etc. areas, if the mission allows it.

It's similar with boots ... Meindl/Lowa/Asolo are found on "both sides" again. The old Bundeswehr combat boots are also frequently found again in gardening work (since conscription has been suspended again).

Especially with clothing, it's important that it matches the style you've given yourself, as long as the task doesn't require something else.

Whether you really need 1000D Cordura on the knees of desert pants or whether lighter, breathable 500D would also suffice, whether all seams must be Mil-Spec and sewn at least triple, everyone has to decide for themselves. The alternatives from civilian manufacturers also offer a wide range here - both in camouflage and solid colors.

HERE is the link to the first part of the article.

HERE is the link to the third part of the article