Tactical Pants vs. EMS Pants
As we have learned, the original tactical pant didn’t really have a tactical purpose at all—unless you consider hiking and mountain climbing tactical affairs.
We also know that those initial 5.11′s quickly morphed into the tactical darling of the FBI and later SWAT, ATF, ICE, border patrols units added it to operation uniforms. From there, manufactures such as 5.11 Tactical, Propper, Tru-Spec by Atlanco used tactical pants as a model to create trousers specifically for EMTs.
Nowadays EMT/EMS pants sometimes can be confused for tactical pants. Why? Because they are extremely similar! Both pants have enough pockets to make your head spin and often boast the same poly/cotton materials. Really the only difference is an additional scissor pocket where medics can store trauma sheers.
Through our research and writing day in and day out about tac pants, we’ve found that some paramedics still don tactical pants and vice versa. One female police officer told us that EMT pants just her fit better.
In the end, the official name of the pant doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you found a pair that fits comfortably, breathes well and prepares you to face almost anything.
5.11 EMS Pants
Launched in the summer of 2008, 5.11′s take on the EMS pants ($49.99 MSRP) of course include its trademark rear slash pockets. With 12 pockets, the 7.25-ounce poly-cotton twill pants are Teflon treated and come in both men’s and women’s sizes for dark navy and black. The front pockets have an area to store coins and back pockets contain wallet pockets. And with “external EMS-specific” pockets, you know there’ll be a scissor pocket nearby. Double seat and knees, a tunneled waistband and gusseted crotch bolster durability and ensure mobility.
Propper’s CriticalEdge EMT Pants
Also made from a twill fabric, Propper’s CriticalEdge™ EMT Pants ($44.99 MSRP) at 8.5 ounces are a heavier weight than 5.11′s. Additionally this trouser features a dual six-way cargo/scissor pocket with a hidden zipper pocket at the top. We’re not sure what it means to have a six-way pocket, but perhaps that means there is six ways to store things? Or you can open it six ways? If you own a pair of these, let us know what this pocket is all about. All we can say for sure is that this pant has 15 pockets total. There’s also a gusseted diamond crotch, a tunneled waistband and reinforced knees. Watch the video below for the full set of features.
What do you keep in your six-way pocket?
Tru-Spec’s EMS BDU Trousers
Rounding out our EMS pant trio, Tru-Spec’s EMS BDU Trousers ($47.95 MSRP) only has six pockets. SIX! 5.11′s EMT pants have double that; Propper’s have even more. The right cargo pocket touts a scissor pocket with three slots attached to its outer shell. These slots have straps with snap closures that will keep your medical equipment intact no matter how much running around you do. Not to be outdone, the left pocket features a hook and loop closure (like Velcro) and is partially bellowed. There’s also DuPont Teflon Coating, reinforced knees and two adjustable waist tabs.
Now that you know the difference, which pants are you more likely to buy? Is a pocket designed specifically for trauma sheers an important feature?
on June 30, 2010 at 6:08 pm
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Dear Jeanette,
The shears pocket sounds like a winner! One never knows when a more subtle approach than the Bowie knife is required!
Ann T.
on July 16, 2010 at 12:47 pm
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After 35 years, I just tuck the pieces that hold the shears in. We have shears in the bag, on the truck, everywhere. I found that the Benchmade ‘hooks’ are better at cutting clothes and seat belts.
Now? I just use the ‘shears’ pocket for a couple of pens.