Summer vacation can’t come soon enough. But when you’re standing on your suitcase, even jumping on it a bit, in order to close the sucker, having a few extra pants pockets would be nice. Especially when cruising through airport security.

That’s where Scottevest comes in. With 16 pockets, Scottevest’s Ultimate Cargo Pants might not be specifically labeled as “tactical” though certainly qualify.

The $70 pants have a linen/cotton blend making them exceptionally breathable, even in desert-like conditions. And if things get too hot on the range, easily zip-off the bottom portion of the pants creating cargo shorts. The lightweight material is treated with Teflon®. One downside is that there’s just a single color option—sand.

Designed for on-the-go travelers, the 16 pockets and compartments includes a handful of trademarks—HangingPockets™, DeepPockets™ and ChangeStopper™ pockets. Oh, and don’t forget airplane pockets.

What do all these trademarks mean?

Without inspecting the pants firsthand, we can only assume these pockets are similar to the hanging/deep pockets often found on most tactical pants. As for the ChangeStopper, it apparently uses a special stitch pattern to keep loose change from slipping down to the bottom of the front pockets. There’s also a key holder, a secret pocket and a pen/stylus pocket.

Another pretty cool pants feature is its personal area network where you can connect wires to devices while in your pockets. Actually all of Scottevest apparel contain some sort of wire-connecting network.

On the Scottevest site, the pants tout many positive reviews. Many say the pants are comfortable (even when packed with gear) and excellent in sweltering temperatures.

Never heard of Scottevest? Founded a decade ago, the company wanted to provide travel gear that didn’t include a “man-purse” or fanny pack. Now they even make a vest that includes a special iPad or Kindle pocket.

Whatcha gonna put in your iPad case pocket?

While it has been rumored to fit the back pockets of 5.11s, the great iPad needs a safer storage spot.

Apple’s latest techie toy is durable, yes. But we can’t imagine it working so well after being sat upon. Plus, the iPad isn’t exactly cheap—it probably costs more than what currently resides in your rear pockets.

So, why store it in the same place?

Enter the cargo pants iPad sleeve. This DIY-invention from MyGreenMonkeyDesigns combines ingenuity and the green movement creating an 11-inch by 9-inch padded cushion for the shiny, sleek machine. Using a clean pair of cargos, the designer hand makes each individual sleeve specifically tailored per order. And for only $5.50, this eco case can all be yours.

We bet if you send an old pair of tactical pants, they can construct the sleeve using that material, too.

If you’re going the homemade route, other options swirl endlessly online. One such example can be viewed below.

The materials? 8.5 X 11 envelopes, duct tape, Velcro strips, an Apple sticker.

The price tag? $8.87

Looking for a classier case?

Nothing says I’m-a-smart-cookie like an iPad case made out of a book. You can use an old book, a new book, an intellectual book, even an old composition notebook… But we don’t suggest a coloring book—too flimsy.

See how it’s done below.

Are you buying into the iPad craze? What do you think of Apple’s latest invention? We’re not sure if it’s tactical enough to please this crowd!

Spring is in the air, and you know what that means — it’s lightweight pants time. Perfect for warmer weather, many lightweight tactical pants are made of a blend of 65% polyester and 35% poly-cotton ripstop.

In the video above, Japan-based YouTube gear reviewer MilPic sports a pair of 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro pants, which he loves to don when the temperature rises. The pant ensures he stays cool and doesn’t perspire as much under the blazing sun.

At first, some of the smaller pockets might be closed off. MilPic says he was able to turn the pants inside out and open up a seam to make one of the pockets bigger. He describes the leg pouches as “very roomy” and wide-extending.

Despite all the pluses, he complains that the YKK zipper is too tiny and can get stuck if unzipped completely. “And it’s very tricky to get them out,” he says. “I don’t have the smallest fingers, and this is a big-size pant, so come on — get a little bit bigger zipper for that one!”

For some, the noise when both pant legs rub together is another negative quality. Basically, it’s not stealthy enough. “I don’t go and use them as my special ninja pants to sneak up on somebody in the middle of the night,” he explains. “The color is actually very bad for that anyway.”

Oh, and one last thing: MilPic advises to never buy these pants in black. Why? Because they fade too quickly. “Man they have to find something to make them much better,” he says.

Who could have guessed that the “it” pants of the spring would have a slight tactical element to them. And by slight, we mean next to miniscule.

Meet the skinny cargos…Tight. Olive. Cropped. And with A-list trendsetters like Rihanna, Gwen Stefani and Hilary Duff rockin’ them, it’s only a matter of minutes until the masses will follow.

J Brand’s “Houlihan” Cargo Skinny Pants ($230) come in five colors (Vintage Olive, Sahara, Black, Vintage Navy and Sharkskin) and are said to “incorporate military-chic” in any wardrobe. The cotton cargos boast seaming details as well as front, side and back pockets, which one would think qualify it as a tactical pant. However, this women’s pant also happens to be cut-off-your-circulation tight. So, only an act of God will get something squeezed into those pockets.

Meanwhile Nordstrom is touting a pair of Alice + Olivia distressed skinny-leg cargos ($230) that are only a few sizes away from being roomy enough to be considered tactical. For those who wouldn’t ever ever spend so much on such a non-tactical trend, do not worry. We’re sure Wal-Mart and Target will be carrying skinny cargo knock-offs soon enough.

It’s true: Tactical pants wearers don’t care about trends; we care about getting the job done right. However, if you happen to love both tactical and fashion, you might be experimenting with the jeans/pants trend soon enough. Learn how to wear ‘em in the video below.

UPDATE: Since our post both The New York Times and The Huffington Post have picked up on the trend. So there you have it: The Tactical Pants Blog is beyond cutting edge .

(Images via Bloomingdales)

Imagine how the paparazzi treat a new starlet. The garish, potbellied thugs pace outside her home, hovering around the wrought-iron gate while shoveling Coffee Bean muffins down their gullets and wiping sweat beads away with a star map. Once she makes the descent from her private castle, they clamor her name. Then they strike.

That intro was inspired by the paparazzi-like photos of the new tactical pants from Kitanica (below). And we were going to mention that we’ve been lurking outside of the Kitanica corporate office in Oakland, Calif., digging through disturbingly rank Dumpsters for blueprints and watching employee movements through telescopic lenses, innocently seeking the 411 on their new trousers. But that’s just too weird. And, no, we really haven’t.

Now we’re thinking that paparazzi might need a pair of these PNT X.A ($160) to hold all their stalker tools. With 12 pockets, dual-waist cinches, PALS webbing and drawstring cuffs, the new pants in a 65/35 poly cotton-blend are tactical enough to hold camera equipment, a Blackberry or two and just enough Red Bull to get photogs through the day. The heavy-duty tactical pants also tout articulated knees and a reinforced butt, which a paparazzo really needs to run to celebs and from the law.

Although Kitanica isn’t marketing the pants to those dregs of society, we think they’re a worthy market. Really! Tip o’ the hat to Tatical-Life.com for pointing us to these sleek, stone-colored cargos. They sure are pretty (and little pricey!). Must be that lifetime coverage…

And if you’ve never heard of Kitanica before, it was founded by Beej Cronin, a sewer, designer a pattern maker who started the company along with his brother back in 1995. It’s biggest claim to fame? Having Mythbuster’s Adam Savage sport its Mark IV Jacket on TV without even knowing it. The tactical jacket became an overnight sensation.

Tactical kiddos

You’re never too young to be tactical. Believe us: In our infancy, we were scaling crib walls with a binky in the front pocket, a blankie in the rear pocket. Ah, memories.

But do they actually make tactical pants for babies? Of course!

While the itsy-bitsy look-alikes aren’t 100 percent replicas of daddy’s and mommy’s pants, these kiddie cargos were recently featured on People Magazine’s Celebrity Baby Blog as affordable and trendsetting.

Available in khaki, colored and pattern sets, the pants range in price from $6 to $38. The luxurious pocket space (miniscule, of course, compared to regular tac pants) is the perfect size for a rattle, teether or Micro Machine, though it probably won’t fit that giant ring of keys.

If your little one has moved past infancy, try tactical pants for kids in sizes 3-10. Tactical Daddy, as well as various other online stores, carries a 5.11 kids tactical pant. Or go with more of a G.I. Joe look with Propper’s BDUs for kids in both universal and woodland camo.

And for those Tactical Daddies: Marcus Melnick made a big splash three years ago by launching a Tactical Daddy Vest — his solution to the modern diaper bag. In the video below, view just how much baby stuff can be crammed into a 16-pocket 5.11 tactical vest.

(Images via TacticalDaddy.com)

It’s hard enough to find ladies tactical pants with a proper fit. Now try tracking down a shirt that not only matches but drapes properly and stylishly. That was more than a challenge a few years ago, before clothing manufacturers stepped up to offer for-her tactical clothing. Nowadays choices abound.

This type of clothing is geared for off-duty, outdoor wear, yet it still possesses a very tactical element. And even with more choices than ever, many women’s tactical pants only come in yawn-inspiring khaki. (No offense to traditionalists, but wearing khaki day-in and day-out can get, well, boring.) Sprinkle some flavor into your tactical wardrobe by placing emphasis on your top half.

5.11 Tactical Polo ($29.99)

One of the few major players to offer tactical women’s shirts, 5.11’s polo mixes durability with comfort. Even though this looks like an ordinary polo, it packs in tactical attributes with its moisture wicking finish and mic-loop pockets. Offered in white, black, silver tan and dark navy, this shirt is made with 100% cotton, treated to prevent fading, wrinkling and shirking. It’ll keep you looking sharp.

Classic Long Sleeve Safari Shirt ($50)

SHE Safari specializes in producing the best-fitting and most fashionable outdoor hunting and tactical wear. And it shows. Its long sleeve safari shirt constructed from 100% cotton 5-ounce French twill features tapered lines and pleated pockets. With a hidden button strap, the long sleeves easily transition into three-quarter length. Available in dark olive, khaki and light olive.

Short Sleeve Pleated Shirt ($55)

This has to be one of our favorite “tactical” shirts because of its ability to transition from daytime to nighttime wear (and just for its general non-tacticalness). Actually, this shirt would be better suited on a runway then on a shooting range. While it gives the wearer freedom of movement, it has no real tactical characteristics. That being said, we still think it’s totally ferosh.

Fly Fishing Short Sleeve Shirt ($57)

You might not be the fly fishing kind of girl, and that’s OK. This lightweight shirt is just tactical enough to sway your opinion. Offered in striking colors like desert tan, sunrise yellow and salmon, it has an active, flattering fit with adjustable cuffs and a core mesh venting system. The 100% cotton feather cloth will keep you cool on sweltering days. And with pockets on the chest and right side, there’s plenty of room to store whatever tactical doodads that cross your path.

Short Sleeve Shooting Shirt ($40)

Here’s another fashion-forward top from SHE Safari that flatters the female figure. Wear it in khaki or olive on a hunting excursion or even to the grocery store. Its 100% waffle-knit cotton with French twill accents adds spice to what would otherwise be an average polo. A shoulder and front pocket make it just tactical enough to make it on this list.

Even members of law enforcement must answer to the fashion police. And you thought you were exempt! Oh no. When we all want to wear our tactical pants seven days a week, things can get a little tricky. If you don’t have enough shirts that pair with khaki, black or olive drab pants, peruse the shopping list below.

While it seems fairly simple, there are definitely some tactical fashion don’ts. Like don’t wear khaki on khaki (unless there’s a good reason, like if it’s part of a uniform or going on a safari). Oh, and never sport clashing khaki or black. That’s *way* worse. You can also mix and match your tactical shirts with your other non-tactical clothes … like jeans. Or sweatpants perhaps.

And ladies, keep an eye out for the women’s tactical pants fashion police update. We’ll post it next week.

Elite Short & Long-sleeve Tactical Polos ($34.99-$39.99)
Polos are probably the best pairing for tactical pants. Nothing looks more classic or clean-cut. Woolrich offers multi-functional polos in black, khaki, range officer red and navy that will help you keep a low profile undercover or off-the-clock. Choose either a short or long sleeve polo with moisture-wicking fabric, keeping you dry and cool for whatever might come up.

5.11 Tactical Shirt Long Sleeve ($59.99)
It’s only natural to wear a 5.11 shirt with tactical pants since they basically invented the pant and have garnered a cult following. With colors like black, khaki, olive-drab green, navy and desert sand, finding a match for your pants will be simple. What’s cool about this shirt that differs from mainstream military-style fashion is its patented hidden-document pockets perfect for a cell phone. With six pockets total, your shirt will be competing with your pants to carry all your equipment.

Warrior Wear Tactical Shirt ($46.99)
Whether you choose olive drab, navy or black, this durable shirt features added ventilation and wrinkle-, fade- and stain-resistant cotton. With extra breathability, you’ll be able to move freely and comfortably both on- and off-duty. And when the work gets really dirty, easily roll your sleeves up and fasten them with a button on the side. There’s also a hidden zipper pocket aside from the shirt’s main pocket along with a cell phone catch pocket.

Covert Casual Plaid Shirt ($39.99)
Since plaid is all the rage right now, there’s no way you could go wrong with this 5.11 lightweight shirt. While you might be able to find similar looks in department stores, none will have the same moisture wicking capabilities or functionality. Ideal for undercover wear, this shirt has been specially designed for concealed carry, whether it’s a shoulder holster or at your waist. The shirt’s lining is CovertMesh, a lightweight fabric that won’t bunch around your concealed gear. Blackhawk’s 1700 shirt in blue, green, green or brown plaid boasts a similar look and features.

Men’s Operator Grade Zip-Up Shirt ($61.99-$66.99)
This all-cotton poplin shirt becomes very tactical when it comes to taking it off and on. Instead of fumbling with buttons, it boasts a hidden zipper down the front while still visibly hosting a series of buttons. However, the shirt’s collar still is a button down. Another tactical feature is its multiple pockets—a sleeve pocket for pens and two chest pockets with hook and loop flap closures.

Tactical pants no more.

In the DIY-er generation of eco-friendly this and going green that, it’s pretty difficult to just trash an old pair of your favorite tactical pants. Why not repurpose that material if it’s of no use to you in its current form?

Most recently, we saw crumpled cargos transformed into a sweet messenger bag. All you need is one pair of Goodwill-ready tactical trousers, one-half yard of lining material, bias tape and thread. The full step-by-step instructions can be found right here.

And if you’re going to fully embrace the do-it-yourself spirit, there’s a laundry list of jeans projects that can simply be applied to cargo pants. In one blog post alone, there’s a list of 13 projects you can take on, including a book cover, a quilt, a bulletin board or even a bean bag chair.

Want to just fix the old pair you have? In this video, HedgeTV takes a too-small, red flannel shirt and uses it to spruce up a worn-out pair of BDU trousers. He cuts up the flannel for pocket flaps and patches on the pants. As much as we like the idea of doing your own repairs, the color choice sort of makes the green tactical pants look Christmas-y. Well, if you disregard that anarchy symbol.

HedgeTV words of wisdom: “Actually I think anyone can sew. You just hold two things together with string that you put it there with a needle. Or you can use a sewing machine.” See, it’s that simple!

(Image via Noodlehead)

Ever wonder what tactical trousers look like in Sweden? Because we know we have!

In a four-minute video, John at Tactical Gearhead shows off the Fjällräven’s Greenland Trousers. If you’ve never heard of Fjällräven, it’s a Sweden-based outdoor gear and clothing company founded in 1950 that also makes backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and more. Fjällräven even touts a super-lightweight line called Pak5.

We’ll admit these pants aren’t exactly what police officers and emergency service personnel would sport while on the clock, but you never know how many trade the streets for the trails when they get the chance. The Greenland Trousers feature G-1000, a densely woven fabric made of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton developed by Fjällräven, which John compares to 5.11 tac light material.

Here’s what John had to say about the pants:

• The pants don’t have pocket symmetry. One side features a cargo pocket with a smaller knife/flashlight pocket. The other leg features two stacked small cargo pockets.
• One pocket opens up on the end and can be used for hatchet storage. John later mentions that his hatchet shaft was too wide to fit though the end.
• Inside the pants, there’s a mid-sized traveler pocket — perfect for storing all kinds of valuables.
• There’s elastic, buttoned leg endings with draw strings, which makes “fitting over boots easier.”
• A potential downside for some: There are no back pockets. “I never have anything in my back pockets anyway,” he adds.
• The pants also feature a teeny Swedish flag sew into the side seam.
• Best quote from the review: “I normally don’t stuff my hand down my pants.”