Andy Ihnatko: The Man Behind a Tactical Pants Movement

When Andy Ihnatko held a contest on his blog in 2008 searching for the perfect pants to purchase online, he had no idea he’d create such a following for “Tactical Internet Pants.”

Two years later, people are still asking the Chicago Sun-Times technology columnist, CBS personality and Macworld contributor about what fits in his 5.11’s (his choice brand). Most recently, his fans took to Twitter to inquire if Apple’s new iPad was too big for the back cargo pocket. While he never directly answered the question, he does today.

You’ve called 5.11 Tactical Pants your “favorite pants in the world.” Have you ever tried any other brand or styles of tactical pants?

I tried a few others early in my tac pants career, usually swayed by a lower price or a clearance special, but now I’m a 5.11 loyalist. Whenever one of those little experiments come up in my laundry rotation, and I wear them, it’s pretty clear that a pair of pants with big pockets doth not a 5.11 make.

You discovered the pants in 2008 when you were looking for the best Internet pants. What other pants were the 5.11’s up against? Why did they win?

I was introduced to the 5.11 tac pant through a pretty silly means. I commented on Twitter about how easily most men can handle the most complex and challenging tasks, but the simple business of clothes shopping often just reduces us to whimpering jelly. Yes, I was about to go out for pants. The topic of “shopping for pants on the Internet” proved to be a credible way to avoid doing any actual paying work that morning, and by the time the conversations ended, I had challenged my readers to nominate pants that (a) were suitable for daily bachelor wear and (b) could be ordered online.

I think the final nominees I chose were the 5.11, a pair from L.L. Bean and a pair from Columbia Sportswear. They were both nice, but I knew the 5.11’s were the winner the moment I unpacked ‘em. They’re built extremely well, the pockets are large, plentiful and handy without making the pants look ridiculous, and they’re roomy and comfortable. The silver and bronze-medal winners are still in my closet, but I only wear them when I’m way behind on my laundry. All day long I’ll be slapping at my left thigh, expecting my iPhone to be in a pocket that doesn’t exist.

If 5.11 asked you to become a spokesmodel for their pants, what would you say?

I would say, “This is what happens when you make drunken sports bets with competing clothing companies.” Sure, it’s all in good fun, but after the Colts lose the Super Bowl, you’re honor-bound to publish a photo of a lumpy nerd wearing your signature product. I can just picture the spread of photos on the 5.11 site. A soldier in a combat area, defending our nation. A cop, enforcing the law. A firefighter, rescuing the helpless. And then there’s me, on the sofa, with a game controller in my hands.

Were you surprised when your Twitter followers asked if the iPad would fit in your pants pocket?

Oh, not at all. In fact, that’s something I wanted to know, too.

You already carry a Kindle in the back pocket from time to time, do you think there is actually room for an iPad anyway?

I’ve tested it out, and it doesn’t fit. But it’s _so_ close! It’s not as though I’d actually carry it in my back pocket as an ongoing thing, but there are times when you just need to get your hands free for a few minutes, like when you’re trying to get all of your electronics organized for TSA screening. Those big back pockets save me from having to squeeze my Kindle between my knees while I simultaneously try to wrestle a $1,500 laptop out of its case and into a plastic tub.

Believe me, as soon as “5.11 Tac Pants – The iPad Edition” hits the website, I’ll be first in line with an order.

If you could rename the iPad, what would you call it? Why?

I have no problems with the name. But if I were to rename it, I’d probably go with “Severe Eye Injury” or maybe “Adorable Baby Ducks In Horrible Imminent Danger.” It would be Apple’s ultimate statement of confidence: “Our new tablet computer is so handy and useful that you won’t give a damn _what_ it’s called.”

Watch Andy weigh in on the iPad at the Macworld Expo, which took place last week.

• Happy Blogiversary to you, 999 Medic and Kelly Grayson! (999 Medic)
• New Year Goals: Rid your life of junk food in 2010 and more. (Medic 22)
• A spooky rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. (Thoughts from Behind the Badge)
• Thinking about calling an ambulance for an intoxicated friend this NYE? Think again. (Random Acts of Reality)
• Uh, whoops. (Second City Cop)
• Oh, what to do with duty downtown … play it safe! (Spartan Cops)
• System Abuse: Nothing stops Kelly from telling it like it is. (A Day in the Life of An Ambulance Driver)
• Do the top EMS stories of 2009 make you hate people? (EMS Garage)
• When someone hands you a wallet they found… (The Johnny Law Chronicles)
• What are the most-viewed EMS tips? (Everyday EMS Tips)
• There’s no denying it: EMS pay sucks. Now what are you gonna do about it? (Life Under the Lights)

Our guess is that Fmr. Capt. Rick Roll wears tactical pants each and every day. But that’s only a guess.

And if you’re in the dark as to why this particular name is oh-so funny, read all about the rich history of the infamous art of rickrolling, a favorite Internet meme for the very immature.

(Via FailBlog)

Elite Lightweight Operator Pant

If you read the backstory behind Woolrich clothing company, it’s easy to get excited about buying garments with such a rich heritage.  Founded in 1830, they’ve been making quality outdoor apparel for nearly two centuries.

Naturally, when Woolrich decided to jump into the tactical apparel business, tactical operators took notice.  The resulting “Woolrich Elite” line encompasses not only tactical pants, but a full line of shorts, vests, shirts, and accessories in various fabrics.  Woolrich tactical pants feature a very distinctive pocket configuration that is recognizable from a distance.  They also boast perhaps the best feel of any tactical pants we’ve laid our hands on.

If you’re looking for some American heritage baked into your tactical apparel, and don’t mind paying a little extra for the quality, Woolrich Elite series demands consideration.

Tactical pants may get all the glory, but BDU pants are what started it all. BDU, which stands for Battle Dress Uniform, is comprised of a BDU coat and BDU pants. This was the standard issue uniform for members of the United States armed forces from 1981 to 2008. Much like tactical pants, they offer double seat and knee reinforcement, large cargo pockets and durable construction. Civilians have been wearing BDU pants since they first appeared in the military for a host of applications ranging from lawn care to corrections. Others bought them purely for the camo style as a fashion statement. BDU pants are still widely in use today as a great all-around trouser despite their official unauthorized status in the United States Army. BDU Pants are a little more aggressive and a little less casual than tactical pants and are typically less expensive.

Merlin Mann is an interesting dude. About a year ago, he posted a video blog with a humorous review of his 511 tactical pants. Since it’s initial posting, “Tactical Internet Pants” has been viewed over 13,000 times, and Google reports 3,600 web pages that mention the exact phrase “internet pants.”

Merlin’s audience is composed of mostly technology enthusiasts, and overnight the term “Internet Pants” became synonymous with Tactical Pants. It’s not hard to imagine why technophiles would be drawn to such a product – pockets galore for stashing gadgets, easy maintenance, and a technical look that passes for business casual. Still, it’s interesting how a single viral video can introduce a product to an entirely new market.

Climbing pants became tactical pants became internet pants. What kind of pants will they be next?

The “5.11″ in 5.11 Tactical is a reference to a class of climbing difficulty. More specifically, 5.11 is a specific ranking in the Yosemite Decimal System. YDS is a set of numeric ratings descrbing the the degree of difficulty in a rock climb. The “5″ in 5.11 refers to a class 5 climb, which is the most difficult possible. It is further divded into subclasses with “.11″ indicating a particularly challenging class 5 climb. At the time that the name 5.11 Tactical was coined a 5.11 climb was at the top end of the scale. Today, however, class 5 climbing contains 13 official subdivisions with 5.13 being the most advanced.

Black Tactical Pants

Tactical pants were originally developed by Royal Robbins as a mountain climbing trouser. This heritage is still evident today by the signature “buddy strap” over the rear pocket of all 5.11 iterations of this product. When 5.11 Tactical split from  Royal Robbins in 2003 the tactical pant was their flagship item and spawned a whole line of performance tactical apparel.

Tactical pants were discovered by the law enforcement community when some native Colorado FBI agents, who were also passionate climbers, stumbled across the original Royal Robbins version. It was the immediate consensus that these ultra-durable pants were not only great for play, but might also prove useful at work. Eventually, the trousers made it all the way to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Once top officers from around the globe began wearing the pants they got from the FBI, everyone in law enforcement wanted their own pair.

Tactical pants are essentially an expensive cargo pant with some technical modifications. Over the years tactical pants have evolved to offer many new features. Today, a host of brands offer countless flavors of tactical pants in different styles, fabrics and colors.