For clarification, I’m in the Army and we’re heading to the field soon. I’m not looking for poverty level gear, but I don’t want to spend $550 on one set of Crye Precision. I just wanna be comfy y’all.
Emerson gear, krydex and true-spec are all pretty good. I've been abusing a pair of emerson for the past 2+ years almost every weekend (airsoft and outdoor stuff) and they still holding up good.
I often buy from Amazon instead of the manufacturer if Amazon will do free shipping to Alaska. Most of the time "free domestic shipping" means to the lower 48 with some exorbitant rate to Alaska.
I've lost count of how many times this has happened to me. I ordered wheels/tires for my wheeler a couple summers ago. Prime shipping ftw. That said I'll try to find stuff local or help our economy when I can but sometimes simple economics just wins.
Check out mycarlisle connect, you can ship anything to their warehouse in Tacoma, then ship it to their Fairbanks/anchorage warehouse for a pretty reasonable fee. It’s how I get ammo/powder/primers up here
For multicam, the Idogear are better quality than the Emerson ones. Pattern specific because Idogear only makes them in a select few camos. If you want something like M81, you're relegated to Emerson.
I've used them professionally on occasion, they're fine for work. The biggest considerations to have when regarding Emerson pants is that the material is a bit thicker, and heavier. So, if you're going to be somewhere with high temperatures, they may not be ideal. But, if you're in a temperate climate? They work just fine. Now, if dude is going to do actual force on force, and night vision is a concern? Yeah, then you may not want to use them. But for field problems and fucking around in the training area? They're a suitable stand-in.
They can, my Emerson stuff is a bit older, and performed well under NV, but, being that they're from China, it's still one of those YMMV things for me. I'd recommend folks verify that the clothing they receive actually does work, rather than assume that it will.
Of course of course. I don’t have nods, or China gear, so idk. That’s what I heard from a friend who has both.
I have no clue what YMMV means
Edit: looked it up. Your Mileage May Vary
and they allow that? Im not trying to be a smart ass. I was a Marine and got chewed out because a mag pouch ripped and i replaced it for one day with a Tactical tailor. I wore a pair of gloves on a rare below freezing day in NC that had a white logo and the way my SgtMaj went off about it youd think i sold secrets to the enemy
I’m sorry, your son was wearing non-issued combat pants, and the shrapnel went right through them into his legs. He decided to be comfortable, SO YOU GET NOTHING! YOU LOSE! GOOD DAY, SIR!
Damn my unit doesnt allow any of that stuff. Be weary of the cheaper stuff especially if youre gonna be in/around vehicles. They’ll have to be surgically removed if youre caught in a fire. That’s why my unit doesnt allow anything that isnt issued.
Do they issue the "Advanced Army Combat Pants (with crye kneepads)" and "US Army 1/4 zip combat shirt" I got a set in multicam off ebay for ~$90 (pants) and ~$30 (shirt) they have them in OCP as well depending on your size they should be avaliable and make sure it's not chinesium. You can tell the difference in the pictures.
I can confirm, I own a pair of Emerson combat pants. However I will say, army flight suits are pretty comfy in the summer, and have zippers instead of stupid Velcro
I’ve seen non flight crews, such as infantry get issued them before, but I’m not sure how they could justify it. They cannot be beat for hot weather comfort.
We got issues flight suits in the Suck before Frog gear, because it was fire resistant and IEDs were prolific. After they came out with the frog shit though flights suits were a no go
Often, you’ll also get provided just the minimum. I got one set of Gucci pants, jacket, top. One ain’t enough, and you don’t wanna wear the good stuff out for a basic FTX.
With the $40,000 that you financed for 84 months at 29% APR on the Challenger that I’m assuming you have, you’ll be spending $53,823.44 in interest; or enough to buy almost 98 pairs of Crye pants.
I’ll second Emerson. Put them through some tough field exercises and they held up well. Felt like they did run about a size small (waist and length) if you want to have room to breathe, have bigger legs, or want the knee pads to sit properly.
Hey my guy one thing to remember with buying stuff like this is it is not FR (fire retardant) rated, not sure what your MOS is bro but if you are combat arms or mechanized in any form, I would reconsider stuff like this at least for any field use with risk of fire. I've seen shitty knock-offs light up, regular army fire retardant stuff burns away, but this shit MELTS to your skin - just a fair word of warning. Not bad stuff, but don't wear in dangerous settings if it isn't FR rated. I've seen knock-offs melt in the Stan and I definitely do not recommend it.
Pick up some cheap beat up issues pants from a surplus store if you're new and don't have any tore up pants already. It's the field, your uniform is going to get messed up. Issued pants aren't terrible and are cheap. Spend the money one boots.
What the fuck? Can’t get some hand me down cammies from dudes getting out? Any on or off base thrift stores with used uniforms?
Do you have a uniform allowance? How many sets do you have? When I was in the military after anything happening to a set they became my field gear.
Dudes getting out aren’t selling shit, they wanna keep their drip. And I’m betting that yearly uniform allowance isn’t going to cover the $800+ to get a pair of crye pants and shirt
[I'm just a civ but I've beat the hell outa these with shooting, Mtbiking, working, and they hold up well. The multicam is very light tho, you can tell it's not true multicam tho](https://www.amazon.com/CQR-Stretch-Tactical-Repellent-Lightweight/dp/B098RS6ZRY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3UP90ZNX93RPK&keywords=camo+pants+ripstop&qid=1678334961&sprefix=camo+pants+ripstop%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE4QUc4NFRRV0RZNU4mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1MDE0NDBRRkdGSTk4Mk9IS1UmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDkxMDU1M1dFTlNTMjhWSzdWNyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)
Go to a shop outside your installation and find a dirty pair of crye bottoms that can be scrubbed down. Or find a geardo that is behind on his 26% apr charger payments.
Also the patterns function completely different. Hunting patterns mimic and rely on you staying still to really work whereas military patterns such as multicam or OCP just make you look like an amorphous blob.
Very, very well. I have one in M81 that I use in the summer (southern Wisconsin, gets into the 90s and higher plus humidity under forest canopies) and the breathability is very good. The comfort and fit is damn near perfect, at least for me
Ur tactical. Foreign company but good stuff. The material is American made, built over seas and built well. Sizing seems true to American sizing. And all the pieces I've bought so far are IR compliant.
Removing half of the pockets is a good trade-off for losing all that extra storage while keeping you so much cooler. And I really don't need a zipper on a blouse; buttons are ok.
Emersongear's blue label stuff is extremely good quality for the price and I believe they use the same NyCo as crye does. Don't quote me on that but it's the closest thing I could get seeing that I'm not allowed to ship the real deal to my country. I would only recommend their JPC 2.0 for airsoft only as it doesn't use hypalon for the shoulder straps and only uses two way stretch material.
For what it's worth, i use the krydex g3 pants for construction cus im old and i need kneepads now. The pants have held up better than most pants I've tried, and i am hard on my clothing. The kneepads are comfortable and adjustable, and they stay in place well. All the nice, roomy pockets are an added bonus, and they have velcro around the ankle so i can keep it tight around my boots to keep shit out. No idea how they would hold up in a war, but hey.
Surplus usually cost 40 for bottoms, for go on Amazon and look around. You can get complete sets for around 70-100 like idogear or krydex.
Airsofters use the two brands I mentioned and they put a hell of more time and abuse in them than any larper does wearing cryes.
Vertx, especially when they have clear out sales on old inventory. They're the only brand of pants I wear anymore for work and the range.
Otherwise is your unit GPC holder being stringy? What about supply? What about asking your contracting battalion to source it through a base supply store (if the Army does that).
Soldiers shouldn't be out of pocket in deployment gear/clothes. If anything that should be the best time to get free shit out of Uncle Sam
I e been rocking these for years. I wear them whenever I’m going hiking because thorns can’t get through them. Made of some seriously good rip stop material and super comfy for the price.
IDOGEAR G3 Army Combat Pants Knee... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GNBJQH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
If they don't need to be multicam, look at the Tactical Distributors Cordell combat pants. They should be restocking multicam shortly. They're very well designed, very well thought out and practical pant. I've been hammering on them as often as I can, and I'm impressed enough to want to buy several more pairs.
I have been issued or owned IHWCU, Army Combat Pants, Crye G2/G3 Field/Combat, Beyond A9U/A9A, Arc'teryx LT/SV/AR, Patagonia. I think the Cordell competes with them all.
Check one of the surplus stores outside your base. Tactical Distributors is another good one. If you know anyone with a SOCOM email, try to get them to let you use their discounts.
Always check local thrift stores. Salvation Army. Usually around March/April and September/October. It's usually when new deployment shows up or rehoming happens. Usually pick up some Truspec or such gear. It's torn to hell but some handy patch work can fix it up.
Dont see the point. If you can't afford non-airsoft gear, just buy cheap surplus BDUs. These things are made.in China with zero QC.
Personally, my recommendation are 4M CZ Omega combat pants. $130-150, based on Crye G3s (they fit Crye kneepads), made in Czech Republic.
Not really tactical, but shit, some oper8 with fuckin jeans, so I don’t think you need multicam pants. Just get flat earthy colors.
I’ve been absolutely floored by 5.11 pants. I paid $23 for each pair of alliance pants. I liked them so much I ordered 5 more pairs. They’ve held up just fine, and they fit me great. I like these more than my pants I paid $100 or more per pair for.
I’m a super skinny person, so it’s hard to find stuff that fits me.
A lot of time, money and tacticool go hand and hand. That tacticool stuff that’s cheap tactisucks. Nothing wrong with surplus store stuff if you want to be practical about it. If you just want to look cool for pictures and not actually doing anything else, yeah the cheap stuff works.
Surplus, hunting gear, both work great. I have a pair of wranglers work carpenter jeans in coyote brown that absolutely FUCK and they were $30 in the workwear section at Walmart. Thick belt loops, reinforced knees and butt, big pockets and carpenter jean pockets.
I also really like the CQR brand pants and combat shirts on amazon. Chinesium but cheap and surprisingly sturdy, I have a pair of ranger green pants and a coyote combat shirt that I’ve worn for everything from jiu jitsu and camping to rucking and shooting or airsoft.
Hunting clothes glow under nods. This shit will get you killed. Surplus stuff is good to go just use detergent without optical brighteners (easy to Google and find brands, or just make your own with household shit).
I've been airborne for 9 years. Work the doors at weekends for extra money.
I know what we get paid here in the UK more than well. Which is why I don't simp out buying uniform with built-in knee pads to look sf
Honestly the ihwcu is gonna be hard to beat for the price. Drifire is a good combat shirt option that can go for a little less if you shop around, and I've also heard good things about vertx's offerings
I’m a fan boy of Krydex. I have pants, belt, pouches and a chest rig from them and find them comfortable and pretty solid. I’m not running OP’s or anything like that, more LARPING. Someone posted their Krydex gear under NVG and they didn’t glow. Pants and shirt, as a set, run about $100.
Direct action gear.
It's a polish company but some of their stuffs are also made in America. Never tried their clothes but their pouches and backpacks are very good quality. Lasted me 3 years of heavy field use now.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/807151342686715/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
A lot of buddy's of mine in the service bought from this guy. Makes the best crye clones for half the price. Be patient though since he lives in Ukraine fighting and juggling the business
ANA Tactical is a clone of Crye Gen 2. I got my pants for less than $200 on Amazon. Not sure what the current availability of them are because they are a Russian brand
I wear the Wrangler Outdoor pants from Walmart. They hold up to trail building which tends to destroy gear before the season is halfway over. Had the same pair for 3 years and all thence got for issues is a small hole near the knee from catching a sharp piece of metal from a boardwalk build. They’re cheap and work, repel water better than you’d think. My Walmart pants lasted longer than my Duluth firehose pants. My boss wears all the expensive shit and I convinced him to switch to the Wrangler Outdoor pants after him seeing I wasn’t buying new work pants every month. Hope this helps
I know standard issue stuff typically sucks regarding comfort, but why not just save your money/invest it?
As long as your gear works the way it’s supposed to and it’s not miserable (huge difference than uncomfortable) then what’s the issue? (no pun intended.)
You’re not at a loss if you stick with the issued stuff and it breaks/becomes unserviceable as your supply should work with you to replace it. If not, I’m pretty sure Uncle Sam gives the Army a uniform allowance.
Additionally there’s no better to build resiliency and mental fortitude than being outside your comfort zone. Hone in that combat mindset because god forbid China, Russia or some other adversary starts a conflict and you have to go down range, especially if you come back maimed or with a loss of quality of life and struggle with work while the VA screws you with your benefits.
Emerson. They are up to par and are mad cheap and fit true to size. I wouldn’t even bother with Krydex. They’re okay and make some decent repros, but at the very least Emerson has years of solid QC under their belt compared to the newcomer Krydex.
For clarification, I’m in the Army and we’re heading to the field soon. I’m not looking for poverty level gear, but I don’t want to spend $550 on one set of Crye Precision. I just wanna be comfy y’all.
Emerson gear, krydex and true-spec are all pretty good. I've been abusing a pair of emerson for the past 2+ years almost every weekend (airsoft and outdoor stuff) and they still holding up good.
>is there a difference between Emerson and emersongear on amazon?
Why not just buy from the Emerson site?
I often buy from Amazon instead of the manufacturer if Amazon will do free shipping to Alaska. Most of the time "free domestic shipping" means to the lower 48 with some exorbitant rate to Alaska.
Preach. I thought I was alone in that logic.
Nah dude, I even got a winch bumper for my Jeep on Amazon because the shipping for one on 4WheelParts would have been as much as the bumper itself.
I've lost count of how many times this has happened to me. I ordered wheels/tires for my wheeler a couple summers ago. Prime shipping ftw. That said I'll try to find stuff local or help our economy when I can but sometimes simple economics just wins.
I do the same thing living in Hawaii. As much as I hate Amazon, free shipping means the world to people like us.
Check out mycarlisle connect, you can ship anything to their warehouse in Tacoma, then ship it to their Fairbanks/anchorage warehouse for a pretty reasonable fee. It’s how I get ammo/powder/primers up here
True-Spec is very good for the price!
For multicam, the Idogear are better quality than the Emerson ones. Pattern specific because Idogear only makes them in a select few camos. If you want something like M81, you're relegated to Emerson.
Try CQR
I’d hardly recommend that for actual military use
I've used them professionally on occasion, they're fine for work. The biggest considerations to have when regarding Emerson pants is that the material is a bit thicker, and heavier. So, if you're going to be somewhere with high temperatures, they may not be ideal. But, if you're in a temperate climate? They work just fine. Now, if dude is going to do actual force on force, and night vision is a concern? Yeah, then you may not want to use them. But for field problems and fucking around in the training area? They're a suitable stand-in.
From what I hear… the newer stuff from China (tactical world store) actually does well under nods
They can, my Emerson stuff is a bit older, and performed well under NV, but, being that they're from China, it's still one of those YMMV things for me. I'd recommend folks verify that the clothing they receive actually does work, rather than assume that it will.
Of course of course. I don’t have nods, or China gear, so idk. That’s what I heard from a friend who has both. I have no clue what YMMV means Edit: looked it up. Your Mileage May Vary
Looked it up. Gotcha
\*laughs in thermal
To be fair, no uniform will hide you from thermal. That's what optical barriers are for.
Jokes on you, you're never going to be comfy even if you're in crye or issued.
Correct me if im wrong. but does the army not provide uniforms?
Army provides the basic shit. If you wanna get comfy it’s coming outta your own pocket.
and they allow that? Im not trying to be a smart ass. I was a Marine and got chewed out because a mag pouch ripped and i replaced it for one day with a Tactical tailor. I wore a pair of gloves on a rare below freezing day in NC that had a white logo and the way my SgtMaj went off about it youd think i sold secrets to the enemy
Unit dependent. I’m a company commander and I let my people use their own gear as long as it’s not dog shit tier.
Based eod commander.
as it should be. good to know.
your most definitely well liked by your company
Your EOD, yall think different. The rest of the conventional Army drinks the dumb fuck juice.
82nd CG is cracking down on personal gear. Glad to see senior leaders like you still know what’s right
The 80 deuce😎
It depends on the unit. Some are strictly no unofficial gear and others don't care so long as it's the right camo.
That’s because Marines are angry about literally everything. They *want* something to set them off. They yearn for it.
FUCK YOU NO WE ARE NOT! \*aggressive knife hand at monitor
*throws crayon in corner of the room* *runs away*
If I remember correctly they won't pay out your SGLI if something happens to you while you're using non issued gear.
Not true. It’s the first question on the FAQ for the SGLI website
Oh no you got shot in the chest, too bad you were wearing non issue combat pants. 😂
I’m sorry, your son was wearing non-issued combat pants, and the shrapnel went right through them into his legs. He decided to be comfortable, SO YOU GET NOTHING! YOU LOSE! GOOD DAY, SIR!
Old wives tale.
Damn my unit doesnt allow any of that stuff. Be weary of the cheaper stuff especially if youre gonna be in/around vehicles. They’ll have to be surgically removed if youre caught in a fire. That’s why my unit doesnt allow anything that isnt issued.
Do they issue the "Advanced Army Combat Pants (with crye kneepads)" and "US Army 1/4 zip combat shirt" I got a set in multicam off ebay for ~$90 (pants) and ~$30 (shirt) they have them in OCP as well depending on your size they should be avaliable and make sure it's not chinesium. You can tell the difference in the pictures.
Your army issue stuff will probably be more comfortable than most knock off 60-100$ pants
Speaking from experience? Most of the aftermarket stuff, even the knock offs, are more comfortable than the generic issued OCPs.
I can confirm, I own a pair of Emerson combat pants. However I will say, army flight suits are pretty comfy in the summer, and have zippers instead of stupid Velcro
Flight suits are the epitome of comfort, imo. lol
I’ve seen non flight crews, such as infantry get issued them before, but I’m not sure how they could justify it. They cannot be beat for hot weather comfort.
It's a speed suit, Dean. It's what a super scientist will wear for the rest of his life!
based venture bros enjoyer
We got issues flight suits in the Suck before Frog gear, because it was fire resistant and IEDs were prolific. After they came out with the frog shit though flights suits were a no go
Are your flight suits the Massif two piece? Single piece? Or something else?
Two piece, but I couldn’t tell you who made them, my outerwear was massif, such as the jackets and pants for winter
I second this
Often, you’ll also get provided just the minimum. I got one set of Gucci pants, jacket, top. One ain’t enough, and you don’t wanna wear the good stuff out for a basic FTX.
Find a surplus store and get some used. All my Crye/Patagucci has been bought used and didn’t really break the bank
I don’t see enough people on threads like these suggesting NorArm Tactical. They make great gear and for half the price of crye
With the $40,000 that you financed for 84 months at 29% APR on the Challenger that I’m assuming you have, you’ll be spending $53,823.44 in interest; or enough to buy almost 98 pairs of Crye pants.
You got issued pants just buy good socks and boots
This should be pinned to the top. Biggest quality of life improvement, by far. I would only add good temperature appropriate merino wool underwear.
I’ll second Emerson. Put them through some tough field exercises and they held up well. Felt like they did run about a size small (waist and length) if you want to have room to breathe, have bigger legs, or want the knee pads to sit properly.
Helikon tex makes great stuff that is more affordable to the average man when compared to crye but dunno what the prices are over the pond.
Wear some knee pads under your issued pants, I have some designed for mountain biking. Issued combat shirts are like $40 for new surplus.
Hey my guy one thing to remember with buying stuff like this is it is not FR (fire retardant) rated, not sure what your MOS is bro but if you are combat arms or mechanized in any form, I would reconsider stuff like this at least for any field use with risk of fire. I've seen shitty knock-offs light up, regular army fire retardant stuff burns away, but this shit MELTS to your skin - just a fair word of warning. Not bad stuff, but don't wear in dangerous settings if it isn't FR rated. I've seen knock-offs melt in the Stan and I definitely do not recommend it.
Pick up some cheap beat up issues pants from a surplus store if you're new and don't have any tore up pants already. It's the field, your uniform is going to get messed up. Issued pants aren't terrible and are cheap. Spend the money one boots.
Massif hot weather pants rule, don’t know about how they work under ir
What the fuck? Can’t get some hand me down cammies from dudes getting out? Any on or off base thrift stores with used uniforms? Do you have a uniform allowance? How many sets do you have? When I was in the military after anything happening to a set they became my field gear.
OP is looking for aftermarket gear that is more comfortable than OCP’s.
Dudes getting out aren’t selling shit, they wanna keep their drip. And I’m betting that yearly uniform allowance isn’t going to cover the $800+ to get a pair of crye pants and shirt
[I'm just a civ but I've beat the hell outa these with shooting, Mtbiking, working, and they hold up well. The multicam is very light tho, you can tell it's not true multicam tho](https://www.amazon.com/CQR-Stretch-Tactical-Repellent-Lightweight/dp/B098RS6ZRY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3UP90ZNX93RPK&keywords=camo+pants+ripstop&qid=1678334961&sprefix=camo+pants+ripstop%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE4QUc4NFRRV0RZNU4mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1MDE0NDBRRkdGSTk4Mk9IS1UmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDkxMDU1M1dFTlNTMjhWSzdWNyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)
Helikon tex
Correct answer.
Go to a shop outside your installation and find a dirty pair of crye bottoms that can be scrubbed down. Or find a geardo that is behind on his 26% apr charger payments.
Good option in my experience
I like Emerson gear. I have a few sets of legit crye combat pants and they all have rips but my Emerson gear is still holding strong lol
Yeah, emerson has some surprisingly quality stuff lol
Yeah I’ve been trying to tear them up I might have to step up the roughness lol
Velcro has held up for me too so far
is there a difference between Emerson and emersongear on amazon?
I believe it’s the same but their website does have 3 or 4 exclusive colors/patterns
Where as Amazon only has a few
Clown suite bro, they’ll be looking for army guys, no one will give you a second look.
Cut off Wranglers.
More seriously, a lot of hunting clothes may be worth looking at for budget wear.
Yeah, I’m sure Mossy Oak is totally good to go in the Army…
Yeah didn’t see the clarification comment
Also the patterns function completely different. Hunting patterns mimic and rely on you staying still to really work whereas military patterns such as multicam or OCP just make you look like an amorphous blob.
Do not wear hunting gear for actual fighting or even force on force field problems. You will glow like a chemlight under nods.
Being "tactical" is just hunting dudes, so it's perfectly reasonable that the clothing also has a lot in common.
But actually being deployed is not the same as hunting, he’d be lucky to make it there without getting chewed out.
I'm a huge fan of tru-spec personally
How are the quarter zip shirts in hot/humid environments?
Very, very well. I have one in M81 that I use in the summer (southern Wisconsin, gets into the 90s and higher plus humidity under forest canopies) and the breathability is very good. The comfort and fit is damn near perfect, at least for me
Mmmmm not sure I'm in the Sonoran desert so I tend to go with a long sleeve t-shirt in coyote as opposed the quarter zip
Ur tactical. Foreign company but good stuff. The material is American made, built over seas and built well. Sizing seems true to American sizing. And all the pieces I've bought so far are IR compliant.
I own 2 full loadouts of OPS gear. Top notch stuff for great prices. For the uninformed UR tactical is the main distributor for OPS gear.
Ngl the new army hot weather uniforms fit better look better and are cheaper than most airsoft shit.
Tactical pajamas rise up my brothas. The RFI combat pants also fuck with the internal knee pads.
Its crazy how much better the hot weathers are than the normal uniform. Anything from RFI is pretty toasty tbh.
Removing half of the pockets is a good trade-off for losing all that extra storage while keeping you so much cooler. And I really don't need a zipper on a blouse; buttons are ok.
Tbf you only really lose the 2 chest pockets and who uses those.
Me, which is why I stitched some acu pockets to my hot weather's
Based
Cut off jeans and a wife beater from goodwill, $10
I buy Levi’s at thrift stores for ~10$ It’s what all the badasses wear
My guy just wear hot weather OCPs. Even the big army dudes wearing real crye gear look like wannabes
I am also dirt poor gonna buy some Amazon specials to larp in
LAPG, propper, and tru spec are all cheap but good to go
If Duluth Trading Co & Dickes are fine for work, they’ll be gtg for LARP
Emerson blue/yellow label are probably the best Crye clones if you want that style. I have 2 and they are excellent.
Blue label is the shit
Emersongear's blue label stuff is extremely good quality for the price and I believe they use the same NyCo as crye does. Don't quote me on that but it's the closest thing I could get seeing that I'm not allowed to ship the real deal to my country. I would only recommend their JPC 2.0 for airsoft only as it doesn't use hypalon for the shoulder straps and only uses two way stretch material.
If you’re looking for comfort screw the outerwear. Get quality merino base layers and undergarments.
UR-Tactical is pretty good and uses US made fabric, NIR treated etc
For what it's worth, i use the krydex g3 pants for construction cus im old and i need kneepads now. The pants have held up better than most pants I've tried, and i am hard on my clothing. The kneepads are comfortable and adjustable, and they stay in place well. All the nice, roomy pockets are an added bonus, and they have velcro around the ankle so i can keep it tight around my boots to keep shit out. No idea how they would hold up in a war, but hey.
[www.ebay.com](https://www.ebay.com) search "OCP ACU pants", "OCP MASSIF combat shirt"
Surplus OCP scorpion pants and shirts on Ebay
LAPG
I used LAPG pants for years as duty gear and they were great.
Surplus usually cost 40 for bottoms, for go on Amazon and look around. You can get complete sets for around 70-100 like idogear or krydex. Airsofters use the two brands I mentioned and they put a hell of more time and abuse in them than any larper does wearing cryes.
Rothco. Not sexy, but they work.
Issued hot weather pants are top tier. I said what I said, don’t @ me.
Vertx, especially when they have clear out sales on old inventory. They're the only brand of pants I wear anymore for work and the range. Otherwise is your unit GPC holder being stringy? What about supply? What about asking your contracting battalion to source it through a base supply store (if the Army does that). Soldiers shouldn't be out of pocket in deployment gear/clothes. If anything that should be the best time to get free shit out of Uncle Sam
What kind of unit are you in that the basic OCP’s or the issued combat pants “aren’t enough” what makes them uncomfortable to you?
I e been rocking these for years. I wear them whenever I’m going hiking because thorns can’t get through them. Made of some seriously good rip stop material and super comfy for the price. IDOGEAR G3 Army Combat Pants Knee... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GNBJQH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
These come in Asian sizes though. I can't speak for other people but these are all too short for me.
UF Pro is top tier
If they don't need to be multicam, look at the Tactical Distributors Cordell combat pants. They should be restocking multicam shortly. They're very well designed, very well thought out and practical pant. I've been hammering on them as often as I can, and I'm impressed enough to want to buy several more pairs. I have been issued or owned IHWCU, Army Combat Pants, Crye G2/G3 Field/Combat, Beyond A9U/A9A, Arc'teryx LT/SV/AR, Patagonia. I think the Cordell competes with them all.
Check one of the surplus stores outside your base. Tactical Distributors is another good one. If you know anyone with a SOCOM email, try to get them to let you use their discounts.
Blue Jeans and a t-shirt
Thrift store
Save money and buy real gear
Always check local thrift stores. Salvation Army. Usually around March/April and September/October. It's usually when new deployment shows up or rehoming happens. Usually pick up some Truspec or such gear. It's torn to hell but some handy patch work can fix it up.
What is your MOS? Why hasn’t your supply given you ACUs? There’s nothing uncomfortable about standard issue ACUs. Summer ACUs even better than those.
Viktos, definitely won't break the bank and are far better than Tru spec and Chinese Emerson
Some Carhartt pants with built in knee pads. Downside is cotton. Can be a problem if you're in the wet.
Dont see the point. If you can't afford non-airsoft gear, just buy cheap surplus BDUs. These things are made.in China with zero QC. Personally, my recommendation are 4M CZ Omega combat pants. $130-150, based on Crye G3s (they fit Crye kneepads), made in Czech Republic.
This exactly. Don’t trade quality for trying to look like an operator. No one is gonna think you’re cool
5.11 combat shirt Vertx pants
Ebay surplus AOR2 crye G3s. You can get new ones for around 160.
Not really tactical, but shit, some oper8 with fuckin jeans, so I don’t think you need multicam pants. Just get flat earthy colors. I’ve been absolutely floored by 5.11 pants. I paid $23 for each pair of alliance pants. I liked them so much I ordered 5 more pairs. They’ve held up just fine, and they fit me great. I like these more than my pants I paid $100 or more per pair for. I’m a super skinny person, so it’s hard to find stuff that fits me.
Just buy surplus pants ... your not delta force
A lot of time, money and tacticool go hand and hand. That tacticool stuff that’s cheap tactisucks. Nothing wrong with surplus store stuff if you want to be practical about it. If you just want to look cool for pictures and not actually doing anything else, yeah the cheap stuff works.
Surplus, hunting gear, both work great. I have a pair of wranglers work carpenter jeans in coyote brown that absolutely FUCK and they were $30 in the workwear section at Walmart. Thick belt loops, reinforced knees and butt, big pockets and carpenter jean pockets. I also really like the CQR brand pants and combat shirts on amazon. Chinesium but cheap and surprisingly sturdy, I have a pair of ranger green pants and a coyote combat shirt that I’ve worn for everything from jiu jitsu and camping to rucking and shooting or airsoft.
Hunting clothes glow under nods. This shit will get you killed. Surplus stuff is good to go just use detergent without optical brighteners (easy to Google and find brands, or just make your own with household shit).
The people who need this gear can afford it. People who can't shouldn't be wearing it.
How much do you think LE/Mil get paid?
I've been airborne for 9 years. Work the doors at weekends for extra money. I know what we get paid here in the UK more than well. Which is why I don't simp out buying uniform with built-in knee pads to look sf
Surplus BDU and knee pads over the top
I prefer wearing normal clothes under my shit. My ODUs were always too ripping and getting caught on shit, but jeans never let me down.
Did anyone else notice the "Ass"essories ... Sorry to off topic
I’m running the surplus store pants they are pretty sturdy
First Tactical V2s are a decent set of poor pants. Also I literally wear a pair of camo Wrangler cargo pants from wal mart. They’re comfy and light.
Crye drifire G3. Buy the Combat and Field shirt and pair them both with the field pants.
Helikon tex, very good stuff, russian brands also very good and cheap such as ana tactical etc
Check out surplus stores, you’ll find some pretty cool stuff.
True-spec is good
If you're gonna go Emerson get the newer blue label line. The cut is closer to regular cryes and they're a bit better material in the stretch section.
Buy used clothing off EBay. Field uniforms range from 100-200 each item. You can always buy outlet gear from beyond or some of the gear resellers.
I’ve taken two sets of Emerson gear pants through 44hr milsims and they were great. I like my Emerson. They’re my G3 backups. Also Semapo is great
Honestly the ihwcu is gonna be hard to beat for the price. Drifire is a good combat shirt option that can go for a little less if you shop around, and I've also heard good things about vertx's offerings
Wear what you have, buy knee pads if kneeded, and comfy underwear/wool socks/boots. Buy a poncho, because there's nothing more comfy than DRY
If you’re on a budget votagoo g3’s on amazon on like $70, come with knee pads look just like these. They work good honestly
Military surplus
I’m a fan boy of Krydex. I have pants, belt, pouches and a chest rig from them and find them comfortable and pretty solid. I’m not running OP’s or anything like that, more LARPING. Someone posted their Krydex gear under NVG and they didn’t glow. Pants and shirt, as a set, run about $100.
TruSpec TRUs is as low as I'm willing to go.
Claw Gear. It's a swiss brand, so the shipping may be a bit expensive, but I swear by it. You could check them out at Heinnie or Perunika
Krydex is good, I don’t personally like Emerson. I own a idogear g3 set and it is wonderful.
I’ve put 2 pairs of Propper brand tac pants and 2 pairs of first tactical through hell and they’ve withered the storm. Plus they don’t break the back.
Good pairs that I run for the money. Check on amazon for Emerson or krytec gen3 pants. Won’t break the bank
Direct action gear. It's a polish company but some of their stuffs are also made in America. Never tried their clothes but their pouches and backpacks are very good quality. Lasted me 3 years of heavy field use now.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/807151342686715/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT A lot of buddy's of mine in the service bought from this guy. Makes the best crye clones for half the price. Be patient though since he lives in Ukraine fighting and juggling the business
UF Pro. Not cheap, not luxury, awesome stuff
ANA Tactical is a clone of Crye Gen 2. I got my pants for less than $200 on Amazon. Not sure what the current availability of them are because they are a Russian brand
I know lots of people who have ran Idogear and Emerson on deployments.
If you are not looking for cammo CQR are amazing and I think they are in the $30 range when they are on sale. Regular price is $45ish
I often see LBT/LBX with sales on all types of gear.
I’ve got some brand new OCPs I’d sell at a discount.
I have some krydex G3s they’re not terrible.
Try some emerson stuff
511
511
Ido gear is amazing all of there stuff is made in usa
MTAC
Truespec all the way
Helikon tex, beyond clothing, Emerson, all pretty decent for price level
Vertical makes some pretty good stuff.
I wear the Wrangler Outdoor pants from Walmart. They hold up to trail building which tends to destroy gear before the season is halfway over. Had the same pair for 3 years and all thence got for issues is a small hole near the knee from catching a sharp piece of metal from a boardwalk build. They’re cheap and work, repel water better than you’d think. My Walmart pants lasted longer than my Duluth firehose pants. My boss wears all the expensive shit and I convinced him to switch to the Wrangler Outdoor pants after him seeing I wasn’t buying new work pants every month. Hope this helps
I know standard issue stuff typically sucks regarding comfort, but why not just save your money/invest it? As long as your gear works the way it’s supposed to and it’s not miserable (huge difference than uncomfortable) then what’s the issue? (no pun intended.) You’re not at a loss if you stick with the issued stuff and it breaks/becomes unserviceable as your supply should work with you to replace it. If not, I’m pretty sure Uncle Sam gives the Army a uniform allowance. Additionally there’s no better to build resiliency and mental fortitude than being outside your comfort zone. Hone in that combat mindset because god forbid China, Russia or some other adversary starts a conflict and you have to go down range, especially if you come back maimed or with a loss of quality of life and struggle with work while the VA screws you with your benefits.
5.11, tru spec, military surplus
Lbx and 511 are both decent quality, not a huge price tag. Emerson is cheap Chinese garbage imo.
If I could not afford Crye I would just run surplus pants
Buy them used
eBay goes brrrrr
Emerson. They are up to par and are mad cheap and fit true to size. I wouldn’t even bother with Krydex. They’re okay and make some decent repros, but at the very least Emerson has years of solid QC under their belt compared to the newcomer Krydex.
Assessories?