TEST: First Tactical Twice

Not so long ago, M65s were the pants of choice for military enthusiasts. Of course, the original issue ones. Copies were frowned up. M65s were indeed comfortable and durable. But this wasn`t the main reson of their popularity. It`s just that TV heroes were using this trousers and who would not like to feel like them…

History goes in circles. At first old world colonized the new land. Now, the American First Tactical tries to conquer the old world

Simply the fashion decided. The „F” word is banned from military vocabulary but present very strongly in the community. Nowedays, same TV heroes wear clothing made by tactical tailors, not the ones that their army provided. There are multiple commercial companies providing this service, and they react to market needs very quickly, while stocking more than just-too-small and just-too-big military sizes. Oh..and the development of a new idea does usually take less than 10 years.

Tactical Pants in black (114005). Due to it`s low profile (minimal amount of protursions and irregularities) there is no significant military vibe

American First Tactical company follows this trend. The company was started by the same Dan Costa, who was responsible for 5.11 Tactical’s sucess. He detached the brand from Royal Robbins in 2003, developed it, and in 2007 sold the majority shareholding thus stopping his investments in this industry. Five years went past and Dan Costa was back. Together with Kelsie – his daughter – he started Noble Outfitters and, on the 4th of July 2015, the First tactical.

In 2017, First Tactical joined the Point Blank Enterprises group, bringing in a clothing range. Until then, the majority of the group focused on ballistic armor manufacture. Point Blank Enterprises consists of Point Blank Armor (supplier of Interceptor OTV ballistic vest for US armed forces from 1999), Protective Products, PACA (Protective Apparel Corporation of America), PARACLETE, Advanced Technology Group, The Protective Group (TPG), Gould & Goodrich i United Shield International Limited.

First Tactical specializes in military clothing, backpacks, bags, pouches and other equipment manufactured by sewing process. Additionaly, company’s offer covers things like flashlights, knives, watches, gloves, footwear and even socks. It’s a one-stop-shop, providing you have own pair of underpants. Majority of First Tactical’s manufacturing is done outised of United States.

Tactix Tactical Pants in tan (114001) are made of Ripstop fabric consisting of 52% polyester and 48% of cotton. In the Tactical model the ratio is 65% to 35%

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Pants a little bit more losse than manufacturer photos suggets. This is for good – to tigh would cause the pockets to be uncomfortable

MILMAG Military Magazine recieved two models for testing, The black Tactical Pants and the tan Tactic Tactical Pants. Their catalogue numbers are respectively 114005 and 114001. The trouble is, that the black Tactical Pants number shows a diffrent model – Specialists Tactical Pants – on the company’s website. It’s a small error but worth noting. But, it’s not only about the catalogue number. For some reason, the black pants have 2 pockets less, than ones presented on the website. Is it a new version, wrong label or a mistake on a website? Old version should have a diffrent number. Luckly, Tactix Tactical were correct. The tactix-tactical naming convention does not help either, it’s a bit confusing.

Rear thigh pockets seem identical to the front ones but that`s not a case. Rear ones are a lot deeper than front one and a multi-tool will dissapear inside without trace if the clip isn`t used

Front thigh pockets are great for notepad or a small, 5-inch phone in a protective case

Both pairs follow the currently fashionable low profile style which means minimized protrusions on the trousers. Pants have zippered fly, exerior nap and can also be fastened on the interior with a button. There are many symetricaly placed pockets and the cut is closer to jeans trousers, than to baggy combats. Photos on the website show models with extremaly well-fitting cloths and the reality of this isn’t dissapointing at all. When size is well chosen, pants are fitted in the hip area and pleasently loose downwards. This helps with air circulation on warmer days.

Pants are made of Ripstop type fabric which prevents tearing. The fabric itself is a mixture of polyester and cotton. For Tactical model it’s 65% to 35% mixture, and for Tactix it’s 52% to 48%. The latter model uses slightly heavier fabric with limited elastic capabilities. Both tested pair were loose and did not limit movement.

Thanks to the elastic webbing and soft lining in the belt area, First Tactical trousers do not ride down the hips and do not chafe. Belt sleeves are wide and numerous, spaced out nicely. Tactix model additionaly has webbing and rivet reinforcements on the sleeves. This could work great for officers and sports shooter who must carry a lot of weight on their belt. The most stressed elements and connections are reinforced with double stiching

Initially, the front thigh pockets were for a knife or a flashlight. It does not work that well

Rear thigh pockets seem identical to the front ones but that`s not a case. Rear ones are a lot deeper than front one and a multi-tool will dissapear inside without trace if the clip isn`t used

Pockets! The pockets are the indicator for tactical pants. First Tactical is very generous with pockets. Each pair of trousers has traditional side pockets, located beneath the belt area. The opening for these is huge and easy to use even with gloved hands.

The pocket’s edge position is slanted which makes it easier to use in non-standing positions. The edges themselves are reinforced and allow for clipping in knives or flashlights. Pockets are flat but very deep. This makes for safe transportation of small items but creates discomfort when carrying sometthing flat and thick.

A small loop, sewn on the inside top of each pocket is a true masterpiece. Add a small keyring or a carabiner and evrything in the pocket can be safely tied in. Yes! No more rope reaching from the belt sleeve. These small loops are the cherry-on-top. Each pocket has one. you can attach keyes, knife lanyards, or anything else here.

According to website photos, Specialists Tactical Pants (114005) should have a pocket here. These do not, but`s it`s not a huge problem

Rear pockets are typical, with only difference being the most of the pocket module is on the inside of the construction

Two more open pockets can be found towards the front on the thighs, just below the side pocket opening. It looks like they were designed for a folding knife or a flashlight carry, but these works great for 5-inch mobile phones. It’s also lot easier to access those pockets when driving – it’s a great solution for people who spent a lot of time sitting.

Mirror images of the thigh pockets were placed on the buttocks. Whatever you do, don’t place your phone there. Just sit on it, works the same. In reality, these are great for small, soft items like documents or parking tickets. Lastly, these were the pockets missing from the black pair as decribed eariler. Not to worry.

Cargo pocket flap is reinforced and stays upright on it`s own. It seems like a small perk but turned out to be a huge advantage

Small loop on the cargo pocket ’s inside

The last set of pockets are the cargos located on the side of the thighs. These are constructed diffrently, with a separate module sewn into the pantlegs and the only pockets with hemming. Other pockets are on the inside, with just the opening visible. This reduces the protrusions and makes the pants look slicker.

Only cargo pockets have velcroped flaps. Each one has 2 bits of velcro. Despite being short, closure is very solid. The flaps are trapezoidal in shape and reinforced with addidtional fabric. This makes them stand up on their own. An extremaly comfortable feature of the First Tactical pants. Moreover, there are additional loops under the flaps. No more lanyards going from the cargo to the belt – super!

The capacity is decent, but not up to par with bottomless voids of M65’s or BDU’s. It’s not a flaw – current trends go away from cumbersome cargo pockets as these affect the user’s comfort when moving. First Tactical’s cargos ate flat and keep their contents close to wearer’s body. Each has two smaller compartments to further sort out the possesions and each will accomodate an AR-15/M16 style magazine or some communications equipment. There is even a special opening in the flap to feed the wires and aerial through.

Two smaller compartments, in size that makes possible to fit AR-15/M16 magazine, are installed inside the cargo pockets

Tactix model is made of denser fabric and has compartments for knee pads

Tactix model has provisions for knee pad insertion. These are sold separately and can be inserted from the outside by unfastening the velcro strips under the knee. The other pair had two layers of fabric in the knee area. Each cuff has space for drawstring. Inside label has prepared space for marking the owner’s name – nice touch First Tactical!

Spodnie First Tactical nosi się nadzwyczaj wygodnie. W biodrach i pośladkach są dobrze dopasowane, a w nogawkach przyjemnie luźne. Dla niektórych nogawki mogą okazać się nieco zbyt długie i bez obuwia nietrudno je przydepnąć

First Tactical is a young company but their trousers are well designed and comfortable. The price is very good (250 PLN/60 EUR for black, 350 PLN/85 EUR for tan). Pants have some interesting features and new ideas while the quality is surprisingly good. Tested models were well reinforced with double- and tripple-stiching. There were no loose threads or improperly attached areas.

There were couple of small issues that could be improved. Side pockets are so deep, that a lighter-sized item can drop to about half of the lenght of cargo pockets. If it meets soemthing more than a piece of paper an annoying interference happens and comfort is reduced. It’s not a big problem. There is enough real estate here to find a good home for every item carried.

The teflon coating needs some additional development work. In theory, it provides some moisture and stain resistance. In practice, while it worked well in light rain, the stains appered on the tan trousers at a very rapid rate. But, this is quite typical for any light-colored pants. So, word of wisdom, take of your pants before weapon cleaning. First Tactical pants are comfortable, strongly made and serve their purpose very well.

Special gusset place in the crotch area. It prevents unwanted movement

The fly is secured by a zipper, nap and a hidden button. For everyday use, first two are sufficient