I've worn the cotton pants for the last 20 years+ (used to be Royal Robbins). I've had pairs last me over 10 years. I like the slash pocket layout. Recently I bought 2 pairs of the nylon 5.11 pants to experiment with for winter/snow wear with a poly under layer.

I've seen varying pricing, just got cotton for 39.95, nylon for 49.95, don't know what LA Police Gear gets but I've seen places selling them on line at full list.

All in all I think they're well designed, rugged and comfortable.

I use 5.11 shirts and pants regularly, I really enjoy the design and the ruggedness, and they don't look to bad either. I use them for my EMS unform. My only problem is that they are 100% cotton, "Cotton Kills" unless you are in the desert. Once wet they are useless as far as insulation and they are heavy. The new 5.11 catalog lists poly/cotton and nylon this year, can't wait for my dealer to get some in so I can compare them to the cotton ones.

I have the 3-in-1 jacket (in black). It has more pockets than I can fill, on short notice anyway. Moderately weatherproof is the correct phrase. I spent an entire day in the rain in it. The outside got wet, the inside didn't. Warm enough when you're layered. It is a waist-length coat, though, so your butt will get cold and wet. It also comes in a denim outside which is much more casual.

I also have the parka with the removeable lining. This coat is weatherproof, although the hood is not lined so you'll have to have your watch cap in a pocket. The hood is also made large to accomodate a uniform hat, so a ball cap or hunter's cap would also be a good choice.

The parka has a bunch of zippered pockets, and the liner also has its own pockets and can be worn separately as a spring/fall jacket. Both outer and inner are zippered on the sides to give you access to items on your belt such as holsters.

I will buy no other pants than the 5-11's. They fit well, wear well and are comfortable. The only gripe is that the little multitool pocket is a bit too low for me.

They also have a tactical vest that I keep looking at. My trusty old fishing vest is just not cutting it anymore.

And they are making a jacket that is basically the tactical vest with sleeves.

Choices, choices ....................

I recently purchased two pair of 5.11 TDU pants. I acquired one pair in tan for use in the field with my Medical/Rescue Group and the second in Dark Navy for use as uniform pants at work. Both pair of pants are poly/cotton mix.

My initial impression of these pants are that they are much better built than the average BDUs, wider belt loops, hidden elastic waist bands, better quality material, cleaner and apparently better stitching. The material is heavier weight than my other poly/cotton BDU pants; in fact they more resemble my more expensive uniform pants than BDUs. Ironed, the Dark Navy pair looked better (IMO) than my $70 EMS uniform pants. Although they are rip stop, only on close inspection are the lines visible.

The wider belt loops spaced farther apart made them more comfortable to wear with a wide belt (like a Wilderness Instructors Belt) and allowed items carried on the belt to be moved to where they are most comfortable.

The button up fly of BDU is replaced with a button/snap combination top and zipper fly. Pockets are secured with Velcro in place of the buttons and both front pockets have reinforced seams where a knife or flashlight would clip. Right front pocket also has a change pocket that fits my Cabela’s lighter perfectly.

Inside each side pocket is a divided, Velcro (loops) covered organizer pocket. Although I haven’t attached anything to the Velcro yet, I have carried tons in the divided pockets. I was impressed when I was able to comfortable carry a Motorola Saber radio in the side pocket, held tightly in place in one of the divided pockets!

During a field training exercise that involved a fast 15km cross country hike over tough terrain I was surprised at how well the pockets carried their load. The pockets perfectly carried my wallet, two pens, a sharpie, compass, bottle of hand gel, 2 x clif bar, signal mirror, large (60”x48”) plastic bag and 4 light sticks… all in the divided pockets. The design allows complete use of the pockets like in standard BDUs, a USGS 7.5” map and 5”x8” note book both rode comfortably in one pocket while a Shemagh and a Tonto National Forest map rode in the other. The Velcro never came undone, even traveling through brush and brambles.

All in all, a great product. I’d like to see a pair in NyCo, but that’s about all I’d add. I will be buying more!