The 5.11 Tactical Pant has been the choice of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and operators for 30 years. Originally designed for rock climbing by legendary climber Royal Robbins, the pants became law enforcement gear when the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., declared that they were perfect for training.

The practical, seven-pocket pants with the trademark slash pocket and utility strap are top sellers for both on-duty and off-duty. Originally designed for loading with carabiners, the straps now secure flashlights, holsters, and headsets, while the pockets offer ample storage.

What makes 5.11 Tactical Pants so unique? “Our pant formula was created by the woman who founded Esprit,” says 5.11 Tactical CEO Dan Costa. “A friend of the Robbins, she showed them the way to make clothes fit. There are about 40 critical measurements on a pair of pants, and the fit is what made Esprit such a popular brand. The specs for our 5.11 pants and other clothing are a guarded secret; they’re what makes 5.11 so popular because they just fit everyone.”

5.11 Tactical Pants feature a front pocket that is ideal for mags, a flashlight, or cell phone, and a convenient D-ring for ID badges, knives, and pagers. YKK locking zippers, Prym snaps, and triple-stitching and 59 bartacks in stress areas all extend the durability of the pants, which are the leading tactical pants in the market.

Constructed of preshrunk, 8.5-ounce proprietary cotton canvas, the pants usually come in eight colors: khaki, OD green, brown, navy, fire navy, grey, charcoal, and black. However, in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the 5.11 Tactical Pant, 5.11 has also released three limited-edition, cotton-only colors for 2007: coyote, tundra, and sage. A 7.4-ounce, 100-percent brushed nylon canvas version is also available in four non-fading, quick-drying colors: desert sand, OD green, navy, and black.