Tru-Spec makes some of the best gear in the business for our military and first responders. They've been doing it for a long time and have built a solid reputation. A few years back they came out with the 24-7 series that is a bit of a departure from the somewhat "traditional" uniform industry, featuring a wide variety of apparel that is as stylish as it is functional. The latest addition to wear the 24-7 tag are the Xpedition pants and they're not what you'd expect from a uniform company.

Let's set the stage here. Calling the Xpeditions a pair of tactical pants is akin to calling a Humvee a "sport utility vehicle." Sure, they technically fit into that category, but there isn't much real competition here. If we're really calling it like we see it the Xpedition pants belong in the true outdoor, hard use category that would traditionally include hunting and camping gear and not on the shelf paired with the polo shirts. These things mean business.

The Xpedition pants are made of a poly-cotton rip-stop fabric with a DWR water-repellant coating that is super durable and will keep you dry. Spandex-type double-weave fabric accents are added behind the knees, at the thigh pockets, above the rear pockets, and in the crotch to provide excellent range of motion while also adding a touch of breathability.

Tru-Spec Men's 24-7 Xpedition Pants

• Durable double weave fabric on hip yoke, back of knees, and front cargo pockets

• Comfort fit slider waistband

• Dual mesh zippered cooling vents on legs for increased air flow and temperature regulation

• Gusseted for ease of movement

• Articulated knees

• Double zipper leg opening with expandable mesh lining and venting options

• Pockets: Deep front slash pockets, front-facing inset stretch cargo pockets, DropN pocket, back pockets

• Colors: Black, Ranger Green, Coyote, Charcoal, Black/Charcoal, Ranger Green/Black, MultiCam/Coyote

• Sizes: 28–44 with 30", 32", and 34" inseams

• Price: $117.95, $154.95 for MultiCam/Coyote

• www.truspec.com

Top to bottom, the Xpeditions bring a ton of features to the table. The comfort-fit slider waistband features several reinforced belt loops with additional attachment points for carabiners and a robust YKK zipper. The front slash pockets aren't overly deep and have wide openings with a reinforced, squared off bottom for a knife clip. The thigh pockets are at the front of the legs, which makes for much easier access while sitting. The rear pockets are on the conservative side in terms of size but still very useful. One is a flap closure and the other zippered; the former for easy access and the latter for security. All pockets are lined with the double-weave material to allow flexibility and save on weight.

The reinforced knees will accommodate knee-pad inserts and the bottom cuffs are double-reinforced with a strap adjustment for a secure fit over boots. There are even zippered vents at the sides of the thighs and around the ankles to cool you down if your trek becomes too rigorous.

As "heavy duty" as the Xpedition pants are, Tru-Spec did a great job adding double-weave fabric to all the right areas to keep them surprisingly comfortable. The zippered vents work well, the pocket placement is superb, and overall functionality of these trousers is top-notch.

The Xpeditions are available in a variety of colors including non-military shades and carry an MSRP of between $118 and $155. Compared to other true, hard use outdoor pants this price is a steal and I have no doubt the Xpeditions will stand up to the harshest conditions Mother Nature can throw at you. Check them out at www.truspec.com.

A.J. George is a sergeant with the Scottsdale (AZ) Police Department assigned to the Technical Operations Unit, Special Investigations Section. He has more than a decade of law enforcement experience in patrol, field training, and traffic enforcement.