5.11 Covert Cargo Pants
Tactical pants that are a bit more… civilized? We are not really sure how to classify the 5.11 Covert Cargo Pants. One thing is for sure though, this pair of pants is a machine. Full of functionality wrapped in undercover style. Read on to see why we were so impressed with the Covert Cargos from 5.11.
Now we know this is an airsoft gear review site and we must be honest up front. These pants are not the best solution for running an Op out in the woods. There are other (tougher) options. But for civilian wear, if you don’t need your Super Tacticool pants, out in public these are it. So we decided to review them anyway just because we were so blown away by them. Besides, if our readers are anything like us, we like to stay a little tactical in the real world too.
Features
On the outside the 5.11 Covert Cargo Pants look just like plain casual pants. However they are anything but. We will start with the waist line. On the sides it features an elastic band to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Enough that you could wear these pants without a belt and it would pose no problem. The fly has an outer YKK zipper and Outer snap. Hidden on the inside is an additional button to take some of the tension off of the zipper and outer snap. It is also nice when you must unsnap the outer snap in order to tuck in a shirt. You don’t have to hold your pants up because the internal button has got your back.
The Covert Cargos have fairly standard front pockets except they are deeper than most other pants. They are of course reinforced in the areas that may be used to hold a clip on knife. Hidden directly behind the main front pockets are two more hidden pockets (one on each side) of equal size. The hidden pockets zip shut. What is cool is not the fact that these pockets are hidden and zip-able. What is cool is whats inside. Within the hidden pockets are two pistol magazine holsters (four in total, two in each hidden pocket). As a conceal carry holder this is extremely helpful to me. I carry a spare Glock 22 magazine (.40 cal) in my front left hidden pocket. The holster inside keeps the magazine oriented the correct way for quick acquisition and since the pocket zips shut, it won’t ever fall out for an awkward situation. I know what you are thinking though. “If the pocket is zipped shut, how could I index the magazine quickly?” 5.11 has included little pull straps on all of the pocket zippers. Very easy to master with a little repetition and practice. So 5.11 has effectively made a pair of pants that I can fit 60 extra .40 caliber rounds in and keep them concealed! 68 rounds if I was carrying Glock 17 mags (9mm)!
Moving to the rear we have some pretty standard back pockets. They are deeper than most pants rear pockets. The thing that makes them stand apart is each rear pocket has a small patch of Velcro that holds it closed. Stuff doesn’t fall out if I am, for some reason, inverted (you know, aerial operations, heh) and I think it would be kind of difficult for someone to pick your rear pocket.
Lets move down the legs just a little bit. On each side we have a large cargo pocket. They are a little different than regular cargo pockets though. First off they are very low profile. Second, they zip vertical instead of the traditional horizontal Velcro opening pocket that you see on most cargo pants. Why this strange vertical zipper you ask? Because it allows easy access to the FOUR AR-15/M4/M16 MAGAZINES THAT YOU CAN KEEP IN THE SPECIALLY DESIGNED HOLSTERS that are INSIDE! Yes that is correct. These pants were designed to conceal four 30-round STANAG mags in the cargo pockets. That means in addition to the 60 rounds of .40 cal I have up top. I could also store 120 rounds of 5.56mm rifle ammunition down low! Now I’m not going to lie, it isn’t exactly comfortable with all that brass hanging at your knees, but its nice to know you have the option. You can also use the STANAG holsters to fit other tools (flashlight, cell phone, etc). And yes, PMAGS fit.
image from LAPoliceGear.com
Construction
5.11 says the Covert Cargos are “Durable, comfortable and functional.” Considering most of it is comprised of 8.5 oz peached cotton (comfortable), has Cordura lining in high use areas (durable), and the capacity (met if not exceeded) of most other full on tactical pants (functional) we would have to agree.
Final Thoughts
You really need to try the 5.11 Covert Cargos to appreciate them. If you are a Conceal Carry holder or off duty Police Officer then I think you will have an even deeper appreciation for what they are.
These pants are so comfortable that I bought four more pairs in different colors. In fact these are really all I wear anymore. I have not put on a pair of jeans (except to work on the car) since I received them.
Options
Available in four colors: Khaki, Coyote, Tundra and OD Green
Size: Waist 28-44 (2 inch increments), Inseam: 30-36 (2 inch increments)
Cost and Links
5.11’s website shows the Covert Cargo Pants at $49.99. We have spotted them on other websites for cheaper. Check around.