I recently discovered these and thought a few of you might be interested in them, too. I originally bought these pants a few months ago to replace the standard BDU's issued to us with our tactical team gear. Lately I've been wearing them for hiking and photography. They rock! Loads of pockets make it easy to quickly stow filters, lens caps, etc. They're a relaxed cut so they allow great freedom of movement, too. Finally, and you macro shooters might appreciate this; they have kneepad inserts so you can slide in some 5.11 foam kneepads!
No, I'm not being paid by 5.11 to hawk their product. I'm just really happy with the product and thought some of you might find them useful, too.
Those look nice. But is gear designed for law enforcement agencies really up to the rigors of nature photography?
I used to add knee pads to my BDU's in the field when needed. Might make for a useful tip. The fabric at the knees is two layers, so I would slit the top of the inside layer (a tad below the seam) - make sure not to cut through both layers! - then fold up a t-shirt or handtowel, slip it in a 1-quart ziploc bag (so it stays dry), suck out the air when sealing it (so it doesn't bunch up or pop the bag open), and slip it down in the space between the two layers. Works like a charm.
Yes, I carried extra ziploc bags in the field. Those things are invaluable. Light and compact too.
That's a great tip, Troy! I never thought about doing that with BDU's.
I always carry extra ziplocs in the field-both big and small. They come in handy for so many things there really isn't any reason NOT to carry a couple of each, at least.
Posted by Kent Staubus on March 10, 2007 at 1:10 AM
Usually, when I'm out taking photos, I'm not wearing any pants at all.
Yeah, I always thought there might be a market for photographer pants. Kent aside, there are good things that pants could do for photographers: knee pads - great, cargo pockets - great, quick drying fabric - great, price - ouch.
Discussion
9 repliesNo, I'm not being paid by 5.11 to hawk their product. I'm just really happy with the product and thought some of you might find them useful, too.
Check 'em out!
I used to add knee pads to my BDU's in the field when needed. Might make for a useful tip. The fabric at the knees is two layers, so I would slit the top of the inside layer (a tad below the seam) - make sure not to cut through both layers! - then fold up a t-shirt or handtowel, slip it in a 1-quart ziploc bag (so it stays dry), suck out the air when sealing it (so it doesn't bunch up or pop the bag open), and slip it down in the space between the two layers. Works like a charm.
Yes, I carried extra ziploc bags in the field. Those things are invaluable. Light and compact too.
I always carry extra ziplocs in the field-both big and small. They come in handy for so many things there really isn't any reason NOT to carry a couple of each, at least.
Kent in SD
He Kent, I hope I never run into you in the field.
Bret...thanks for the great tip.
Bill
Pete D.
Pete: Yeah, the price is a little steep. You can buy them at Quartermaster for $49.00, $10.00 less than on the 5.11 site.