Operational trousers at Recon Company – combat trousers, field trousers and combat trousers for professional use

Operational trousers form the foundation of any field kit. Whether for training, manoeuvres or live operations: knee pads must fit securely, cargo pockets must allow quick access to equipment, and the whole outfit must function under body armour and a belt without tearing. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the authorities, we stock combat trousers, field trousers and tactical trousers from over 20 manufacturers. The range extends from affordable BDU trousers for basic training to professional tactical trousers for special forces.

Three price tiers and what they mean in the field

In the under-50-euro range, you’ll find classic BDU trousers from MFH, Mil-Tec and TacGear. The BDU design has been the standard for decades: six pockets, drawstrings at the ankles, and robust fabric. This is sufficient for basic training, drills and occasional field exercises. There are no knee pad pockets, no stretch inserts, and the seams are designed to withstand moderate strain.

Models from Pentagon, A10, Otte Gear (Range Pant Ripstop), Emerson Gear and Helikon are priced between 80 and 170 EUR. This is where tactical design comes into play: knee pad pockets, stretch panels in the crotch, reinforced knee and seat areas, and zipped cargo pockets instead of Velcro fastenings. The A10 Fighter series and the Pentagon models are in use by European armed forces and offer good value for money. Emerson Gear positions itself as an attractively priced alternative with its G3 and Blue Label models, but is more suited to training and airsoft than to professional, continuous use.

The premium segment starts at around 185 EUR: UF PRO P-40, Claw Gear, Otte Gear Down Range, Taiga. Every detail is spot on here. The knee pad sockets fit perfectly, the material withstands years of field use, and the cut is designed to be worn with plate carriers and ballistic protection. Anyone who works in the field every day and relies on their trousers should invest in this category.

Range Pants and Shooting Pants as a distinct design

Alongside classic combat trousers, another design has become established in recent years: the range pant. With the Range Pant Ripstop and the Down Range Pant, Otte Gear produces models that are lighter and offer greater freedom of movement than classic combat trousers, yet are more robust than civilian tactical trousers. The fit is slimmer, the pocket layout more streamlined, and the fabric thinner. This is an advantage at the shooting range, during vehicle training or in warm climates. For heavy fieldwork in undergrowth, however, they lack the material thickness of full-fledged combat trousers.

Shooting trousers follow the same approach, but prioritise leg freedom whilst kneeling and easy access to magazine pouches on the thigh. Those who spend most of their time at the range or on dynamic shooting exercises will often find this design offers a better fit than heavy-duty field trousers.

Hardshell operational trousers vs. waterproof overtrousers

In the German Armed Forces, waterproof trousers designed to be worn over other trousers are standard issue: lightweight, packable and quick to pull over field trousers. The 3PF RNRS1 delivers exactly that in a version designed for special forces. The downside: wearing two pairs of trousers on top of one another restricts mobility and traps heat.

Hardshell operational trousers such as the A10 Hardshell Fighter solve the problem by combining waterproof protection and field trousers in a single garment: a waterproof membrane, reinforced knees, and compatibility with knee protectors. For wet climates and operations where you know the rain won’t let up, this is the more efficient solution. The price is higher, and breathability is lower than with standard field trousers on dry days.

Camouflage patterns and colours by operational area

Flecktarn is the standard in the German Armed Forces and is designed to blend in with Central European vegetation. For overseas deployments in arid terrain, there are Tropical Camouflage and Multicam Arid. Multicam, as a universal camouflage pattern, has become established amongst international partners and NATO allies. Woodland is common amongst US-oriented units and in historical contexts. Anyone looking for operational trousers in civilian colours for property protection, police work or the security sector will find the right category amongst our tactical jeans and in the outdoor trousers section.

• 10% discount for public sector staff and BOS personnel, to ensure field equipment stays within budget.
• We deliver worldwide via field post, including to field post addresses for personnel on overseas deployment.
• Our team in Salzgitter or via our online advisory service can advise you on which trousers are best suited to body armour, knee protectors and your operational profile.
• Certified quality processes from procurement to delivery, as evidenced by our ISO 9001 certification.