Let’s be honest, cargo pants always seem to have a get a raw deal when it comes to fashion but as men, we love to wear something rugged, airy, and which gives us plenty of pockets to store our stuff.
Admittedly, some cargo pants have far too many pockets which usually results in us trying to find something and seemingly always finding it in the last and final pocket that we check. That’s still a lot better than trying to cram your phone, wallet, keys, and everything else that you want to carry around with you into the tight-fitting pockets of regular jeans or pants.
Besides the extra storage, we get to go all military in these things. Who doesn’t like strutting around as if they’re Rambo? Sure, camouflaged pants are not going to be very effective in the suburbs but that doesn’t stop us instantly feeling tougher than ever when we pull these pants on. On that note, if you did want to go full military with your look, you should also consider checking out our list of the best 29 tactical backpacks.
Well whether you want to play soldiers in your backyard or need some tough cargo pants for your work or hobby, we’ve gone and put together the ultimate list of the very best of them. We’re confident that we have mentioned every pair of cargo pants worth your money and having tested them extensively, we’re confident that any of these will leave you pleased with your purchase.
In terms of overall quality, it will take an awesome pair of cargo pants to beat the highly durable, stylish and functional Taclite Pro Tactical Cargo Pants.
For our choice of the cargo pants that sit perfectly in the middle of the two previous in terms of value and quality, we just had to go for the Dockers D3.
Our list of the best cargo pants for men is in no particular order but we’re sure you’d agree that the Match Men’s Athletic Fit Cargo Pants are a good choice to kick it off. Made from 100% cotton, these comfortable and stylish camo cargo pants are more than ideal for any outdoor activities, work, or for comfy casual wear.
Match Men provides a wide range of colors and styles but we’re going to concentrate on the camo colored variant. Why? Because why not? What man doesn’t like to be able to blend in with their surroundings like a commando? Besides, when you’re shooting your buddies in their behinds when paintballing, it just feels so much better when wearing camo.
All jokes aside, these cargo pants are well-priced, well-liked judging from reviews, durable, have deep pockets, and sit comfortably on the waist. In order to allow you to get the perfect fit, there are drawstrings for both the waist and the leg opening.
When wearing pants at home, the number one priority is comfort and this is why sweatpants are usually right at the top of our considerations. However, cheap cargo pants are proving to be a more stylish alternative as at least you’ll look more presentable should somebody turn up at your home.
Additionally, cargo pants such as Banana Bucket Men’s Elastic Waist Loose Fit Cargo Pants are fit for many other purposes as well. They are tougher, more durable, and are therefore great if you do have to actually get up from the couch and do something.
Among the cheaper cargo pants on our list, these pants have a zipper fly, and elastic waistband, and can be tightened to fit using an interior drawstring. There are three colors to choose from, you have the two side pockets accompanying two normal pockets and back pockets, and they are primarily made of 95% cotton which is a big reason for their comfort levels.
You can always count on Goodthreads for your men’s clothing needs and we were incredibly impressed with their moderately-priced Men’s Slim Fit Vintage Cargo Pants. Offering a bit more in terms of styling compared to your average pair of cargo pants, these will be ideal whether you’re lying around the home or getting a sweat on with some outdoor activities.
Made from 97% cotton and 3% elastane, these cargo pants have been designed to offer a tailored slim cut that is both comfortable and pleasing on the eye. There are four colors to choose from but it’s the deep depth olive that we liked the most.
What we also liked was that the thigh pockets are at a nice height compared to some others on our list. This makes them far easier to access and they’re also pretty deep which is obviously a bonus. You then have your two hip pockets and rear pockets to give you even more storage options.
Ok, so technically, tactical pants are not cargo pants but who really cares? They are extremely closely matched with tactical pants such as these from the M-Tec Aggressor Flex range being designed more for professional use rather than just at home. Worn by police, EMT’s, swat teams, and other active professionals, these are designed to be even more durable and functional when compared to cargo pants.
When we talk about functionality, we’re talking 7-different pockets. When we’re talking durability, we’re talking a strong rip-stop flex fabric construction. When you throw in reinforced knees, an adjustable waistband, and the fact that these look fantastic, you’re getting yourself some high-class tactical/cargo pants for your money.
They are quite expensive compared to others on this list but in terms of the quality, ruggedness, functionality, and everything else, you’re not going to be able to find many pants that are better. Probably not ideal if you’re just going to wear them for show but certainly something to consider if you enjoy outdoor activities.
Do you really think we can have a list about any kind of pants without including an offering from Levi’s? Their men’s Military Branded Cargo Pants are not here just because of who made them either, as these are well worth a spot on their own merits.
Affordable with a stylish military camouflage design and with the quality workmanship that you’d expect from such a brand, these are an excellent option if you’re looking for some comfortable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing cargo pants.
We found these to fit very well while they give off a good bit of stretch. Furthermore, the pockets are large, well-placed, and very deep which makes them highly functional if you have many items or tools that you need to keep on you at all times. The belt that comes with these cargo pants is a nice little touch but you may want to swap it out and use the belt loops for a belt of your own choosing instead.
If you’re more of an active guy and want some work pants that are going to fit well, be light but durable, and have numerous pockets, then you wouldn’t be going by checking out the LA Police Gear Men’s Urban Ops Tactical Caro Pants.
These are made of a 65% polyester and 35% cotton rip-stop fabric, have an elastic waistband and are designed to be functional as well as pleasing to the eye. With many different colors to choose from, a high-quality YKK locking zipper, and articulating knees, these are ideal when enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or even for working.
Another plus is that instead of the six standard pockets that you get with most cargo pants, you actually get seven. That extra pocket is a single front-slip pocket that is the perfect size to place a cellphone or an assault rifle magazine – whichever you find more important to carry. Great pants at a very good price and thus, you won’t find us regretting the fact that we’re recommending them to you.
If you wanted to look great in some lightweight cargo pants without breaking the bank, then you might want to consider the Company 81 Men’s Twill Cargo Pants. Among the lower priced recommendations on our list but with a sturdy and attractive design, these would make the ideal pants for working or socializing.
These may not be as durable as some of the others but they are certainly up there when it comes to comfort due to their 100% construction. We found them to fit really well too and the coordinating belt that comes with them is a nice little touch. While they could offer a greater variety when it comes to colors, we do have to admit liking both the Fatigue and Charcoal Heather options that they currently have.
At the end of the day, when you consider the price of these cargo pants for men, you’re getting some of the best value for money that you’ll find on our list of recommendations.
Dockers is another of the big-name brands on our list and we found their Men’s D3 Comfort Cargo Pants to be smarter looking compared to most. While they would be ideal for most purposes or occasions, we think they are more suited to working environments than anything else.
Made from 100% soft cotton, comfort is the priority with these cargo pants and we scored them high in this regard. The expandable waistband that gives a couple of inches certainly adds to those comfort levels while the classic fit will ensure that you’re given plenty of flexibility whilst looking good at the same time.
As for pockets, you get two slanted side pockets, button-flapped rear pockets, and a handy zippered leg pocket. This offers a more secure location for anything important such as keys, cellphones, or wallets. Other cargo pants will give you a buttoned leg pocket at best.
Buying cargo pants doesn’t have to be expensive and when it comes to the cheaper options, you’re not going to find many that give you as good value for money as the AKARMY Must Way Men’s 8-Pocket Cargo Pants. Not only are they priced extremely affordable but they actually provide a bit more functionality compared to others through having a generous eight pockets for you to utilize.
Those eight pockets include four on the legs, two side hip pockets, and two back pockets. You might even think that there are nine pockets in total but the zippered pocket on the front left leg is there purely for show and unzips into nothing. Still, you have plenty of options when it comes to storing any items that you’re carrying. Just try to remember which pocket they’re in as it can get a little testing after a while of always finding what you’re looking for in the eighth pocket that you check.
Made from 100% cotton, these men’s cargo pants are also comfortable while you’ll have a choice between 25 different designs and color schemes to choose from.
If you’d rather pay a little more for a bigger name and a bit more in terms of quality, then the Carhartt Men’s Washed Duck Work Dungaree Pants might well be a more suitable choice for you. Featuring reinforced pockets and belt loops, a hammer loop, and wide leg openings that are ideal to fit over work boots, these pants are designed for the hard workers among you.
100% cotton is the fabric used to make these pants and this will give you the comfort and durability needed while they are designed to fit naturally on your waist to give you plenty of flexibility when working.
Carhartt is renowned for manufacturing top-quality affordable clothing for those that work in the construction industry and these once again showcase their expertise at doing just that. Not only are they designed to be durable and functional but they also look the part too.
Another fantastic pair of men’s cargo pants for those of you that are looking for something to wear at work is that of the Wrangler RIGGS WORKWEAR Men’s Ranger Pants. Wrangler as a brand, of course, requires no introduction as most of you will already know that this is a brand that provides affordable yet top-quality workwear that won’t let you down.
Made from a heavyweight and durable ripstop cotton fabric, these pants bring features such as reinforced knees, spacious cargo pockets, and a hammer loop. We also found them to look very stylish as well as obviously offering up plenty of functionality via the seven pockets that have been implemented.
You have a choice of about six colors and they all look great although we really liked the Loden color. The little leather patch on the right pocket really adds to the style as well which makes them a good option even when you’re not working.
Whether you want a pair of cargo pants that look stylish, that you do work around the home in, enjoy some outdoor activities, or work in, these straight cut twill cargo pants from Dickie’s might be what you’re looking for.
Firstly, Dickie’s is a name that you can trust while secondly, you can be confident of being given a comfortable fit, high-quality workmanship, and a highly durable pair of cargo pants. Regular fit, these pants provide additional benefits such as moisture wicking, wrinkle-resistance, being easy-to-clean, and a flexible fabric that really aids both movement and comfort.
There are seven pockets in total, two each on the legs, thighs, back, and a small multi-purpose pocket on the right leg. The latter is perfect for putting something small like a cellphone or wallet while all of the other pockets are of a very good size and strength.
You know we’re talking about a top brand when they feature twice on our list and Wrangler is certainly that. As well as their previous cargo pants that we recommend you check out, their Authentics Men’s Classic Twill Cargo Pants are another that is well worth a look.
These look and feel fantastic but don’t let that you think that these are not highly durable. They’re made from a 100% cotton rip-stop fabric and have been designed to fit seamlessly so that you don’t have to make any adjustments when kneeling, crouching, or bending. The pockets are of a decent size too while the zip fly with button closure is also of top quality.
These are actually very competitively priced as well but then again, that’s always been the case with Wrangler. These are definitely worth checking out if you’re on the lookout for some good quality cargo pants.
As our premium choice, the 5.11 Men’s Taclite Pro Tactical Cargo Pants are certainly our favorites in terms of full-blown quality, durability, and functionality. These are the pants that you’re going to work if you really want the very best when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities or working outside.
Double-layered reinforced knees, Teflon stain and soil resistance, and the ability to insert kneepads are just some of the additional features that make these some of the best cargo pants around. That’s without even mentioning their very durable Taclite ripstop construction, eight functional pockets, and a stylish design that will have you earning admiring glances.
Just to top everything off, these popular and well-received cargo pants are also available in ten different colors. Seriously, if you’re able to stump a little more for your cargo pants, these are certainly the ones to go for.
If you wanted to go all out-action man by taking part in outdoor activities such as paintballing, hiking, rock-climbing hunting, or fishing, what better way to do it than in some military cargo pants? Well, with the Ochenta Men’s Cotton Military Cargo Pants, you can do just that and look just as tough as you already think you are.
Style wise these really do look the part and with close to 20-different colors to choose from, you’ll have no issues finding the one that suits you the most. Furthermore, these offer far more than just looks as they’re also extremely durable and functional.
There are eight pockets in total, the 100 percent cotton material used is super comfy, and you have a handy drawstring to adjust the cuff if it’s on the long side. In short, these are a perfect companion whether lazing around at home, doing a bit of gardening, or out earning your living on the construction site.
Another popular pair of cargo pants that we equally liked as much as those that have reviewed them is that of the CQR Men’s Tactical Cargo Pants. These are perfect for numerous purposes whether you’re planning to hit the paintballing scene, dig up your garden, or get to work on the construction site.
Where these pants standout is the Duratex fabric which is effective at eliminating many liquids, dirt, and other types of contaminants while it’s also resistant to fading, shrinking and wrinkling. Well, that and its excellent durability due to being made from rip-stop fabric which is known for its strength and ruggedness.
It doesn’t hurt that these impressive cargo pants come with eight handy pockets, a durable zipper and that they’re designed to look as equally as good as they are functional. We definitely suggest you take a look at these as they are certainly among our favorites.
if you have the sort of money to be able to splash out on premium priced cargo pants such as the M-TAC Conquistador Flex Tactical Pants, you should know that you’re going to be getting yourself some of the best available right now.
These are actually designed to be worn by those that are on active duty whether that’s the police, firefighters, soldiers, or anyone else that would be able to benefit the most from such a top-quality pair of cargo pants.
These are made of a flexible but strong polycotton rip-stop fabric which is especially resistant to tears and damage. You’ll also enjoy features such as 8-large pockets, two valves that allow you to adjust the fit, reinforced knees, d-rings attached to the belt loops that allow you to clip keys, gloves or cuffs with ease.
Expensive, yes but more than worth the money if you’re in a field that needs the very best in tactical cargo pants.
Coming in at least four times cheaper than the tactical cargo pants above is the Match Men’s Athletic-Fit Cargo Pants. These are more suitable to those of you that want something that has decent durability, serves their purpose and will not cost you an arm and a leg. They’re also suitable for all kinds of uses whether it’s just hanging out at home, going hiking, or even for a bit of socializing out on the town.
The first thing you’ll notice with these cargo pants is that you have around 40 different designs and colors to choose from. That’s more than anything else on our list and great for those of you that are really picky about what you’re wearing.
As for the specs of these things, they’re made from 100% cotton, are regular fit, and have the standard six-pockets that most cargo pants do. You’ll also be pleased to hear that they’re machine-washable, have a waist drawstring to adjust the fit, and are comfortable, light, and also more durable than their price might suggest.
If you didn’t want to gamble with a budget pair of cargo pants but instead would rather pay a little more for a tried and trusted brand, then you’re not going to be going wrong by trying out these Levi’s Men’s Military Banded Carrier Cargo Pants.
You just know that you’re going to get quality workmanship from Levi and this is certainly prevalent in this cargo pants. A durable, flexible, and stretchable polycotton material is what these are made from and that ensures a comfortable fit that starts just below the waist.
The pockets on these are also worth mentioning and not just because there are six of them but because they are big, spacious, and are double-layered. You can tell that a great focus has been put into delivering a sturdy and secure level of storage options for anyone that decides to purchase these cargo pants.
Not all cargo pants have been designed in a way that totally ignores a smart dress sense as the Performance Series Extreme Comfort Cargo Pants go to show. These have been designed to look great, feel comfortable, and also provide their main purpose of functionality at the same time.
Seriously, there are not many cargo pants on this list that you could get away with wearing a shirt and jacket with but you can with these. As for the already mentioned comfort levels, you’re not going to find many others that can compete with what Lee has produced here.
Straight fit with an extremely flexible waistband, these cargo pants are made from a stretchable polycotton fabric that is soft, comfy and fits perfectly. You should discount their durability either and while there might be better options if you want to use them for some rough and tumble activity or job, these will more than hold up to most of what can be thrown at them.
Finishing up our extensive list of the best cargo pants for men is that of the stylish but functional Plaid & Plain Men’s Slim Fit Cargo Pants. Ideal to be worn as casual wear or for work, these slim fit cargo pants will have you looking at your very best.
Made from cotton and lycra spandex, these cargo pants will give you high levels of comfort and plenty of flexibility due to the stretchability of the fabric no matter the activity you’re currently doing. You’ll also be able to make use of seven well-seized pockets that’ll allow you to store items of multiple sizes. One of those pockets is a thigh-high pocket that is perfect for your cellphone, wallet, or magazine.
Summing up, if you want to look good in your cargo pants as well as being able to take advantage of their functional purpose, you would not be going wrong by taking a closer look at these from Plaid & Plain.
What are Cargo Pants and What to Wear with Cargo Pants?
Cargo pants which are sometimes also called combat pants are designed to be functional pants which are ideal for use in outdoor activities or for primarily outdoor occupations. They were originally used in professions such as the military, police force, and special forces but have since become popular in everyday life and activities as well due to their tough, durable, and comfortable construction.
In terms of clothing that can be worn with cargo pants, pretty much anything goes depending on how brave you are. Some cargo shorts actually look quite smart and would work in a smart casual way but generally, these are more suited to a casual or workwear type of look.
As for footwear, cargo pants actually work well with a broad range. You can go for the sporty look with sneakers, a smart casual look with shoes, or if you’re wearing them for practical reasons when hiking or fishing, you might want to consider some of the best winter boots for men.
Summing up, cargo pants really can work with anything and besides, you’re not meant to be wearing them to be at the forefront of fashion. They’re functional pants, which if they happen to look good, is just a bonus.
What are the Best Brands for Cargo Pants?
You’ll find most of them in our list below but if you wanted a bit of a hint, the likes of Wrangler, Levi, Lee, Carhartt, and 5.11 are probably the most well-known and most reputable. That said, we’ve also included some lesser-known brands and their products in our list as well as we feel that they’re well worth a spot.
The bigger brands are generally more expensive but you know what you’re going to get in terms of of quality. That said, some of the cheaper budget brands have produced some excellent value cargo pants that we have no problem with recommending to you. Being cheaper, you can obviously afford to buy them in bulk so that in some cases you could three pairs compared to one pair of a more notable brand.
What Activities Cargo Pants are Best Suited for?
The great thing about cargo pants is that they’re great for practically anything. Well, apart from swimming, sword fighting, weddings, or any occasion where you’re likely to be searched and asked to empty your pockets.
Obviously, there is a reason people on active duty in the police force, army, EMT, or boy scouts like to wear cargo pants as they’re durable and functional. The same can be said by anyone that enjoys outdoor activities or that works outdoors in landscaping, construction, or any other job that requires tough clothing that has plenty of storage options.
Many jokes about how bad in terms of fashionability that cargo pants are but you’ll also see that there’s plenty on our recommended list that actually look good. This makes them ideal for chilling out at home, hitting the bars, or generally just going about daily life.
Conclusion
Look, cargo pants are never going to win any fashion awards but that’s not what they’re for. If you want to look fashionable you’re going to want to be looking at the latest and greatest pairs of distressed jeans. What cargo pants do offer us, however, is practicality, functionality, and the ability to store dozens of our favorite bits and pieces in the pockets of our choosing. Think of them like handbags but for men instead.
Joking aside, we’re sure that you all know the benefits of a good pair of cargo pants. They are a great option for outdoor activities such as hiking, paintballing, hunting, and climbing while they make the ideal type of pants if you work outdoors as well. Essentially, when you want functional clothing that is durable and comfortable, cargo shorts are going to be right up there with your options.
So, did you find some that you liked on the list above? Of course, you did and we’re sure that you picked the perfect match for your chicken legs.
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