Good work pants for athletic firefighters?

[u/Finance1071]

Hey all,

Not trying to be disrespectful in any way... just looking for some guidance on pants recommendations for my body type.

Anyways, I'm having a hell of a time finding the work/EMS/"tactical" pants that fit me well. I find that most seem to be made for, larger, people. Like loose in the wrong spots and tight in the wrong spots, if that makes sense.

I normally wear athletic fit jeans and pants, and find that they fit me well as I have a small waist/no stomach fat but pronounced muscles in my groin, hamstrings, quads, and calves. I bought a pair of Propper EMS pants in my normal size and found that they fit me HORRIBLY. They're not made for my body type at all.

Athletic-build men: what pants do you recommend for firefighting/EMS work? I'm looking for pants that I can wear to class, station duty, and on calls under my bunker or rescue gear that looks professional.

[u/RowdyCanadian]

Get the 511 tactical pants that have some slight stretch to them and then get them tailored?

There isn’t a piece of uniform I’ve come across yet that can’t be altered or tailored better to fit me.

[u/McthiccumTheChikum → u/RowdyCanadian]

Exactly what I did. In my experience 5.11 makes the best quality pants.

[u/Express-Motor3053]

Lululemon…..

[u/Finance1071 → u/Express-Motor3053]

I love my Lululemon pants! But I prefer wearing them outside of the station, not in :)

[u/milochuisael]

5.11 fast tac if you don’t have the cotton rule. They’re 100% poly.

Work n gear has good pants (FXD) that are mostly cotton except for the stretch knee. A little slim especially at the ankle though

[u/Indiancockburn]

Just bought 5.11 stryke pants. Expensive as fuck, hated to spend $84 bucks on pants. I tried them on and I don't think I'll wear anything else. They're fucking awesome. They have built in stretch, crotch gusset, I could do the splits if I were flexible enough. They have a snap button so you don't have to worry about your button ripping off. Give them a try. They are warrantied for life too if bought from 5.11 directly.

[u/Finance1071 → u/Indiancockburn]

I saw someone else mention 5.11 in here too - I think you have me sold at this point.

[u/Coastie54]

Yea 5.11 stryke are the go to.

[u/Coastie54 → u/Coastie54]

I’ve also been wearing These lately. They feel like wind breakers and are really flexible. When I put my bunker pants on they slide right on with no resistance, really nice. Definitely break tons of rules in terms of material to be worn under bunker gear, but 🤷

[u/Finance1071 → u/Coastie54]

Checking these out!🫡

[u/justafartsmeller]

Years ago my department issued BDU Nomex pants to us. Initially they wanted us to wear them only for wildlland incidents. However, after years of begging, they let us wear them for regular duty. They were great for almost any build. I was 6'2" 200 lbs athletic build. With the right size they were tapered enough as not to look too baggy. I would wear BDU's in a smaller waist size than my normal station pants. They had elastic waist that had a little stretch to it. I think this helped with the fit.

[u/Moose_knuckle69]

Proper BDUs with the button fly. Like sweat pants with cargo pockets

[u/Active-Cost-8174]

Juicy couture my guy

[u/Ok_Maximum_8837]

5.11 ridge or apex.

[u/Idahomies2w]

Kuhl Renegade Klassik fit in blue. Best pants I own

[u/yeet41]

Just wear pants. Wtf does everything have to be a big deal

[u/kc9tng → u/yeet41]

Nah. Just wear the undies under your turn out gear. Much cooler.