In search of the ultimate pants for safari...

24 March 2012, 20:33

Rob H

I am searching for a pair of ultimate hunting pants for Africa. Here is what I am thinking would make up the ultimate pants:

1. Made of thicker weight Cotton that breaths and sheds medium grad thorns
2. Quiet finish on the cotton for stalking
3. Color: tan or earth tone
4. Zip off pant legs
5. Lots of pockets

Basically, I'd love to find a pair of zip off leg fly fishing pants that are made of cotton and quiet when walking.

Has anyone seen anything like this out there?

24 March 2012, 21:53

Die Ou Jagter

Cabelas.

24 March 2012, 22:08

CCMDoc

And Gander Mountain

24 March 2012, 22:21

bobby7321

anyone tried out Columbia's Ultimate Roc pant? not convertible, but look pretty good.

24 March 2012, 22:31

larryshores

I have some from Cabela's that is largely as described.

I personally prefer to hunt in shorts. I found some shorts at Gander Mountain. I think they are Columbia fishing shorts. Perfect color. Lots of pockets. I have either 2 or 3 pairs.

24 March 2012, 22:37

ivan carter

colombia fishing shorts are as described by larry - i used them for years - i hunt in longs its tough to find tough and quiet - i use riggs workwear , they are not all that quiet but very tough -

24 March 2012, 23:09

LionHunter

If price is no object, take a look at some of the pants designed for "tactical" work, such as 9.11 brand. They usually aren't available in zip-offs but do come in both pants and shorts. I will only buy them on sale or close-out. I also hunt almost exclusively in shorts now.

If I am going to wear long pants, I choose something made of light weight cotton. The Viet Nam jungle fatigues - OG 107 - are rip-stop cotton poplin and available for around $30. Who cares if they get ripped or torn? Try to find the ones that are 100% cotton without the reinforced seat and knees.

24 March 2012, 23:16

safari-lawyer

I found the Cabelas pants not to be very tough when in hook torns and thick bush . . . both of my pairs have holes and tears from thorns after only 7 days wearing per pair.

24 March 2012, 23:46

Todd Williams

Great topic. Anyone have any suggestions on boxers or briefs?

24 March 2012, 23:57

Bill C

ExOfficio Give-N-Go

25 March 2012, 00:01

LionHunter

quote:
Originally posted by Bill C:
ExOfficio Give-N-Go

+ 1

Better than UnderArmor & others I've tried. Just bought 4 more as they are now my daily wear (when not going commando!)

25 March 2012, 02:43

Scriptus

Jeff Rann's ball busters!!

25 March 2012, 03:07

Michael Robinson

Cotton 5.11 tacticals are the best, IMHO.

25 March 2012, 03:24

CCMDoc

quote:
Originally posted by Scriptus:
Jeff Rann's ball busters!!

Or the opposite:

Ball Room jeans

Click Here and make sure the volume is turned up ...

25 March 2012, 04:17

adamhunter

Take a look at Trupec 24/7 pants. Yhey are a tactical pants, but pretty good. Lots of pockets, expandable waist and pretty quiet. They have come out with a zip off type but it is a poly/cotton blend.

25 March 2012, 04:46

elk88101

Hey
How about a LOIN CLOTH bushman have used them for centuries
Larry

25 March 2012, 04:53

drummondlindsey

quote:
Originally posted by Todd Williams:
Great topic. Anyone have any suggestions on boxers or briefs?

25 March 2012, 04:57

BCJames

Those would really breath. Do they come in different patterns?

25 March 2012, 05:00

bwana cecil

drummon
your sick!

25 March 2012, 05:03

Use Enough Gun

5.11 tacticals

25 March 2012, 06:11

stevie

You'd look great in those pictured a few posts above.

25 March 2012, 06:18

lavaca

I like TAG. They have lots of pcckets, fit me and dry quickly. And they have a shop down the street from me in Houston.

If you want heavier, I hunted this year with the moss colored Carhart carpenters pants. Not a lot of pockets (that's what belts are for) and not zip off, but a brushed finish and tough as nails. They just take longer to dry and in the rainy season, it might take an extra day to get them back.

25 March 2012, 06:29

SBT

All of the tactical pants I've tried, including 5-11's, the lower leggs are to baggy and they rub together when I walk. I wish someone would make a pair of quiet cotton pants, no zip off, with a slim fit leg.

25 March 2012, 08:02

415sbaird

I prefer the rip-stop cotton for safari pants. This material is light weight and tough. It stands up well against the catclaw and is quite comfortable in the heat.

I have several pair made by The North Face. They fit me well, have slim legs and good pockets for stalking around in the bush. Other manufacturers use this material also, I've seen.

25 March 2012, 09:10

buffybr

quote:
I wish someone would make a pair of quiet cotton pants, no zip off, with a slim fit leg.

They do...Levi's...Wranglers, although I prefer their boot cut style. Either well worn or "pre-washed/relaxed" are quiet. I've worn them for 50 years of hunting in Colorado, Montana, Canada, and on cold African mornings.

For shorts, I wear Cabala's Trail shorts. They have at least 3 more pockets than I use.

25 March 2012, 09:21

N E 450 No2

I have found 5.11 Tactical Cotton pants in sage green to be the best of all. I like them for every day wear here in Texas as well. I am wearing a {old} pair now...

I like the 5.11 long sleved Cotton shirts for Africa use too.

In heavy rain areas, I have the same style pants and shorts in 5.11 Nylon...

25 March 2012, 09:39

cal pappas

Forget the pants search. Go like John Taylor: turban and shoes!
Cheers all,
Cal

_______________________________

Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.com
www.CalPappas.blogspot.com
1994 Zimbabwe
1997 Zimbabwe
1998 Zimbabwe
1999 Zimbabwe
1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation
2000 Australia
2002 South Africa
2003 South Africa
2003 Zimbabwe
2005 South Africa
2005 Zimbabwe
2006 Tanzania
2006 Zimbabwe--vacation
2007 Zimbabwe--vacation
2008 Zimbabwe
2012 Australia
2013 South Africa
2013 Zimbabwe
2013 Australia
2016 Zimbabwe
2017 Zimbabwe
2018 South Africa
2018 Zimbabwe--vacation
2019 South Africa
2019 Botswana
2019 Zimbabwe vacation
2021 South Africa
2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later)
______________________________

25 March 2012, 09:52

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
Cotton 5.11 tacticals are the best, IMHO.

Definitely tough but not so quiet. The back slash pockets are about worthless if you aren't carrying clips in them.

______________________
DRSS
______________________
Hunt Reports

2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112
2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012
DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191
Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771
Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141
Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141

25 March 2012, 11:54

Michael Robinson

quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
quote:
Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
Cotton 5.11 tacticals are the best, IMHO.

Definitely tough but not so quiet. The back slash pockets are about worthless if you aren't carrying clips in them.

They're plenty quiet enough if you are the least bit careful. Are you pigeon-toed?

Come on, man. Sorry, but I won't hunt in a tutu. Even though I've been told I'd look pretty damned good in one.

And the back pockets are perfect for rangefinders, bandannas, gloves, water bottles, sandwiches, travel wallets, extra scopes and damned near anything else.

Best there is, AFAIKOHBATD.

25 March 2012, 12:11

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
quote:
Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
Cotton 5.11 tacticals are the best, IMHO.

Definitely tough but not so quiet. The back slash pockets are about worthless if you aren't carrying clips in them.

They're plenty quiet enough if you are the least bit careful. Are you pigeon-toed?

Come on, man. Sorry, but I won't hunt in a tutu. Even though I've been told I'd look pretty damned good in one.

And the back pockets are perfect for rangefinders, bandannas, gloves, water bottles, sandwiches, travel wallets, extra scopes and damned near anything else.

Best there is, AFAIKOHBATD.

Maybe we have different versions. I used them on the last two safaris and will use them again in less than three months.

My mention of the back pockets is that since they are slash pockets made to hold AR clips they are very deep into the tops of the rear of your thighs. Not a comfortable place to carry all that gear you mentioned. It beats against the back of your legs while walking. I just didn't put anything in there. There is plenty of other pocket space.

YTUWSBNFGH

25 March 2012, 17:36

ozhunter

Common type cotton work trousers are my pick. Also minimal pockets as full pockets are uncomfortable on long treks or crawling in stalks.
Aus made "R.M. Williams" Trousers- Jeans are quite solid but also pricey.

25 March 2012, 18:08

goosejoe

Try the green Carhartt or Sears Craftsman, they're the best. My 1st trip I had 2 pair of Cabelas and 1 pair of Carhartt, the Cabelas were shredded and thrown away, I'm still wearing the Carhartt!! Been wearing the Craftsman this year for scouting, they seem to be as good as the Carhartt.

25 March 2012, 20:56

tygersman

I recently picked up some of the Cabelas "Outfitter" 100% cotton Field Pants for my June trip to Zim. They were half off with free shipping - pretty pleased out of the box but only time will tell.

I've used the Cabelas' zip offs in 100% cotton and like others have noted, not particularly tough. The new field pants, although not zip offs, appear more substantial and are much more comfortable. Plenty quiet from what I can tell in and around the house.

25 March 2012, 22:46

ddrhook

wow i did not know you needed special pants to hunt in africa! do pants act diffrent there than any where else? i know from what some say on here that 100 degress is hotter there than in the USA

25 March 2012, 23:11

wtnut

The same thing I wear at home Levis

25 March 2012, 23:29

Cross L

quote:
Originally posted by ddrhook:
wow i did not know you needed special pants to hunt in africa! do pants act diffrent there than any where else? i know from what some say on here that 100 degress is hotter there than in the USA

WB Hook

Rumor is you don't wear pants at all up in CAMMIEland

SSR

25 March 2012, 23:55

MARK H. YOUNG

Rob knows what he wants and your safari kit is your individual choice. Personally I bought all the "Safari" clothing nearly 20 years again but soon found out that it really was no more useful than things I could buy at WalMart at 1/3 the cost.

Mark

MARK H. YOUNG
MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES
7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110
Office 702-848-1693
Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED
E-mail markttc@msn.com
Website: myexclusiveadventures.com
Skype: markhyhunter
Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716

26 March 2012, 00:11

leopards valley safaris

quote:
Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Rob knows what he wants and your safari kit is your individual choice. Personally I bought all the "Safari" clothing nearly 20 years again but soon found out that it really was no more useful than things I could buy at WalMart at 1/3 the cost.

Mark

+1 I get folks to get me the cheap cammo jeans from Walmart, they last longer than anything and dont tear up in the brush, and you can get 3 for the price of 1 fancy pair thats gonna tear on the first day.

Dave Davenport
Outfitters license HC22/2012EC
Pro Hunters license PH74/2012EC
www.leopardsvalley.co.za
dave@leopardsvalley.co.za
+27 42 24 61388
HUNT AFRICA WHILE YOU STILL CAN
Follow us on FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/#!/leopardsvalley.safaris

26 March 2012, 00:24

N E 450 No2

re: 5.11 rear pants pockets.

When I first wore 5.11 pants I thought the rear pockets were crap...

After I wore them for a while I found I really liked them, and found them comfortable when walking and when sitting. And I always carry a lot of stuff in my pockets.

They are my favorite pants and shorts.
I am wearing a pair of them now...

26 March 2012, 01:44

MacD37

All good sugestions and I have a lot of cebala's safari cloths mostly for shirts and rain gear for Alaska, but for Africa I like Carhartt work pants and shorts.

The one thing I shy away from is the synthetic,like the stuff made especially for fishing for Africa, because the very hot irons they use to iron your cloths in camp will totally destroy them, and they are noisey anyway.
................................................................................