Someone wrote in their opinion about Vanguard pants: "I spent half my life looking for the perfect cargo pants for myself and I found them." I wholeheartedly agree with this opinion! My search was even harder because I needed something that was a combination of cargo and trekking pants. That is: the pocket layout of cargo pants (obviously - comfortable hip pockets, spacious cargo pockets, and preferably additional thigh pockets) combined with a relatively fitted cut, stretch, and no restriction of movement. I searched and found nothing. I was about to give up, losing hope, when by chance I heard about the Polish company Direct Action, which makes gear for special forces and in cooperation with them. I thought that equipment for such people must be practical and solid, so - although I’m no special forces guy myself - I decided to check it out, hoping maybe it would work out? It not only worked out - it was a bullseye (and, I think, a heavenly reward for years of searching)! The Vanguards are pants that are well thought out, refined, and perfected to an extreme. They are fairly (but not overly!) fitted, lightweight, solid, and stretchy, with multipoint Velcro adjustment, and with a perfect pocket layout for me, where the pockets don’t interfere with each other in use (sic!). And the incredible comfort of wearing them! The Vanguard pants do exactly what I do: they squat when I squat, they kneel when I kneel, they bend when I bend, they stretch when I stretch. In addition, they are perfectly stitched—I noticed on closer inspection that bar-tack stitches were used at critical points. These pants are not just Platonic designer ideals, but also Platonic ideals of quality. I already have two pairs and know I won’t stop there—because although expensive, they are worth every penny!
Direct Action Vanguard Combat Trousers - Flecktarn
Contemporary combat trousers in Flecktarn camouflage, engineered to provide optimum freedom of movement during tactical operations. Constructed from robust NyCo fabric featuring a Rip-Stop weave for enhanced resistance to tearing. Stretch material panels are integrated for greater mobility. Knees are reinforced with 500D Cordura and include internal compartments designed for knee pad insertion.
Durable and flexible construction
Constructed primarily from NyCo fabric featuring a Rip-Stop weave—a blend of 50% nylon and 50% cotton—these trousers offer superior resistance to abrasions and wear. Strategically placed stretch fabric panels above the knees, in the crotch area, and on the seat prevent shifting and bunching of the trousers, granting enhanced mobility and comfort during dynamic movement.
Reinforced knees utilize highly durable 500D Cordura and are equipped with internal compartments for knee pads. These compartments are crafted from polyester mesh, delivering increased ventilation and breathability.
8 practical pockets
Designed with a total of 8 pockets, these trousers offer optimal storage options:
- Two traditional hip pockets featuring reinforced edges
- Two front pockets with zippers, each including an internal organizer
- Two thigh pockets secured with Velcro closures
- Two leg pockets also fastened with Velcro
Thigh pockets provide exceptional capacity, enabling you to conveniently carry a considerable amount of gear. The external flap can be secured inside using Velcro, ensuring the pockets remain open as needed. Hip pockets are lined with breathable mesh to facilitate drainage of small debris. Cordura-reinforced edges enhance durability, particularly when storing items like knives or multitools.
Adjustable waistband
In place of traditional buttons, the trousers feature a YKK zipper fly combined with a Velcro closure. The waistband can be adjusted to accommodate various layers of clothing. For enhanced comfort and ventilation, the inner waistband is lined with a soft polyester knit 3D Mesh that helps prevent chafing and boosts air circulation. The belt loops are extra reinforced to securely support the weight of a heavy tactical belt.
Tailored leg cuffs
Leg cuffs feature an adjustment system using Velcro behind the knees and at the base of the legs, enabling an improved fit to the wearer’s silhouette as well as the knee protectors.
Main features
- Constructed from NyCo fabric featuring a Rip-Stop weave
- Panels made with stretchable and breathable materials
- Knees reinforced using 500D Cordura fabric
- Equipped with internal compartments for knee pads
- Waistband is adjustable with a Velcro fastening
- Designed with 8 spacious pockets
- Leg cuffs can be adjusted for a secure fit
- Built with strengthened belt loops
- Features a YKK zipper
Flecktarn camouflage
Flecktarn represents a legendary German military camouflage pattern, officially adopted by the Bundeswehr in 1990. Characterized by a design of small, irregular blotches in five distinct shades—typically dark green, olive, brown, black, and beige—Flecktarn utilizes a scattering of numerous dots and softened color edges to minimize the silhouette of the wearer in forested areas, scrubland, and woodland undergrowth. Developed specifically for the climatic conditions of Europe, with a focus on the temperate zone, Flecktarn continues to be widely used by the German armed forces, as well as various military and law enforcement units worldwide. The pattern’s proven concealment capabilities have inspired many variations and adaptations in other countries.
Militaria.pl is the official distributor of Direct Action.
Direct Action is a Polish brand that since 2014 has been providing advanced tactical equipment used by elite special units, including JW GROM and the French RAID. Combining the experience of military experts with an innovative approach to design, it creates state-of-the-art combat systems tailored to the needs of professionals and changing battlefield conditions. Products such as the popular Spitfire vests and Halifax backpacks are distinguished by their ergonomics, attention to detail and use of durable materials.
| Clothing style | Military |
|---|---|
| Color/camouflage | Camouflage |
| Material type | Synthetic-natural |
| Material texture | Rip-Stop (grid) |
| Material flexibility | Extensible |
| Gender | Men's |
| Camouflage | Flecktarn |
| Number of pockets | 8 |
| Main material | 50% Polyester |
| Additional material | 50% Cotton |
| Belt loops | Yes |
| Membrane | No |
| Weight | 602 g (size M) |
| Pockets for knee pads | Yes |
| Waterproof | No |
| Cut | Loose |
| Zipper | Zipper |
| Manufacturer code | TR-VGCT-NCR-FTN- |
| Brand | Direct Action |
| EAN |
The velcro panel is an area with sewn-on Velcro tape that allows easy attachment of various additional items, such as patches or pockets.
Cordura is a material woven from durable nylon fibers, developed by DuPont. The structure of the material provides lightness and abrasion resistance, as well as weather resistance. Due to its properties, Cordura is widely used in tactical equipment.
YKK zippers are high-quality zippers commonly used in clothing and accessories, manufactured by the Japanese YKK Corporation - one of the world's largest zipper manufacturers.
Rip-Stop weave protects the fabric from abrasions and tears. It is characterized by additional threads woven in at regular intervals, forming a mesh-like pattern. It provides high strength to the fabric, increases resistance to mechanical damage, especially tears.
Reviews with photos
Review summary
Number of reviews: 32
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I am extremely satisfied with these trousers! This is already the second pair of this brand in my collection and I remain an enthusiast. The trousers are of great quality, are comfortable, and work well outdoors. The RAL 7013 color looks very good. I definitely recommend the purchase.
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Durable and comfortable tactical pants. They offer an ergonomic cut that does not restrict movement, as well as solid materials resistant to intensive use.
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Direct Action—nothing to add, nothing to take away, the most comfortable pants I’ve ever had, thoughtful construction, materials of the highest quality, worth every penny, highly recommend.
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The most comfortable pants I've ever had. RECOMMEND!!!!! Excellent materials and fit, they don't restrict movement despite being tailored. Direct Action—nothing to add, nothing to take away.
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Comfortable? Very. But not suitable for professionals and work tasks. The pants shine like I don't know what in night vision. Supposed to be top-notch quality, but it's a disappointment. At best, they're suitable for the shooting range or airsoft for youths.
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The most important features are the very high quality of sewing and the refined design, plus excellent material. Anyone who buys them will appreciate this brand! Worth their price, I recommend!
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These pants are worth their undoubtedly high price. Excellent quality of workmanship (although, as I wrote this, I noticed some fraying of one of the threads ;)), very good selection of materials and threads. They are among the few commonly available tactical pants, without months of searching, that: a) do not restrict movement, even though they do not hang like a loose sack, b) have cargo pockets at the right height and designed so that even when full they do not hinder running. A product worth recommending.
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Brilliant pants. High-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, thoughtful and refined cut. Very comfortable. The number of pockets is just right. Polish brand. Worth their price. All positives.
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Great pants. Lots of useful pockets where holding various items is no problem during dynamic movement or driving. The sizing is just right. They are quite expensive, but if someone needs pants as well-fitted and comfortable as these, then it's worth it.
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Well-made pants from high-quality materials, each with different properties. NyCo, Cordura, and stretch are used in the right places and work synergistically to provide comfort combined with durability. A great alternative to much more expensive tactical pants from other manufacturers, made from the same materials, in original Multicam camouflage. Well-designed pockets allow you to carry all the necessary items. They could be a bit wider in the thighs, but that's a very individual matter. In short: I recommend them!
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Well-made trousers, constructed from high-quality materials with different properties. NyCo, Cordura, and stretch fabrics are used in the right places and work synergistically to provide comfort combined with durability. Well-designed pockets let you carry necessary items. They could be a bit wider in the thighs, but that's a very individual matter. In short: I recommend them!
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I'm impressed with the comfort and craftsmanship of these pants. Size M fits perfectly, there's no lack of material anywhere, and they adjust in every position. Worth their price, now I plan to buy multicam. As usual, express shipping. I'm also a fan of Helikon, but compared to, for example, UTP, it's like night and day.
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Great pants from one of my favorite brands. I recommend products from Helikon and Direct Action, Polish manufacturers. Let's buy from our own. I don't know how they compare to Ufpro or Carinthia. But they're lightweight, comfortable, stretchable and at the same time solidly made. I recommend them.
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A nice alternative and much cheaper than Crye pants. The adaptive green color is somewhere between Coyote and olive. It's a pity these pants aren't available in coyote color. Overall, the cut of the pants is comfortable and convenient.
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