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Tactical Trousers and Shorts

Browse tactical trousers, combat trousers and combat pants from professional-grade brands at UK Tactical. Our range covers tactical cargo trousers and combat trousers for field and operational use, tactical work trousers for duty and patrol, and technical lightweight trousers for training and high-output activity. We stock 5.11 Tactical, Clawgear, Crye Precision, UF PRO, Pentagon and Under Armour. Colours in stock include Black, Multicam, German Army Olive, Tundra, Khaki, Coyote Tan, Ranger Green and Navy Blue. Prices from £18. Free UK delivery on orders over £30.
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Tactical trousers and combat trousers at UK Tactical

Our trousers range covers the full spectrum of tactical legwear used by British military, police, security professionals and serious outdoor users. Whether you need combat trousers for patrol and field operations, tactical work trousers for uniformed duty, tactical cargo trousers with multi-pocket storage for kit on the move, or lightweight black tactical trousers for close protection and security work, the range gives you professionally rated options from brands with proven operational histories.

Types of tactical trousers explained

Combat trousers and combat pants

Combat trousers are designed to the functional specification used by military and law enforcement in operational environments: reinforced seat and knee panels, multiple cargo pockets positioned for access while moving under load, a cut that maintains freedom of movement when crouching, running or climbing, and fabrics that hold up to fieldwork and washing in the field. The Crye Precision Combat Pants GEN 3 in Multicam represent the top of this category - used by British and allied special forces and designed to interface with the Crye Combat Shirt system for a complete integrated uniform. The Clawgear Raider Mk.IV is the professional-grade European option, used by German and other NATO forces in Olive Green and available in Black. Both are cut to be worn with knee pad inserts, with dedicated pockets built into the knee area for compatible knee protection pads.

Tactical cargo trousers

Tactical cargo trousers are defined by their multi-pocket layout, which typically includes two thigh cargo pockets (with internal organisation), hip pockets, back pockets, and sometimes dedicated utility pockets at the waist or lower leg. This pocket architecture makes them the standard choice for patrol work, training, and any role where carrying small items of kit without a vest or belt is required. The 5.11 TDU and Taclite Pro series are the most widely used tactical cargo trousers in UK policing and security work, known for their durability and practical pocket layout. The Clawgear Enforcer Flex Pants at GBP 79.94 add stretch fabric panels to a cargo trouser base for better movement during physical activity.

Tactical work trousers

Tactical work trousers bridge the gap between standard duty uniform trousers and full combat trousers. They use a more civilian-adjacent cut and fabric finish that suits uniformed roles where combat-specific features are not required, while retaining reinforced construction and functional pocket layouts. The 5.11 Stryke and Apex ranges are the most popular options in this category, with a look that suits security, close protection and uniformed services work without the obvious military aesthetic of a combat trouser. The 5.11 Defender Flex Jeans at GBP 76.50 take this further, offering a tactical trouser in a dark wash denim format for plain-clothes carry roles.

Lightweight tactical trousers for training

For high-output training, physical conditioning and warm-weather operations, lighter fabric trousers offer better breathability and range of movement without the weight and bulk of a full combat trouser. The 5.11 Apex Shorts range (from GBP 63) and the UF PRO P-40 Tactical Shorts provide this at the shorter end. For full-length lightweight options, the 5.11 Taclite Pro remains a strong choice given its ripstop fabric and lighter construction compared to the TDU.

Colours and patterns available

Black tactical trousers

Black is the most widely stocked colour in the range, with 13 products available. Black tactical trousers are the standard choice for UK police, security, close protection and doorman roles where a non-military, professional appearance is required. The 5.11 TDU Ripstop in Black at GBP 64.50, the 5.11 Taclite Pro in Black at GBP 63, the Clawgear Operator Pant in Black at GBP 96.50, and the Clawgear Raider Mk.IV Long in Black at GBP 149.95 are the primary black tactical trouser options in the range.

Multicam trousers

Multicam is available in 8 products in the range, including the Crye Precision Combat Pants GEN 3 and several 5.11 options. Multicam is the NATO-compatible camouflage pattern used by British and allied forces and is the correct choice for field operations where camouflage is required. The Crye Precision GEN 3 in Multicam at GBP 429.95 is the professional benchmark. If you need a matching Multicam combat shirt or jacket to complete a field uniform, those are stocked separately in our tactical clothing categories.

Military Olive Green

RAL7013 (German Army Olive) is available across the Clawgear Raider Mk.IV and Enforcer Flex ranges, and is also used by several European NATO forces as a standard field colour. For UK-based buyers needing a non-Multicam military colour for exercises or field use, RAL7013 is the closest available option in the professional trousers range. Five products are available in RAL in the current stock.

Frequently asked questions about tactical trousers

What is the difference between tactical trousers and combat trousers?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a practical distinction in the professional market. Combat trousers are designed specifically to military field specifications - reinforced knee panels sized for knee pads, a field-optimised pocket layout, and fabrics and construction rated for sustained operational use. Tactical trousers is a broader term that covers any trouser designed for operational, duty or outdoor professional use, including trousers more suited to uniformed duty than field operations. All trousers in our range are professionally rated. The Crye Precision and Clawgear Raider series are combat trousers in the strict sense; the 5.11 Stryke and Apex ranges are tactical trousers suited to a wider range of duty roles.

What are the best tactical trousers for UK police and security work?
The 5.11 Taclite Pro and 5.11 TDU are the most widely used tactical trousers in UK policing and security work. Both use ripstop fabric, carry the standard 5.11 cargo pocket layout, and are available in Black for uniformed roles. The Taclite Pro is lighter and more suited to warm-weather or high-output duty; the TDU is heavier and more suited to prolonged outdoor use. For close protection roles where a tactical trouser needs a lower profile, the 5.11 Stryke or 5.11 Apex in Khaki or Tundra are a better fit.

What tactical trousers are used by the British Army?
The British Army issues its own MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern) combat trousers through the Defence Clothing procurement system, which are not available on the open market. The closest commercial equivalents for personnel needing non-issued field trousers are the Crye Precision Combat Pants GEN 3 in Multicam, which are used by British special forces and certain allied units, and the Clawgear Raider Mk.IV. Both are stocked at UK Tactical. If you are purchasing for service use and need to confirm acceptability for wear, call 01642 612 524.

Do your tactical trousers have knee pad pockets?
Yes, the Crye Precision Combat Pants GEN 3 and the Clawgear Raider Mk.IV both have dedicated knee pad pockets built into the knee area, designed to accept compatible knee protection inserts. The knee pad is not included with the trousers and must be purchased separately. If you need knee pads to go with these trousers, we stock compatible options in our protective gear category.

What sizes are your tactical trousers available in?
5.11 Tactical trousers use a waist and inseam measurement system (e.g., 30x32, 32x32, 34x32) and run true to size in our experience. Crye Precision uses a waist and inseam measurement system with a separate fit designation (Regular or Long). Clawgear uses waist and inseam sizing with Regular and Long length options. Full size availability is listed on each individual product page. Call 01642 612 524 if you need fitting advice.

Can I buy tactical trousers in Multicam?
Yes. Multicam trousers are in stock across 8 products in the range, including the Crye Precision Combat Pants GEN 3 and several 5.11 options. Filter the range by the Multicam colour option to see all available products. If you need Multicam shorts, combat shirts or jackets to match, those are stocked in the wider clothing range.