I get it. It can be hard to shop for pants online, especially when the only information you have access to is what you see on your computer screen or mobile device.
It further complicates things when you options you are looking at are packed full of different features. That’s where I found myself a little less than a year ago.
I wanted to try out some of the VERTX offerings and was having a hard time making a decision. So, I went ahead and purchased 4 of their most popular styles with the intention of writing reviews and a comparison article.
If you are looking for individual reviews with technical information, specifications, and features, follow the links below to each particular VERTX style.
VERTX Pants Reviews
- VERTX Defiance Tactical Jeans Review
- VERTX Delta Stretch 2.1 Pants Review
- VERTX Cutback Technical Pants Review
- VERTX Grip Pants Review
However, if you looking for a more in-depth comparison, and my opinion on everything else, including what I believe is the best use for each of the styles, just keep reading.
One thing you will notice is I did not buy any of the “tactical” pants for this review. Although each of these pants may have certain features that could be labeled as tactical, the core function of each of these styles is more on the casual side.
I feel they can easily fit into most casual environments and not draw the attention of anyone.
Each of these also has pretty different styling as they related to one another. This is not a head-to-head comparison because we are looking at jeans, work pant styling, technical pants, and more.
With that in mind, this comparison will hopefully give you a greater understanding of what each style offers and what you can expect from each one.
Technical Specs
Let’s take a minute and compare these pants:
| Defiance Tactical Jeans | Delta Stretch 2.1 | Cutback Technical Pants | Grip Pants | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pockets | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Weight | 24.4 oz. (33×34) | 24.4 oz. (34×34) | 18 oz. (33×34) | 17.5 oz. (33×34) |
| Available Colors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Gusseted Crotch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Articulated Knee | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Reinforced Cuff | No | No | Yes | No |
| Fabric | Stretch 10.5-ounce 71% cotton/4% polyester/7% Modal/17% Coolmax®/1% Lycra® | 2-ounce 98% Cotton/ 2% Spandex | Stretch 6-ounce 48% cotton/25% 37.5® polyester/27% T400 polyester blend twill | Stretch 6 oz. 98% Cotton/ 2% Spandex twill |
| MSRP | $69.99 at VERTX | $84.99 at VERTX | $84.99 at VERTX | $69.99 at VERTX |
| Street Price | $64.99 at Amazon | $78.99 at Amazon | $81.99 at Amazon | $64.99 at Amazon |
VERTX Pants Sizing
This section may be a little confusing, but I will try to explain my experience with their sizing the best I can.
As you can see from the table above, I bought 33×34 in the Grip Pants, Cutback Pants, and Defiance Jeans. I bought a 34×34 in the Delta Stretch 2.1
For reference, I’m 6’2″ tall and about 185-190 lbs. give or take. Take that for what it’s worth.
It should also be noted, I almost always (99.9% of the time) carry appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB). I typically carry a Glock 43 in an Alex and Ryan Designs Master Blaster or a PHLster Enignma/Skeleton combo or I carry a Glock 19 in a PHLster Pro Series.
This may help give you an idea of the extra room I need in the waist to carry out those tasks.
Take a look at the photos below to get an idea of how each of the pants fits in regards to how tight or loose they may be.
If I was to rank these from the loosest fitting (very subjective, I know) to the slimmest fit, I would say it would go left to right as I have the photos arranged above. The Defiance Jeans are definitely the slimmest fitting and have more of a tapered fit as you can see below.
I would go as far as saying the Defiance Jeans are slightly snug in the thighs and on the calf portion of my leg. I would not want them to fit any snugger than they do.
Out of all styles, the Cutback pants seem to fit more loosely. This goes for the legs as well as the waist. I actually prefer the fit of these when compared to the same size in the other styles. They are just comfortable to wear.
VERTX Pants Durability
In regards to durability, I have not noticed any issues. I’ve been wearing all of these styles a lot and have not experienced any weak points, tears, failures, or other compromises.
There has probably been very slight fading with the Defiance Jeans and Delta Stretch and even less with the Grip Pants. I’ve noticed no fading with the Cutback Technical Pants, more than likely due to the technical nature of the fabric.
Keep in mind, I’ve had these a little less than a year, so longer range testing is needed to determine durability.
What Do VERTX Pants Feel Like?
Feel is very subjective, so I will try to explain this as well as I can. All of these pants are very different in construction, materials, and design. With that in mind, they all feel different.
The Cutback Technical pants have a soft technical feel to them. They are very lightweight and wear well in regards to comfort.
The Grip Pants are soft and lightweight as well but feel different than the Cutback Pants. They seem to have more of a brushed cotton feel to them if that makes sense. Super soft is the best way to explain it. They feel heavier than the Cutback but are lighter than the others.
The Delta Stretch pants can best be described as a somewhat lighter and softer version of Carhartt, Mountain Khakis, or similar canvas work pants. I really like the feel and since they have a slightly softer feel than their competitors they seem to be more comfortable. The stretch makes a huge difference as well.
The Defiance Jeans pretty much feel like a regular pair of denim jeans but more on the lightweight side. This is not reflected in durability/quality just in regards to touch. There’s not much to say about these other than they feel good and wear well.
My Favorite Features
Belt Loops
All of the pants have a lot of features and I’m not here to list all of them. However, I will list some of the things that I like best.
Where do we start? Let’s start with the belt loops. Weird, I know. But, if you regularly carry a weapon, either concealed or not, you can appreciate quality belt loops (size and spacing).
The belt loops on all of the styles are 1/2″ wide and can accommodate belts up to 1.75″. This is a big deal in the CCW world. On top of that, there are 8 belt loops. I know what you’re thinking….who cares, right? Well, I do, I guess.
I like a lot of evenly spaced belt loops not only help with distributing weight but also to help accommodate an offset buckle due to AIWB carry.
Gusseted Crotch
Who doesn’t like a gusseted crotch? No one once you’ve enjoyed the benefits.
For those not in the know, a gusseted crotch is essentially a diamond-shaped piece of fabric sewn into the crotch area. It adds flexibility and comfort as well as reducing stress and failure points in that area.
All of these styles offer the gusset and it’s awesome.
Articulated Knees
All of these pants offer an articulated knee design except the Grip Pants. I’m not sure why they don’t, but that’s just the way it is.
For the other 3 styles with the feature, it’s great. It’s basically pleated fabric above and below the knee on both sides.
This extra design feature allows these pants to bend and flex with you while adding comfort and preventing your cuffs from creeping.
I’m a huge fan.
Tons of Pockets
I get it…these pants offer a lot of pockets and most will never get used by a majority of people. However, the types, spacing, and availability is pretty cool for the off-chance you need to use them.
You have your staples, which you will use all the time, and then you have the “bonus” pockets that will help fulfill all your escape and evasion LARPing desires.
Seriously though, they aren’t an inconvenience in any way and if you ever need to use them, they are there.
Best VERTX Pants for Hot Weather
Hands down, the VERTX Cutback Technical Pants are the best for hot and humid weather. There is no close competition.
I’ve worn these on extremely hot (100+) and humid (80%+) days and they worked extremely well compared to the other styles. This is not a knock on them…few pants do well in environments like that.
I’m not saying they kept me “cool”. Nothing will in weather like that. What I am saying is that if you have to wear pants, these are going to perform very well, all things considered.
They are very breathable and tend to dry out very fast in high-perspiration scenarios.
The looser fit also helps keep things cooler in addition to the breathable fabric.
Best VERTX Pants for Blending In
Blending in…ah yes, you know we couldn’t get away from a little Gray Man talk.
When it comes to blending into the crowd, I feel like the Defiance Jeans and Delta Stretch do a good job.
The Defiance Jeans can be worn anywhere jeans are common and no one will ever cast a gaze. They look like normal jeans and there is nothing that makes them stand out compared to normal jeans anyone else would be wearing.
The Delta Stretch Pants work well for fitting in as well and they could definitely work at a job site or in a casual office setting when needed. They walk the line between work pants and khakis and can flex either way when needed. The rest of your wardrobe will obviously help facilitate this as well.
Best VERTX Pants for Work
As mentioned above, the Delta Stretch Pants are my go-to work pants. They are durable and have that “work” look to them when needed. I regularly used these on the range, instructing, remodeling, cutting wood, and more.
They’ve held up fine so far with no durability issues. Any pair of pants can be destroyed due to neglect, but these have performed fine under normal use.
What are my Favorite VERTX Pants
That’s a hard one because they are so different. It’s like comparing apples to oranges.
However, I will say that out of all 4 the Grip Pants are my least favorite. That’s not saying they are bad, because they aren’t. My only complaint, if you want to call them that, is that I’m not a big fan of the super soft feel and front pockets on the thighs.
That’s just a personal thing. I have buddies who love the feel and the pockets and they wear them all the time. That’s all I have to say about that.
But, when it comes to the other three styles, I love them all. They all work great for various applications and I find myself grabbing one or another on a regular basis.
I probably grab the Cutback more in summer due to the heat and the others more in cooler weather, but that’s just reacting to environmental factors. You can’t go wrong with any.