I was lucky to receive the other day a pair of the new Vertx Phantom Ops Airflow pants. If you don’t know who Vertx is, well then you’ve been asleep behind the wheel of the tactical fashion industry. Vertx (from their website) “is the tactical brand of Fechheimer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc and makers of Flying Cross military and law enforcement uniforms.” I also heard the name Arc’Teryx mentioned at SHOT one year as having input into the design (haven’t got confirmation yet..).
In a nut (no pun) shell, Vertx provides great designs of pants and shirts that are made for LEOs/Mils, and Civies involved in anything from combat, training or hell, any type of athletic work. I’ve always like the way the pants are cut without being super tight around my thighs. That being said, I work outside almost every day in South Florida and when the summer comes around, heat and humidity are unbearable. Choice in fabric and design are vital to staying cool and not walking around with disgusting sweat stains around your mid-section. Shorts are sometimes the answer and I’m lucky to be able to wear them on certain days. However, in my experience, shooting on the range (especially with rifles) do not mix well with exposed legs. Going prone and getting a brass burns on your calf..sucks.
The solution: The Phantom Ops Airflow pant lives up to it’s name. The Phantom line of pants from Vertx is their alternate lightweight pant, constructed with 6.5 oz. 65% poly/ 35% cotton mini rip-stop fabric. It is slightly different than their other lightweight pant, the Phantom LT. Some differences are the flaps over the rear pockets to keep stuff in (and people out) and a dedicated small side pocket for tools or a knife.
Now, the good part. The Active Airflow System as they call it, are these mesh inserts sewn into the inseam on both legs and on the side cargo pockets. They make the mesh in colors that match the pants or in a camo print if you like. I prefer the matching style as it hides it better. The Airflow works like opening a window on both sides of the room. It creates a breeze through the pants. On a windy day, well, you can feel the air go in and up on one side and come down and out the other. Yes, the groin area gets fresh air! The effect is dramatic. On a hot, humid day last week, being outside was not unbearable. The more I moved, the more the air moved through. And, going inside to the air conditioning became a very fun exercise. Staying cool while also getting protection from brass and other nasty range objects made this a winner in my book.
The price from Vertx’s web store is $109.95. Yes, I know the price is high but keep it relative. Most tactical pants cost over $50 and the extra cost is going to a good cause…your body and mind staying cool.
Go get some!
http://www.wearvertx.com/Phantom-OPS-Powered-by-Airflow.aspx
” tactical fashion industry. ”
Can anyone guess what kind of images that term creates in my mind? 🙂