I recently purchased some cargo style pants to wear during outdoor training for work. These pants are not a product I just began to wear. As a matter of fact, the first time I donned them was in 1992 when I joined the US Army. I have never met a soldier who did not like BDUs. I cannot say the same about the Army dress uniforms (yuck).
Once I left the Army and began my career in law enforcement, I wanted to purchase additional BDUs for a couple of reasons; they’re comfortable, mine were wearing out; and (this may be hard to believe) I wanted the pants in a color other than camouflage. With evolution of the Internet and some research, I was able to determine that Propper International, Inc. manufactures BDUs for the military.
Several years ago I purchased the Button-Fly Battle Rip Trouser in black and olive green from Propper International, Inc. But it wasn’t until my recent purchase of those pants in other colors (light grey, dark grey and khaki), that women were asking me about who made the pants and where I purchased them. I wouldn’t have thought to review this product until those inquiries.
Propper International sells their BDUs in cotton, poly, twill and other fabric combinations that accommodate your needs. Personally, I have only ever purchased the trousers in the Battle Rip 65/35 Poly/Cotton, which is very durable and heavy weight. These trousers are available in Grey, Dark Grey, Olive Green, Khaki, Navy, Black and Camouflage. They are priced at $39.99.
Other specifications for the Battle Rip trouser include:
Sewn to Military Specification MIL-T-44047E
These pants are unisex. That may sound insignificant, but it is very important because their pants are made for most body types. That cannot be said for most clothing. For reference I am 5’5” and (depending on the time of day) 130 lbs. I purchased the small/short. They are slightly baggy. The military BDUs from Propper offer an x-small option, which the Battle Rip Trouser does not. Stating the obvious, military BDUs are only available in camouflage.
Just a warning, there are other alluring products on Propper’s website. This was one of those websites that I had trouble focusing on my intended purchase. Inserting the hyperlink to this article tempted me back into the website. Somehow, I found the strength to resist making additional purchases. It was close…I had items in my basket.~Sara Ahrens
www.propper.com
*This reviewer purchased this product for review.
Yes, I am simple with my words LOL! Thanks. They are awesome pants.
I love Propper BDUs! I have a high, small waist and … uh … substantial thighs, and I love that Propper BDUs accommodate that (most women’s pants don’t, unfortunately).
I read a while back on the Girls Guide to Guns that the Army is starting to develop women’s BDUs (http://girlsguidetoguns.com/2010/12/01/army-tests-combat-uniform-designed-for-women/), and when I met the guys from Propper at the SHOT Show, they said that was still likely a couple years away. But still, there’s hope!
An impressive post, I just gave this to a colleague who is doing a little analysis on this topic. And he is very happy and thanking me for finding it. But all thanks to you for writing in such simple words. Big thumb up for this blog post!