The Contractor Multicam (MC) pant by Viktos was recently released at SHOT Show 2020. It is their company’s solution to provide shooters with a low-vis tactical trousers using high-durability textiles. Building on Viktos’ Contractor AF pattern the Contractor MC is made from 50% NyCo Multicam / 50% nylon, and provides a number of elements intent on providing comfort as well as function.
Starting at the waist, the Contractor MC pant have seven 3” wide beltloops (four in the front and three in the back) with a padded waistband and patterned stitch line. These features improve comfort when wearing a heavy tactical belt, and have extensive bartack that maintains durability of the materials. The cut of the Contractor MC pant is slightly bowed due to the articulation slits at the needs and added material. This accounts for deep knee movements common with life in the field.
The Contractor MC has a top button and dual-shuttle YKK zipper fly whereby the zipper line itself has a sufficient amount of excess material under it to protect the more sensitive skin areas (i.e. frank and beans) from any accidental pinching. This unique design also allows the zipper to function while continuing to wear a duty or gun belt, and not requiring the wearer to remove it.
The two front pockets are a deep slash pattern, with additional bartack and double line stitching for reinforcement and to account for retention clip items (such as pocket knives). The Viktos “Unconquered” branding appears on the interior of the front right pocket. On the top of each thigh is a smaller 4” wide accessory pocket for smaller items, such as pocket notebooks or magazines, that can be easily accessed while sitting in a vehicle.
The two rear pockets are zipper secured with bands of nylon adding reinforcement to the exterior pocket flap. The “Viktos” name appears in raised rubberized lettering on the right pocket band. On the outer thigh is a 7 ¾” zipper-secured concealed cargo pocket on each side with a nylon pull cord that is then sealed in shrink tubing. Just below those is a 4” open-ended accessory pocket for pocket knives or other clip-on accessories.
The knee segments and a crotch gusset are articulated, that incorporate Viktos’ Attackposture™ design, a four-way, flexible panel that provides maximum flexibility to accommodate a variety of shooting stances. At each knee is an expansion panel for added articulation.
Each pant cuff is triple line stitched for maximum reinforcement, and to prevent/limit any fraying or compromise to the material.
The Contractor MC pant comes in Multicam (featured) and Multicam Dark (Coming Soon). Its sizing runs from a 28” waist to 44” and an inseam from 30” to 36”.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): At the list price of $160 the Contractor MC is Viktos’ take on a dedicated range/field pant that also omits some of the more flamboyant “operator” trademarks; such as external knee pads, hook-and-loop straps, or extravagant fabrics. For the price users get a very durable and functional set of trousers for the range (even if that range includes rock, mud, or sand). While the defacto king of trousers in this market type is Crye, whose trousers run between $214 and $273 and can be a little tough for the average consumer to afford. More realistically Direct Action’s Vanguard ($199 USD) trousers are an appropriate comparator, as would be UF Pro’s Striker ($199 USD) trousers, or Massif’s Combat Pant ($275). Obviously there are innumerable market alternatives that are more inexpensive, such as Tru-Spec’s 24×7 or Propper’s HLX, but these were trousers that did not have similarities in materials, stitching, or design. Among the market, this gave the MC a good level of affordability when considering what it brings to the table.
- Comfort – Excellent (5/5): Worn for several iterations at the range and in a variety of stressors, the Contractor MC remained extremely flexible and comfortable. While often the crotch is the point where trousers bind in more extreme movements, the MC had a sufficient gusset to allow for a wide range of motion, as did the Attackposture™ material (which is really just a four-way elastic type of nylon) included in the yolk and across the waist of the trousers. Likewise, the expandable slits just above the knee gave the MC a good deal of flex when taking a knee or bringing the leg up into the chest. One notable feature for comfort was the padded waistline; filled with a thin layer of open-cell foam, it was extremely comfortable against a duty or range belt and more so against the skin during dynamic movements. The one negative aspect from a comfort aspect for a pair of range/field pants was the lack of ability to add padding to the knees (be it either a sleeve inside the leg or on the exterior) so if you take a knee on uneven or rocky terrain care should be taken. Viktos excluded this design option most likely to maintain a more applicable field pant for consumers, not operators.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The MC was made from a blend of cotton and nylon that gave the trousers an average level of durability and stiffness. The conditions tested in included water, mud, rock, and on concrete and aside from usual wear the material retained an average level or abrasion resistance. The trousers were put through four wash cycles and no loose threading or material was noted. Final examination revealed that the MC had a high level of bartack stitching along the belt line and high-stress points of the pockets, with double-line stitching on pockets, crotch, and leg cuffs. These all ensured that there was no compromise of the stitching or material, and if it were to ever become so then it would be limited to the effected area. The only concern was the plastic top button to the fly, it was only secured by a single band of nylon. Under hard usage, similar buttons retained in the same manner have either been ripped off by gear or simply broken and it would be recommended to Viktos to consider metal snap-type buttons in future field pants for added strength and stand less chance of being torn off.
- Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionally, the number of pockets on the MC were extremely useful. Most could easily accommodate a rifle or pistol magazine, and it was noted the pockets on the front thigh could allow for more direct access than traditional cargo pockets, leaving the concealed cargo pockets available or larger items. The fly itself had two shuttles, so there was no need to have to undo any range/battle belt if visiting the restroom. A good deal of the MC’s functionality was put into making it comfortable while worn for an extensive time (4+ hours) and regardless of conditions. The only noted minor problem with the function of the MC pants was the concealed cargo pockets on the outer thighs. When walking the pull cords would, by natural action of walking, stand out and brush against the hands while swaying. A little annoying but not anything that would detract from the overall function and purpose of the trousers. Traditional cargo pockets are often buttoned, or have a zipper shuttle that can likewise be tucked under the material.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 1.72 pounds the MC had a good amount of blended nylon and appropriate room for movement through its waist and upper thigh. The NyCo gives the material added resistance to abrasion and limited any potential tears to the stitching. However, the MC also came in at a little heavier than some market alternatives identified, with the Crye Gen 3 (1.6 pounds), the Vanguard (1.32 pounds), UF Pro’s Striker (2.09 pounds), and the Massif’s Combat Pant (2.0 pounds) all placed the MC at an average weight within the market of range/field trousers.
Overall Rating – Good (21/25)
Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/pants/products/contractor-mc?variant=31737035292768
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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