Recently released, the Patrolux Multicam (MC) Pant by Viktos is the company’s latest continuation of its popular Contractor tactical pant. Similarly, the Patrolux chassis is dominantly made from the same high-durability blend of 50% NyCo Multicam / 50% nylon, and provides several elements intent on giving end-users comfort as well as function.
Starting at the waist, the Patrolux MC pant has seven 2.5” 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 Patrolux MC pant is straight-legged to allow for deep knee movements common with life in the field.
The Patrolux MC has a top button and dual-shuttle YKK zipper fly whereby the zipper line itself has enough 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 upper half of the Patrolux also utilizes Viktos’ FortiFlex material which reinforces the upper hip and thigh against excessive abrasion caused by holster wear.
The two front pockets are a deep slash pattern, with additional bartack and binding tape along the pocket’s edge for reinforcement and to account for excess wear due to 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 an 8” wide, gusseted cargo pocket that is stitched to accommodate two rifle magazines (with elastic support cuffs inside the cargo pocket), and a pocket knife slot 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 knee segments are articulated using Viktos’ Attackposture™ design, a four-way, flexible panel that provides maximum flexibility to accommodate a variety of shooting stances. At each knee, and in the upper front pockets is a similar four-way articulation panel for added breathability and flexibility. The outward-facing side of the knee also includes an internal pocket for inserting generic neoprene knee pads (not included).
Each pant cuff has only a single stitch line for modest reinforcement, and to prevent/limit any fraying or compromise to the material.
The Patrolux MC pant comes in Multicam (featured) and Multicam Dark. 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 $175, the Patrolux MC is Viktos latest tactical pant and draws upon some elements of its Contractor line to provide the end-user with a dedicated range/field pant. 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 the current market type is Crye, whose trousers run between $247 and $400 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 Patrolux MC a good level of affordability when considering what it brings to the table.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): Worn for several iterations at the range and in a variety of stressors, the Patrolux MC remained extremely flexible and comfortable, with more flexibility in the knee than the previous Contractor pant. While often the crotch is the point where trousers bind in more extreme movements, the Patrolux had an extensive amount of gusset to allow for a wide range of motion, as did the Attackposture™ material (which is really a type of four-way elastic nylon) included in the yolk and across the waist of the trousers. Likewise, the four-way elastic material just above the knee gave the Patrolux 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. Another positive aspect of the Patrolux over the Contractor was an ability to add padding (not included) to the knees (be it by the sleeve on the leg’s exterior) so if you take a knee on uneven or rocky terrain some added protection could be afforded.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The Patrolux was made from a blend of cotton and nylon that gave the trousers an average level of durability and stiffness, while retaining a good degree of breathability. 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 fading of material was noted. Final examination revealed that the Patrolux 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 affected 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 Patrolux was extremely useful. Most could easily accommodate a rifle or pistol magazine, and it was noted the cargo pockets on the front thigh expectedly had some difficulty accessing when wearing a drop-belt holster. The flap of the cargo pockets themselves did a good job of keeping the pocket’s opening concealed and under a lowered profile. 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 Patrolux’s functionality was put into making it comfortable while worn for an extensive time (4+ hours) and regardless of conditions. Perhaps the biggest positive of the Patrolux was the four-way stretch fabric included at the waist, pockets, and knees that ensured good flexibility and comfort when performing stressor positions and avoided any kind of pinch by fabric getting pulled. Indeed it was very reminiscent of Tru-Spec’s XPedition pants; however, Viktos seemed to have resolved the issue by avoiding the four-way stretch material in the crotch gusset, thus not suffering from the same stitch separation due to high stress tearing at the threads. Perhaps the only notable (minor) area for recommendation is the lack of a double line stitch at the pant cuff, as that is an area of high abrasion/contact and would better improve the longevity of the fabric. Lastly, while the Patrolux did include external slots for inserting some type of flat neoprene knee pad. Viktos does not include such items on their website nor with the trousers itself, so the end user will be on their own to provide one. It would also be advisable for Viktos to either move the knee pad pocket to the inside of the trouser leg and avoid debris entering the slot opening, or at the very least to add a band of hook-and-loop at the opening to ensure it remains closed while worn or the pad doesn’t slip out.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 1.10 pounds (for a size 38” waist and 34” inseam) the Patrolux Multicam Pant had a good amount of blended nylon, four-way stretch material, and appropriate room for movement through its waist, knees, and upper thigh. The material itself added resistance to abrasion and limited any potential tears to the stitching. Moreover, the Patrolux also came in at a little lighter than the previous Contractor MC pants (1.72lb), but was in-line with other tactical trousers like 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). Perhaps the Patrolux’s lighter materials in its Attackposture design lent itself to a slightly lighter profile in comparison, while still allowing for flexible fabric and the breathability to mitigate heat.
Overall Rating – Good (20/25)
Product Link: https://viktos.com/bottoms/pants/patrolux-mc-pant/
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, 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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