Released in early 2022, the Wartorn Pant by Viktos advances the previous Contractor trouser design by bringing in additional utility features while keeping the same level of durability. The Wartorn Pant is made using Viktos’ Combatgrade™ stretch cotton/nylon chassis that provides improved comfort as well as function.
Starting at the waist, the Wartorn Pant has 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 at stress points to maintain durability of the materials. The cut of the Wartorn Pant is slightly bowed due to the articulation slits at the knees and added joist material. This also accounts for deep knee movements common with life on the range or in the field.
At the top, the Wartorn Pant has a button and dual-shuttle YKK zipper fly with excess material under the zipper to protect the more sensitive skin areas 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 and angle pattern, with additional bartack and double line stitching for reinforcement, and a secondary pocket to account for retention clip items (such as pocket knives). The Viktos “Unconquered” branding appears on the interior of the front right pocket.
At mid-thigh is a multi-use cargo pocket with two slotted pockets behind the main pocket for full-size magazines (one rifle, one pistol) and one EDC tool (flashlight). The 8” (W) x 12” (H) cargo pocket itself is snap-button secured.
The two rear pockets are 7” wide each and open-ended at the top to allow immediate access when needed.
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. Internally, each knee segment is slotted on the inside for knee padding (not included). Behind each knee, a hook-and-loop adjustment strap allows for custom tapering above the end-user’s calf.
Each pant cuff is single line stitched for added reinforcement, and to prevent/limit any fraying or compromise to the material.
The Wartorn Pant comes in Ranger Green (featured), Black, and Coyote. Its sizing runs from a 28” waist to 44” and an inseam from 30” to 36”.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): With its MSRP of $115, the Wartorn Pant is an attempt to bridge a functional range/field pant with hallmark features found on other “operator” type trousers. This includes internal knee pad slots, hook-and-loop straps, and a padded waist line. 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). In contrast, Crye is the defacto “king” of trousers in this design type and those run between $214 and $273. Alternatively, 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 less expensive, such as the 24×7 ($63.95) by Tru-Spec, or the HLX ($59.99) by Propper, but these were trousers that did not have similarities in materials, stitching, or design to the Wartorn. Among the market, this gave the Wartorn Pant an appropriate (or average) level of affordability when considering what it brings to the table.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): Worn over a period of 30 days for several iterations on the range, and in a variety of stressors, the Wartorn Pant remained extremely flexible and comfortable. While often the gusset is the point where trousers bind in more dynamic movements, the Wartorn had a sufficient oversized gusset to allow for a wide range of motion, as did the Attackposture™ material (which appeared to be 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 Wartorn a good deal of flex when taking a knee or bringing the leg up into the chest. It would have been of benefit had the Wartorn had similar adjustment straps at the waistline as well. 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. Additionally, the ability to add padding to the knees could enhance the comfort of the Wartorn over rough terrain, although it did not come with any neoprene pads nor does Viktos offer any, so the end-user will be on their own to find a pair that fits. The Wartorn does run true-to-fit, so users will need to remember their actual body measurement when ordering and not at other sizes that may vary between manufacturers.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The Wartorn was made from a cotton/nylon blend that gave the trousers an average level of durability and stiffness for their intended purpose. The conditions the trousers were tested against included water, mud, rock, and on concrete and aside from usual wear – the material retained an appropriate level or abrasion resistance. The trousers were put through four wash cycles and no fraying or loose threading of material was noted. Closer examination revealed that the Wartorn had a high degree of bartack stitching (though not as much as the Contractor series) along the belt line and high-stress points – with double-line stitching on pockets, and crotch gusset. These features all ensured that there was no compromise of the stitching or material during dynamic movement, and if it were to ever become so then it would be limited to the affected area. The only concern was the plastic button anchored at the top of the fly, as it was only secured by a single band of nylon. Under hard usage, similar buttons retained in the same manner can become ripped off by gear or simply broken. A recommendation to Viktos in future designs would be to consider changing the button to a metal snap-type, or a hook-and-loop tab similar to the knee adjustment straps for added strength and stand less chance of being shorn off.
- Functionality – Excellent (5/5): From a functional aspect, the Wartorn had a large degree of application for those who live a regular life on the range. The number of pockets on the Wartorn were extremely useful, and most pockets easily accommodated a rifle or pistol magazine. It was noted during evals the multi-use cargo pockets on the thigh allowed for additional storage/access, leaving the traditional side pockets available for flatter items or accessories. The fly itself had two shuttles on the same zipper, so there was a good convenience factor with no need in undoing the range/battle belt if visiting the restroom. A good deal of the Wartorn’s functionality was put into making it comfortable while worn for an extensive amount of time (4+ hours) and regardless of conditions. Aspects like the Attackposture segments, articulation joints, and tapered design all allowed for full range of motion regardless of the setting. Finally, the hook-and-loop knee adjustment straps did a good job at cinching excess material around the lower leg to provide a more customized fit to the overall trouser and individual.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 1.64 pounds the Wartorn had a good amount of blended cotton and nylon fabric, with an appropriate amount of room for movement through the waist and upper thigh of the trouser. While extensive reinforcement stitching was noted, it was neither excessive nor cumbersome. In contrast, the weight of market alternatives noted included 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 of which places the Wartorn Pant are of an average weight amid the market of alternatives and for the materials chosen.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/pants/products/wartorn-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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