Review: TAD Amphibious Pants
For the last 3 months, I have been putting the Amphibious Cargo Pants from Triple Aught Design (TAD) through some pretty arduous trials in a little town in Alaska that offers up rugged terrain, tall mountains, extreme snow, ice, rain, and wind. The need for quality clothing that can match and withstand these is critical. Bottom line is this: You will not find a better pair of rugged, durable, and comfortable clothing on the market. Period.
If you’re not familiar with Triple Aught Design, now would be a good time to learn. They are a company based out of Northern California that offers fantastic customer service and some of the highest quality items. And of course, their product line is Made in the USA, which is a big sticking point for me. You know that when their label is on a product, you’re getting a quality item.
Being in Southeast Alaska, a clear sunny day is a surprise. The daily normal is a grey sky and constant rain. The only break is when the rain gives way to snow and ice. Either way you look at it, plan on it being wet. TAD’s Amphib pants handle the environment without issue. Several times while out hiking I would be caught in a massive downpour without shelter. TAD knows this and that’s why they made the pants. TAD’s website boast the term “quick drying” in regards to their material. This is an understatement. These pants dried out in about 5 minutes. Even the pockets have grommets to aid in drainage. I have never worn clothing that offers this. This alone should be a huge selling point to those who work, operate, or play in a marine environment. If you’re not a water person, these pants offer just as much practicality for flat earth. There is a reason the TAD is a popular company with many Operators, land or sea. Security is a rugged job, these are rugged pants.
In addition to being versatile in weather, I have to say that these are also the most comfortable pants I have ever worn. The material is lightweight, durable, and extremely flexible. Designed with a gusseted crotch, these pants provide total freedom of movement. This was immediately noticeable during the 3.5 hour climbed over rugged terrain as I reached 2,500 feet. Ironically, a buddy of mine could not continue his climb because the carhartt pants he was wearing would not allow him the dexterity to reach some anchor points. Even funnier is that his “rugged” pants ripped on the way down. Derp. Not mine though. You wont have that problem with TAD’s clothing. These puppies are triple needle stitched on the inseam and outseam, as well as reinforced on the pockets and seats.
As far as pockets, the Amphibious Pants have you set. These pants boats 8 perfectly placed pockets, including 2 hidden passport pockets on the rear interior. It may have ben un-intentional on the part of TAD, but the side cargo pockets are actually perfectly sized to hold an iPad…which served me quite well on my travel to Alaska. Thanks TAD! Some of the other features that these pants offer are inserts for knee pads, easy repair buttons with webbing, d-ring keepers, and adjustable leg drawstrings. The belt loops are big enough to accommodate a riggers belt and spaced far enough apart to provide room for a holster, but still keep the belt in place. In addition, there are  2 ITW Nexus D-ring gear keepers for dummy cording the contents of the front pockets. Each of the pockets appears to have triple stitched reinforcement. You can give it a good tug and definitely tell the difference in quality. These pants re-define versatility.
While I was abusing these pants, there were a couple of things that really stood out to me and vaulted them to the top of my favorites list.
Spot Clean: Alaska is a dirty and muddy place. I often would get covered in grime and dirt. Falling, climbing, hiking, fishing…you name it, I got dirty. Each and every time, this material allowed me to spray of the dirt and carry on with my day. It’s amazing. All the abuse I have put them through and not one stain.
Comfort and Durability: TAD claims lightweight and durable. Yes and Yes. I am not exaggerating when I say that these are the most comfortable pants I have ever worn. It’s almost impossible to find a comfortable pant that is rugged and durable. Well, TAD is known for breaking boundaries, and that’s just what they did with these pants.
Cold Weather Wear: Given the lightweight nature of the material, I had figured that they would not do very well at blocking the wind…and those of you who have been to Alaska know how cold that wind gets. Well, I was wrong. I wore these in temperatures ranging from 68 degrees to 18 degrees. -3 degrees if you factor the sustained 40 knot winds. My biggest surprise was that these pants block wind too. It was only after about 4 hours outside with the temperature at the aforementioned -3 degrees that my legs finally started to get cold. Solution? Next time I went out, I added an Under Armour base layer first, then the TAD Amphib pants. Problem solved. Truly a versatile item! I have no idea how pants can be cool and airy in the summer, yet keep you warm in the winter…but I love it!
While this review looks at more of the practical side of wearing the pants, the details of its make and design can be easily found on their website.
Here is the bottom line: If you’re looking for a lightweight, maritime friendly, quick drying pair of pants, then TAD’s Amphibious Pants are the perfect solution for you. Available in Black, Grey, and Desert colors, you simply can’t go wrong. Oh yah, did I mention that they are made in the USA?  Yes, USA made. That’s another reason you know that you are getting quality. Well, what are you waiting for…head over the TAD’s website now and check out what they have to offer. Regardless if you’re wearing these pants for work or play, TAD has offered an amazing product at a reasonable price. I give the Amphibious Pants my highest recommendation. You won’t be disappointed!
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  Review: TAD Amphibious Pants was originally published on American Infidel Nation
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