In EMS, having the Best EMT Pants is essential to staying safe. Our clothing really has the ability to be part of our PPE, especially when you choose EMS Pants that are designed to protect you from both the natural environment, and body fluids, etc.
A good set of Paramedic Pants also have a good amount of pockets for keeping small utility items and EMS Equipment such as Trauma Sheers. This ability to safely store your wallet, equipment and even your stethoscope is essential for EMTs and Medics.
When we set out to write a list of the best EMT Pants, the first thing we noticed is how many options there are! We’re talking literally hundreds of different brands, models and variants.
In order to determine the best options, we evaluated them all for durability, cost, material/fabric type, reviews, and their practicalities for use in EMS.
As a result, we had 5 stand-outs to include in the below list:
1. 5.11 Taclite EMS Pants – The Best EMT Pants
The 5.11 Taclite EMS Pants are easy to name as the Best EMS Pants available. With plenty of pockets, durable material, and a comfortable design, these EMT Pants are perfect for first responders.
These EMS Pants are also available in women’s, and come in either black or navy blue, making them compatible with most uniform standards.
In addition, these Tactical Paramedic Pants are designed to incorporate knee pads, helping to make you even more comfortable and protect your knees while on duty. You never know when you’ll be in a situation where this feature will come in handy…
5.11 is well known for producing high-quality tactical clothing and equipment, and these pants are no exception.
As you can see in the above video, 5.11 Tactical designed these Paramedic Pants with medics in mind, making them the best EMT Pants available.
Pros:
- Durable Material
- Plenty of pockets
- Comfortable fit
- 5.11 Tactical is a well-known and trusted brand
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other options
- Only two colors available
2. CQR Tactical Pants – The Second Best EMT Pants
The CQR Tactical Pants are a close second in the list of the best EMS Pants.
These Tactical Paramedic Pants are well designed, with plenty of pockets and durable, water repelling fabric. The use of water repelling fabric is particularly useful for applications in EMS, as we work in all types of environments and weather conditions. In addition to repelling rain however, having water repellent fabric may also help to repel some body fluids, or, at the very least, make the EMS pants easier to clean.
In addition, the design is available in a variety of sizes and color options, with something sure to suit everyone, and every agency guideline and uniform policy.
As shown in the video above, the CQR Tactical Pants are great quality, with plenty of pockets to store your EMS Gear & Equipment.
Pros:
- Durable, water repellent material
- Great customer reviews
- Plenty of pockets
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
3. Dickies Regular Cargo Pants – Entry Level Paramedic Pants
While Dickies Regular Cargo Pants are not specifically designed as EMS Pants, they still are a good option, especially for those looking for more affordable EMS Pants.
These pants make the list of the best EMT Pants because they offer good cargo pockets, durable material and a comfortable fit for an affordable price.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Cargo pockets
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Not as much storage as the Best EMT Pants
- Not water-resistant material
- Only three color options (Black, Navy Blue & Sand)
4. Protective Light Weight Tactical Pants – Good Value EMT Pants
The team at Protective have designed these tactical pants to be a versatile, durable and affordable pair of pants, with police and military in mind. They do however make for good EMS Pants due to their durable, moisture-wicking material and plenty of pockets to keep your gear.
Coming an on the list of the Best EMT Pants at number four, these pants are a good option for those looking for a decent pair of tactical pants at an affordable price.
Some will argue that you don’t need tactical pants for EMS, and this is true – however there are a number of benefits that we’ll discuss below this list.
Pros:
- Durable Material
- Affordable
- Pockets
- Clever Design
Cons:
- Not water-resistant fabric
- Only available in two colors (Black & Military Green)
5. Rothco Deluxe EMT Pants – Great EMT & Paramedic Pants
The Rothco Deluxe EMT Pants make for great EMT & Paramedic Pants because they are designed with EMS in mind.
If you’re looking for one of the best pairs of Paramedic Pants, look no further. These are fifth on the list of the Best EMT Pants because they are tough, durable and are designed specifically for EMS.
Their thick material however can make them a bad choice for warmer climates, so keep this in mind when deciding which pair of Paramedic pants to buy.
As shown in the video below, these pants have plenty of pockets to store your equipment, and are durable.
Pros:
- Durable, thick material
- Plenty of pockets
Cons:
- More expensive than other alternatives
- Material is quick and not breathable
Are Tactical Pants really the Best EMT Pants?
Tactical pants make for some of the best EMT Pants because they are designed for use in touch, unforgiving environments. In EMS, we don’t know what situations and environments we will be walking into during our shift.
From standing by at a structure fire, responding to a cardiac arrest in a retirement facility, or being called to a motor vehicle accident on the highway, you need to be able to trust your EMT Pants as well as you trust your EMS gear and equipment.
Some people will argue that Tactical Pants are not necessary for EMTs and Paramedics, and while they are quite right in saying so, they are forgetting that necessity isn’t equal to ideals. While it isn’t essential to have a pair of tactical Paramedic Pants, it sure as hell can be useful to have them.
The same goes for many things, for example, while it isn’t necessary to have the Best EMT Stethoscope, it still comes in useful to have it.
One of the reasons why Tactical Pants make for such good Paramedic Pants is that they have lots of pockets for storing your personal items and gear such as gloves and trauma sheers. A good number of pockets is essential to choosing the best EMT Pants to wear on your shift.
They also make for great EMS Pants because they typically conform to our uniform policies and colors. Navy blue and black are popular colors for EMS clothing, and these colors are widely available in the range of tactical pants that flood the market.
Tactical Paramedic Pants also are designed to allow a greater range of movement, with material that stretches to allow increased flexibility for your joints. As an added benefit many have pockets for placing knee pads, which are an excellent addition to your gear when kneeling down to perform CPR.
Overall, while not essential, Tactical Pants are an excellent choice when you’re looking for the Best EMT Pants.
