In this short article we take a look at the Helikon-Tex UTP Rip-Stop 11“ tactical shorts.
From the very first sentence, it's clear that these are not classic camo pants. These tactical shorts retain a typical look, but with a quality comparable only to military clothing.
What is the fabric of the pants?
The surface finish is Rip-Stop, meaning it is created by a grid of thicker fibers, forming a material resistant to tearing and fraying. Speaking of reinforced spots, the shorts offer increased protection at the knees and groin. These parts are multiply stitched and reinforced. The main zipper is a quality metal YKK zipper, complemented by a Velcro fastening strip. This combination allows for quick and strong closure. The wide waistband accommodates belts up to 5cm. The rear part of the waistband is elastic, giving the pants approximately an extra 4-6cm of circumference.
(fig. 1 Helikon-Tex UTS 11“ in coyote color)
How many pockets do the shorts have?
The shorts are equipped with 12 pockets, symmetrically placed on both sides. The front pockets are deep with a reinforced edge. This gives them greater resistance to wear and also narrows the top part. This makes items harder to take out of the pocket, but on the other hand reduces the likelihood of them falling out on their own. The side cargo pockets have a plastic zipper. They are complemented by smaller side pockets with Velcro fastening. These pockets are suitable for mobile phones and pocket knives. The rear pockets are again deep, but lack the narrow profile of the front pockets. They are also complemented by smaller open pockets for folding knives.
(fig. 2 Helikon-Tex UTS 11“ in coyote color - cargo pocket)
My overall summary
Overall, high-quality shorts with a sturdy surface finish and fantastically well-placed pockets. The UTP line of pants is simply worth the money.
