I Tried Two Different Pants for 3 Years—Here’s What Happened

The Importance of Durability in Survival Attire

One of the first lessons I started with in this Collapse Curriculum was about how critical our clothing choices are in preparing for austere conditions and for survival in outdoor environments. That’s why I put CQR vs. 5.11 Tactical pants through three years of real-world punishment to see which brand truly holds up.

Now I’m no brand ambassador and this is not a sponsored post. I generally don’t do gear review. But I thought this would be a good primer on why you should be conscious when using your resources to prepare yourself for the difficult future we face. I want you to make informed decisions when buying any sort of gear.

Velcro failures and ripped seams are a reminder that “cheap” can cost you when it matters most. A busted seam at the wrong time? Now you’re exposed. A pocket flap that won’t stay shut? Now you’re losing essential gear. Tactical clothing isn’t just an accessory—it’s armor for the unpredictable.

That’s why I put CQR and 5.11 Tactical pants through nearly three years of real-world survival testing. From mud, sweat, and field days to harsh weather and heavy use, I wanted to see which pair could keep up—and which one would fail when it mattered most.

Putting CQR & 5.11 Tactical Pants to the Test

Both brands advertised ripstop material—a must-have for preventing small tears from turning into major failures. But marketing claims mean nothing if the gear can’t survive real-world punishment.

For nearly three years, I rotated between CQR and 5.11 Tactical pants, putting them through:
✔️ Daily wear – because survival gear has to work in everyday life, not just in emergencies.
✔️ Hiking & outdoor use – rough terrain, constant movement, and unpredictable weather.
✔️ Range training – kneeling, moving, drawing gear from pockets, and repeated stress on seams.
✔️ Survival exercises & off-grid excursions – where failure means you deal with the consequences.

Price Check: At the time of purchase, CQR pants were $10-15 cheaper per pair than 5.11 Tactical. Seemed like a solid budget-friendly option… or so I thought.

But when it comes to survival, cheap gear that fails isn’t a bargain—it’s a liability. Here’s how they actually held up.

The Results: Which Pants Survived the Test?

After three years of hard use, the verdict is clear. One pair held up, while the other fell apart when it mattered most.

✅ 5.11 Tactical Pants – The Clear Winner

✔ Velcro Still Works – Even after constant wear, the pocket closures are still strong and secure.

✔ Seams Still Solid – No fraying, no unexpected rips, and no failures in the field.

✔ Better Design for Survival & Tactical Use – The pockets are better placed, more functional, and overall more reliable for carrying gear.

❌ CQR Tactical Pants – The Budget Option That Didn’t Last

❌ Velcro Completely Failed – Pocket closures wore out fast, making them useless for securing gear—a major issue in survival situations.

❌ Seam Failures – Some pairs literally started coming apart at the center seam, making them a liability instead of an asset.

❌ Cheaper, But at a Cost – The initial savings of $10-15 per pair didn’t mean much when the pants failed faster, making them less reliable over time.

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for tactical pants that can survive the long haul, 5.11 Tactical wins—hands down. CQR might be fine for casual wear, but if you’re serious about durability, spend the extra cash.

Want more insights on gear that holds up in the wild?

Check out my Survival Attire Field Guide, where I break down what you should be wearing when SHTF.