Introduction
Talking about field- or combat pants, we look at a pretty oversaturated market with only a few solutions that are actually recognized as relevant.
The Arktis C222 Ranger pants basically rely on the same features as the most popular solution, the Crye Gen 3 Combat Pants, but with some twists we like to take a look at. One of the aspects that got me into buying them is the fact that they are available in various camouflage patterns, like obviously Flecktarn, with the fabric being up to Mil-Spec and not being a cheap China rip-off. Also UK based Arktis is a well known garment and kit manufacturer for literally decades. So it was about time to look at those pants in form of a review.
LAYOUT & CONSTRUCTION
The Ranger Pants are made out of NyCo ripstop and feature four way stretch fabric on the same areas as the Crye Combat pants feature it. They are pretty rugged and feel a bit heavier than Cryes solution, which isnt a bad thing at all. Sizewise they run smaller than Crye Combat pants and are more along the lines of other European brands. The cut is way baggier than Cryes cut, which is a good thing to me. All stretch in the world cant replace a lose cut, especially in cold and hot environments.
Just like the Crye combat pants, the Arktis Ranger pants close via Velcro around the waist, which allows for some more adjustment of the fit and less problems while wearing gun-belts. Unlike the Crye Gen3, there is no adjustable sizing on the hips, which is kind of a drawback. The zipper to close the pants is way more beefier than its crye pendant, making it pretty easy to open them. The belt loops are partially reinforced with Mil-Spec webbing which is a great thing when wearing a riggers belt for emergency rappeling. The belt loops also all feature attachment loops.
Something I really dont like are the reinforced Cordura edges around the stash pockets. While intentions behind adding cordura to this are humble, the Cordura just feels stiff, and casually tears your fingers when searching for small items inside the stash pockets. A light webbing reinforcement would have done better.
On the back of the Ranger trousers, you will find two large stash pockets which close via velcro. They are not as secure as Cryes zipper solution, but on the other hand dont tend to rub while sitting. Generally we dont store anything in those pockets, therefore its pretty irrelevant.
Back to the front side. The front pockets of the pants are cryes dip pockets on steroids, large enough to carry a GPS, phone, a firing device or even a magazine. Generally they are pretty handy for those who need more room in their first line but dont want to go as large as a Smock. The pockets are closed by a large flap and two strips of Velcro, of course you will find a shockcord knee pad adjuster inside, just like on Cryes iconic Combat Pants.
The Ranger Pants feature removeable knee pad covers and works with the genuine Crye knee pads, which is a great decision, there are also button holes present to accept Patagonias knee pad solution. Also the horizontal adjustment of the knee area works all round the legs with velcro tabs. Knee pads feel pretty stable this way. The knee area also features elastic four way stretch for mobility and some mesh fabric for drainage, which is an interesting take, as Cryes knee pad pokets have been known to catch dust like a shovel.
The main cargo pockets on either side of the Arktis Ranger pants are classic BDU styled and therefore damn huge. Carrying two G36 mags, a basecap and a headlight wasnt a problem and got me pretty of space left. The elastic but sturdy bands inside of those pockets are attached with well-made seems. Both pockets are closed with velcro flaps.
On each of both ankles you will find a M4 magazine sized pocket. Each pocket features four elastic bands. While we all know that storing anything larger and heavier than a headlight inside of your ankle pockets sucks, the presence of the elastic loops indicates pretty much that those pockets have been propably made for firing devices and det cord. Propably a certain unit requirement.
Further down the ankles you find the classic Velcro tabs to blouse your trousers. I would personally have preffered integrated gaiters here, but Arktis stayed close to Crye, which also isnt a bad decision.
CONCLUSION
Overall the Arktis Ranger pants are a great piece of kit with a few minor things I would consider unlucky design errors or lost chances. But the quality is great and it can truly compete with Cryes solution. For around 197€ its also a great bang for the buck and the variety of Camo patterns Arktis offers needs no further explanation.
