4/2/10 - It was only a matter of time before RailRiders introduced their short version of their popular Versatac pants. Due to the overwhelming success of the Versatac pants, RR expanded the line to include shorts. Like the pants, the Versatac shorts are available in both Light and Mid weight versions. While the shorts share many of the same features as the pants, they aren't simply the pant version chopped off at the knee - there are some differences between them.

Note that I'm comparing the shorts to the original VersaTac Pants reviewed above. Some changes might have been implemented since then.

Lite and Mid VersaTac shorts - The Versatac shorts are available two versions; the Lite and the Mid. The only difference between the two are the fabrics used, which are the same as the Lite and Mid Versatac pants. The Lite utilizes 3 oz Duralite for the shell (main body), and Rail-Tex for the patching fabric and reinforcements. Rail-Tex is a very tough, lightweight, abrasion-resistant 5.2 oz nylon, equivalent to 280D cordura. The Lite short is available in Khaki and Light Tan.

The Mid (featured here) is constructed entirely of a 6.6 oz canvas-weave nylon named 'Yukon Canvas', for both the shell and all patches/reinforcements. Even though it's heavier by weight, it has a looser weave and is very soft, breathable and comfortable. The Mid Short is available in Stone (pictured here) and Natural. The Stone is more of a medium tan and the Natural is light greyish tan. Both are treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellant) finish that provides some stain resistance and water resistance.

Verstac Mid short with Liger belt

Deep front pockets

Features - The main features of the Versatac Mid shorts are:

Front details

Side handwarmer pocket

Side cargo pocket

Internal pocket with G19 mag

Cell phone slot pocket

• Cell phone pockets - A cell phone slot pocket has been added on each side, behind the side cargo pockets with the opening at the top. They're shallow enough (5" deep) to slip a cell phone in, but be aware that if you run, the contents aren't secured inside. I've illustrated one with a 30-round M4 mag to show how deep it is.
• Two back pockets - instead of the flap pockets on the pants, the shorts have a non-flapped pocket in the rear, with a small velcro patch to close it. The pocket is about 6" deep and 7" wide.
• Rigid slotted buttons - the waist button and side cargo pocket buttons are all hard plastic Canadian military-style, and taped. I found these to be a great improvement over the rubbery buttons on the first Versatac pants.
• Even waist sizes from 32" to 42". These is no elastic on the sides.

Cell phone pocket with 30-rnd mag for illustration

Vertical zipper on side pocket

Rear pocket

Notes/Obervations - Construction and workmanship on the VersaTacs are excellent. All points of stress are bartacked. Like the pant, fit and cut is not too baggy nor tight, and very comfortable for everyday or active wear. The short ends right above my knee (I have short legs, though).

While not as secure as flapped pockets, I do like the convenience of the open-top rear pockets. I did jump up and down with my wallet inside and couldn't make it fall out. However, just to be on the safe side, when I insert my wallet, I orient it with the long edge horizontal instead of vertical, so that it's too wide to slip out between the velcro patch and the side. As mentioned above, the side entry pockets are very deep. In fact, my fingertips don't touch the bottom when my hands are in there. I'm more used to having my hands supported in my pockets and the contents a bit higher up, so it takes a bit of getting used to.

If you plan on carrying a lot of stuff in the pockets, I'd pick the Mid over the Lite as the heavier material carries items better. With thinner shorts, stuff in the pockets tend to sway a lot more. However, if I was around water or anticipated getting wet, I'd pick the Lite as the material dries faster and won't be as heavy when soaked. I'd also pick the Lite for humid environments. I've found that in high humidity, thicker garments just get heavy with sweat, no matter how breathable.

Mid or Lite, the Versatac shorts share the same comfort and functionality as the Versatac pants that preceeded them.

6/7/07 - At first glance, I thought that TAD Gear's Force 10 Cargo Shorts were simply a short version of their Force 10 "Legionnaire' Classic Cargo Pants. Upon closer examination, I found that the shorts combine features from both the Legionnaire pants and the Force 10 Cargo Utilities.

The Cargo shorts are available in two fabrics - a Desert Tan 100% 7.5 oz cotton twill gabardine (like the Legionnaire pants), and a lightweight 100% nylon 'Amphibious Cloth' in Khaki. TAD Gear's Green and Black labels refer to their garments made of natural fibers and blends/synthetic fibers respectively.
The heavier weight cotton twill is very rugged-feeling and would be suitable for those individuals who wear shorts year-round. They'd also do well for bouldering and rock face environments, as the thickness of the fabric offers some protection against sharp surfaces. Like a pair of Levi's, they'll get softer over time with each washing and wearing.
The 'Amphibious Cloth' nylon is very similar to Supplex nylon, and the nylon shorts are suited for hot weather, surf, water and sand, as they're quick drying and very lightweight and breezy. The khaki colour is the warmer of the two fabrics in the photos.

The Cargo shorts come in even waist sizes from 30" to 44" , with a 10" inseam for sizes 30" to 34" and 11" inseam for sizes 36" to 44". On me, the size 32's come down to mid-knee level.

Cotton Cargo shorts

Rear

Small hammer in right cargo pocket

Nylon Cargo shorts

Front details

Rear pocket on cotton short

Side cargo pocket details

If you own one of TAD Gear's pants, you'll be familiar with the features and build of the shorts. The shorts have no less than 58 bartacks for reinforcement in high-stress locations! I found both the cotton and nylon shorts to be equally suitable for every day, casual use. I found the heavier cotton fabric sways a bit less when carrying stuff in the pockets but the nylon ones are a bit cooler in hot or humid weather. If there's a chance I'd encounter water or needed light weight and packability, I'd pick the nylon ones. For dry, rocky environments, I'd pick the cotton ones. It also depend on personal preference whether you prefer traditional cotton or high-tech nylon. Either way, I'm well-equipped for summer.

7/31/09 - Just in time for the rest of summer, the Rocket World Force 10 Spartan Shorts from TAD Gear are the short version of their Spartan Pants with some newly incorporated features. Like the Spartan Pants, the Spartan Shorts are sans side cargo pockets, which result in a more streamlined version of the Force 10 Cargo Shorts featured above.

Rocket World is another outlet for the creativity of TAD Gear's owner, Patrick Ma. Rocket World special edition TAD Gear apparel will often have subtle (or not so subtle) details that inject a little humour or fun into a tactical world that sometimes takes itself too seriously. With the Rocket World Spartan Shorts, the bartacks are done in green contrast stitching, and the buttons are taped using the same colour. It's a very subtle effect.

The Spartan Shorts are available in two colours - Arid Earth (shown here), and M.E. Green in a light weight 100% cotton ripstop. The fabric used is in between the heavier cotton twill gabardine Cargo shorts and the light weight 100% nylon 'amphibious cloth' in the previous writeup.

The Rocket World Spartan shorts have 'California Cut', with a slightly slimmer leg and longer inseam than the Force 10 Cargo shorts. If you look at the photos in the Cargo shorts review above, you'll see that they end right at mid knee. The Rocket World shorts have a 2" longer inseam (so they below my knee) and aren't as baggy.

The Spartan shorts come in even waist sizes from 28" to 44" , with a 12" inseam for sizes 28" to 36" and 13" inseam for sizes 38" to 44".

Spartan shorts

Rear

Front details

Rear

Hypalon knife clip reinforcement

Rocket World logo

Observations/Notes - Like the TAD Gear Force 10 Cargo Shorts, the Spartan shorts are bartacked at all stress points and are just some of the most practically designed shorts I've owned. The rip stop fabric on the Spartan shorts seems a bit lighter weight than the fabric used on the ODRP pants in the writeup below - but that was a couple of years ago and the current ripstop pants should have the same fabric as the shorts. It's really good stuff for hot weather, and when wet, it dries faster than the heavier ripstop or twill fabrics.

The new hypalon knife clip pocket reinforcements can work for, or against you, depending on the tension of the knife clip. Hypalon is very grippy material. It really does help increase the purchase that the knife clip has on the pocket, reducing the chances of it slipping out accidentally. However, on knife clips that are tight to begin with (like ZT knives), the hypalon can make it difficult to extract the knife quickly. The pocket wants to follow, and it requires a good tug to free the knife. On some other knives with less 'aggressive' clips, the feature works great.

As mentioned above, the Spartan shorts have a 'California cut', and they do have a bit of a board short look and cleaner/smarter appearance because of the lack of cargo pockets. I like this less baggy cut as I have skinny legs. After a few washings, the fabric breaks in nicely, and they're great for everyday wear or outdoor activities in spring, summer and fall.

8/12/10 - The S.O.D. Short Pant 01 from S.O.D. (Special Operations Department) is a short pant based loosely on their Para One Pant 1.2. Some of the 'combat features' have been toned down for the shorts, to make them more suited for everyday wear.

As mentioned in previous writeups, S.O.D. has been making clothing since 1938, so they're not newcomers to the clothing industry. S.O.D. actively participates in the development of its raw materials, together with its own collaborators and suppliers. This results in near perfect colour matching between various fabrics and components; something that most manufacturers will agree is not only expensive, but difficult to do. The attention to detail and workmanship (all S.O.D. items are designed and manufactured in Italy) are some of the best I've seen in garments. All materials used by S.O.D. are of Italian, U.S. or Canadian origin.

HCS (Hybrid Coyote Sage) - S.O.D. offers their products in quite a few different colours, including Crye MultiCam, and the desert and woodland versions of Italian Vegetato. HSC (Hybrid Coyote Sage) is a new colour exclusive to S.O.D. that has just been introduced, and is in service with the Italian SF. As the name implies, HCS is a hybrid of coyote brown and sage green. The end product is a brownish-green shade that works better than sage or OD green in arid areas, and very well around dry grass and shrubs. While it may not be as effective as camouflage patterns in some environments, it's surprisingly good for a solid colour, both in rural and urban areas. It's probably the most versatile solid colour for a uniform I've seen yet. What's also pretty impressive is how SOD has been able to match the components used to construct their garments. HCS is also suitable for LE as it doesn't look as 'military' as a camo pattern. I've been wearing the HCS shorts below for two months now all over the place, and they just look like a pair of cargo shorts.

S.O.D. shorts

Features - Here's a list of the features on the Short Pant. Size M (European size 50) is shown here:

• Material - 50/50 NYCO ripstop fabric.
• Zipper fly and button waist - The waist has a zipper fly and the typical European two-button waist tab. The buttons are taped slotted buttons.
• 7 belt loops - The belt loops are sized to fit 2" belts.
• Elastic sides - The waistband between belt loops 2 and 3 is elasticized, and will expand quite a bit. I really like this feature as it's just snug enough to wear without a belt, and yet will expand if I have a heavy meal.
• Side slash pockets - The side entry slash pockets are deep and roomy with large openings. There's the same little triangulare 'web' at the bottom of the entrance. My only complaint with the pocket design is that when a folding knife is clipped at the bottom, the clip can interfere with the side cargo pocket flap. A small slot or opening in the flap seam to allow the knife clip to pass through would be nice.
• Double seat - self explanatory.
• Rear pockets - The two rear pockets are an unusual shape, extending and narrowing downwards towards to side of the pants to channel smaller objects to the outside so you don't sit on them. The very cool-looking angled flaps are secured with velcro, instead of the two slotted/taped buttons on the Para One pant. I actually prefer the speed and convenience of the velcro closure to the button, but it's not as quiet. There's a dummy cord loop just inside the flap on each rear pocket.

Front details

Rear

Cargo pocket

Drain holes

• Side cargo pockets - The side cargo pockets are the same as on the Para One pants - roomy, measuring about 9" tall x 9" wide at the bottom (they're 8" wide at the top). The entrance is slanted down in the rear slightly for easier access. The opening of the pocket has elastic at the rear, and a two-button flap closure. The buttons are both slotted/taped, and are large enough to manipulate with gloves. The front edge of the flap is sewn down. I sometimes leave the middle button or rear button undone, depending on what I'm carrying in the pocket for quicker access. There are two larger expansion pleats on the side of the pocket, and a smaller pleat in the rear. The bottom of the pocket is bellowed, with two drainage holes at the bottom. One thing I'd like to see, especially with such roomy pockets, is the addition of some internal organization. I'd be happy with two internal slot pockets, one about 2" wide and the other 3.5" wide. This would help keep everything from collecting at the bottom of the pocket, especially smaller items.
• Details - All points of stress are mini-bartacked and all seams double-stitched, even the pockets. High-tensile nylon thread thread is used in the construction of these garments.

As of this writing, the S.O.D. items are only available directly from Italy. S.O.D. is currently working with TangoDown for U.S. distribution/retail.

8/29/10 - The VERTX Tactical Short is a direct modification of the VERTX Tactical Pant, and provides a hot-weather alternative for those who like the same practical and low profile features of the Pant.

Description - The VERTX short is a derivative of the VERTX pant, which was designed as a covert, comfortable walk-around pant that doesn't stand out, yet has features that provide the wearer with cargo-carrying capacity and full freedom of movement and mobility when he has to burst into action without warning. Obviously, with short pants, looking 'covert' and not attracting unwanted attention or notice with overtly 'tactical' or military-looking external features is less of a concern, as cargo shorts are commonplace and don't stand out in a casual environment. The reason one would want a VERTX short over another cargo short is the ability to carry the same items in a more streamlined design.

VERTX short

Features - Here are the key features on the VERTX Tactical short (32" waist shown):

Front details

Gusseted crotch

Rear pocket

Side slash pocket with utility notch

30-rnd AR mag

20-rnd AR mag

• Rear pocket credential trap - There are two patch pockets on the back of the pant, about 5.5" wide and 6" tall. This is an internal angled 'flap' that can be used to secure a larger wallet, passport or credential holder. For the flap to secure the item, the item should be at least 5 inches tall. Otherwise, the flap will not trap the top of the item. The VERTX logo is embroidered on the upper corner of the right pocket vs. the label used on the first run pants.
• Low profile side cargo pockets - The side cargo pockets have been downsized slightly from the pants - measuring 7.25" x 6.25" .Rather than the 'normal' configuration where the pocket is sewn to the outside of the pant leg, the VERTX side pockets are inset, giving it a discrete, covert touch. A hole is made in the side of the pant and the pocket sewn to the inside instead of the outside, creating a very low profile pocket. The pocket has a 'speed pleat' which allows it to expand its carrying capacity when needed. The top of the pocket is overlapped by the flap which is sewn down at the ends and does not flip up, eliminating the need for a closure system like buttons or velcro. The opening is angled down towards the rear slightly for more natural access.
• Internal side pockets - Inside each side cargo pocket is a 3.5" deep internal slot pocket for organization. This pocket will fit a sunglass case, cell phone etc, and a 20-round M4 mag perfectly. When the mag is placed in the internal pocket, it stays upright, ready for extraction. Note that a 30-round M4 mag will stick out the top of the pocket, since the pocket is shorter than the Pant version.
• All stress points are bartacked.
• Colours - Available in Khaki, Desert Tan (shown here), and OD Green.
• Sizing - The VERTX pants are available in even waist sizes from 28 through 48 and also these odd ones (29, 31, 33, 35).

Notes and observations - As far as sizing/fit goes, the VERTX short, for some reason, fit snugger than the pant. The VERTX pant fits 'true to size'. A size 32 fits a 32 waist. But, if I'm a little over 32, it's going to be on the snugger side. With the short, I got the same size 32 as the pant, and the waist was definitely tighter. I compared it to the 3 VERTX pants I have and experienced the same thing. When I did some measurements on the shorts, I found that the size 32 measures 32 when the elastic is fully stretched out. A size 33 would probably have been a better fit on me. So, I'd recommend going up a size when purchasing the shorts. Also, although the cut/pattern is based on the pant, the shorts have been modified slightly to fit properly, and the cuff (leg opening) has been narrowed slightly so that it doesn't flare out, so it's also a bit tighter around the butt.

One thing I'd like to see added are small velcro patches to keep the rear pockets closed more securely. The credential trap works well, but the wallet must be tall enough for it to be 'trapped'. If it's too short, the credential trap won't keep it from falling out.

If you appreciate the low profile nature of the VERTX pants, you'll appreciate the VERTX shorts for hot days on the range, hiking, climbing, or just every day around-town wear.