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These seem to be perfect except for the high and tight front pockets. Any suggestions for something similar with more room in the pocket?
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I have several pair of the 5.11 Jean cut pants. They are not worth close to $50 retail - my rule is to never buy 5.11 until it is 50% discounted.
On the pocket issues, don't forget about the front slash pockets below the traditional pockets, they will fit cell phones, credit cards or pistol mags. I think they look goofy and are not useful, but a buddy who wears police uniform pants swears by those type of pockets for rubber gloves. Above each back pocket is a concealed slash pocket (two total) - which may or may not fit flashlights, batons, radios or smart phones. Those are nice, even it not low profile when filled. I do appreciate the retro quality of the sap pocket.
As others have mentioned, they do look tacticool-y and have some funky sizing/fit issues. The legs on my 36" pants are tight on the hips and significantly broader at the ankles - not quite bell bottoms but not tapered like many Levi's cuts. The slightly articulated knees are nice and something they got right.
The rip stop in the jean cuts is fairly light fabric, so may not be winter weight in your area. They are also have a lot of nylon, so flame resistance is real low.
On alternatives, there are a metric shit-ton of similar jean-cut pants out there now - Kuhl, Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Cabelas. et al. Most of these options cost more or comparable to 5.11, but at least the alternatives are quality. I have some Mountain Hardware Loafer pants with large but slightly funky patch type front pockets. They retail @ $75.