These Magnums – one of only about four companies that has ventured into making women's tactical pants – were cut generously in the seat and legs and fit comfortably at my hip without dipping into an impractical "low rise" category more suitable for skinny rock stars.
moreSome of the other things I liked were the vented mesh bags at the bottom of the hand pockets; the winged crotch gussets with vents; the durable zipper with a good size pull tab; the reinforced, wide belt loops at the rear and sides; and, I liked the 5.8 oz. 100 percent cotton ripstop fabric… that is, before I washed the pants. After one wash, maybe two, the pants lost the shape I had been so happy with. The whole garment sagged differently and the fly and pocket fabric became somewhat dimpled. The articulated knee and internal knee pocket became wrinkled, the overall look more messy. And though the company stamps a "six-month no-fade guarantee" label on the garment, my black pants started to fade on the edge of the wrinkles. In a harsh environment, that didn't bother me too much. I was in a decidedly dusty environment with the Marine Corps but they still didn't hold up to the promise.
Overall, as one of the few options available for women, the Magnum Women's RD Tactical Utility Pant is a durable, wearable garment with some good intentions, but there is room for improvement. The pants come in black, desert sage, mocha and navy and at $49.999 at www.tacticalgear.com, are a good value, though priced at the higher end of other women's tactical pant styles. Word has it Magnum Essential Equipment's designers have gone back to the drawing board and a revised version should be on sale early next year.
