Vertx Lightweight Multicam Trousers
[VTX1000]

Due to a G4 clusterfuck I was sent on a 3 week exercise being required to wear MTP with only one pair of trousers and they were far too big for me and as a result not very comfortable or fetching.

To have a pair of trousers to change into I ordered a pair of Vertx Multicam Pants. Due to difficulties with internet ordering from abroad on an iPhone I didn't get them until after ENDEX but thats a different story.

I'll admit that I was attracted by Vertx's online sales pitch:"Vertx Men's Multicam Pant. For the Operational Athlete. Exceptional Fit and Function."

I did have one concern which was that the shortest inside leg they make is 32" and I'm only 5'8" with a 29 1/2" inside leg. I e-mailed them and they quickly responded that the are designed to be shortened by 2" so there should be no problem. Reassured I ordered them.

When I eventually received the trousers I'll admit I was initially quite impressed with the look and feel of them. They appear to be well made if perhaps a little over engineered (more later). Frankly I doubt if anyone would notice the difference between multicam and MTP although the different cut, especially the pockets, would probably give them away - especially the pocket.

When I tried them on I realised that I should have listened to my earlier concerns. They may provide exceptional fit and function for some one of 5'11" but not a shortarse like me. Nor I would suggest someone of average height (UK 5'9" - US 5'9 1/2"). Yes any idiot can shorten a pair of trousers by 2 inches or wear them with elastics but it still means your knees are in the wrong place. The 'articulated patterning' on the knees is too low and more to the point the thigh pockets are too low coming below the bend in the knee. Making it uncomfortable to carry anything in them, especially anything heavy like the recommended magazines. They also suggest they would be a good place to store a mobile phone: Only if you don't mind risking it bouncing off the floor in the kneeling position.

Over engineered? Maybe I'm nitpicking but having looked closer I really wonder why the thigh pocket is made the way it is. Rather that sew a patch or bloused pocket on over the leg they've cut a hole out of the legs and sewn a 2 layer patch on behind it. I've no real objection to this but it just seems to make extra stress points where things could become unstitched and extra layers and seams that may rub against skin for no particular gain that I can see. Can't be cheap to do either.

These trousers are not cheap: US$94.00 in the states and an RRP of £74.99 in the UK (I've also seen them on sale for £49.00) If you have an inside leg of 32" then they may well be worth the money. Anyone else should hang onto their well earned cash or invest it elsewhere.

BTB Vertx's website carries reviews of their products. All the reviews are very positive. You won't find the review I left which makes you wonder how representative the reviews they have chosen to publish are.

Date Added: 09/08/2011 by Arrse Reviews