[Review] The Rugged Flex Steel Multi Pocket Pant by Carhartt

I’ve always been one to love the classic Carhartt pant and have worn them since, well as long as I can remember (when Cally and I first started dating I climbed a 14er in Carhartt’s. I think that’s what locked her in from the get-go). While I always have and always will love a classic Carhartt, I’ve been overly impressed with Carhartt’s new Rugged Flex Steel Multi Pocket Pant. Made with Cordura fabric in reinforcement areas, the durability of these pants is unmatched. They’re also built with Carhartt’s Rugged Flex Technology combined with Ripstop. Rugged Flex Tech ensures no matter what you’re doing, your movement will not be restricted while the Ripstop keeps rips from extending. I’ve found myself reaching for these more often than any other work pant because of how comfortable they are. With a host of features, these pants are truly the perfect pant no matter what task I take on. 

Starting with the overall comfort of these pants, they are truly unlike any other pair of Cahartts I’ve owned. The four-way stretch really makes a difference and when combined with features like articulated knees, the flex waistband, and gusseted crotch, I’m not sure you could get any more comfortable! I can’t express it enough but these pants move with me no matter what project I’m taking on.

The Cordura built reinforcements really takes these pants up a step in my opinion. There’s Cordura everywhere you’d need it and nowhere that you don’t. Pockets and high wear areas are strengthened with the ever durable Cordura fabric. The knees are built with Cordura as are (a personal fave here) the ankle cuffs. The crazy thing with Cordura is that it adds an enormous amount of protection and durability but not a lot of weight. It’s lightweight while being ultra tough.

There are a bunch of useful pockets built into this multi pocket pant but my favorite has to be the outer, lower thigh zippered pocket. This pocket is perfect for my phone and secures it so I know no matter what I won’t lose it. When my phone is in this pocket, it also does not interfere with my comfort whether I’m sitting, kneeling, or standing. There’s also a sweet pocket on the outer thigh that is detached at the bottom of the pocket so that if you have a heavy or bulky tool in the pocket, you won’t feel it jab you when you move in a certain way. If these pants were a party, you’d come for the pockets but stay for the comfort.

As far as sizing goes, I think I messed up with these ones! I had the 34X30 and they felt too tight. I sent them back for the 36X30 and at first, thought they were the perfect fit. After a few hours of wear, the 36s really stretched out a lot. I would keep this in mind when ordering or trying these on. I’m 6’0 tall and 200 pounds and usually wear a 34X32. Ultimately I wish I would’ve kept the 34s and let them stretch out as the 36s have. I think I’m quite different in sizes across the Carhartt line so, in my opinion, it’s always best to try these before you buy them.

If you’re looking for an ideal work pant, no matter what kind of task you’re taking on, the Rugged Flex Steel Multi Pocket Pant is a game-changer. The flex technology paired with Ripstop and Cordura gives these pants ultimate strength and unrivaled, all-day comfort. If you’re interested in purchasing these pants, using our provided link helps us as we get a small kickback from your purchase. We appreciate the support!