As you know, 5-pocket pants have become a major part of the #menswear space, and more than likely a part of your rotation. They are the choice for the in-between for jeans and khakis. I like them, but you know I’m picky. I view them as more casual than dressy. Of course they can be dressed up, but they are just as easily dressed down. The market has been flooded with 5-pockets, and I’ve got a few great options lined up to review so you are informed.
Next up: The 5-Pocket Field Pants from Duck Head. When I heard these were coming out, I was really excited. Since Duck Head was a workwear company, it makes sense that they release pieces that reflect that history. Duck Head is a partner, so they keep me in the loop on these sorts of developments. They sent me a pair for an honest review, so here you go:
Out of the box, the look of the fabric really caught my eye. It is a canvas look, which gives it a lot of depth. Not the Carhartt-esque canvas, but a nicer, smoother canvas. The color is really cool; I opted for ‘Buckskin’, which is an almond/caramel color. Good for this time of year. The feel of the pants is unusually smooth for a pair of Field Pants…we’ll get to that in a moment.
From fit perspective, these 5 pockets have a superb fit. They are what I would call a ‘slim-standard’ cut, in that they aren’t slim, but they are a touch more narrow than your standard cut 5-pockets. In a 33″ waist pants, the leg opening is 8″, which is great for loafers, AND fit over my boots. The labeling is subtle, with a yellow Duck Head tag on the change pocket.
The fabric is really the sweet spot. They have a canvas look, and a soft cotton feel, but are actually a blend. They are the heaviest fabric that Duck Head has released (9.4 oz vs. the standard 7.5-8 oz), but I would argue the softest. They are 73% cotton, 25% Sorbtek (tough poly/wicking fabric), and only 2% stretch (which is so little it’s almost not noticeable). Duck Head has a long, storied history about producing work wear, and these pants harken back to those roots, with a modern, 5-pocket style with a good fit.
Taking care of these is super easy. I wash them on cold, then run them in the dryer for ~5 minutes. After that, I stretch out the inseam/out seam (step on the cuff while holding the waist and pull gently), then hang to dry. I use these hangers…they are fantastic. The next morning, they are ready to go. Should you feel the need, give them a once-over with a warm iron, but honestly, I don’t think you need it. Here they are hanging wet, after being in the dryer for five minutes:
After washing and wearing these 5-pockets, my verdict is that they have a HUGE value proposition. They look like a very polished pair of 5-pockets, but are built to be tough as nails. The thick fabric with the Sorbtek blend make these 100% appropriate for a weekend at the lodge, chasing around a 2-year old in the back yard, or on a date with a sport coat.
These come in at under $100, and I think they are worth every penny. You see Buckskin here, but want them all. They are that good.
I like the Field Canvas Pants but bought a pair of the Pinpoint Canvas and actually like the fit of those better for me. I do like the leg opening of the Field Pants better for loafers since it is slightly more narrow than the Pinpoint leg opening. They are both good pants though.
My issue with these is the 25% polyester. My most comfortable (true) duck pants are 100% Carhartt double knees that are 15 years old, incredibly comfortable/soft and faded, yet still indestructible. I wonder how these will feel/look after 5 years. The reason I wont but these is the reason I only buy 100% cotton must iron ocbds…if that makes sense. I really want to try these but the polyester is turning me off.
My issue with these is the 25% polyester. My most comfortable (true) duck pants are 100% cotton Carhartt double knees that are 15 years old, incredibly comfortable/soft and faded, yet still indestructible. I wonder how these will feel/look after 5 years. The reason I wont but these is the reason I only buy 100% cotton must iron ocbds…if that makes sense. I really want to try these but the polyester is turning me off.
I like the look of the weave of the material, but like Mike, the poly blend is a little too much for me. However, for a more technical option for hiking or winter yard work, these might be a good option, like a Carhartt or Mtn Khaki. As to the fit, I wonder how they compare to the Mashburn canvas (and all cotton) 5-pockets.