Living in a new environment, earlier this summer I found myself looking at MultiCam Tropic as a solution for camouflage. MultiCam Tropic is the “jungle” or greener variant of the famous MultiCam from Crye Precision. Also known as the camouflage pattern that lost to Confederate Grey for the Army’s new uniform about 2005, from a company that just happened to be owned by a retired General, except then it won after we spent a billion tax dollars to figure out ACU was terrible at everything. So if you see a soldier in uniform today, odds are it is Multicam. Excuse me, Scorpion OCP, because the Army still refused to say Crye was superior and instead ripped off Multicam minus one color. Anyway, Crye still makes camouflage clothing, it’s still bought by elite Special Forces that can unit purchase what they want, and they have branched out into a family of camouflage patterns.
Anyway, I wanted to try something in MultiCam Tropic, and I wasn’t willing to pay Crye Precision price. $273 dollars for a pair of pants is a bit much when somebody else isn’t paying the bill anymore. So I went looking for something that was real, officially licensed MultiCam Tropic, but that wouldn’t require me to get a second mortgage. And I settled on Tru-Spec, a brand I was at least semi-familiar with. My unit issued Tru-Spec shorts to us for off-mission lounging around, and I have had at least a set or two for non-standard uniform reasons. That said, I haven’t touched a set since I retired almost 10 years ago. I really thought I was past needing camouflage in my life, and actually refused to wear it even when teaching tactical shooting. I’ve changed my mind on that one, for reasons. We might all be well served to have some blend in clothing over the next couple of years.
Tru-Spec, prior to this review, I would have called a medium brand. They aren’t Chinesium airsoft pants that will fall apart in a spin cycle, but also not Uber Gucci snobby kid tactical grade. In fact, I bought my stuff for personal use, it was never supposed to be a review. But when my package arrived, I decided I had to get the word out.
Because Tru-Spec has really, really upped their game since I last checked in on them. The Tactical Response Uniform is incredibly well put together and has features I would not have expected at the $100 to $110 price point. (And some of that price is royalty to Crye Precision for the pattern. BDU color scheme of the same pant is $63.95 MSRP). The belt loops are thick, with enough thread holding them on to hoist the mainsail. They are large enough to easily accommodate modern gun belts and spaced correctly to hold up the heaviest load. The fly and waist closure is button, though the pockets are now Velcro. Even if I prefer button pockets, I can’t fault that choice. Everyone, including Crye, has Velcro pocket closures now. The Tru-Spec Velcro is sized for durability, not some cheesy little square, and cross stitched to make sure it stays on. The pockets also have a shock cord tightening system, which makes them great for empty mag retention.
There are calf pockets, a newer style addition, and very handy from the prone position. The knee areas are double thickness material, with a Velcro bottom seam for inserting knee pads. If you have never run knee pads for tactical stuff, I recommend it highly. This is a huge bonus in my opinion. The pant bottoms have drawstring closures, for both water survival and to keep the creepy crawlies out.
The top is equally impressive, putting all the modern uniform upgrades into the package. Velcro wrist closures make for a comfortable, and adjustable fit. Angled chest pockets and shoulder pockets? Check. A zipper front with Velcro back up? Check. And much more comfortable under armor than buttons. Finally, a Manchurian style collar to keep bugs out and armor chafe away.
The fit is perfect, which I cannot say enough good things about. The sizes listed are true to cut, so you can get something made for your body type. And overall, I am just blown away by overall quality. It is just something you know as soon as you pick it up. The material feels like it is a cut above, heavy stitching in all the right places, and not a bit of fading 5 washes deep. I am really glad I took a gamble on Tru-Spec, and that now I can tell you it is worth every penny.
have fun at the refugee camp, princess
I would recommend that anyone should have a 2 sets of M81 Woodland, USN AOR2 Woodland Digital NWU Type III, and U.S. Army Scorpion OCP pants and shirts in 50/50 NYCO. M81 Woodland is getting harder to find more often these days. Get your gear in Coyote Brown colors, since Coyote Brown gear matches these 3 camouflage patterns well. These camouflage patterns should cover you for almost all environments and the 4 seasons within the U.S. The Tru-Spec MultiCam Tropic pattern is good for green environments, such as the northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan along with the Pacific Northwest. Look for an old article by Hyperstealth title Camo-improvement that tested different camouflage patterns for the U.S. Army. It is still an interesting read if you have time.
those would be slick for pig hunting here in kauai. first camo i’ve seen that’ll disappear here.
Don your high speed gear and get out there and mow your yard Clay. With Tru Spec Tropical, nobody will see you and the HOA will retreat.
Hey Clay, why don’t you just come out and say a Civil War is coming?
I have. A lot.
Hey Clay – why don’t you just come out and say outright you think a Civil War is coming?
Tru Spec Pants:
I have 3 pair of Green, 14 pockets – loaded.
For 10yr now.
Have to wear 511 GunBelt w/Suspenders to keep them up.
Lot of gear in Pockets – Knives, multi-tool, 2 Billfolds(one dummy-throw away), Small Med Kit, keys, more.
Knee Pad inserts.
Loaded Pants alone weigh about 15lbs. 🙂
Worn every day for 10yr now.
Shoot Combat CQB Type Competition, Pistol, Rifle every Sat for 10yr.
Faded “a bit” but “Still good to Go”.
Careful – a dropped cigarette will burn a round hole in the crotch – quick. 🙂
Way too much velcro! I like BDUs for bow hunting but have to spend a lot of time removing the velcro. Worst material ever when you are trying to be ultra quiet.
Whatever your motivation, thanks for the review. It’s difficult to find true evals and like items.
Manchurian or Mandarin collar?
Mandarin…
My SWAT team issued the TRU as a duty uniform. We wore them for years and I have nothing but good things to say.