Next up, we have a more modern take on tactical shorts, and also from Helikon Tex.

These are the Urban Tactical Shorts 11’ in Grey Wolf, which I choose a bit to contrast with the previous shorts. Here you won’t find any buttons, but a mix of hook and looks and zippers used in a total of ten pockets. Yup... TEN pockets!

We have the normal two side waist pockets with a strengthened edge for gear clips (like knife clips), and loops for dummy cords, d-rings or carabiner just a bit above them. At the back we have two wide pockets, which can be even used as “dump pockets” for mags, that is, if you are brave enough to bring shorts to a game…. just don’t keep your wallet there, the pockets are just too big! Inside these you will find two smaller ones that will fit a pistol magazine or a flashlight. But, if you want to keep some items

100% safe, you can use the two big side pockets that come with a YKK reverse zippers, which are really easy to use and are quite handy. And to finish our pocket list (finally) we have two small thigh cargo pockets with look and loop, that can fit a smartphone or a STANAG magazine. Now that we are done with pockets, let’s look at other features of the Urban Tactical shorts. First we can look at the waist, which is extrawide and elasticated for comfort, with a hook and loop fastener adjustment. In my opinion, it should have the hook and loop parts switched, because if you don’t fasten the shorts completely, some of the hook will be exposed and any clothing

START FROM THE BOTTOM AND CHECK OUT THE TACTICAL SHORTS THAT I’VE BEEN USING IN THE PAST MONTHS; BOTH ARE FROM THE KNOWN BRAND HELIKON TEX, WHO HAVE A HUGE SELECTION OF TACTICAL SHORTS, WITH PLENTY OF DIFFERENT MODELS, COLOURS AND PATTERNS” that you are wearing can get caught in it, and it will leave small marks. The construction is quite well done, with what Helikon calls “twoway elastic ripstop”, and the extra leg length is great for a bit of extra protection and more carry capacity.

So, to wrap it up, if you are looking for a modern looking pair of shorts, filled with pockets and available in a ton of different patterns, the Urban Tactical are a great choice!

Topping Up

Now that we are done with a great pair of shorts, let’s go up and look at the two polos and the shirt also sent by Military1st.

The first is the Propper Men’s Uniform LAPD short sleeve polo in navy blue, a light piece of clothing with a classic design made with 100% polyester, reinforced collar and cuffs, double pen pocket sleeve and loop for sunglasses (which I use a lot!). It easily became one of my favourite pieces of clothing to use in my day to day, and if you are looking for something to role-play as police or PMC, this polo has you covered!

Then we have the STOIRM Performance Tactical polo in TAN, and it’s quite similar to the Propper one, with the reinforced cuffs and collar (which is a bit smaller than the previous one), the pen pocket and sunglasses loop. But the material used is more elastic, and it will fit tighter to your body. Although it’s 100% polyester as well, it has a more artificial feeling to the touch, so heads up if you don’t like that. And just like the Propper polo, this one also has a spot in my day to day clothing.

And now to finish, check out the Helikon combo T-shirt! Designed in Poland but made here in Portugal, which was a pleasant surprise! It’s your classic cotton T-shirt, light and breathable, but the logo is what got my attention, a classic M16 with the M203 in a M81 woodland background… it’s something really eye-catching!

“NOW THAT WE ARE DONE WITH A GREAT PAIR OF SHORTS, LET’S GO UP AND LOOK AT THE TWO POLOS AND THE SHIRT ALSO SENT BY MILITARY1ST. THE FIRST IS THE PROPPER MEN’S UNIFORM LAPD SHORT SLEEVE POLO IN NAVY BLUE, A LIGHT PIECE OF CLOTHING WITH A CLASSIC DESIGN”

“I HAVE FOUND DURING MY TESTING THAT THEY WILL ALL STAND UP TO THE USE AND ABUSE WE GIVE THEM WHETHER ON THE RANGE, DOING WORK OUT ON YOUR FIELD, OR JUST FOR CASUAL WEARING. WITH THIS IN MIND I CAN 100% RECOMMEND THEM ALL TO YOU”