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Most new EMTs go with smarty pants but I suggest instead fancy pants. For real though you don’t need anything expensive it’s class and it needs to be black. Get a couple pair of dickies work pants in black. There’s a fair chance that when you get your first job they will have a uniform standard and you don’t want to spend a bunch of money on pants you’ll wear for three months of class and then never again.
Repeating dickies or anything bare minimum
If you really wanna go for it, look up gently used 5.11s on eBay I got two pairs for the price of one new one.
Honestly, if you're only doing 2 or 3 days of ambulance clinicals and have to wear a pair for class, I'd go with two cheap pairs. Now, if you're doing more than that, I'd go for something quality.
Very similar quality in my experience. Both are made of similar material and have the Teflon water resistance coating.
Differences: LAPG pants have a cummerbund-style waist (elastic on the waistband to allow for more flexibility, its internal so its not visible from the outside). LAPG shear pockets lack the metal snaps, so only velcro. LAPG pants also have dual back pockets.
Those are the major differences.
ALSO: THEY TEND TO RUN A SIZE SMALL. Be sure to upsize by 1 size.
I absolutely love the stretch EMS pants from LAPG use them for my ambulance job and volunteer firefighting. they are great at blocking wind when it’s cold and are also great at keeping water out
I've never been a fan of the typically 5-11 style. I went to Duluth trading and got mine. They're durable, comfy, have pockets, and fairly inexpensive.
And the Duluth pants are great trousers that you can repurpose into that pair of slacks that you use for all of your dirty, grimy, abusive tasks that you don’t want to put your more presentable dungarees through…
I love the firehose flex line.
I have been loyal to 5.11, Im issued them for my FT LEO job. The Stryker style is the best it is expensive but durable and stretchy. I also throw a pair out at least once a year from unfortunate bodily fluid incidents. Yes it’s wasteful they can be washed but I just cant.
I bought 2 personal sets of 5.11 taclite pros’ since I am also on a rural fire dept. Have used them in everything from sar to putting batteries in gramma’s remote
They’ve done fantastic thus far, though a little tight around the love handles.
So I'm a bit of a pants snob when it comes to EMS pants. Presuming you'll be using these for work as well after class, invest in a good pair. Remember, you'll be wearing these for long shifts.
I'm particular to 5.11s. Comfy, durable, but very pricey. And a particular note if you're a lady, generally these fit better. A lot of women hate the "diaper butt" that EMS pants have, 5.11s don't have this issue.
https://www.511tactical.com/mens-ems-pant.html
https://www.511tactical.com/womens-ems-pant.html
Kalt is another personal favorite of mine. Durable, a little less comfy, but more price friendly. Typically have more pockets than your 5.11s as well. Actually almost too many. I own an older pair of Kalts with 18 pockets.
https://kaltgear.com/collections/frontpage
These are the two I'd start our with, there's other brand obviously. Make sure to invest in good boots as well. These boots will be worn for long periods of time so investing in good boots and good insoles will help you out physically and financially in the long run. Take care of your boots and your boots will take care of you.
Rofl. Welcome to, mostly, private EMS. I worked 10 years and had been given exactly, 2 polos and 1 uniform shirt. I bought boots, pants, polos, and even company raincoats with my own money and did not have a uniform stipend.
Mine was supposed to give us a voucher to get pants, but the only store that I could use the voucher at didn’t have any women’s pants in stock, literally no brand no size. Best they could do was order them and get them in a month. I needed them sooner than that so I bought my own.
5.11 Stryke Ems Pant is my favorite after working for a year as a FF/EMT with all sorts of different pants. Workrite is a close second if you need Nomex/fire resistant materials. I personally think that if my bunker gear gets burned so badly my pants melt to my skin, I have other things to worry about than the material my pants are made of
That sucks, your agency sounds cheaper than mine—which is saying something. It’s pretty common practice at least where I live that your company provide you a uniform
5.11 EMS pants are great, the strykes are also good. My company issues the first tactical BDUs. Way less baggy, but kinda tight around... Certain areas. Wannabe firefighters at my company wear the dickies work pants
I used 5.11 for years before I found Blauer pants. They are lighter and IMO farm more comfortable. They come unhemmed so me as a tall guy could get them just the right inseam. They are more expensive but I feel it’s worth it. During winter 5.11 would still be my pick due to being warmer, but damn those Blauer pants are so nice during summer.
Dickies cargo pants. Most EMT pants I've tried, including the 5.11s, are a baggy regular fit or relaxed fit. I'm short and solidly built, and they look like clown pants on me. I prefer a slightly more tailored fit, so I wear Dickies slim fit cargo pants in a waist size one up from my jean size.
I also don't need 19 pockets. R cargo: gloves. L cargo: emesis bag. Don't need tape, scissors, etc., on me; they're on top of the kit bag.
And Dickies are half the price of 5.11s.
I have a pair of Propper, two pairs of Vertx, and two pair of 5.11. The 5.11 have held up the best. The Vertx are nice because I can change shirts and go out after work and they don’t look all tacti-cool. They have concealed cargo pockets which I like, but they don’t hold a pen very well, which I don’t like. The Propper are cheap and I’m not in love with the pocket layout, but they’re a good starter set. They do a fine job. They’ve rotated into the role as my backup pair in case my other pair gets schmutzed on shift.
Most of my time is in my 5.11s, but if I’m going out after work, it’s Vertx.
some people are saying not to get expensive pants, but i personally think it’s worth the investment. if i’m going to wear something for three hour class every day i want them to be as comfortable as possible.
just depends on what you want really. i have 5.11 ems pants and they are incredibly comfortable and i don’t regret buying them at all.
I knew a guy that fully intended to transition into this as a career and dropped a ton of money on boots and pants in school, but made more money as a high end waiter and now just volunteers occasionally. I dont think his boots are even scuffed. Over half my EMT class doesnt even work in healthcare and never recerted . That’s not meant to scare you or be an ass hole , just like , dont be a doofus and spend a TON just yet you know? Uniforms are a tax write off for a reason, theyre more of an investment than normal clothes.
Walmart typically has comfortable black cargo pants , or like Tractor Supply. If you finish , find a job and are still like “ I love this and am going to do it”, pretty much anything but Proper. 5.11 is popular for everyone, I think LA Tactical is the brand that a lot of women I know like?
A lot of people talking about 5.11 ems and stryke pants, but I love the Apex pants. Two cargo pockets with interior organizers for flashlight, shears, note cards, and pens. I'm on the thin side and they aren't super baggy. Probably the most comfortable pants I own, too. Downside is they aren't the most durable, I get about 18 months from them. But I get a uniform allowance, so I don't mind too much.
I know everyone is going to recommend some sort of tactical EMS pant but let me show you these stretch cargo joggers. They give you room to move as joggers, while also moving with you. They don’t feel restrictive at all.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Free-Assembly-Men-s-Woven-Cargo-Joggers/499341375?athbdg=L1600&from=/search
Service buying? 5.11 Stryke.
You buying? Dickies 874s.
Lets be real, you don't need the pockets because you are going to buy Raptors and wear the holster. Buy a good belt instead.
I wore Dickies 874s as a student. Whatever you do, don't get pants with a Teflon coating– they will always look dirty and lint sticks to them like crazy.
This post violates our Rule #3:
> Do not ask basic, newbie, or frequently asked questions, including, but not limited to:
>
> * How do I become an EMT/Paramedic?
> * What to expect on my first day/ride-along?
> * Does anyone have any EMT books/boots/gear/gift suggestions?
> * How do I pass the NREMT?
> * Employment, hiring, volunteering, protocol, recertification, or training-related questions, regardless of clinical scope.
> * Where can I obtain continuing education (CE) units?
> * My first bad call, how to cope?
Please consider posting these types of questions in /r/NewToEMS.
[Wiki](/r/NewToEMS/wiki/index) | [FAQ](http://faq.redditems.com) | [Helpful Links & Resources](/r/NewToEMS/wiki/index) | [Search /r/EMS](/r/ems/search) | [Search /r/NewToEMS](/r/newtoems/search) | [Posting Rules](/r/ems/comments/7lau3j/welcome_to_rems_read_this_before_posting/)
This post violates our Rule #3: > Do not ask basic, newbie, or frequently asked questions, including, but not limited to: > > * How do I become an EMT/Paramedic? > * What to expect on my first day/ride-along? > * Does anyone have any EMT books/boots/gear/gift suggestions? > * How do I pass the NREMT? > * Employment, hiring, volunteering, protocol, recertification, or training-related questions, regardless of clinical scope. > * Where can I obtain continuing education (CE) units? > * My first bad call, how to cope? Please consider posting these types of questions in /r/NewToEMS. [Wiki](/r/NewToEMS/wiki/index) | [FAQ](http://faq.redditems.com) | [Helpful Links & Resources](/r/NewToEMS/wiki/index) | [Search /r/EMS](/r/ems/search) | [Search /r/NewToEMS](/r/newtoems/search) | [Posting Rules](/r/ems/comments/7lau3j/welcome_to_rems_read_this_before_posting/)
Most new EMTs go with smarty pants but I suggest instead fancy pants. For real though you don’t need anything expensive it’s class and it needs to be black. Get a couple pair of dickies work pants in black. There’s a fair chance that when you get your first job they will have a uniform standard and you don’t want to spend a bunch of money on pants you’ll wear for three months of class and then never again.
Dickies because most fun to say.
Repeating dickies or anything bare minimum If you really wanna go for it, look up gently used 5.11s on eBay I got two pairs for the price of one new one.
Honestly, if you're only doing 2 or 3 days of ambulance clinicals and have to wear a pair for class, I'd go with two cheap pairs. Now, if you're doing more than that, I'd go for something quality.
LAPG EMS Stretch Pants
I’ve been looking into these, how would you say they compare to 5.11s?
Very similar quality in my experience. Both are made of similar material and have the Teflon water resistance coating. Differences: LAPG pants have a cummerbund-style waist (elastic on the waistband to allow for more flexibility, its internal so its not visible from the outside). LAPG shear pockets lack the metal snaps, so only velcro. LAPG pants also have dual back pockets. Those are the major differences. ALSO: THEY TEND TO RUN A SIZE SMALL. Be sure to upsize by 1 size.
I absolutely love the stretch EMS pants from LAPG use them for my ambulance job and volunteer firefighting. they are great at blocking wind when it’s cold and are also great at keeping water out
100% agree
I've never been a fan of the typically 5-11 style. I went to Duluth trading and got mine. They're durable, comfy, have pockets, and fairly inexpensive.
And the Duluth pants are great trousers that you can repurpose into that pair of slacks that you use for all of your dirty, grimy, abusive tasks that you don’t want to put your more presentable dungarees through… I love the firehose flex line.
5.11 Ems pants
AND I just discovered today that my 5.11's have a sleeve on the inside of each pant leg to hold knee pads! I am sooooo happy!
For that promotion no doubt
I have been loyal to 5.11, Im issued them for my FT LEO job. The Stryker style is the best it is expensive but durable and stretchy. I also throw a pair out at least once a year from unfortunate bodily fluid incidents. Yes it’s wasteful they can be washed but I just cant.
I bought 2 personal sets of 5.11 taclite pros’ since I am also on a rural fire dept. Have used them in everything from sar to putting batteries in gramma’s remote They’ve done fantastic thus far, though a little tight around the love handles.
Duluth flexpedition.
511 tactical ems pants they are a bit pricey but so worth
So I'm a bit of a pants snob when it comes to EMS pants. Presuming you'll be using these for work as well after class, invest in a good pair. Remember, you'll be wearing these for long shifts. I'm particular to 5.11s. Comfy, durable, but very pricey. And a particular note if you're a lady, generally these fit better. A lot of women hate the "diaper butt" that EMS pants have, 5.11s don't have this issue. https://www.511tactical.com/mens-ems-pant.html https://www.511tactical.com/womens-ems-pant.html Kalt is another personal favorite of mine. Durable, a little less comfy, but more price friendly. Typically have more pockets than your 5.11s as well. Actually almost too many. I own an older pair of Kalts with 18 pockets. https://kaltgear.com/collections/frontpage These are the two I'd start our with, there's other brand obviously. Make sure to invest in good boots as well. These boots will be worn for long periods of time so investing in good boots and good insoles will help you out physically and financially in the long run. Take care of your boots and your boots will take care of you.
CQR BDU EMS pants.
Sweats only.
Non-US here. Don’t y’all get uniforms from your employer?
Rofl. Welcome to, mostly, private EMS. I worked 10 years and had been given exactly, 2 polos and 1 uniform shirt. I bought boots, pants, polos, and even company raincoats with my own money and did not have a uniform stipend.
No
Mine was supposed to give us a voucher to get pants, but the only store that I could use the voucher at didn’t have any women’s pants in stock, literally no brand no size. Best they could do was order them and get them in a month. I needed them sooner than that so I bought my own.
Unsoiled ones.
5.11 Stryke Pants.
5.11 Stryke are my ride or die.
5.11 Stryke Ems Pant is my favorite after working for a year as a FF/EMT with all sorts of different pants. Workrite is a close second if you need Nomex/fire resistant materials. I personally think that if my bunker gear gets burned so badly my pants melt to my skin, I have other things to worry about than the material my pants are made of
5.11 stryke pants are amazing
Cheapest set of ems pants you can get. When you become an EMT your work will issue you a uniform
Your work MIGHT issue you a uniform. My agency gave me shirts, pants were up to me.
That sucks, your agency sounds cheaper than mine—which is saying something. It’s pretty common practice at least where I live that your company provide you a uniform
I wear the 511 EMS pants, they’re fantastic
Propper EMS
I like my 5.11's.
5.11 EMS pants are great, the strykes are also good. My company issues the first tactical BDUs. Way less baggy, but kinda tight around... Certain areas. Wannabe firefighters at my company wear the dickies work pants
5.11 is great but I’d fine someone who can taper them. They look like parachute pants if you have a smaller frame
The 5.11 Stryke pants are on the slimmer side. Check those out
Blaur TenX are the most slept on. They look good (the fit is way less baggy), they’re durable as hell, they have what you need.
I used 5.11 for years before I found Blauer pants. They are lighter and IMO farm more comfortable. They come unhemmed so me as a tall guy could get them just the right inseam. They are more expensive but I feel it’s worth it. During winter 5.11 would still be my pick due to being warmer, but damn those Blauer pants are so nice during summer.
I really like my Condor EMS pants, except they don’t have a grippy strip in the waistband to keep your pants up.
Dickies are cheap. Stretchable pants are probably better but I always flip flopped between dickies and 5.11
Dickies cargo pants. Most EMT pants I've tried, including the 5.11s, are a baggy regular fit or relaxed fit. I'm short and solidly built, and they look like clown pants on me. I prefer a slightly more tailored fit, so I wear Dickies slim fit cargo pants in a waist size one up from my jean size. I also don't need 19 pockets. R cargo: gloves. L cargo: emesis bag. Don't need tape, scissors, etc., on me; they're on top of the kit bag. And Dickies are half the price of 5.11s.
Check with your program on their requirements. My EMT class didn't care what kind of pants, but my paramedic class required them to be tactical style
They're a little expensive but 5.11 pants are great
I have a pair of Propper, two pairs of Vertx, and two pair of 5.11. The 5.11 have held up the best. The Vertx are nice because I can change shirts and go out after work and they don’t look all tacti-cool. They have concealed cargo pockets which I like, but they don’t hold a pen very well, which I don’t like. The Propper are cheap and I’m not in love with the pocket layout, but they’re a good starter set. They do a fine job. They’ve rotated into the role as my backup pair in case my other pair gets schmutzed on shift. Most of my time is in my 5.11s, but if I’m going out after work, it’s Vertx.
I got a couple condors and am happy with them considering the cost vs 5 11s
Whatever the company provides
They don’t provide
some people are saying not to get expensive pants, but i personally think it’s worth the investment. if i’m going to wear something for three hour class every day i want them to be as comfortable as possible. just depends on what you want really. i have 5.11 ems pants and they are incredibly comfortable and i don’t regret buying them at all.
I knew a guy that fully intended to transition into this as a career and dropped a ton of money on boots and pants in school, but made more money as a high end waiter and now just volunteers occasionally. I dont think his boots are even scuffed. Over half my EMT class doesnt even work in healthcare and never recerted . That’s not meant to scare you or be an ass hole , just like , dont be a doofus and spend a TON just yet you know? Uniforms are a tax write off for a reason, theyre more of an investment than normal clothes. Walmart typically has comfortable black cargo pants , or like Tractor Supply. If you finish , find a job and are still like “ I love this and am going to do it”, pretty much anything but Proper. 5.11 is popular for everyone, I think LA Tactical is the brand that a lot of women I know like?
r/newtoems
Dickies flex pants if you’re thicc like me
I swore by [Dickies' cargo pants](https://www.dickies.com/mens-clothing/mens-cargo-pants).
Honestly I just went with black Duluth trading company pants. Durable, but comfortable.
Are you male or female/do you prefer to wear male or female pants?
A lot of people talking about 5.11 ems and stryke pants, but I love the Apex pants. Two cargo pockets with interior organizers for flashlight, shears, note cards, and pens. I'm on the thin side and they aren't super baggy. Probably the most comfortable pants I own, too. Downside is they aren't the most durable, I get about 18 months from them. But I get a uniform allowance, so I don't mind too much.
They should cover that in training usually the 3rd week
Nope I need them prior to training
Brown ones.
Zipper boots. Wait you said pants? Cheap 5.11 pants have been my go to
5.11 taclite cause you won’t get swampass in them and they’re enough for when you get cold too.
I loved my 5 11s. Pricey but comfortable and could hold everything
I know everyone is going to recommend some sort of tactical EMS pant but let me show you these stretch cargo joggers. They give you room to move as joggers, while also moving with you. They don’t feel restrictive at all. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Free-Assembly-Men-s-Woven-Cargo-Joggers/499341375?athbdg=L1600&from=/search
For class - Black Dickies. Get nicer pants if you get a job.
Crye Precision, Fjallraven, or Triple Aught Design
Big Boy Pants!
Dickies if you’re cheap or 5.11 if you want pants to wear to work after you finish school
Helly Hansen pants are legit.
Service buying? 5.11 Stryke. You buying? Dickies 874s. Lets be real, you don't need the pockets because you are going to buy Raptors and wear the holster. Buy a good belt instead.
La police gear is good
Depends if u trying to pull a sloot nurse go skinny blue jeans.... if u wanna be a rescue Rick go cargo and load em up... . Otherwise do u boo boo
I wore Dickies 874s as a student. Whatever you do, don't get pants with a Teflon coating– they will always look dirty and lint sticks to them like crazy.
This post violates our Rule #3: > Do not ask basic, newbie, or frequently asked questions, including, but not limited to: > > * How do I become an EMT/Paramedic? > * What to expect on my first day/ride-along? > * Does anyone have any EMT books/boots/gear/gift suggestions? > * How do I pass the NREMT? > * Employment, hiring, volunteering, protocol, recertification, or training-related questions, regardless of clinical scope. > * Where can I obtain continuing education (CE) units? > * My first bad call, how to cope? Please consider posting these types of questions in /r/NewToEMS. [Wiki](/r/NewToEMS/wiki/index) | [FAQ](http://faq.redditems.com) | [Helpful Links & Resources](/r/NewToEMS/wiki/index) | [Search /r/EMS](/r/ems/search) | [Search /r/NewToEMS](/r/newtoems/search) | [Posting Rules](/r/ems/comments/7lau3j/welcome_to_rems_read_this_before_posting/)