How to Choose a Field Pant for All-Season Use
By Purpose-Built EDC Gear, Adventure Apparel & Expedition-Grade Tools | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick the right field pant for year-round wear, from cool-weather stretch twill to durable NYCO ripstop. Compare the Raider Field Pant EX and NYCO+ versions.
Quick answer
Choose the Raider Field Pant EX if you need a cooler-weather pant with 4-way stretch and a clean street look; choose the Raider Field Pant NYCO+ for year-round durability, lighter weight, and classic ripstop feel.
Fabric weight and seasonality
The biggest difference between these two field pants is the fabric weight and intended season. The Raider Field Pant EX uses a 9 oz nylon-poly blend twill with DWR, making it a cool-weather wear option that still breathes well. The Raider Field Pant NYCO+ uses a lighter 6.8 oz NYCO ripstop, which works across all four seasons and dries faster when wet.
If you run warm or live in a mild climate, the lighter NYCO+ will feel more comfortable in summer. If you need insulation and wind resistance for fall and winter, the EX version gives you that without adding bulk.
Stretch and mobility
Both pants offer stretch, but the type differs. The EX fabric is a 4-way stretch twill, which moves with you in every direction and is ideal for dynamic activities like hiking or climbing. The NYCO+ has a touch of stretch added to a traditional ripstop weave, improving comfort and mobility over standard military-issue pants, but it is not as stretchy as the EX.
For everyday carry (EDC) and street wear, the EX's stretch feels more natural. For field work or tactical use where abrasion resistance matters more than maximum flexibility, the NYCO+ is the better choice.
Pocket layout and daily use
Both pants share the same thoughtful pocket layout inspired by the EDC tribe. Pockets are ample but not bulky, keeping the silhouette clean. This means you can carry tools, a phone, or a knife without looking like a cargo pant.
The trade-off is that neither pant has dedicated magazine or admin pockets. If you need specialized tactical storage, you may want to look at a dedicated combat pant. For most users, the balanced pocket design is a strength.
Decision rules
- If you need a cool-weather pant with maximum stretch: Choose the Raider Field Pant EX. Its 9 oz 4-way stretch twill provides warmth and full mobility. The DWR finish sheds light rain and snow. The EX is not ideal for hot summer days due to its heavier fabric.
- If you need a year-round pant with classic durability: Choose the Raider Field Pant NYCO+. The 6.8 oz ripstop is tough, breathable, and dries fast. The added stretch makes it far more comfortable than standard military ripstop. The NYCO+ is slightly less stretchy than the EX, but compensates with lighter weight and better airflow.
- If you prioritize a clean street look over tactical appearance: Both pants have a plain front and ample pockets without bulk. The EX's twill fabric looks more like chinos; the NYCO+ has a subtle ripstop texture. Either works for casual office or urban EDC. For a truly dressy look, consider non-tactical chinos instead.
Product facts
- Raider Field Pant EX - All Terrain Brown: The Raider Field Pant EX is a cool weather wear version made from a custom milled, 9 oz, 4-way stretch nylon-poly blend twill with DWR. This makes it a great choice for cooler months or air-conditioned environments where you want warmth, stretch, and water resistance without looking like a hiker.
Raider Field Pant EX - All Terrain Brown - Raider Field Pant NYCO+ - All Terrain Brown: The Raider Field Pant NYCO+ is made from a durable, 6.8 oz military-type NYCO ripstop with added stretch for mobility and comfort. The lighter, breathable fabric works year-round and resists tearing, so you can wear it in summer heat or under rain gear without overheating.
Raider Field Pant NYCO+ - All Terrain Brown
Fit guidance
Best for
- Cooler weather and active EDC users who want 4-way stretch
- Year-round field use where durability and breathability are priorities
Not for
- Hot, humid climates where only a very lightweight pant will work
- Users who need dedicated magazine or admin pockets
