Gear Guides

Just because something is a pair of black tactical pants or a shirt doesn’t make it a true BDU, or Battle Dress Uniform.  Many times, the two get confused as concepts, so today we’ll discuss what makes something a BDU as opposed to simply a pair of cargo pants or a shirt that has extra pockets.

The concept of the Battle Dress Uniform came about in the 1980’s and was driven by the need for a more functional uniform for those in the military with a more advanced (for the time) camouflage pattern.  It is characterized by a general fit made to accommodate a wide variety of body shapes, specialized pocketing providing multiple easy-access options for storing gear and equipment, and a design built to ensure the wearer’s range of motion across a wide variety of activities.  It is also typically made from a fabric intended to combine performance characteristics between environments and seasons, with the intent of providing year-round protection and comfort as best possible.