Carhartt Men's Force Ripstop Cargo Pant

Carhartt's Force Ripstop Cargo Pant is the version of the classic cargo silhouette that moves with the body rather than against it. The 95% nylon and 5% spandex stretch ripstop fabric at 6 ounces per yard produces a pant that is lightweight, naturally flexible, and quick to dry - a meaningful combination for workers and wearers who are on their feet and active through a full day rather than sitting at a desk. The ripstop weave adds structural resistance against tearing at the grid level, while the spandex content delivers the mechanical stretch that allows bending, squatting, and climbing without the fabric pulling tight across the back of the knee or through the hip.

Carhartt Force® is the performance line that brings FastDry™ moisture management into the construction. FastDry™ technology wicks perspiration away from the skin and pushes it toward the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate, keeping the wearer cooler and drier through sustained physical activity. Rugged Flex® adds an additional layer of Carhartt's engineered stretch, reinforcing the fabric's ability to move in every direction without compromising the construction. Together, these technologies position the Force Ripstop Cargo as a pant for outdoor work, active trades, hiking, travel, and any use case where both durability and freedom of movement are daily requirements.

The fit is relaxed from the mid-rise through the seat and hip with a slight fitted character through the thigh that transitions into a tapered leg opening - a more contemporary proportion than a traditional straight-leg cargo that avoids the excess fabric at the ankle without giving up the roomier feel through the body. A comfort flex waistband moves with the body across the full range of bending and seated positions. Cargo pockets with hidden hook-and-loop closures provide organized, secure storage, a zippered pocket keeps valuables contained, and front slash pockets handle everyday essentials. UPF 50+ sun protection adds a layer of coverage for outdoor workers who accumulate meaningful UV exposure across long workdays in direct sun.

Features

• 95% Nylon / 5% Spandex stretch ripstop at 6 oz - lightweight, flexible, and ripstop-reinforced for durability
• Rugged Flex® technology provides engineered stretch that moves with the body in every direction
• FastDry™ sweat-wicking pulls perspiration away from the skin for a cooler, drier feel during active use
• Carhartt Force® performance technology combines sweat-fighting and fast-dry engineering in one garment
• Relaxed fit with mid-rise waist, slightly fitted through hip and thigh, and tapered leg opening for a modern cargo proportion
• Comfort flex waistband is secure and comfortable through the full range of movement
• Cargo pockets with hidden hook-and-loop closures for organized, secure additional storage
• Secure zippered pocket for valuables
• Front slash pockets for everyday carry
• Strong sewn-on-seam belt loops for durability with a work or casual belt
• UPF 50+ sun protection for outdoor use
• Available in waist sizes W30-W50 and lengths L30, L32, L34, L36

Specifications

Inseam Length Reference

Q&A

Q: What is Rugged Flex® and how does it differ from standard ripstop fabric?
Rugged Flex® is Carhartt's designation for engineered stretch built into workwear fabric. Standard ripstop is a woven fabric reinforced with a grid pattern to prevent tears from spreading, but it does not inherently stretch. The Force Ripstop adds 5% spandex to the nylon base and applies Rugged Flex® engineering to the construction so the pant moves in every direction during physical activity - bending, climbing, squatting, and reaching - without the woven grid restricting that movement. The result is a ripstop that is both durable and flexible rather than choosing one over the other.

Q: What does Carhartt Force® FastDry™ technology do and is it different from other moisture-wicking fabrics?
Carhartt Force® is the brand's performance line, and FastDry™ is the moisture-wicking technology built into it. FastDry™ pulls perspiration away from the skin through the fabric and toward the outer surface where it can evaporate rather than pooling against the body. The difference from basic synthetic wicking is the combination of FastDry™ with the 95% nylon base - nylon naturally dries quickly, and the FastDry™ treatment accelerates the wicking action. The result is a pant that feels dry faster and stays drier longer than cotton or heavier synthetic alternatives during active use.

Q: How does the tapered leg fit compare to a traditional straight-leg cargo pant?
The Force Ripstop Cargo is relaxed through the seat and hip but transitions into a tapered leg opening that narrows from the thigh toward the ankle. The practical difference: less excess fabric at the lower leg eliminates the bunching and dragging that straight-leg cargos can produce when worn with work boots or over rough terrain. The tapered silhouette is also more contemporary in proportion while keeping the relaxed, roomy fit through the most physically demanding area of the pant - the seat, hip, and thigh.

Q: What does UPF 50+ mean for outdoor wear?
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) at 50+ means the fabric blocks more than 98% of UV radiation from passing through to the skin. For outdoor workers who spend full days in direct sun, the difference between untreated fabric and UPF 50+ fabric represents meaningful long-term protection against cumulative UV exposure. This is the highest UPF classification available in standardized textile ratings.