Helikon-Tex OTP Outdoor Tactical Pants - Water Resistant - Outback Line - Lightweight, Hiking, Law Enforcement, Work Pants

I'm outdoors for most of the day, where the summer heat and vampire bugs reign. I needed pants that were fully protective against all elements, especially when all the elements rain down on me. I usually wear 5.11 Tact-lite or Stryke Tactical pants, which hold my gear (i.e. w/12 pockets worth). These 5.11 pants were perfect, except on very hot days (95'F-108'F), when I felt the moisture/heat build-up.For summer, I needed clothing that was more lightweight, breathable, flexible, durable and comfortable. And after reviewing the Helikon-Tex OTP Versa-lites (10 oz), the specs met my criteria, so I took a (big) chance. My primary hesitation for buying any pair was its price - imo, it was way too steep, when compared to other quality outdoor brands. After wearing these pants outside for several days, I'm so glad I got a pair.- Pros: It immediately felt light and cool against the skin, when I'm outside. It even showered a little, and the rain beaded off. The comfort was unmistakable. This nylon/spandex fabric moves with you weather you're walking, climbing, sitting, kneeling, or crouching. In fact, it leaves no creases, especially behind the knees. The fit is slim and form fitting, but it doesn't feel constricting at all - i.e. no hot-spots.- Cons: 10 pockets are a lot already. That's great! I understand why the back pair are open, but I'd like to see pocket flaps on the back pockets. While wallets and smartphones fit snugly inside - in fact the fabric forms a tight fit around it, I don't like my items exposed to sand, dust, rain or snow. For me, I need pockets completely sealed or protected. I'd also hope future designs I'd also favor 2 small front pockets (slit opens), similar to the 5.11 Stryke pants, which can secure slim items for quick access: e.g. cards, cash, pens/markers, mini-EDC knife, FOB key, etc. In contrast, the Helikon-Tex pockets, while shallow and off the side, items tend to bunch up together, even though compressed by the fabric linings, which takes me longer to to sort out. Or, I'll just need to limit, adapt, and rearrange how I store my items for better access vs the 5.11s.- TBD: Durability? I don't know how durability this fabric is. I'm concerned that the nylon/spandex will eventually fail. If so, when? I don't want to end up with a costly overstretched/oversized pants. This has happened, when I purchased a REI tactical pants - after 2 years the stretch was lost. The spandex degraded and the leg seam stretched from 30" to a permanently-stretched at 34"; and the waist stretched from M to XL.**** Helikon-Tex should detail "optimal" care instructions that would help extend the fabrics' special features.****Also, the Helikon-Tex features velcro front closures. Velcro fasteners can quickly become weaker over time. Lint, grass, and debris get stuck in the loops and the closures begin to fail. I prefer buttons or brass closure snaps. That said, these velcro have a relatively large footprint and the 4-way stretch allows the waist to move up to 2"inches. The fit feels remarkably comfortable, when sitting or kneeling.*So at >$100/pc, I hope these Helikon OTPs won't fail quickly from stretching. Time will tell. If it's less than 1 year, I'll rate this down to 2, b/c it's not worth the price.Otherwise, these are one of the best tech-slacks that I've ever worn outdoors!