Tactical pants with tourniquet pockets: Garrote, Vanguard and Virtuoso compared
Updated 2026-11-04 · The HAVOK team
Short answer
The HAVOK Garrote Pant and the HAVOK Vanguard Assaulter Pant both have two independent, dedicated calf tourniquet pockets. The Vanguard adds two breach charge slits. The HAVOK Virtuoso Pant shares the same base design without tourniquet pockets, and it is the lightest of the three.
The three pants side by side
| Virtuoso | Garrote | Vanguard | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calf tourniquet pockets | No | Two | Two |
| Breach charge slits | No | No | Two (8" x 2"), behind each cargo pocket |
| Weight, VTX Ripstop (34x34) | 1 lb 8.3 oz | 1 lb 11 oz | 1 lb 14.2 oz |
| Weight, NYCO 50/50 (34x34) | 1 lb 12.6 oz | 1 lb 14.3 oz | 2 lbs 1.5 oz |
| Fabric | VTX or NYCO 50/50 | VTX or NYCO 50/50 | VTX or NYCO 50/50 |
Which one fits your job?
- HAVOK Garrote Pant: immediate access to a tourniquet, for units that want speed and mobility.
- HAVOK Vanguard Assaulter Pant: for assaulters who also need breach charges at hand when timing is critical.
- HAVOK Virtuoso Pant: the lightest of the three and our first benchmark design, for kneeling, climbing and fast movement.
What all three share
- A slimmer, athletic fit
- VELCRO padded adjustable waist lined with wicking material
- Two-way fly zipper with reinforced storage
- Vertical hand pockets with a dedicated knife holder
- Thigh pocket sized for a SAT phone
- Hidden kneepad sleeve supported by D30 Knee Pads
- Knee abrasion protection in CORDURA 500 Denier
- Integrated boot hook
- Mesh venting on all pockets
Questions
Do these pants take knee pads?
Yes. All three have a hidden kneepad sleeve supported by D30 Knee Pads.