Arne M. was a new father who wanted to provide for his infant daughter.
The German man found a job working for a company that moved yachts for the wealthy.
Arne’s job was to sail the yachts from one location to another for the owner or buyer.
One day, Arne was sailing with his brother in Tolaga Bay on the east coast of New Zealand.
The two men encountered rough seas and the yacht’s boom turned suddenly and hit Arne, throwing him off the boat and into the water.
As soon as he hit the water Arne knew he was in trouble.
“Luckily, I knew the trick with the jeans,” he told a local newspaper. “Without the jeans, I wouldn’t be here today. They were the thing that saved me.”
You see, Arne turned his jeans into a life jacket that kept him afloat for over three hours.
He tied knots at the end of the legs and pulled them over water to get air inside.
Then, he pushed his jeans underwater to trap air and create a life jacket.
“While I was in the water I was just thinking, I can’t leave my daughter behind without a father. That was the biggest motivation,” he said.
A rescue helicopter spotted Arne about three hours after he fell overboard, and he was later rescued by a Coast Guard crew.
The rescue coordinator said the emergency beacons on the yacht helped alert rescuers immediately so they could respond as quickly as possible to the location.
The official said, without these devices “it may have turned out differently.”
Thankfully, Arne was wearing jeans that day and knew how to make them float.
Around 60% of U.S. adults say they regularly wear jeans.
One of the most popular jean brands, Levi Strauss, reported over $6 billion in sales in 2022.
And if you’re one of the 198 million Americans who wear jeans, is it worth considering tactical jeans? (I realize you’ve probably never heard of these before.)
What are tactical jeans?:
Tactical jeans are unique in that they have the same characteristics as regular jeans but with added usefulness.
For instance, tactical jeans often have more durable material, flexibility, and more pockets.
The jeans are designed for everyday wear but can serve more needs.
Benefits of tactical jeans:
One of the best things about tactical jeans is that they are more flexible compared to typical jeans.
The jeans are usually made of stretchable material and allow for more movement such as kneeling or running.
Plus, the jeans often have reinforced seams.
When looking for tactical jeans I would find ones that are made of cotton, polyester, and spandex.
Another great thing about tactical jeans is that they often have bigger and more secure pockets.
The pockets are usually sewn to allow them to hold more gear.
Also, some tactical jeans have hidden pockets for cash or a handcuff key.
Drawbacks to tactical jeans:
One thing to keep in mind with tactical jeans is that they are going to be more expensive compared to a cheaper, regular pair of jeans at the local store.
Another thing is that the jeans have more pockets than regular jeans.
The many pockets that are visible on the jeans might give away that they are tactical clothing.
Since tactical jeans are not as popular as regular jeans there are fewer options (colors, sizes, etc.).
Finally, since tactical jeans are more durable, they can be heavier, warmer, and not the most comfortable choice in the summer when compared to regular jeans.
Best tactical jeans:
One brand of tactical jeans to consider is the 5.11 Tactical Defender Flex jeans.
They are made with cotton and stretch denim.
The jeans have seven pockets and are available in slim and regular fit.
Another brand to look at is Vertx Defiance Jeans.
These jeans have high-hip pockets and are designed for concealed carry.
There are a total of 11 pockets including mini pockets for cash or a key.
A third option is the Viktos Operatus XP Jean.
These are made with stretch denim and have oversized thighs for better movement.
The jeans also have slash pockets so it’s easier to reach your gear.
Tactical jeans can be the best of both worlds: comfortable, yet still allowing you to be prepared.
So, if you don’t own a pair of tactical jeans, perhaps they are worth checking out.
