You might have run across Vertx in the past but may be wondering where they came from. The Vertx brand is actually an internal start up of Fechheimer Brothers Company, one of the Berkshire Hathaway Companies chaired by Mr. Warren Buffett. Fechheimer is best known in the Law Enforcement community for their Flying Cross brand of Police uniforms. Vertx was created as a collaborative effort with federal law enforcement and Arc’teryx to produce a progressive tactical pant.

Can you imagine paying less than $50 for an Arc’teryx design? With the Vertx pant that is exactly what you get. It’s the result of Arc’teryx’s world class design partnered with Fechheimer‘s 168 years of producing tailored garments for law enforcement and military customers. Combine that with Berkshire Hathaway’s tradition of integrity and financial strength, and authentic design direction from federal law enforcement operators, the first Vertx product, the premium tactical pant, was created.

Word on the street is that these were designed for the most elite of law enforcement units in the country but when I pressed him on it, brand manager Dave Walsh wouldn’t comment on any federal agency that contributed to the design process. However, he did have this to say, “We took a ground up design approach. Our preference is to design with the direct input from the end user and hold informal focus groups that include Federal, state and local law enforcement as well as experienced Special Forces operators. Our goal was to produce comfortable, function-first equipment that a gunfighter can wear and not stand out.” I would say that they have succeeded.

Ultimately, Vertx looks at their customer as the “Operational Athlete.” This is a concept grounded in public service and is used to describe the persona that requires high quality yet discreet tactical clothing. It’s the person that seeks to become the best at what they do. Dave Walsh had this to say about the Operational Athlete, “Our product is for the individual who seeks the satisfaction of training for, and confidently experiencing head to head combat. The operator who appreciates that when your opponent underestimates you it gives you power. Let the potential threat think you are slow, unarmed and weak, that’s the discipline.”

Bob Getto, President & CEO of Fechheimer also sees the advantage they are offering the end user. He said, “We’re extremely excited to bring Vertx apparel to the operational athlete. Vertx is designed by and for the operator who wants the combination of low visual profile, function of a battle garment and the appearance of business casual. Try the pants, and you’ll be sold – there is a not better fitting pair in the market.”

As for me, they are the most comfortable low profile pants I have worn. They move with you. They are articulated, but just enough so that they don’t look like outdoor pants and they are packed with features. You would never see the hidden pocket and even the cargo pockets are set in to the pant leg so you won’t notice them. Literally, you could wear these in a briefing in the morning and go right to work on the street the same afternoon, and then slip on a sport coat and meet the wife for dinner; all in the same pair of pants.

In addition to the tactical pant, Vertx also produces the Cold Black polo which reflects up to 80% of UV light making them a much cooler alternative for those who work outside. They are also introducing new styles for women but these aren’t resized men’s trousers. Vertx worked with female LE officers to develop a unique fit block, accommodating the body form that is the American Police Woman.

I think Bob Getto’s comments sum it up best, “Try the pants — as many have — and you’ll be sold. There is not a better fitting pair in the market…”

Make sure you visit Vertx in booth #11044 at SHOT Show.