Vertx® has launched its new Cutback Short just in time for warmer weather, Available with either an 11” inseam or 8.5” inseam, the Cutback Short has all of the features of Vertx’s popular Cutback Technical Pant. Vertx provided me with the 8.5” Cutback Short for evaluation. .

Vertx is a leader in discreet wear for the armed professional. Vertx was launched in 2009, when its parent company, the Fechheimer Brothers Company, founded in 1842 and owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., was approached by an elite federal agency looking for comfortable low-profile pants with the all of the functionality as the tactical pants they were wearing at the time but didn’t scream “shoot me first.” Working with top operators, the company developed the industry’s first tactical pant that combined the needed functionality with a low visual profile.

Leveraging its experience, Vertx subsequently expanded more into low-profile clothing over time, which eventually also brought them into bags and packs so their same customers could carry all the equpment they needed while remaining discreet.

Vertx Cutback Short

Built to emulate an everday casual short, the Cutback Short features a low profile design that allows you to blend into a crowd, keeping you cool and dry without sacrificing readiness to act if necessary. The Cutback Short is designed to keep all your EDC gear (and more) handy and hidden whether on or off the job. Vertx definitely did its homework when designing the Cutback Short. It’s very well thought out.

The Cutback Short features eight outside pockets, a watch pocket and three hidden mini stash pockets. The pockets are designed to accommodate the things that you need to carry and prevent them from falling out. They’re designed to minimize printing and keep weight balanced for comfort.

All of the pockets are well thought out and are there for a purpose. There are two deep front pockets which are made of soft highly-breathable mesh, as is the lower left side pocket. The watch pocket in the right front pocket has an internal pass-through for comms wire management. Both of the rear patch pockets feature wallet traps (internal flaps) to keep your wallet or passport secure and also help prevent pickpocketing. Dual angled rear yoke pockets and the right thigh pocket are sized to fit standard smart phones and AR mags. All of the pocket edges are reinforced.

Three hidden mini stash pockets let you pre-load key items from 1.75” to 2” long. Two of the stash pockets are hidden inside the waistband, one situated in the small of the back and the other in the right appendix position. The third stash pocket is hidden in the zippered fly. The stash pockets are further disguised by looking just like ordinary clothing labels. I initially couldn’t locate all of the stash pockets.

The mini stash pockets are perfectly situated for stashing hand cuff keys and/or other small e&e tools hidden when operating in hostile areas or non permissive environments and allow easy access to defeat illegal restraint. By the way, they aren’t unique to the Cutback Short. Vertx has incorporated them in many of its pants. A nice touch that could prove a lifesaver.

The Cutback Short has eight belt loops. The belt loops are 0.875” wide and fit up to 1.75” belts. Each belt loop has a concealed DropLoop pass-through in that may be used to accommodate flexible restraints or can be used as reinforced tether points for lanyards or key rings. The two front belt loops are located to serve as key ring or lanyard anchor point in both front packets.

I typically carry Appendix Inside the Waistband  (AIWB). I often wear a Galco® EDC Holster Belt 1 1/2″. It’s an outstanding holster belt. The EDC Holster Belt is constructed of two laminated layers of SCUBA webbing treated with a special stiffening agent and features a 1.5″ AustriAlpin COBRA® quick-release buckle.

The Cutback Short belt loops are sized sufficiently to allow both the male and female halves of the COBRA Buckle to fit through, allowing me to rotate the belt around and to position the buckle in the optimal location to free up space for the mode of carry / belt worn EDC gear without the need to skip a loop. The two front loops on the Cutback Short are positioned far enough apart so as not to interfere with AIWB carry.

The Cutback Short is constructed of 6.2 oz. 48% Cotton/ 27% T400 Polyester /25% 37.5® Polyester blend stub dyed mechanical stretch twill. The fabric is enzyme washed for a comfortable feel. Vertx proprietary VaporCore™ powered by 37.5® Technology, promotes active cooling and rapid drying. The fabric is lightweight and durable. Coupled with the VaporCore with 37.5 Technology, it’s perfect for hot summer days. And it does get very hot where I live. Triple digit hot!

VaporCore with 37.5 Technology is made from naturally derived materials. There are no harsh chemicals to irritate the skin. It dries up to five times faster than other performance fabrics, eliminating wet cling and enhancing both comfort and performance. It keeps you cool and dry. The 37.5 Technology has active particles in the yarn that help to control odor, which is an issue with many synthetic fabrics. The active particles never wash out, providing lasting odor control.

The Cutback Short features an athletic cut for comfort. The 8.5” and 11” inseam fits at the knee. It has a contoured waistband with enough stretch for comfort and a zipper and logo button closure. The Cutback Short has a full gusseted crotch that allows greater range of motion. All heavy-wear seams are double-stitched. Bar tacks or logo YKK® rivets are used at critical stress points. Other features include a brass YKK locking zipper on the fly and contoured higher back rise.

I live an active lifestyle, as I suspect so do most readers. The Cutback Short fits me well and allows a full range of motion without binding, something that I demand in any shorts. Now of course no two people are built exactly alike, so your mileage may vary, but I’m very satisfied.

Summing Up.

The Cutback Short not only looks good, it packs a lot of features into its discreet, low-profile design. The Cutback Short is an outstanding alternative to tactical pants in hotter weather. The non-tactical appearance also makes it a great choice for any time shorts are appropriate. It’s exceptionally well made and very comfortable.

The Vertx Cutback Short has a MSRP of $64.99. The 8.5” Short is available in Desert Tan and Spine Grey colorways. The 11” Short is available in in Shock Cord and Exhaust. The Cutback Short and all Vertx products are available online from Vertx at vertx.com or at authorized Vertx dealers.

The Galco EDC Holster Belt 1 1/2″ has a MSRP of $80.00. It’s availble in either Black or Flat Dark Earth. The EDC Holster Belt 1 1/2″ is available online from Galco at galcogunleather.com or at authorized Galco dealers. For a full review go to Galco EDC Holster Belt 1 ½” — Outstanding EDC Gun Belt • Spotter Up.

Sources

Vertx
www.vertx.com

Galco Holsters
www.galcogunleather.com

Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Photos courtesy Vertx..