Carhartt Ripstop Cargo Work Pants vs Dickies Tough Max Duck Carpenter Pant

Buy the Carhartt ripstop cargo if you want a lighter, stretchier pant that dries fast and has real cargo pockets for tools and phone. Buy the Dickies Tough Max Duck if you want a heavier, tougher duck canvas for cold weather and abrasive jobs. The Carhartt is the more versatile everyday work pant; the Dickies is the more durable one for hard outdoor labor. Owners of both praise the stretch and the reinforced pockets, but the Dickies runs warmer and stiffer, and the Carhartt's thinner fabric wears faster at the knees.

• Choose the Carhartt Ripstop Cargo if you work indoors or in warm weather, carry gear in cargo pockets, and want a pant that stretches and dries quickly.
• Choose the Dickies Tough Max Duck if you need maximum abrasion resistance for cold, rough outdoor work and prefer a traditional carpenter cut.