If you’re in the trades, you know a good pair of work pants is a must have. Like a lot of people, I’ve been loyal to Carhartt for years. They’ve been a staple in my work wardrobe, and for good reason. But lately, BRUNT has been popping up everywhere on the jobsite. Seeing their ads all over got me wondering if BRUNT could actually compete with the Carhartt pants, so I decided to give the BRUNT Torra pants a shot. Here’s how these two pants stacked up.
Comfort
Right out of the gate, the BRUNT Torra pants feel surprisingly flexible and easy to move in. They have a fabric blend that gives them a bit of stretch, which is especially noticeable when crouching or bending. The material feels light but still strong, which is nice for those long shifts. On the other hand, the Carhartt Rugged Flex also has a cotton/spandex mix and a nice sturdy feel, but it’s a bit of a stiffer feel. My Carhartt's are definitely comfortable once I break them in, but that can take a while. The Torra was comfortable right away.
Durability
Both of these pants are built tough. Carhartt is known for durability, so if you’re constantly on rough job sites, you might appreciate that extra bit of heft. The Torra pants, though lighter, still seem tough and held up well through days of heavy lifting, kneeling, and climbing. Both brands deliver on ruggedness, so I’d say they’re pretty similar in this category.
Utility
When it comes to utility, both pants come with plenty of pockets, but the BRUNT Torra takes it up a notch. The Torra features deep, spacious pockets that securely hold your tools and phone without feeling too bulky. I found it convenient for quick access without the pants becoming too weighed down. The Carhartt Rugged Flex has its usual utility pocket, but I found it was a bit tighter, which made getting tools in and out less convenient. For pure practicality and smart pocket design, the Torra has a clear edge.
Water Resistance
The BRUNT pants feature DWR water repellant, and it worked really well. They held up in the rain, and I even tested it by pouring some water on it and it beaded right off. The Carhartt pants are thick, so I wasn’t getting drenched in the rain but they don’t feature water resistance. That’s a big drawback for me on the jobsite, so I’d definitely go with the Torra here.
Value for Money
The Carharrt pants are a bit cheaper than the Torra pant, so if you’re just going based on price then they’re a good option. But I still think the Torra provides a better value. Considering the comfort, utility, and water resistance of the Torra, BRUNT delivers a better overall value if you’re looking for all-around performance with more versatility. Carhartt’s Rugged Flex is a classic, but if you want something lighter and more comfortable with equal durability, BRUNT’s Torra is worth trying.
Final Verdict
Both the BRUNT Torra and Carhartt Rugged Flex pants are solid choices for anyone in the trades. Carhartt’s Rugged Flex has the thicker, durable feel that’s hard to beat if you need a no-nonsense work pant. But BRUNT’s Torra stands out for its immediate comfort, utility features, and water resistance, making it an ideal choice for all-day wear. At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a work pant that’s tough, comfortable, and built with thoughtful details, the BRUNT Torra just might be the better option. BRUNT also offers a bunch of different styles of pants that are great for various jobs. Their Costello is super lightweight, and the Martin pant is a workhorse with a bunch of pockets, so you can’t really go wrong with any of their pants.