There’s one piece of hunting gear I’m always testing new products for: pants. There are a couple of reasons for this, including the fact that no matter the kind of hunting I’m doing, whether it’s turkey, waterfowl, or upland hunting, having a pair of high-quality pants is a must. And also: it’s so easy to wear out hunting pants. So, so easy. They not only have to put up with normal wear and tear but also busting through brush, crossing barbed wire fences, and a whole lot more.
This spring, I’ve spent a lot of time in the field with the Kings Camo XKG Preacher Pant 2.0, which is a fantastic all-around option for turkey hunting, and in my case, they also doubled for morel picking. The best part? Despite heavy use this spring, these pants are still in great shape, and I plan to use them for years to come.
The Pants
XKG Preacher Pant 2.0
Key Features:
- 4-way stretch polyester fabric
- Articulated knees with removable knee pads
- 275 grams fabric weight
- Grip-strip waistband
- Vented side zippers
- Low-profile cargo pants
- Solid and camo color options
- MSRP: $179.99
Pros:
- Durable
- Quiet
- Flexible
- Sleek storage options
Cons:
- On the heavier side
- Not particularly moisture resistant
- Only one camo pattern
Testing:
To test the Kings Camo XKG Preacher Pant 2.0, I wore a pair in the XK7 camo pattern during turkey season here in Western Montana, where I primarily hunted river bottoms, sometimes run-and-gunning, other times, leaning against a cottonwood tree and trying to call in a bird. I also did some morel picking in these, which really put the flexibility of the pants to the test.
What I Liked
The fabric of these pants feels sturdy and durable to the touch—and my field testing proved this to be the case. The 275-grain polyester is thick enough that it doesn’t easily scratch or tear from thorny vegetation or even during barbed wire fence crossings (as long as you’re reasonably careful). This is important for turkey hunting, which often requires trudging through brambly terrain. And because the fabric is on the softer side, it minimizes noise when you’re doing so, too.
Additionally, despite being on the heavier side, the fabric is quite stretchy and didn’t inhibit my mobility when I was on the move, or become uncomfortable when I was sitting or kneeling. On that note, the grip-strip waistband, a common feature on Kings pant products, kept the pants secure without constricting my waist. All in all, the fit is relatively athletic, while still being comfortable.
There are also some nice touches in the design that came in handy turkey hunting, such as the low-profile pockets, which had good capacity without being too bulky in the field. There are removable knee pads, which can come in handy for some folks, though I prefer running the pants without them. Finally, there are zippered side vents to diffuse heat during sunny spring days.
What I Didn’t Like
While I believe the XKG Preacher Pant 2.0 is a great all-around option for turkey hunting—and some big game scenarios, too—there are a couple of drawbacks, which really come down to the fabric. For one, it’s not very moisture-resistant and can become damp just from morning dew; on rainy days, you’ll need to use a shell or a different pant. Additionally, because the fabric is thick, it can also become hot. While the mesh side vents help, they don’t solve this problem. Because of this, these pants are better for early-season hunts and in colder climates. The camo pattern is a good option, as are the drab solids, but it would be nice if there were additional camo options, too, to match different kinds of vegetation.
The Final Word on the Kings
The Kings Camo XKG Preacher Pant 2.0 is a solid choice for the turkey woods. They’re durable, quiet, and they were clearly designed with comfort and functionality in mind. These are a particularly good option for cool spring mornings in northern climates and don’t do as well in wet or hot conditions.