River fishing chews through trousers faster than any other outdoor activity - brambles on the bank, wet knees from crouching at the water's edge, and hours of abrasion against gravel and rock. Army surplus trousers for fishing solve that problem because they're built for exactly this kind of punishment, at a fraction of the price of branded technical fishing kit.
Best overall army surplus trousers for fishing in 2026: British Army MTP PCS Trousers. Best for wet wading: US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers. Best budget option: Ex Police Cargo Trousers.
- British Army MTP PCS Trousers win overall for river fishing in 2026 - ripstop fabric and a camo pattern that breaks up your outline on the bank.
- Ex Police Cargo Trousers are the budget pick among army surplus trousers for fishing - hardwearing and cheap enough to write off after a bad session.
- US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers are the only pick rated for genuine wet wading thanks to their Gore-Tex membrane.
- Grade matters more than brand here - always check whether a listing is graded new, used or NOS before buying.
Why this matters
Most fishing-branded trousers are cut for standing on a boat deck, not crawling through nettles to reach a swim on a small river. Army surplus trousers were designed for infantry crawling through exactly that terrain, which is why anglers have been raiding surplus stock for decades.
The fabric weights are heavier, the knee panels are reinforced, and the camo patterns (MTP, DPM, woodland) do a genuinely better job of blending into riverside vegetation than a plain olive fishing trouser. Military Mart stocks genuine issue and graded surplus, so condition is disclosed upfront rather than buried in a listing.
What makes the best army surplus trousers for river fishing
- Ripstop or heavyweight cotton-poly fabric that survives repeated contact with brambles and rock
- A camo pattern suited to riverside cover - MTP and DPM outperform solid colours for spooking fewer fish
- Reinforced knees and seat for kneeling on gravel banks and wading in
- Honest grading - new, used, graded or NOS (new old stock) stated clearly, not glossed over
- Practical pocket layout for split shot, forceps and a rig wallet without bulk
- A fit that layers over thermals for cold-water sessions without restricting movement
Army surplus trousers for fishing: at a glance
| Trousers | Best for | Standout feature | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Army MTP PCS Trousers | All-round river fishing | Genuine issue multi-terrain camo, ripstop | Sizing runs to British Army fit, not high street |
| Ex Police Cargo Trousers | Budget bank fishing | Cheap, hardwearing polyester-cotton mix | Plain black - no camo advantage |
| US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers | Wet wading | Gore-Tex membrane, genuine waterproof | Bulkier than a summer trouser |
| British Army S95 Trousers | Cold weather sessions | Older-pattern DPM, tougher fabric weight | Harder to find in smaller sizes |
| Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Trousers Gen 3 Class 3 OCP | Winter wading | Built for sub-zero wet exposure | Overkill for mild UK sessions |
| 5.11 TDU Ripstop Trousers | Rough riverbank terrain | Purpose-built ripstop, articulated knees | Not military surplus - modern tactical brand |
1. British Army MTP PCS Trousers: best army surplus trousers for river fishing overall
The British Army MTP PCS Trousers are current-pattern issue kit in Multi-Terrain Pattern camo, cut for freedom of movement on patrol and just as useful crouched behind reeds. The ripstop fabric shrugs off bramble snags that would tear a lighter trouser, and the MTP pattern reads as broken-up cover against most UK riverbank backdrops, not just woodland.
British Army MTP PCS Trousers pros:
- Genuine current British Army issue, not a reproduction
- MTP camo works across riverbank, hedgerow and reed cover
- Ripstop fabric holds up to repeated bramble contact
- Reinforced knee area for kneeling on gravel
British Army MTP PCS Trousers cons:
- Sizing follows British Army measurements, so check the chart before buying
- Not waterproof - fine for bank fishing, not for wading
British Army MTP PCS Trousers pricing: check current listing for size and grade-specific pricing.
Best for: anglers who want one pair of army surplus trousers to cover most river and bank sessions in 2026. Verdict: Buy.
2. Ex Police Cargo Trousers: best budget army surplus trousers for fishing
The Ex Police Cargo Trousers are exactly what the name says - genuine ex-issue cargo trousers in a hardwearing polyester-cotton mix, with belt loops and double-stitched seams built for daily wear on duty. They don't carry a camo pattern, but for bank fishing where you're not trying to disappear into cover, that's not a dealbreaker.
Ex Police Cargo Trousers pros:
- Low price point makes them an easy write-off if they get trashed
- Hardwearing fabric built for daily operational wear, not just weekend use
- Deep cargo pockets fit a rig box or forceps without extra kit
Ex Police Cargo Trousers cons:
- Plain black or navy - no camouflage benefit for spooky swims
- Cut is boxier than a dedicated outdoor trouser
Ex Police Cargo Trousers pricing: check the current listing for exact price and size availability.
Best for: anglers who want serviceable trousers without paying for camo they don't need. Verdict: Buy.
3. US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers: best for wet wading
The US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers are the only pick here rated for genuine wet exposure - APEC stands for All Purpose Environmental Clothing, and the Gore-Tex membrane is what keeps water out during actual wading rather than just resisting a splash. Grade A condition on this listing means used or better, with no major wear issues.
US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers pros:
- Genuine Gore-Tex membrane, not a generic waterproof coating
- Multicam pattern works well against mixed woodland and riverbank cover
- Grade A condition disclosed on the listing
US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers cons:
- Bulkier fit than a summer trouser - layer accordingly
- Priced above the budget picks in this list
US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers pricing: priced at £39.99.
Best for: anglers who wade into the margins rather than staying on the bank. Verdict: Buy.
4. British Army S95 Trousers: best for cold weather bank sessions
The British Army S95 Trousers are an older-pattern issue trouser in DPM, built to a heavier fabric weight than the current MTP kit. That extra weight is a genuine advantage for cold, wet bank sessions in late autumn and winter 2026, where you want warmth as much as durability.
British Army S95 Trousers pros:
- Heavier fabric weight than current-issue MTP trousers
- DPM pattern still reads well against riverside cover
- Genuine issue kit, not a reproduction
British Army S95 Trousers cons:
- Older pattern is harder to find in smaller sizes
- Heavier fabric means it's warmer than needed in summer
British Army S95 Trousers pricing: check the current listing for size and grade-specific pricing.
Best for: cold-weather bank fishing where warmth matters more than a lightweight cut. Verdict: Buy.
5. Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Trousers Gen 3 Class 3 OCP: best for winter wading
This Gen 3 Class 3 OCP trouser is genuine cold/wet weather issue kit, built for sustained exposure well below what most UK anglers will face. It's the trouser to reach for on a winter session where you're wading in freezing water for hours, not a quick summer float session.
Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Trousers Gen 3 Class 3 OCP pros:
- Built for sustained cold and wet exposure
- Genuine issue NSN-coded kit (8415-01-641-1801)
- Serious warmth for winter wading sessions
Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Trousers Gen 3 Class 3 OCP cons:
- Overkill for mild UK bank sessions most of the year
- Bulkier than every other pick on this list
Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Trousers Gen 3 Class 3 OCP pricing: priced at £60.
Best for: committed winter anglers who wade regardless of temperature. Verdict: Buy if you fish through winter, Skip if you don't.
6. 5.11 TDU Ripstop Trousers: best for rough riverbank terrain
The 5.11 TDU trousers aren't military surplus - they're a modern tactical brand built with feedback from active operators - but they earn a spot here for anglers who want ripstop durability without hunting for the right surplus size. The ripstop fabric and articulated knee design hold up well against the kind of overgrown bank most surplus trousers were never actually tested on.
5.11 TDU Ripstop Trousers pros:
- Purpose-built ripstop fabric for abrasion resistance
- Articulated knee cut for kneeling and crouching
- Consistent modern sizing, easier to fit than surplus stock
5.11 TDU Ripstop Trousers cons:
- Not genuine surplus, so it lacks the trade cachet of an issue trouser
- Plain black colourway only in this listing
5.11 TDU Ripstop Trousers pricing: priced at £39.99.
Best for: anglers who prioritise fit and ripstop durability over sourcing genuine surplus. Verdict: Buy.
How we ranked these army surplus trousers for fishing
Every trouser on this list was judged against the same criteria: fabric durability against bank vegetation, camo effectiveness against riverside cover, whether the fit and pockets suit an angler rather than just an infantryman, and honest grading of condition. Waterproofing was scored separately since not every session needs it - bank fishing and wet wading have different demands, which is why this list splits the two use cases rather than forcing one winner.
Prices ranged from £15 for a plain BDU-style trouser up to £60 for genuine cold/wet weather issue kit in 2026, and grade was checked on every listing before it made the cut.
Which army surplus trousers should you choose?
If you're only buying one pair, the British Army MTP PCS Trousers are the safest call for 2026 - genuine issue, ripstop fabric, and camo that works across most UK riverbank settings. Anglers who wade need the US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers instead, since none of the other picks here are built for sustained water contact. Budget-conscious anglers who fish infrequently should start with the Ex Police Cargo Trousers and upgrade once they know how often they're actually on the bank.
FAQ
What are the best army surplus trousers for fishing in 2026?
The British Army MTP PCS Trousers are the best overall pick for 2026, combining genuine issue ripstop fabric with a camo pattern that suits most UK riverbank cover. Anglers who wade should choose the US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers instead.
Are camo trousers better than plain trousers for river fishing?
Camo patterns like MTP and DPM break up your outline against reeds and hedgerow better than a plain colour, which matters on spooky swims. For open bank fishing where cover isn't an issue, plain trousers like the Ex Police Cargo Trousers work fine.
How much do army surplus trousers cost compared to branded fishing trousers?
Surplus and surplus-adjacent trousers in this guide range from £15 to £60, well below most dedicated fishing brand trousers. The trade-off is that you're buying used or graded kit rather than new-with-warranty stock.
Are ex-police cargo trousers waterproof enough for bank fishing?
No, ex-police cargo trousers are hardwearing but not waterproof, which suits dry bank fishing rather than wading. For wet exposure, a Gore-Tex trouser like the US Military APEC pair is the better choice.
What grade should I look for when buying army surplus trousers?
Grade A means used or better with no major wear issues, which is the minimum worth buying for regular fishing use. NOS (new old stock) is unused but aged in storage, and is worth the premium if you find it.
Can you wear army surplus trousers for wet wading?
Only trousers with a genuine waterproof membrane, like the US Military APEC Multicam Gore-Tex Trousers, are suited to wet wading. Standard ripstop or cotton-poly surplus trousers will soak through.
How do you size army surplus trousers for a good fit?
Army surplus trousers follow military sizing conventions, which don't always match high street numbering, so check the size chart on each listing before ordering. When in doubt, size up slightly to allow for layering in cold weather.
Are MTP trousers good for river fishing camouflage?
Yes, MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern) is designed to work across a range of backdrops rather than one specific environment, which makes it effective against mixed riverbank cover of reeds, gravel and hedgerow.
One last thing
The detail most anglers miss: grading matters more than pattern. A Grade A trouser in an unfashionable pattern will outlast a poorly graded trouser in the camo everyone wants, so check the condition notes before you check the colourway.
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