I'm not in law enforcement.  I'm not a contractor.  I'm not in the military.  But my profession as a photographer puts me in situations where I have to dress like i'm being deployed to Afghanistan.  Lenses, batteries, flashcards, flashes, remotes, multitools, flashlights, greycards, light meters, sync cords, measuring tape, are just some of the items that I need to keep on my person, and be able to access quickly and easily.  I usually carry a bag with several compartments, but when it's hot, and i have to move around a ton, i prefer these pants.  There is a pocket for everything with these suckers!  Best feature, are the back pockets.  I can fit a 200mm zoom lens and flash adapter in ONE back pocket!  Second best feature, the knife pocket, roomy enough for a multitool and a streamlight stylus flashlight.  And last, the clip on the beltloop, perfect for clipping my flash meter on, or a second body in a carrying case.
Even loaded to the rafters, these pants are comfortable, cool, and let you maneuver nicely.  I'd order a size bigger than you wear in jeans, even with the elastic, these are sized more like dress-slacks.  Fit is great, length is perfect.  You don't have to be a SWAT team banging down a door, or a military paratrooper to get full use out of these pants.  When I'm not working in them, I'm using them for a long Motorcycle trip (the pockets are great for biker stuffs and cool in hot weather riding), or on a camping trip, where they withstand a beating but always come clean.
I have some knock-offs, but the 5.11 are definitely worth the extra money.
Good GD Pants.