just stick with the rugged flex line theyl probably fit similar. I have a few pairs of the rugged flex ripstop ones I love the fit. There’s a none rugged flex version of the ripstop cargos as well, they look like the same fit. More on reddit.com

Hi, I wore the B17 (and it’s cousin the B18) extensively at work so I have some experience with it. "What is relaxed fit and tapered?" Carhartt’s old fit line-up in increasing order of looseness was Traditional Fit, Relaxed Fit, Loose Fit, and Dungaree Fit. The first three fit types were available in Straight Leg and Tapered Leg, the last was just made in Straight Leg. Tapered Leg jeans are wider where the leg begins and get gradually narrower towards the ankle. Straight Leg jeans are the same width the entire length of the leg. In recent years, Loose Fit and Dungaree Fit were combined as Loose Fit. These two fit types were minimally different anyway and had more to do with the length of the rise than the looseness. Traditional Fit has also been changed to Straight Fit. Relaxed Fit kept its name but the newer Relaxed Fit styles aren’t quite as loose as the B17. "The size I usually wear is 38-30. What size should I go for, I am 5'10?" I can really answer that as people have different ideas of a good fit and body proportions can be very different from one person to another, even if they are the same height. I will say that the B18s and B17s do run about an inch or so longer in the inseam than the tagged size. They also are designed to sit higher up towards the actual waist and not the hips. Some people who aren't used to that kind of fit claim that the waist runs small but it doesn't usually. "The reviews seem to be way too bad infact they seem to be almost discouraging which has become my main concern as I am not sure whether I should purchase this or not." I’m almost certain that you’re referring to the reviews complaining about to the back pockets showing excessive wear very early. This has started happens on some of my pairs. Washing seems to be the hardest on them. Recently Carhartt changed their care instructions to say that jeans should be washed inside out. I would recommend doing that. I also noticed that the pairs made around 2015 and earlier do not seem to have as many issues. I’m not sure about the pairs made in 2021 to the present. The date code on each pair is printed on the top left of the tag. "What are other options at this price?" I’ve also worn Wrangler Rugged Wear Jeans to work and liked them. They don’t have a Relaxed Tapered style but the Classic Fit was comfortable. It might be too snug for what you’re looking for. More on reddit.com

Assuming those are your photos, it was a good idea to take a picture of the tag but unfortunately the date code (top left) and style and color codes (bottom left) are out of view. That being said, I will attempt to identify it from the photos provided. I believe it is the B480 Traditional Fit Straight Leg Jeans in the “Light Vintage Blue” (LVB) color. The B480 was introduced in 2012 and was available in the “Light Vintage Blue” color from 2011 to 2016. The B480 as a whole was discontinued in 2020. If you can, looking at the tag will verify the style, color and date it was produced. At the top left should be a string of numbers following the registered identification number assigned to Carhartt (“RN# 14806). The first four numbers following the RN are the date code indicating the month and year the jeans were produced (ex: “0213” for February 2013). The style code should be at the bottom left with the color code following (“B480 LVB”). More on reddit.com

There is actually a good explanation for the Goldilocks-esque situation in which you find yourself: Carhartt used to have four different fits, from tightest to loosest: "Traditional Fit", "Relaxed Fit", "Loose Fit" and "Original Fit". Later on, "Loose Fit" and "Original Fit" were combined for simplification purposes, but the difference was "Loose Fit" sat slightly below the waist and "Original Fit" at at or above the waist. Around 2019 or so, Carhartt came out with a bunch of new styles. They also changed the fit of "Relaxed Fit". It is now tighter than the old "Traditional Fit". The only true "Relaxed Fit" jeans that Carhartt still produces are the Holter jeans line, the B17 and the B172. I am guessing you were trying on one of the newer styles of "Relaxed Fit" jeans. However, the B73 is still being manufactured with the same "Loose/Original Fit". Therefore, you are essentially comparing something that fits tighter than the tightest fit with the loosest fit. That is why it's hard to find an "in-between". If you are set on a double-knee style, I would recommend the 101609 Double Knee Washed Denim Relaxed Fit Logger Jean but unfortunately it was discontinued several years ago. The next best bet is the 103328 Double Knee Holter Relaxed Fit Dungaree , but unfortunately that was discontinued recently as well so sizes are limited. More on reddit.com