Who is Mountain Khakis
Here is a little background on Mountain Khakis straight from the source:
Born on the rugged frontier of Jackson Hole, WY in 2003, we set out to complement every gentleman’s wardrobe with the perfect pair of khakis; a way to connect their already prevailing high-end blazer, shirt, and outerwear with its equally yoked pant. To fuse the everyday gentleman with his passion for the outdoors through premium, quality stylings.
Our original home in Jackson Hole could not contain our adventurous spirit and now our men’s and women’s collections can be found across all of America. Mountain Khakis quickly became popular in the South where tradition, respect, and charm were the perfect foundation for prosperity on all fronts. Embracing the art of detailed craftsmanship and timeless, reliable products, this lifestyle, fused with the rugged frontier of the West, offers the best of both worlds.
Mountain Khakis Original Mountain Pant
One of the products Mountain Khakis cut their teeth on is the Original Mountain Pant. I would describe the Original Mountain Pant as a workhorse canvas pant disguised as a casual pair of khakis.
They can be compared to Carharrt or Dickies canvas work pants, but I think they have a slightly less casual look due to the fit. They are very functional while maintaining a casual look.
I’ve used these in a variety of settings and they seem to fit in in most environments. My first pair of Mountain Khakis were purchased around 2005/2006, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
I typically go with the Original Mountain Pants but I have branched out to some of their lighter weight options for occasional summer use here in Texas. I will say, for a cotton/canvas pant, these seem to be pretty breathable.
Let’s take a look at the specs:
Specifications and Features
- 10.4oz 100% Organic Cotton 2-ply Canvas
- Fit
- Relaxed Fit: Mid-Rise, Straight Leg (Grosgrain-lined waistband)
- Slim Fit: Low-Rise, Straight Leg (Contoured waistband)
- YKK zipper
- Triple-stitched seams & bar-tac reinforcements
- “Mudflap” reinforced heel cuffs
- Bar-tac reinforcements
- Angled hand pockets
- Hidden side-seam deep drill hand pocket
- Reinforced pocket bags
- Diamond-shaped action gusset
- Colors: Freestone, Gunmetal, Kelp, Ranch, Terra, Yellowstone
- Sizes
- Waist: 30-44
- Inseam: 30-36
- MSRP: $84.95
- Street Price: $39 and up depending on size
I’m 6’2″ and typically around 180 lbs. +/-. In this style, I buy a 33/34 and find the fit is pretty spot on for me.
In the Field
I’ve used these pants in an office setting, bird hunting trips, fishing trips, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, cutting wood, travel, etc. I have honestly worn them in a large variety of environments and settings.
I wear them with Chacos, Bedrocks, flip flops, sneakers, trail running shoes, Crocks (don’t judge), Redwing boots, hiking boots, cowboy boots, etc. It’s up to you, the environment your in, and what you plan on doing.
Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Climbing
- Office
- Work
- Travel
- Etc.
The good and the bad
Pros
Hidden pocket
I find the “hidden” front to be an added bonus for traveling. It provides a good location to keep vital items close to the body. I think the term “hidden” is overdoing it, but it is something that’s a little less obvious than normal.
Durability
Durability is not an issue with these. They are tough and can take a beating. With this durability comes a heavier weight fabric, but it think the tradeoff is more than worth it.
Mobility
I feel like I have great mobility in these pants despite the fabric and weight. The gusseted crotch is a huge plus and there is enough of a relaxed fit to allow good movement. I have never experienced issues, even with activities like rock climbing or shooting from numerous positions.
Fit
Mountain Khakis offers two fits or styles in this pant. They offer a relaxed fit which features a mid-rise and straight leg and they also offer a slim fit which features a low-rise and straight leg. I would recommend going up a size if you are in-between sizes and unsure which way to go.
Depending on your preference you should be able to find a fit that works for you. Personally, I have gone to the slim fit and despite the name, its not a slim as you think. I still consider it to have a relaxed feel without all the excess fabric and bagginess. However, if you like a looser fit, the relaxed version may be for you.
Angled Hand Pocket
I like the ease of access the angled hand pockets provide as well as how they function with EDC tools that utilize a pocket clip. Easy to stow and easy to access. This may cause items to be more prone to falling out in the right situation, but I have never experienced any issues.
Cons
Break-in
I find these pants settle in and start feeling and looking good after about 2-3 washes/dries. They soften up, wrinkle less, and start to feel and look really good. I don’t know if this is common, but it has been my experience.
Wrinkly
When these come out of the drier there is going to be some wrinkly action going on. I find they wrinkles reduce as they “break-in”, but it may be a deal-breaker for some folks. If you were going to wear these to work, office, etc., you would probably want to hit them with an iron. However, for all other applications, I think they are just fine.
Pro tip: Be sure to dry these with a couple of wet towels and nothing else. It gives them enough room to dry without coming out like a wrinkled ball of cotton.
Consistency
I have noticed a small consistency issue when ordering multiple colors of the same pant size. It’s not enough to warrant a return on my end, but it is worth mentioning.
Conclusion
If I had to use one word to describe the Original Mountain Pant it is indestructible. I have thrown everything I can at these pants and they have passed with flying colors.
Some folks say the cost of these pants is a deal-breaker for them. I think they are a value given how long they last. Of course, price is subjective. I will add that I’ve had a few pair of these over 5 years and they are still going strong with “almost” weekly wear. They just keep going.
Their ability to “fit in” in a number of settings just adds to the functionality. They definitely aren’t business casual, but there are a lot of office environments where you could get away with them.
All in all, I give these pants two thumbs up. I’ve been a fan for a long time and think you will be too if you give them a chance.
