Mountain Khaki Pants

[datoy]

Here is a great pair of pants that will hold up to the abuse of off-road travel: http://www.myfjcruiser.org/2594/mountain-khakis-original-mountain-pant/

[DaveM]

I have a pair of the original mountain khakis and a pair of the utility pants. The khakis fit better but the utility pants are more robust, if not a bit loose. I love them both and will probably get another pair of Khakis as camp pants.

I have one gripe about MK, when I bought my utility pants a few weeks ago through Amazon they arrived with one of the pockets badly sewn into the side seam (triple stitched in!). I contacted MK, who make a big deal about quality, and fully expected them to offer a direct exchange for me, after all it was their construction at fault not shipping damage etc. Instead I got a pretty short email instructing me to return the item to Amazon, who by this time had nothing left in my size. They offered to make it right after I complained a bit but by that time I decided to just cut and re-sew the picket myself - worked ok, one sides a little shorter than the other :P

Anyway, I like MK’s stuff but their customer service needs al little work.

[pint]

I have worn the originals for a number of years almost daily for work, travel, camping, etc. I also have the cords which are nice for "business casual" in the winter.

[kellymoe]

I have a few pair of MK and loved them, I say loved because I cant fit my fat *** into them at the moment. Maybe with more mountain biking I can get into them again soon.

[spressomon]

I have a pair of the original mountain khakis and a pair of the utility pants. The khakis fit better but the utility pants are more robust, if not a bit loose. I love them both and will probably get another pair of Khakis as camp pants.

I have one gripe about MK, when I bought my utility pants a few weeks ago through Amazon they arrived with one of the pockets badly sewn into the side seam (triple stitched in!). I contacted MK, who make a big deal about quality, and fully expected them to offer a direct exchange for me, after all it was their construction at fault not shipping damage etc. Instead I got a pretty short email instructing me to return the item to Amazon, who by this time had nothing left in my size. They offered to make it right after I complained a bit but by that time I decided to just cut and re-sew the picket myself - worked ok, one sides a little shorter than the other :P

Anyway, I like MK’s stuff but their customer service needs al little work.


Well that's not so good to hear (about their lack of good post-sale customer service). I guess, like you, I would have expected better given their marketing BS. And agreed: The utility model fits a bit loose. I wish they fit as well as my Carhartt's. Or I wish my Carhartt's were made as well as my MK Utilitie's :).

I recently purchased a couple pair of the Wrangler Riggs ripstop cotton Carpenter pants. Fit very similar to Carhartt's but much better construction overall. And $29 at the Work World Store.

[lamontagne]

I've got two pairs of the original MK's and I only have one gripe about them, the belt loops have become frazzeled (stitching has come undone) on both pairs????

Other than that, I love them both!

[xtatik]

Here is a great pair of pants that will hold up to the abuse of off-road travel: http://www.myfjcruiser.org/2594/mountain-khakis-original-mountain-pant/

Ummm, what kind of upholstery do you have in your vehicle......80 grit?
Just sayin'.

[timmy!!!!!!!]

A friend gave me pair of teton twills MK because the shrank really badly.

[Wander]

I like them too-anyone know of a good source to find them for less-I check Sierra Trading Post often but their stock is pretty limited so I'd love to know of another discount source.

[datoy]

Ummm, what kind of upholstery do you have in your vehicle......80 grit?
Just sayin'.

Actually I run Neoprene seat covers. The pants get abused when: I am performing vehicle recovery activities, Loading the trailer, Unloading the trailer, Kneeling in the dirt to air down or up the tires, Making a fire, crawling under the FJ to check something, Hiking......

Get the point... It's not sitting that wears the pants... It's using them....

[Bugspray]

Save some money and just buy Carhartts......the real "original mountain pant".
No one I know wears them(MKs) or can afford them.
I have to give them credit for a nice bit of marketing though, seems to have sucked some people in.

[datoy]

Save some money and just buy Carhartts......the real "original mountain pant".
No one I know wears them(MKs) or can afford them.
I have to give them credit for a nice bit of marketing though, seems to have sucked some people in.

I have Carharts and the MK pant canvas is much thicker. I'll be going with MK now.

[DaveM]

Save some money and just buy Carhartts......the real "original mountain pant".
No one I know wears them(MKs) or can afford them.
I have to give them credit for a nice bit of marketing though, seems to have sucked some people in.

I have and wear both. The MKs are tougher and better built and if you shop around they can be had for about the same price. I would never buy MKs at their suggested retail price.

Have you ever worn a pair of MKs?

[EuroJoe]

cabelas had them at 50% off last week, as did a local outdoor shop.

[Bugspray]

I still wear 5 pairs of Carhartts that I bought over a decade ago, my wife just bought be two new pairs(on sale of course) a few months ago. I expect I'll have them for over a decade also. How long has MK even been a business? I'd try on a pair of Mks but they dont sell them at the hardware store I shop at.

[Wander]

Save some money and just buy Carhartts......the real "original mountain pant".
No one I know wears them(MKs) or can afford them.
I have to give them credit for a nice bit of marketing though, seems to have sucked some people in.

If you get a chance you should try MK's they are different than just Carhart copies-which are also great pants. I also can find MK's at about the same price as Carharts and if you extend your statement further you should get Dickies as they are made in the same Mexican factory as Carharts and are pretty much the same thing for 1/2 the price. I noticed a drop in Carhart quality when they stopped making everything in Michigan which happened about the same time you started seeing Carharts on campuses worn by frat dudes with F350 Super Duty 4x4 diesels and names like "Trip".

[Dendy Jarrett]

I wear MK for many reasons (dang good pants), but mainly because they are AMERICAN MADE!!! You can't say that about many things these days!

Dendy

[htchmn]

I wear MK for many reasons (dang good pants), but mainly because they are AMERICAN MADE!!! You can't say that about many things these days!

Dendy

Well, the last time I checked a map Cambodia was not part of America.

[mmccurdy]

Well, the last time I checked a map Cambodia was not part of America.

I have found this to be true also.

The MK marketing material tends to give the impression they're made in the US for some reason, though they never state it outright. The tags on the items tell a different story.

Up until recently Carhartt offered some items that were expressly "Union Made" in the USA. However, they have discontinued that line. From what I understand they still have a US factory and some of their stuff is made here, but it's no longer guaranteed.

If you want a pair of khaki's that are still made in the US (Reading, PA), check out Bill's (http://www.billskhakis.com/about_bills/history.html). I don't know of any others, but I would love to hear about them if they exist.

Not a knock on MK, necessarily, I still intend to pick up a pair to try them out, just trying to put some good info out there on country of origin.

[Connie]

Graham loves his MKs, the only complaint I have is if we are going on a long trip and I might have to wash them by hand. They are really tough to wash by hand and take a while to line dry.

I realize this is not generally a consideration when choosing what pants to buy.

[sinuhexavier]

Graham loves his MKs, the only complaint I have is if we are going on a long trip and I might have to wash them by hand.

I thought that's what the Gatorade cooler on the rack was for...


http://www.africaoverland.org/images/namibia/M-121.jpg

[Wander]

Damn that's a sweet 110!

For those that haven't tried them, a big feature in comfort and function with MK's is the gusseted crotch panel (sorry for using the word crotch!). They move much better in the field like when you have to step over or up to something and they are much more comfortable in the drivers seat since they don't bind.

[xtatik]

Graham loves his MKs, the only complaint I have is if we are going on a long trip and I might have to wash them by hand. They are really tough to wash by hand and take a while to line dry.

I realize this is not generally a consideration when choosing what pants to buy.

Actually, this is a huge consideration when choosing. Synthetics can be every bit as tough, are lighter, pack smaller, clean easier, and dry in a fraction of the time........which means they would also perform better in inclement weather.......cotton kills!

[Connie]

I thought that's what the Gatorade cooler on the rack was for...
True enough, but I'd like to be able to fit some other clothes in there too.:elkgrin:


For those that haven't tried them, a big feature in comfort and function with MK's is the gusseted crotch panel (sorry for using the word crotch!).
Somehow saying "the portion of the pant located at the top of the inseam" is a bit confusing.

Actually, this is a huge consideration when choosing. Synthetics can be every bit as tough, are lighter, pack smaller, clean easier, and dry in a fraction of the time........which means they would also perform better in inclement weather.......cotton kills! Everybody's got their preferences, for my part I agree with you, I prefer synthetic for overland trips, and all of his other pants for travel are of the Exofficio etc. synthetic variety.

But you'll still find me in jeans most of the rest of the time.

[sinuhexavier]

True enough, but I'd like to be able to fit some other clothes in there too.:elkgrin:


Makes sense, I suppose...

[Jonathan Hanson]

Actually, this is a huge consideration when choosing. Synthetics can be every bit as tough, are lighter, pack smaller, clean easier, and dry in a fraction of the time........which means they would also perform better in inclement weather.......cotton kills!

Depends on what you mean by inclement weather. Cold, yes - cotton is bad. However, I much prefer cotton to synthetics in hot weather.

The MKs are good pants, but not perfect. I find the legs way too baggy for no functional reason, and they need more belt loops in the back.

[Bugspray]

Ohhhhh you guys actually wash your pants......when in the desert I just find some clean sand and rub vigorously then shake out well. The troops in WW2 in N. africa did this to "change the oil" on their trousers.

[xtatik]

Depends on what you mean by inclement weather. Cold, yes - cotton is bad. However, I much prefer cotton to synthetics in hot weather.

The MKs are good pants, but not perfect. I find the legs way too baggy for no functional reason, and they need more belt loops in the back.

Not me, cold is one issue, wet is entirely another, and truly "cotton kills".
In warm weather, I just lighten up the color and pay attention to fit.
Also, packing was one of the points mentioned further up and, I guess if someone has the luxury of packing a complete and varied wardrobe.....goodonya'. The synth's seem to cover all points better in my opinion.
Maybe it's just me, but the MK's just kinda' put out an apres'-ski (or whatever other mountain activity) vibe. They're for donning and looking trendy after the real activity-wear is doffed.

[Scott Brady]

The MKs are good pants, but not perfect. I find the legs way too baggy for no functional reason, and they need more belt loops in the back.

Ah, an interesting perspective. I think they are just right - for my legs.

I really love the little side pocket on the alpine pants, perfect for my knife. Everyone should carry a good knife.

[007]

Actually, this is a huge consideration when choosing. Synthetics can be every bit as tough, are lighter, pack smaller, clean easier, and dry in a fraction of the time........which means they would also perform better in inclement weather.......cotton kills!

Oil finished cotton like what Filson makes is actually very good in inclement weather. Its totally wind and water proof. You also have wool that maintains 80% of its insulation when wet, and down that is very warm, light and packable.

Natural clothing is also very comfortable because it breaks in better than synthetics.

Synthetics are awesome for certain things also, but natural is not obsolete by any means. Most people just haven't forked over the investment to find out how truly great WELL crafted natural clothing is.

[xtatik]

Oil finished cotton like what Filson makes is actually very good in inclement weather. Its totally wind and water proof. You also have wool that maintains 80% of its insulation when wet, and down that is very warm, light and packable.

Natural clothing is also very comfortable because it breaks in better than synthetics.

Synthetics are awesome for certain things also, but natural is not obsolete by any means. Most people just haven't forked over the investment to find out how truly great WELL crafted natural clothing is.

Yeah, Being a birdhunter I'm familiar with Filson oil and tin cloth products. Lotsa' nostalgic romance built into the brand in that sport, but form follows function for me in the field and I have given up on them in recent years due to better synthetics. I used to have a pair of their tin cloth upland chaps and they did a decent job of turning back cactus thorns but they're nowhere near as good as the synthetics I wear now for that purpose. Cabela's Briarguard pants use a type of ripstop nylon pant with a Turtleskin facing that not only repels thorns, they will stop a Rattlesnake strike as well. They are lighter than a pair of jeans and repel water better as well. If they do get wet they dry very quickly.

http://www.turtleskin.com/puncture-protection.aspx

[007]

Actually hunting is why I dislike many synthetics. Most animals are too savvy to be caught by something that sounds like a large potato chip bag.

I have a pair of nylon analog pants that I love for cutting firewood and skiing though!

[xtatik]

Actually hunting is why I dislike many synthetics. Most animals are too savvy to be caught by something that sounds like a large potato chip bag.

I have a pair of nylon analog pants that I love for cutting firewood and skiing though!
That's funny, but true in many of the fabrics..lol. I can understand that when chasing the bigger critters...the birds don't seem to spook thankfully.

[benedmonson]

I'm a huge fan and so is my wife! These things work well for everyday, really no place you can't wear them!

[TEJASYOTA]

My first pair of MK's was the free offer that OJ mag did and I received the Alpine Utilities version.
I am not a tall dude and my inseam is a just under 30.... yep I am short.
So I did not know how long was their 30" inseam and how it would fit.
When I received it, it did fit kinda long.. but that was with my sneakers.
I threw them into the wash (hot wash and hot dry) and retried them and they shrunk up a little. The back side of the cuff was now not near the floor.
They felt and looked better.
Well, after a few days of yard work and a weekend of wheeling - with boots (Timberland for yard work and my 5-10's trails hiking boots for wheeling); I am impressed how they feel and the room to bend, lift, carry and of course just sitting in a rig.
I really like how they have a horizontal section of the left hand front pocket to allow you to place a knife there. Easy access to my knife.
I use my CRKT Folding Razel.... Keeps a edge and I use it at work too.
http://www.crkt.com/crkt/content/images_inv/t/g/104/CR4020RH_xlarge_28201_large_104.jpg
http://www.crkt.com/crkt/content/images_inv/t/g/104/4020rhclip.jpg

I am very pleased of my MK, so today, I ordered two more MKs, another AU and their flannel lined version. I plan to use them for a long 4 day event at Gilmer Tx (Toyota Jamboree 2011).
I will post up my thoughts on the flannel version after January.
BTW - I would had bought either the convertible paints or shorts... but they did not have the size and color combo in stock. :(
That means I will get them later on. :)

I would recommend these for any wheeler or expo'er.
Great pair of paints. :victory:

The Good:
Tough.
Ample of pockets in just the right places.
Pocket knife place holder.
Flexible enough for all types of duties.

The Bad:
No odd number inseam sizes.
Only a Three of colors offered.

4.5 stars out of 5.

[AxeAngel]

I just bought two pairs. Yellowstone and then the slightly darker khaki color. Love them, 32x34, noticed they are a little snug on the waist, but maybe thats all the food talking.

-Sam

[Spicy McHaggis]

I've never "talked up" a pair of pants before. Any clothing, for that matter.

But the MK's I got as part of the 3 year OJ subscription?

Wow.

I tell EVERYONE about them. They are so freakin' comfortable, they fit great, and they are durable as all heck.

I never thought I would buy a pair of $80 pants in my life...that's about to change, as I place an order with some Christmas $$$ I received from family.

Yes, Virginia...Mountain Khaki's are THAT good. :ylsmoke: