I have been hiking and camping for over 20 years and enjoy backpacking solo and with my kids in Scouting. I especially enjoy fall and winter backpacking and camping. My backpack and gear are older and weigh 40+ lbs (18 kg). This has limited the distances I have been able to cover while hiking. My goal over the next several years is to replace my existing clothing and gear with more suitable and lighter weight alternatives.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Mountain Khakis
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Manufacturer's Website: http://mountainkhakis.com/
MSRP: US $79.95
Listed Weight: N/A
Measured Weight: 16 oz (454 g)

Other details:
100% Nylon construction
UVA / UVB UPF 50+

Available in sizes: Waist: 32-42 (even)
Inseams: 30, 32, 34
Relaxed Fit
Gusseted crotch
9 in (23 cm) inseam on shorts
Colors: Ash, Birch

The Mountain Khakis (MK) Snake River Convertibles are full length hiking pants with zip off legs which allow them to convert into shorts. The pants are made out of 100% nylon. MK notes that they are quick-drying, wicking, and UV resistant to UPF 50.

Front pocket

Back pocket

The front of the pants closes with a 5.5 in (14 cm) zipper and an antique-brass riveted shank button at the top. The pants have six belt loops which are each 2 in (5 cm) tall and a total of six pockets, three of which are zippered. The front two pockets measure 6 in (15 cm) deep and are constructed with mesh material on the inside. The third pocket resides at the entrance to the right front pocket and closes with a 6 in (15 cm) zipper. The fourth pocket is on the right rear hip of the pants. It also closes with a zipper and is lined with mesh fabric. This pocket measures 5 in x 6 in (13 cm x 15 cm). The last two pockets (5 and 6) are positioned on the left thigh. The fifth pocket measures 7 x 7.5 in (18 cm x 19 cm) and closes with a fold over flap of nylon fabric that is held shut by hook and loop fasteners. The final pocket is zippered and is located by opening the flap which covers the fifth pocket. It measures 5 in x 5 in (13 cm x 13 cm).

Cargo pocket

Zippered legs

As these are convertible pants, zippers connect the upper and lower leg sections. These zippers are covered, both inside and out, with a 0.75 in (2.5 cm) nylon flap. In addition, along the lateral side of each lower pant leg is a 14 in (35 cm) zipper that zips upward to allow removal of the lower pant legs while wearing shoes. The zippers are covered on the inside and out with a 0.75 in (2 cm) flap of fabric. When worn as shorts, the Snake River pants have a 9 in (23 cm) inseam.

Washing Instructions:
The washing instructions indicate that the pants are to be machine washed in warm water and tumble dried on low. The instructions also indicate that the pants can be steam ironed with medium heat.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The Snake River Convertible Pants are a great looking pair of pants. Upon receiving them, I was immediately impressed with their styling and solid feel. They have no loose seams or dangling threads. The fabric is soft with a tight weave that should hold up very well to abrasion. The seams are triple stitched and stress points around the pockets are bar tacked. Quite simply, they exude quality.

TRYING THEM OUT

Convertible to shorts

The pants are very comfortable and roomy. They allow a great range of motion as I move and walk around. The waist seems just right, neither too snug nor too loose. The pants have a gusseted crotch. This design allows for more freedom of movement than a traditional crotch seam.

The pockets are good-sized to hold a variety of items and do not seem to be too deep, so as to easily retrieve those items. The zippers, hook-and-loop closures, and waist button all function very well.

One of the key features of these pants is the ability to zip off the lower part of the leg, converting the pants into shorts. The attaching and removal of the pant legs is very simple. Underneath a small flap of cloth is a zipper that encircles the entire leg. The zipper works smoothly and is easy to start. At the ankle is a vertical zipper that allows the lower pant leg to be removed over shoes or boots. I am very happy with the removal of the pant legs over all. The zipper is very small and conceals well. I could hardly tell that they were zip-off pant legs when attached. The inseam on the shorts is noted to be 9 inches (23 cm), which is long enough to cover most of the upper part of my leg.

The attention to detail is seen in the bar-tacked reinforced stress areas and triple-stiched seams, the high-grade threads, unbreakable buttons, and solid brass YKK zippers.

SUMMARY

I am impressed with the Mountain Khakis Snake River Convertibles and am anxious to do some backpacking in these pants. They are comfortable and well constructed with quality materials, triple stitching, and sturdy flat-felled seams. The nylon fabric is soft to the touch and supple. The zippers for removing the lower portion of the legs operate smoothly and do not seem prone to catching.

Over the next few months I will be evaluating these pants in regards to quality of construction, comfort and performance.

This concludes my Initial Report for the Snake River Pants. I will post a Field Report in approximately two months. Please check back then for further information. I would like to thank Mountain Khakis and BackpackGearTest.org for providing me with the opportunity to test these pants.

Test Report by Brian Hartman

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