Mountain Khakis Cruiser Pant Review

by Niels Oomkes · Published May 21, 2015 , 8:56 pm · Updated January 27, 2023 , 8:01 am

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Mountain Khakis Cruiser Pant

The Mountain Khakis Cruiser Pant is a wonderful addition to any active lifestyle wardrobe. It’s got a stretch material that allows you to move freely no matter what you’re doing. Five pockets will carry all your necessities, and the DWR (Durable Water Repellant) is absolutely the bomb to keep the elements at bay when playing in the great outdoors. I’ve hiked, biked, camped, and wore them in a casual setting – to a Kentucky Derby party of all things.

First Thoughts on the Mountain Khakis Cruiser Pant

These pants at first glance appear very soft, silky, and comfortable yet they sport a rugged outdoor look. The initial beading that occurred during a soft and rainy hike has me really digging the DWR fabric.

Comfortable, stretchy, and durable.

Key Features of the Mountain Khakis Cruiser Pants

The inside pockets are all lined with mesh which is nice because it maintains breathability and venting. The rear pockets close with Velcro. I am curious to see how they stand the test of time as they tend to stick a bit which can start to loosen the patches with use. The one front cargo pocket on the right front is large enough to slide a few necessities in. I have been putting my phone in there, because it doesn’t get in the way or scrunched when sitting if I put them in the back or front pockets. I can’t decide if it would be nice to have seen a smooth front cargo pocket. As it is, the bottom extends out and fills if you really want to cram it full.

The rear pocket with Velcro closure.

the lone front right leg Cargo Pocket.

The material is waterproof, stretch, and 40+ UVA rated, and those are the things you want to take away from this. I will talk about the other key components, but these are the rockstar features that steal the show. The 80/20 DWR (Durable Water Repellant) really does repel a great deal of water. I have been hiking in misty rain, traversed creek beds, and been assaulted by my 2 year old with milk, juice, water, and sticky hands. The moisture just beads and rolls off. Obviously, do take some care to not completely immerse yourself in a river, or stand in a downpour, but you get the picture.

Technical Specifications

Weight: 6.2 Oz.
Material: Stretch 91% Nylon, 9% Spandex
80/20 Durable Water Repellent
Brushed interior for comfort and wicking
UVA-UVB 40+, Quick Dry, Lightweight & Packable
4 Pockets + 1 Cargo Pocket with zipper closure on right side
Articulated knees, inseam action gusset
Adjustable Snap Cuffs

The adjustable snap cuff on the tightest setting.

The adjustable snap button cuff when open. Notice the 2 options to for a tight and tighter cinch.

Testing the Mountain Khakis Cruiser Pant

My favorite part is taking gear and apparel out to see what they are made of. These definitely have that Mountain/hiking/camping look to it, but with the muted design features, I have gotten away with wearing these in a casual setting as well. The ability to sport a piece of apparel that looks like you live the active outdoor lifestyle even when you’re not knee deep in it is pretty cool. You don’t have to take it to extremes of course by always wearing your biggest and baddest ice climbing boots while donning trekking poles as you meander through your local park, but a subtle hint of your passions can be part of you no matter where you go.

Each Spring, I head out with a local running crew, and we tackle a local creek clean-up project. The paths and trail are enjoyed by many including myself, and this is a small way to give back. The spring floods bring a lot of upstream debris down, and can be a hazard to wildlife alongside the eyesore factor. I wore my Mountain Khakis Cruiser Pants with some waterproof boots to tackle the hard to reach areas. The brush was wet and dirty, but were repelled nicely by the DWR.

Flexible, stretchy, and comfortable is all you can ask for in a pair of hiking pants.

I was on a 10 day trip to the East coast, and these pants worked really well. The weather is still all over the board, and these were able to handle wind, rain, and slightly colder temperatures. In addition, they were quite comfortable while wearing these on planes, trains, and automobiles (and boats, taxis, buses, trams, and subways). They are lightweight, they pack very well, and I was able to wash them in the sink (don’t judge) to remove some stains, and they were dry by morning.

Even a Kentucky Derby party provided an opportunity to put these to the test, so to speak.

Camping and hiking season is upon us, and the Mountain Khaki Cruiser Pant has been a vital piece of apparel for my hiking adventures. It has withstood rock, brush, and tree bark abuse to protect me and allowing me to keep on going. I have an upcoming camping trip, and I can guarantee you that these will my main piece of apparel for the entire vacation.

Sizing

When testing apparel and shoes, sizing can be tricky. Availability for the Mountain khakis Cruiser is really pretty good. I am a 31” waist which was only available in the 32 or 34 length. If a 33 were available it would have been perfect. Check out their sizing charts provided to ensure a proper fit. I decided to size up, because a pair of pants will be ruined for me if I am sporting the high water wader look. The 34” inseam is in all reality too long on me, but when worn with hiking boots, that little extra fabric isn’t an issue anymore. The snap cuffs help as well to bring in the bottom a bit without it looking too much like that peg leg rolled up look from the 80’s.

A very capable companion out on the trails.

Available colors are Freestone and Truffle. The Freestone is definitely on the lighter side of things with that light tan/khaki look. If you are going into a wetter more muddy climate the Truffle may be more your style. I have been pleasantly surprised at how well dirt and stains have been absent from my pants. I have worn these numerous times to see how they’d hold up, and they still look good.

Final Thoughts

The Mountain Khakis Cruiser Pants are a great addition for any outdoorsman because of their versatility, comfort, and ease of movement. I am really impressed with the soft silky feel of the pants, yet they are durable and have been able to handle a wet river clean up, hiking over rocky terrain, and still look good in a casual setting. Take an extra peak at their sizing to ensure that you order the correct one for you, but other than that these pants will certainly work for you.

MSRP: $95

For more information and purchase please visit: www.amazon.com/mountainkhakis.