Few things make us cringe more than the site of denim in the mountains. Blue jeans might be as American as apple pie, but they are utterly impractical in every way for hiking, trekking and camping. Thanks to the smart kids at Mountain Hardwear there’s a superior option that will let you take to the trail with a technical advantage.
On Performance and Design…
The new Sawhorse Convertible pants from Mountain Hardwear won’t be available until Spring 2016. But thanks to Mountain Hardwear, we’ve had the opportunity to put these pants through the paces in some of California’s most rugged backcountry. After all, it’s not until you spend miles chasing summits and tumbling around on slabs of granite that you truly learn the worth of your mountain pants.
Intended for back country trekking where mobility and durability are imperative, the Sawhorse Convertible pants feature durable 100% nylon canvas fabric in the thigh and hips with Mountain Hardwear’s comfortable chockstone fabric through the legs. Made from a durable and extremely abrasion-resistant doubleweave fabric, chockstone is the perfect partner that’s ready to keep up with your wild days in the mountains.
Side leg zips accommodate big boots, while double layer fabric at the heel cuff provides reinforcement against tough wear and tear from a life on the trail. When the weather heats up, zip off the legs and you’ve got durable shorts with a nine inch inseam. Color coded zips ensure that when the weather turns again, you can easily identify which pant leg goes where.
Notes from the Field…
While impressively durable, the Sawhorse Convertible Pants aren’t the lightest option available. But in our book, the level of comfort and durability provided easily makes up for the few extra ounces. Trust us, when you spend your time traversing the rugged landscapes of California’s Desolation Wilderness, you’ll gladly swap a few ounces in exchange for pants that don’t shred the first time they come face to face with a granite chimney.
On a sizing note, we’d prefer an extra inch added to the inseam of the shorts for greater coverage. But the more notable mention is that our pair of Sawhorse Convertibles ran a full size larger in the waist than advertised.
Bottom Line…
Adapt. Evolve. Overcome. The Sawhorse Convertible Pant from Mountain Hardwear.
*Gumption Gear Review received the item featured in this review from Mountain Hardwear at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.