Mountain Khakis: The Rugged Style We Crave

For Active Junky, casual living and adventure travel are two sides of the same coin.  More precisely, two cliffs of the same canyon. Many apparel makers claim to bridge the chasm, touting “trailhead to the pub” styles, when in reality they cling to one side or the other—if not falling hopelessly into the abyss.

Far from generic, Mountain Khakis blazes past the trailhead and pours it on long after the pub goes dark. Ocean bluff to office, fishing hole to financial district, bouldering gym to black tie blowout, MK takes the high ground (Editor’s Note: please consider weddings flannel-free zones—unless otherwise notified by the couple).

As suggested by the name “Mountain Khakis,” the brand’s apparel embraces this duality of style and durability. An Active Junky tester wore MK backpacking in Olympic National Park with his girlfriend one day and at dinner with her parents the next. Another relied on a yet-to-be-released winter layer (can you say Merino?) as a light jacket one pulsing Santiago night, then as midlayer under a 3-layer ski shell the following morning. 

Two sides of the same coin. Two cliffs of the same canyon. 

MK Cruiser Pant: Khakis for Nature Lovers

Mountain Khakis Cruiser Pant The Cruiser is accurately named. It strides through brambles without showing signs of duress, stretches on impromptu climbing sessions and folds up to near invisibility when it’s time to zip up and go. From the sand-strewn, root-ridden staircase pathways of the PNW coastline to the cement hills of Seattle, the Cruiser prevailed. “I love how it looks like a regular khaki,” said our tester post-backpacking trip, “but it has the 4-way stretch and lightweight UPF protection of my previous favorite hiking pants.” The DWR coating and five pockets seal the deal: Cruiser is the one-pant pack job for lightweight adventure travelers, summertime backpackers and stylish urbanites likely to make a dash beyond city limits.

Best For: International travel, backpacking, fly fishing and office life

Skiff Shirt: Breathable Long Sleeve Style

Mountain Khakis Skiff Shirt The Skiff puts the “fly” in fishing. A classic small-box plaid available in three mellow colorways, the beauty of the Skiff is hidden beneath the alluring exterior. The ultralight shirt is comfortable on warm days, a credit to vented chest pockets, back yoke and roll-tab sleeves. The collar wasn’t bothersome while backpacking and snaps up for added wind protection. Skiff was a valuable companion on everything from fly fishing trips to formal family gatherings and international travel shenanigans.

Best For: Quickly becoming your new favorite shirt, wherever you are

Camber 107s: An Everyday Solution

Mountain Khakis Camber 107 Starting at: $71.58

The guide-inspired 107s are an affordable, rugged and utilitarian answer to the question, “What pants should I wear today?” From off-trail escapades to on-the-clock undertakings, the Camber 107s simple style and double- and triple-stitched seams elevate the wearer to new heights. For those who follow 9-5 desk jobs with 5:30-dusk climbing sessions, MK owns the transitions. The wear and tear of constant use – along with the stress of numerous wash circles – have yet to compromise our test pair. Mud lingering from Colorado rainstorms, coffee spilled at the base of a Chilean ski resort—the 107s brush it all off and keep truckin’.

Best For: Everything under the sun (and gray skies as well, for that matter)