The Karakoram Mountain Pants are commonly seen in serious environments all over the world. This is because they are stupidly rugged and versatile. Made from a Drilite fabric, which has a hydrostatic head of 20,000mm and a breathability rating of 20,000g/sqm/24h; Waterproof and breathable. Need I say more?
The face fabric is a 70D fabric with a 160D reinforced weave, so it can take quite a few scrapes, likewise with the reinforced kick-strips. They have a full length 2 way YKK zips with an internal storm flap, and a drop rear seat (crap flap) for when nature calls. The fixed internal gaiter keeps out unwanted snow and water.
M.E. have made these over-trousers around their Active Fit block, which their Swiss pattern cutting experts friends have helped design for a close yet manoeuvrable fit that eradicates unwanted bulk and removes excess weight.
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3-layer DRILITE® 70D fabric with 160D reinforced weave
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Active fit with articulated knees
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Full length 2-way YKK® moulded side zips with inner storm flaps
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2-way YKK® moulded front zip with storm flap
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Fully adjustable braces with drop rear seat
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Reinforced kick-strips for ski and crampon durability
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Fixed internal gaiters
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor clothing and equipment in tip top condition and performing to its maximum we recommend the use of Nikwax products. We have been using Nikwax products since day one (26th March 1986) and have found them to be totally reliable, dependable and effective. Today’s Nikwax treatments contain environmentally friendly elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. These stretchy polymers are able to stretch and move with the fabric so they stay put for longer and work better.
Nikwax treatments will not change the look or feel of the fabric and they are all water based, environmentally safe, non-flammable and contain no nasty Fluorocarbons. Nikwax products can be used to clean, re-proof and revitalise all your outdoor technical clothing and equipment.
Waterproof breathable clothing has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric during the manufacturing process. The DWR forces water to bead up and roll off the surface therefore preventing the fabric from absorbing moisture. If the outside of your jacket is soaked in a layer of cold water, the warm damp air within can’t escape and will condense on the inside. This makes the jacket feel cold clammy and can make you think that it’s leaking. The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained and revitalised to optimise performance.
This three layer waterproof jacket should be cleaned regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash; I wash my jacket about once a month, or more often if it gets really filthy. Regular washing with Tech Wash will maintain the DWR for longer and remove salts and oils that can contaminate the fabric, and it will keep your lovely jacket clean and smelling fresh. Washing can be done in a machine according to the manufacturers care guidelines (on the internal label). First clean out any detergent and conditioner residue from the machine dispenser and then add the required amount of Tech Wash and away you go. Hand washing is also suitable but be sure to rinse the garment well.
When you notice that rain/water is no longer beading up and rolling off it’s time to re-proof. Nikwax TX Direct will re-instate a long lasting DWR to completely rejuvenate your jacket. Re-proofing can also be done in the machine once a garment has been washed. Just add the TX-Direct and use the same programme you used for washing. You can also use the spray-on product on a damp garment that has just been washed.
You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and never have it serviced, so make sure you regularly wash and re-proof your quality kit.