Mountain Hardwear Elkommando review

[NewEnglander]

Reminds me some of the Macabi for men.

http://www.macabiskirt.com/macabi-for-men

Thanks for the review - sure has me curious down here in the hot weather.

Okay, back from the website and size chart...guessing the sizes for the waist are the same as for their bifurcated products - but I can't find anything about available lengths. If they're doing the "one-size-fits-few" with 24" then it'll hang way below my kneed and bang up the back of my knees when hiking.

Anyone know what length choices there are and where to find it on the website? Thanks

I had the same concern, Ron. After some digging around on the REI site and making a call to someone or another I found this:

"Mountain Hardwear Elkommando kilt has a 21.5 in. outseam"

I take "outseam" to be the same as "length" as far as we're concerned. Perhaps one of the happy new owners can take a quick measurement for us. I just wish they came in a different color like khaki. The "otter" looks too much like my olive UK.

[cessna152towser]

Excellent review, that looks like the perfect garb for hiking.

[Riverkilt]

Now that amazes me...my kilt length is 21.5"

I'd also be curious if anyone had any info as to how those "pleats" steam out. I use my steamer on my nylon fishing shirts, seems to work.

Feedback on both points appreciated.

From the website looks like they don't sell direct so have to search their vendors for one with my size in stock...does look like a great answer for regimental summer hiking comfort.

I had the same reaction to one color choice. Imagine its because they don't yet realize there's a MARKET out there for this product.

[NewEnglander]

Now that amazes me...my kilt length is 21.5"

I'd also be curious if anyone had any info as to how those "pleats" steam out. I use my steamer on my nylon fishing shirts, seems to work.

Feedback on both points appreciated.

From the website looks like they don't sell direct so have to search their vendors for one with my size in stock...does look like a great answer for regimental summer hiking comfort.

I had the same reaction to one color choice. Imagine its because they don't yet realize there's a MARKET out there for this product.

that's my length too...<shakes fist at all 24" "standard" length kilts>

i know REI sells them, but they're also available on Amazon as well. I'd hope for a new color next year, but I believe there was number of years between the first version of this kilt and the new one...

[ggibby]

Now that amazes me...my kilt length is 21.5"

I'd also be curious if anyone had any info as to how those "pleats" steam out.
I use my steamer on my nylon fishing shirts, seems to work.

Length: All my UKs are 21.5". Haven't measured the ElK, but it feels identical.

Wrinkles: The pleats seem to hang out relatively well,
but since the fabric is so light, I suspect the wrinkles will come & go...

Color-wise, I mentioned to Mountain Hardwear's Sales Manager how a khaki color
(like it's predecessor) would be better for sunny trails.
The reply was that this a very small-quantity product,
(they sell +/-200 pairs of Canyon Shorts in just one color for every Mountain Kilt!)
and for a 'niche' product like this, one color is it.

That said, there was discussion of a marketing-focus limited run 'pop' piece.
They joked about a 'trail tartan,' which I informed them was a Bad Idea,
but maybe a screen print with a grid suggestion might be OK.
Don't hold your breath on that one...

Hope that helps!

[Mael Coluim]

Ron, my extra large measures 22 1/2. I'll steam it tomorrow and let you know, but it should do the trick. It definitely is a kilt and not anything close to the Macabi for men you mention. Ugh!

[Woodsman]

I just took a measurement on my size medium ElK and it is just at 21.5". I haven't tried steaming yet but I suppose it would work. I used to steam iron my old Mountain Hardwear Mountain Kilt. However, the wrinkles are quickly back unless you remain standing.

I was a little dissapointed at first with the color because I liked the khaki color of the old Mountain Kilt. But after wearing the new Elk I appreciate the darker color more. The lighter khaki incurred some stains and always turned dark when wet. I don't think I'll have the same worries with this new color. It's drawback is that it is very lightweight but it's beauty is that it is very lightweight. Folds very flat and is feels great hiking a trail or canoeing a stream. The waist and belt are extremely comfortable. So don't get too hung up on it's looks because the comfort more than makes up for it. This is for hiking and knocking around the back yard, not goiing out to a pub in the evening. It's a comfy kilt for the trails.

I ordered mine from Altrec because of their free USPS shipping. REI will ship it free to their store near you too.

[Mael Coluim]

I'd also be curious if anyone had any info as to how those "pleats" steam out. I use my steamer on my nylon fishing shirts, seems to work.

Ron, I ran it through the washing machine and tossed it in the dryer following the labels instructions. It only needed a light steaming of the pleats and the side pockets. The tips of the side pockets tend to curl slightly, the pleats hang well for being a nylon type fabric.

[kiltedfarmer]

How is the waist fit? Pants size or actual waist measurement?

[Antonio]

Pant size for sure....