Mountain Hardwear Elkommando review

[ggibby]

I know cavscout started a thread about this already, but I wanted to do a bit more, as a review. Here we go!

Disclaimer - the item I'm reviewing is a pre-production sample. When the current version arrives, I'll update with any significant changes.

In 2000, Mountain Hardwear recognized the trend in Appalachian Trail through-hikers to ditch shorts for skirts/wraps/kilts, avoiding chafing and saving weight. Their product, the "Mountain Kilt," (MK) was basically a sarong or wrap. No pleats, a couple pockets, and a right-over-left apron. At 5 ounces, it beat almost any pair of shorts, but wasn't a kilt by any definition.

In 2010, Mountain Hardwear renamed and completely redesigned the product, taking cues from the casual cargo kilts introduced over the last five or six years. The apron is left-over-right,
the 1.75" pleats are stitched in, begin 5 inches below the top of the waistband but are not stitched down,

and the cargo pockets feature drain grommets and are bar-tacked on the sides and bottom, reducing 'pendulum' movement when loaded.



They still use their nylon 5.81oz 'Hardwear Cloth' and trademark Conical Waist design for low bulk, integrated belt, and Micro-Chamois lining, seen in the original MK as well as their technical shorts and trousers.



The overall weight of a medium is 14 ounces. Three times the weight of the original, but compared to a Utilikilt Mocker at 28 ounces, it's practically ultralight. Without elastic, the waist fit relies on the belt and you might experience some bunching if you're not close to the XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL sizing. The four snaps are placed pretty far apart, and a fifth 'modesty snap' can hold the aprons together, but does not connect the pleats to the apron as in the original MK and some other kilts.


The lightweight nylon fabric can't be ironed (as attested by Mountain Hardwear's warranty department), but probably could be steamed if you're intent on pleat preservation. On the trail, I don't think the fashion police will be handing out wrinkle citations.
The fabric is light enough that some might want a sporran to create a more 'demure' appearance from the front. Because of the Conical Waist design, however, there is only one wee belt loop on the front, which is a good thing when you're wearing a backpack hipbelt, but might be tricky managing a sporran strap or chain.


I purchased my Elkommando just before spending some quality time with SWMBO at Red Mountain Spa in St George, Utah, where hiking is one of the big draws.

I had planned on wearing my khaki UK Mocker but ended up pretty much living in the Elkommando. It is so light that you feel like you have almost nothing on. Since I'm accustomed to the fit and weight of my UKs, this feels like I've forgotten to get dressed. It's not been tested in high-wind conditions, but I can imagine this will be a go-to for our rainy summer days.

At $75 retail, it's a pretty easy entry-level kilt for the curious, and is 'proper' enough in its design that I can see many casual kilt wearers making room in their wallets and closets for another 'knockaround' kilt.

[cavscout]

Thanks G! Those are much better pics than any other review I've seen Very good review

[CMcG]

Great review and you hit all the points that matter to kilt wearers. Thanks!

[Antonio]

Awesome! I just ordered one!

[g koch]

I've worn mine to work (groundskeeping) almost daily for two months and its showing no signs of wear.

Very pleased with this purchase.

This and a USAKILT Casual and I'm covered for the warmer summer day.

[FinsUp]

Thanks for the review, I just ordered one today!

[Antonio]

I got mine today... I love the fit and how it wears!

[FinsUp]

I got mine today... I love the fit and how it wears!

I can't wait to get mine! This will be my first kilt. My wife is not too supportive. Any ideas on how to make her appreciate it?

[Mael Coluim]

Thanks, G for this review. I order one after reading it and it came today. Boy, is it comfy. I'm thinking I'll wear a fanny pack (bum bag) with it as a sporran. I'll be hiking with Tartan Hiker in NC the July 4th weekend and later in the camping on Grandfather Mountain for the Highland Games. So, I give a field test report later.

[Riverkilt]

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