Mountain Hardwear Bokta Pants
These extremely durable and stylish hardcore alpine pants not only survived the harsh conditions tested, they proved to be my favorite pair worn thus far. On numerous excursions into the backcountry, the Dry-Q™ Elite technology withstood the rigor of what a real mountaineering pant should behold. During hours of avalanche testing, backcountry hiking, skiing and snow cave building, these pants never absorbed moisture from the outside yet stayed dried on the inside.
Appearance: Classic black and red are the color choices available. The Mountain Hardwear logo was placed in the ideal spot just above the left knee on the lateral side, which was neither gaudy nor excessive. The DryQ logo on the contra lateral side is in the same position. The athletic trim fit forms well to the body for physical activity.
Quality/Durability: These pants are bomb-proof. Rugged to withstand the rigors of alpine climbing yet comfortable for lazy days round cam
p. The abrasion-resistant scuff guard at the bottom of the pants would be suitable for multiple attacks from crampons. During deep snow days of travel, the full length water resistant leg zippers proved quite effective for venting and repelling moisture. Since these pants were a test pair not yet mass produced, a note from Mountain Hardwear indicated the buckle toggle on the waistband will be removed prior to production. These were my only reservation on this pant and astutely corrected by Mountain Hardwear.
Function: These pants are designed in a streamlined fashion for impressive mobility. Moutaineering, Alpine climbing, skiing.
Price: Valued at $375, these pants are slightly inflated compared to other brands yet comparable to the Arc’Teryx Beta AR priced at $350. Worth their value for extreme alpine use, durability and impressive design.
Daniel Firer MD MSc
