When it comes to buying sturdy, eco-friendly, and high-quality clothing for weather protection, I prefer not to compromise on these aspects, but sometimes these high-quality items are a little out of my budget. That’s when I start looking for versatile products, and for me, it’s like finding a buy-one-get-one sale.
With the rise of athleisure in our daily lives, it’s not always a struggle to find clothing that can be worn for both exercise and everyday use. The challenge often lies in finding technical outdoor clothing that can also transition into everyday wear. Thanks to my deal-savvy eye (and my mom’s), I discovered the Jackson Ridge collection by Mountain Hardwear.
This collection of versatile and durable cotton canvas clothing is designed to be just that: multiuse, without compromising on durability for versatility. Living in a mountain town, I’ve found that these pants are exactly the versatile clothing I was looking for.
In a nutshell: These are some of the first multiuse pants that effectively combine outdoorwear, workwear, and streetwear. From the Alps to the Sierras, the Jackson Ridge Pant has proven itself to be suitable for mountain living. The Mountain Hardwear Jackson Ridge Pant ($120) blends lightweight cotton canvas with modern style to create a versatile pant perfect for mountain living, delivering exceptional durability, quality, and overall comfort.
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Materials
100% cotton canvas -
Sizes offered
0-16 -
Colors
Copper Clay (deep orange), Volcanic (gray), Clay Earth (light mauve) -
Ankle elastic
Yes -
Belt loops
Yes -
Verified weight
1.08 lbs. -
Weight of fabric
306 g/m² (size medium)
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Multiple pockets (and 1 zippered pocket) -
Multiple color choices (not just tan) -
Durable across activities -
Durable after repeated use -
Flattering and comfortable fit -
Also offered in a bib version
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Button on waist closure not very burly -
Not water-resistant or waterproof -
Only one inseam length offered (no short or tall sizes)
Mountain Hardwear Jackson Ridge Pant Review
The Fabric: 100% Cotton, but Hear Me Out
Let’s address the elephant in the room: this pant is made of cotton. Cotton is rarely the best fabric in terms of breathability, rain, weather resistance, and various other factors. However, for lower-to-medium-exertion activities (i.e., not high-cardio exertion like snowboarding), cotton can be a great option. At the top end, cotton is excellent for durability.
When it comes to outdoor apparel, brands like Carhartt and Dickies have been established since day one. The high-durability, workwear-specific apparel category has expanded to include several fantastic cotton-canvas options from these brands. I didn’t have much exposure to cotton canvas until I discovered the Jackson Ridge Collection, and now I’m completely sold on it. Cotton canvas is the ideal choice for purchasing workwear — it combines strong canvas and relaxed cotton, creating a fabric that is easy to maneuver and withstands rough conditions.
You don’t have to be doing heavy-duty tasks like chopping wood to justify wearing these pants — they are perfect for exploring a backcountry campground too. So, with that being said, there are times and situations when cotton should definitely be considered.
Testing the Jackson Ridge Pant (and Bib)
