Built For The Mountain Life

Meet New MK Ambassador Hayes Wauford

Hayes on left

As Mountain Khakis ventures further into the hunt/fish market we will surely be grateful to have Hayes Wauford on board as an MK Ambassador.  Hayes is a 24 year-old North Carolina native, a graduate of NC State University, and is a skeet shooting extraordinaire.  He travels around the country shooting skeet 7 months out of the year, and has consistently placed on top in both regional and national tournaments.  He is a 6-time All-American Shooter, a 5-time North Carolina State Champion and won his first World Championship in October in San Antonio. 

When he's not competing, you can find Hayes fishing for trout or bass in Virginia or Tennessee, or hunting and flyfishing in Montana.  Hayes is a shooter for the German gunmaker Krieghoff International and is also sponsored by Kolar Arms.  According to Hayes, Built For The Mountain Life means "having the inner desire to get out and enjoy nature and the comraderie that is the trademark of many outdoor activities."  We agree Hayes, and are very excited to have you on board!

Going Out on a Portaledge For the Homeless

Mercury Ads is a treasure trove of creative branding talent located just north of us in Bozeman, Montana.  And a bunch of really fun people to boot.

To help promote awareness of, raise money for, and actually put themselves in the shoes of the homeless men, women and children in Gallatin Valley, they are hanging from the side of their building in a portaledge for three days and three nights.  Their goal is to raise an amount that corresponds to Bozeman's elevation - 4,186 dollars.

Above, Bob Jones's shift coincides today with the arrival of a cold, windy snowstorm.  Thankfully his Mountain Khakis will help keep him warm.

We're going to support this effort, not just because we think it's a worthy cause, but also because we support their creative approach to raising awareness, and their willingness to sacrifice their own comfort in pursuit of that awareness...two things we think fall into the "Built For The Mountain Life" category.

For more information click on the cardboard house at the bottom of the Mercury Advertising website: www.mercuryads.com

Relying on GPS Nearly Kills Young Tourist

A recent article in the Jackson Hole Daily features a young man from Germany who decided to drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park.  He set the locations in his GPS unit and hit the road.  Unfortunately, the GPS lead him onto closed Grassy Lake Road in Yellowstone, where he proceeded to drive until he almost ran out of gas and eventually got stuck.  Luckily the man was able to walk 15 miles in 7 hours through the snow while wearing sneakers, trousers, a T-shirt and light jacket.  He made his way to the Flagg Ranch and was able to break in and get help.  He is now forced to pay the $900 to fix the door or else face criminal charges.

My reaction to this event is simply "how foolish."  This story brings up the dangers of heavy reliance upon GPS navigation systems, and the false sense of security they provide.  It also leads one to wonder, where was his common sense?  GPS units are great and handy, but whether you are in a car and headed to a remote location or on foot in the backcountry, GPS cannot act as a brain.  Venturing to areas like Yellowstone, especially in the winter, requires planning, preparation and a certain level of education.  Who comes here from another country and spontaneously decides to drive from SLC to Yellowstone with no equipment or preparation?  Just plain silly.  Hard to have sympathy here.  What do you think?

New Snow Means Dawn Patrol Before Work

Living in (or near) Jackson Hole provides for many incredible advantages that aren't possible in most locations.  One of them, which I am recently experiencing and enjoying, is early morning skiing on Teton Pass.  It's easy enough to be at the top of the pass by 6:30 - 7:00am, hike to the top of your run in 45 minutes, and make great turns before heading into work for the day.  This activity will continue to take place weekly through the ski season.  Below are a few pics of my first dawn-patrol of the season.   Teton Pass, Mt. Glory, November 28th.

Looking east to Jackson

Looking down the run

Looking west to Idaho

Posted by Jesse Malman, MK Marketing Assistant, who loves to ski, no matter how early.

Christmas Tree Cutting Tradition Lives On

Written by Penny Hecht - Mountain Khakis

Has anyone ever seen National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?  Well my Thanksgiving always ends with what I picture as a pretty close interpretation of that movie’s general theme.  The “27^th Annual” Christmas Tree selection.  Our family can’t do anything easy, so we always pile my parents and two sisters into the SUV de jour and head to the mountains of North Carolina.  This feat has become especially interesting now that we have added not one or two but THREE dogs to the mix (two labradoodles and one goldendoodle – we definitely have a type).  We start our annual journey up to the mountains at what my sisters and I see as the crack of dawn, translate 10 a.m., on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Most recently we have been heading to Sparta, NC to pick up our tree, because until 3 years ago it was an undiscovered tree farm up near Virginia.  Typically the meltdowns start happening before we even get off I-77 North (the main interstate heading North to South through Western North Carolina).  If it isn’t one sister angry at another for not sharing her magazine to the parents listening to All Things Considered on NPR just a little too loudly – the arguing has already begun.  Wouldn’t be Christmas right?

Mountain Khakis on the Internet

Just can't get enough of Mountain Khakis can you?  We understand, and to help with that problem, we would like you to explore our various profiles and photographs across the world wide web. 

Mountain Khakis Myspace Page

Mountain Khakis on Facebook - must be facebook member

Mountain Khakis Flickr Photography

Mountain Khakis on Youtube

Any suggestions as to what we can do to further enhance our online assets?  Leave a comment...

Mountain Khakis Attends Carolina Panthers Tailgate Party

Below are some photos from Sunday November 25th in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Mountain Khakis was in attandance for the Carolina Panthers pre-game tailgate party. 

Update From MK Ambassador Jari Kirkland

"So there are days when I feel like a mountain girl and days where I don't but wither I do or don't, I know I am.  But it becomes very clear when I go to Thanksgiving dinner wearing my Mountain Khakis, Smartwool socks and a sweater.  You know your life is good when you can show up to a nice dinner in your Mountain Khakis.  It all started months ago when we went to Scotland for the Adventure Racing World Championships.  Since then I have done 10 other adventure races all over the world, China being the most exotic thus far, but not to be outdone by the last race of the year in Abu Dhabi (next to Dubai) in a week.  I am excited to go.  But also ready for a few days of rest. 

I was able to do 2 individual races this summer as well.  One being the Xterra Race in Ogden (9th place) and the other the 24 Hours of Moab in Utah (1st place).  All that said I was able to play in the mountains all over the world, which are beautiful and majestic.  But there is something magical and peaceful about being here in Crested Butte, Colorado for the winter.  Back in my mountains with my friends and getting ready and psyched about skiing.  So hopefully in a month I will have a picture from the middle east and stories about skiing phat powder days.  Till then, get out and play!"

Jari is a world-class adventure-racer, both as an individual and a member of Team Crested Butte/Salomon.  She is also a professional triathlete and mountain biker.  She loves her Mountain Khakis and is the true definition of one who is Built For The Mountain Life.

What A Terrible Idea

This week's sign of the apocalypse:

Fort Worth, Texas.  The new project will be known as the "Bearfire Resort" and will feature ski slopes spread over a total skiable area of 650,000 square feet.  Additionally the resort will include a 600-room hotel, convention center and a world-class spa.

What else can we do to waste money and resources?  Isn't anybody paying attention out there?

CSU Logging Team Completes a Successful Season

Mountain Khakis is a partner of the Colorado State University Logging Sports Team, who just completed their 2007 season.  Team member Adrian Flygt contacted us recently with an update:

"Things have been speeding by here.  We hosted our first competition at CSU since 1997 over the first weekend of November.  It was a tremendous success bringing in teams from 3 other states, a total of 40 some competitors.  I took second in men's underhand speed, our team took third in team chop, overall everyone performed exceptionally.

Mountain Khakis Gift Card Now Available

Brand new and just in time for the holidays, Mountain Khakis Gift Cards can now be purchased online.  Available in amounts of $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150, gifting a pair of Mountain Khakis has never been easier.  Order your MK Gift Card and receive free shipping.  Don't wait long, the holidays will be here before you know it!

Retro-Post: MK on Youtube.com

Welcome to the first in a series of retro blog-posts.  We will occasionally take posts from our Built Tour blog and repost them.  We took some amazing photos, made great movies and attended fun events during our lengthy tour, and we want to keep those memories fresh.  Enjoy!

Originally posted on March 3, 2007:

Your source for Builttour.com video clips:

Mountain Khakis on YouTube!

Win MK Mountain Getaway through 1% For The Planet Online Auction

As 1% For The Planet members, we've committed to donating 1% of our annual revenues to environmental organizations on a local and national level.  We're also giving away a great package on the current 1% FTP Online Auction.  Mountain Khakis has donated a Jackson Hole Mountain Getaway consisting of a his-and-hers MK wardrobe, two nights lodging at the brand-new LEED Certified eco-boutique Hotel Terra and two 2-day complimentary lift tickets to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.  Get online now and start bidding, all proceeds benefit the planet - and the auction ends December 5th.

1% For The Planet Online Auction

MK Goes to College: Vol. 4

For the final leg of the Mountain Khakis College Tour, Joey Norman and Jessica Hoffman, two MK  dealer services representatives, paid a visit to Clemson University for the football game against Wake Forest.  We were warmly welcomed by MH Frank Ltd., a fantastic men's specialty store on College Ave with a loyal Mountain Khakis following.  We were luck enough to see store owner Steve Poteet's two gorgeous MG cars, which he restored himself.

Our next stop with the MK Land Rover was the Kinnucan's in Anderson, South Carolina, which opened this past summer.  You can find everything you need for a Clemson football weekend, from coolers, fleeces and flip flops, to your favorite pair of Mountain Khakis.  Kim and the rest of her staff did a great job hosting us and brushing up on their Cornhole skills.

MK Lifestyle Photography: The Shot You Won't See in National Geographic Adventure

One of the ways we try to further the legend of MK is through regular communication with editorial fashion folk, one of whom happens to be Steve Casimiro, gear and photo guru for National Geographic Adventure.  If you regularly seek out information on the latest adventure gear trends, you've undoubtedly referenced his informed opinions.  You may also remember him from his days as the editor of Powder Magazine.

Steve heads up the annual NG Adventure lifestyle apparel guide, featured in the current November issue.  Although we didn't make the cut from a gazillion photos down to the handful they used in the spread, Cas was kind enough to share one of his favorites (left) and is sending along some additional images from his trip to Chile.  You may see one of these show up in the MK Catalog this year. . .

And speaking of photo selection - we're officially inviting you to submit any and all lifestyle images for consideration by us.  We are always looking for images that help define our tagline, "Built For The Mountain Life" both in and outside of the traditional mountain town environments.  All submissions should be lo-resolution JPEGS and be emailed to me, MK Marketing Manager, Shannon Brooks Hamby, at shannon.hamby@mountainkhakis.com.  All submissions become the property of MK, and we're willing to trade usage for free pants.  For all of you budding lifestyle photographers, take a tip from one of the masters - Steve gives some great photography advice on the NGA website as a follow up from his trip to Patagonia.

Kayak Video From Nick Troutman

Check out this video that MK Ambassador Nick Troutman made.  There's some terrific carnage.  Thanks Nick

Mountains of Mountain Khakis...

Question: Ware do you house a Mountain of Khakis?  Answer:  At the Ware-house, of course! (please forgive the horribly lame humor... but there's nothing super exciting about a warehouse, but the pictures are kind of cool, Enjoy!)  More pics in post continuation...

The Picking Line.














Pants, pants, pants.

New Granite Original Mountain Pant

We are excited to announce that our Original Mountain Pant is now offered in Granite.  The new offer is a perfect complement to our existing colors and provides a nice variety to your wardrobe.  Get them while they're hot...what a perfect holiday gift idea!

Lauren Burress Highlight Reel

MK Ambassador Lauren Burress, 11 year old kayaking prodigy, put together this movie for us.  Keep up the good work Lauren!

MK Ambassador Steve Romeo Summits, Skis Orizaba

Recently MK Ambassador Steve Romeo returned from a trip to Mexico where he was successful in summiting and skiing 18,490' Pico de Orizaba.  Click below to see a series of photos from the trip.  For a full trip report visit TetonAT.

World Cup Kayak Champ Nick Troutman Joins MK Ambassador Team

The MK Ambassador Team has a new member, and we couldn't be more excited.  Nick Troutman, 19-year old kayak phenom from Ontario, Canada, was the 2006/2007 World Cup Kayak Junior Champion and is a 2-time Canadian National Champion.  Nick is a key member of Team Jackson Kayak and has a kayaking resume that mirrors what you would see from a 30- year old veteran. 

Along with his competitions, Nick spends a lot of time teaching.  He  teaches weekend clinics, inner-city day camps and summer camps.  Nick also has started his own video production company, FIVEIGHTWO Films, and will release his first full-length feature film in early spring 2008, called "Here & Now".

Recently Nick has recently become seriously involved in expedition kayaking, which is when a long hike, trek, or even flight takes you to remote backcountry locations for pure and pristine whitewater.  Along those lines, Nick has garnished a few impressive first descents, including a complete run of the Rio Alseseca and Cascada de Trucha in Vera Cruz, Mexico.

Outside of kayaking, Nick has proven himself a great athlete as a three year captain of his high-school rubgy team and two time captain of his hockey team.  We are very excited for the future with Nick on board as an MK ambassador.  Stay tuned for more reports and photos from Nick.

MK Sponsors College Climbing Competition

This weekend, November 17th and 18th, Mountain Khakis will be a sponsor for the first annual Jacks on Belay Climbing Competition in Texas.  The competition is hosted by both Stephen F. Austin State and Sam Houston State, two universities in eastern Texas.  It is being promoted as a Dual Competition with members from each university competing against eachother, as well on an individual basis.  We are excited to be a part of a brand new event and hope to see a strong showing.  For more information, visit the Stephen F. Austin campus rec website.  Climb hard!

Team River Left Tackles Moose Fest 2007

Mountain Khakis is an official sponsor of Team River Left and their associated production company, River Left Productions, based out of York, PA.  This is a group of impressive young kayakers and filmmakers and MK is happy to be on board.  The following is a trip report written by team member Brenton Petrillo:

Early Friday morning both Kevin and I headed over to Dan's house to get all of our gear together and set off in his Toyota Prius for a ride that would take us to the great state of New York.  Our plan was to make it to Watertown by noon and paddle the Black River for about four hours, then drive another forty-five minutes to our motel near the put-in of the Bottom Moose.  Everything would have worked great out only we made it to the Black about thirty minutes too late and missed the water release.  We could only paddle about a quarter of the river, which meant more time for happy hour.

Bouldering at Newlin Creek

Newlin Creek is a new hotbed for bouldering activity outside of Colorado Springs, CO.  Many of the boulders and routes are recently being attempted for the first time.  MK Ambassador Kyle McFarland checked in with a few great photos of him bouldering at Newlin Creek in his  Cottonwood Cords.  Comfy, effective, and stylish.

All Access Tour - Poster

MK Welcomes Mike and Kristin to the Ambassador Team

Mountain Khakis is excited to have Kristin Peterson and Mike Tayloe of Katabatic Consulting Inc. as our newest Ambassadors.  Katabatic is a consulting firm providing medical logistical support to people going to remote places in the world.  Mike and Kristin have had several contracts with the U.S. Antarctic Program and will be heading to Everest Basecamp for the 2008 climbing season.  Once there, they will set up a free medical clinic with Dr. Luanne Freer and provide logistical support for a film crew on the mountain.  Kristin is also headed to Nepal in January to teach a wilderness medical course at the world renowned Khumbu Climbing School. 

Both Mike and Kristin are members of the Joint Antarctic Search and Rescue Team and are affiliated  with the Wilderness Medical Society.  The addition of these two elite individuals is very exciting for our Ambassador Program.  We look forward to receiving updates in the future, from some of the most remote places in the world.  Welcome to the team Kristin and Mike!

All Access Tour - Micah Dash and Matt Segal

Mountain Khakis is proud to announce our sponsorship of the All Access Tour, an Access Fund benefit.  Starting October 25th, Micah Dash and Matt Segal will take their show on the road with a multimedia presentation encompassing thier climbing experiences.  "The purpose of the tour is to encourage people to follow their passions as well as persuade them to become involved with and join the Access Fund," wrote Climbing Magazine.  Click the link below for tour dates, and go support the All Access Tour.

MK Ambassador Takes to the Water

MK Ambassador Sean McLoughlin, pro tournament fisherman, recently checked in with some photos:

Nice shorts

Nice fish

Thanks Sean

MK Goes to College - Vol. 3

The Grove at Ole Miss, best game-day experience in all of College Football? Mountain Khakis thinks not. WAR EAGLE! The MK Team recently visited Auburn University, where we learned a few things about SEC football and tailgating. MK visited Kinnucan’s, one of the South’s finest retailers, tailgated with the guys at Phi Kappa Tau and had a great time interacting with the locals. Click below to get the full story on the War Eagle weekend.