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I want to know why MONTURA's clothing is a popular choice for mountain guides and rescue teams.
MONTURA is an outdoor manufacturer born in Roberto in northern Italy, home to the European Alps. Although it is a relatively new brand born in 2000, it is a brand that continues to grow to the point that it has expanded to the point of expanding its wide range of outdoor and action sports products, including mountain climbing, climbing, ice climbing, snow sports, running, and cycling, not only in Europe but also in North America and Asia. They are also sold at large mountain climbing specialty stores in Japan, so many people have probably seen them at least once. This time I was able to use MONTURA's recommended trekking pants, the VERTIGO series, freely writing them out, and try them out on the right conditions .
Of course I'd known about this brand, but this was the first time I've tried it in the field. I've heard rumors that this is a reliable brand with strong support from professionals such as mountain guides and rescue teams, and although I try to pick it up every time in the store, I have many memories of people who are lazy about it, saying, " I'm afraid that a "loose hiker" like me will wear it," and I ended up not even getting to buy it.
No, I'm sure I'm not the only person who actually has that impression. So, this time we chose "trekking pants" that are relatively easy to fit in even people who have never experienced Montura, and that make it easy to experience their concept and quality. I'd like to review it right away.
table of contents
Main features of MONTURA Vertigo Pants
Montura is a brand philosophy that pursues the uncompromising "absolute comfort" that world-renowned alpinists and professionals seek, and continues to carefully create products with certain functions. "Bertigo Pants" are unwavering long-selling mountaineering (trekking) pants that have remained loved by mountain enthusiasts around the world since the brand's early days.
The fabric has ergonomically calculated three-dimensional cutting and stretchability in four directions, and despite its stylish, tight silhouette that reduces movement to the limit, providing a comfortable fit . The outer material is treated with a durable water-repellent finish, and by combining a variety of materials with different strengths, such as elasticity, breathability, and abrasion resistance, depending on the area, it offers a balanced, high level of functionality that can withstand harsh fields with minimal weight. Other gimmicks are also condensed in detail, such as the pockets, waist, and hem, to make them easier to use. The series includes a total of six models, including three lines: the thickest "Bertigo (hereinafter referred to as "Bertigo"), the medium-thick "Bertigo Light 2 (hereinafter referred to as "Light"), and the thinnest and lightest "Bertigo Techno (hereinafter referred to as "Techno"), and the short-length model.
Favorite points
- A stylish, slim silhouette
- Stunning three-dimensional cutting and stretchability make it stress-free and easy to move
- In areas where pressure is applied, the stitches are removed to prevent grounding (techno)
- Reinforced materials such as knees, hips, hem, etc. are applied in the right place without compromising comfort
- Offset back pocket to keep you out of the way
- Elastic elastic at the hem that fits naturally to the ankles without breaking the silhouette
- Achieves above average lightness while providing a balanced, high-level functionality
Interesting points
- The waist is tightly tightened with thin round elastic bands, so if you tighten them tightly, you will feel tight (Bertigo and Bartigo Techno only)
- It is a bit overspec for people who often walk on wide, gentle trails
Specifications and ratings
Item name | Vertigo Techno -5cm | Vertigo Light 2-5 cm | Vertigo -7 cm |
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Actual weight (g) | 275 (M size) | 365 (M size) | 449 (M size) |
Main fabric |
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Waist | Waist with adjuster cord | Waist with adjuster cord | Waist with belt loop |
hem | Zipper with hem (with gusset) | Zipper with hem (with gusset) | Zipper with hem (with gusset) |
Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |||
Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Mobility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Thermal insulation | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Breathable and quick-drying | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Functionality | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Durability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
★★★★ Great/★★ Good/★★ Not bad/★★ Not good/★★ A bit harsh
Detailed review
Appearance and comfort: Amazing "clear silhouette x stress-free movement" will make your brain buggy
When talking about the appeal of Monturaware, the first thing you can't miss is its ease of movement. However, it is not just easy to move around in, but also has an amazingly high level of all the elements necessary for comfortable and comfortable use, such as the silhouette and comfort, making it a highly perfect fit for action pants in a mountain environment.
When you are active in steep mountainous regions such as Japan or the European Alps, it is common for you to not just walk there, but sometimes you need to raise your legs up to your waist to climb up the wall or throw your legs under uneven rocks. For this reason, mountain-friendly pants are most importantly designed to be easy to move, allowing for large movements in the lower body
However, that means that it's good to move in with a loose fit, as it's easy to move around in. This time, it's best to keep your pants as tight as possible on the field, as there's a risk of them getting flapping and getting your feet hooked to the hem and falling. In other words, what is required is as slim as possible, easy to move around with, and a beautiful silhouette . This complex problem is solved by ergonomically calculated three-dimensional cutting and stretch fabric . Of course, this is not a division of "just just incorporate it." This requires a combination of thoughtful, complicated cutting patterns and advanced sewing techniques, and many highly functional trekking pants always include all of these at a high level.
Three-dimensional cutting and stretch fabric are almost essential features for comfortable trekking pants.
"3D cutting x 4-way stretch fabric" makes it extremely easy to move
With this in mind, the lack of love with Montura's trekking pants was incredible.
A sophisticated and clean silhouette that conveys elegance just by standing. (Photo is Vertigo Pants)
It fits along the body lines and wraps around the entire lower body, making the lines of your feet look beautiful, and it's an elegant straight that makes the quality of the tailoring ooze out just by standing. Normally, if you want a silhouette that is so perfect, it would not be surprising if there would inevitably be a trade-off for ease of movement.
Nevertheless, Vertigo pants are surprisingly lacking in the stress you should feel when moving the joints of your lower body. This can be felt immediately from the moment you put your feet in the fitting room, and anyone who has worn these pants will surely resonate with the feeling of a bug in their head, saying, "Is this slimming and ease of movement okay?"
Incidentally, the three models I tried this time were basically slimming and easy to move around, but there were slight differences in fit, taking into account the seasonality and purpose.
While the Techno has a skinny fit that sticks to the skin, the Burtigo, which is aimed at winter, has a wide enough room to wear inner tights inside compared to the former, while the Light is comfortable to wear (photo below).
Also, since it is an overseas model, it is made quite long, and for me, 176cm/65kg (I liked the slightly shorter one), all models were short and the perfect fit. Even though it is called a short length, it is an overseas standard, so it is almost the perfect size as shown in the photo below.
From left to right are Techno, Light, and Vertigo. Overall, it has a slim silhouette, but as you go to the right it becomes more relaxed.
All models maintain this clean silhouette, while also providing complex, three-dimensional cutting with ergonomics in mind to ensure that they do not interfere with movement.
For example, darts are inserted in the front and back of the knee as needed, as shown in the photo below, and other elaborate patterns and cuts that are hard to understand at first glance are designed for each model, minimizing the feeling of stiffness when bending and stretching.
The joints, which are formed by complex three-dimensional cutting, are uniformly subjected to the stress that occurs when bent the knees. (Photo is Techno)
In addition, the latest model, Techno, removes the seams in areas where pressure is particularly applied when flexing and stretching, and instead uses a new bonding method called "ULTRA SONIC" using ultrasonic crimping and sealing from the back (photo below). Despite the complex cutting that allows the fabric to pass through in a variety of ways, even when you bend your feet, there is no sense of grounding at the seams, which results in an exceptional ease of movement and comfort.
A complex three-dimensional cutting that takes into account not only the joints but also the entire ergonomic form and movement of the lower body. (Photo is techno lining)
This calculated three-dimensional cutting is further expanded and contracted in four directions, and is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, and is supported for ease of movement. The lining that touches the skin is smooth and has a smooth, dry feel. In the summer, when you bend your knees a lot, the sweaty fabric gets stuck on your skin, making it extremely unpleasant and stressful, but even in such cases there is no unnecessary tension.
Whether you bend your knees tightly or squat down with bending and stretching exercises, the lack of resistance and discomfort on your body is actually a pleasure.
This is really helpful in dangerous rocky areas or chain areas. Even in situations where you are nervous, you don't feel any difficulty lifting your legs or feel a bit stiff. It's simple, but very important, to be able to concentrate on your moves no matter what the situation is.
Even when passing through tense rocky areas, trekking pants naturally follow your body movements, allowing you to concentrate more on your actions and make them more safe.
Seasonally optimized, highly breathable, quick-drying softshell fabric
The types of fabrics also vary slightly between the three models depending on the season you are targeting. The lightest Techno is the thinnest and coolest fabric, while the light lining is made of a thin double weave with a slightly brushed feel (photo below).
Flip the hem over and compare the lining. The lightweight techno (left) has a smooth and refreshing feel, while the light (right) has a smooth yet softer feel, giving it a subtle warmth.
In addition to the main fabric that is lightweight and quick-drying but is the thickest and warm, the back is also covered with a light, warm "thermolite" fleece lining (photo below).
The back of the burtigo pants when turned over. The entire piece is covered with fleece fabric made from thermolite made of insulation and quick-drying material, so even in cold seasons, this one piece is warm enough.
The outer material is also thoroughly treated with DWR (durable water repellent) coating, so there is no need to worry about slight water droplets or dirt. I didn't get wet even on the trails that I walked through the trees covered in dew immediately after departure (photo below).
The outer material is treated with a durable water-repellent finish, and even small raindrops can be repelled.
Durability: "High Durability x Stretch" reinforcement skillfully placed at the bare minimum required parts
It's not just this outstanding ease of movement that makes me want to say that Vertigo pants are extremely well-made as mountaineering pants. This is that it is not completely injuring the comfort and durability of mountain wear.
One example of this to confirm is reinforcement made from a "high-durability x stretch" fabric that is applied from the knees to thighs, which are prone to rock rubbing, or from the inside of the hem, which is prone to hanging with heels and clamps. By mapping a fabric made from a high-strength, highly durable material with high tear strength and abrasion resistance, and a blend of fibers with moderate stretchability that provides a comfortable fit and ease of movement, the right material is mapped to the right location, allowing for a minimum weight to be both durable and comfortable to wear.
From left to right are Techno, Light, and Vertigo. The thickness of the reinforcement part has also been adjusted to suit the model.
The reinforcement on the inside of the hem (so-called Eisengard) is installed on two models other than Techno (from left to right).
It's not just comfortable to wear, it's not just easy to move in, and of course it's not just durable. It's a special feature that all the elements necessary for heavy activities in harsh fields are fused at a high level without interfering with each other. This gives us a glimpse into why it is supported by guides and rescuers all over the world.
Functionality: Combines practicality and design in detail
The brand philosophy, which has an attitude of pursuing functionality in all respects, was naturally found in the details such as pockets and waist area.
A highly practical pocket
First of all, the left and right hand pockets (photo below) that are common to the three models are all zippered pockets, making it safe to use so that the items inside don't fall off while you're on the move.
Up until this point, as a matter of course, as a trekking pants, my favorite part was the back pocket on the back. The back pocket of the Vertigo series is slightly offset to the side rather than directly behind (photo below).
A typical back pocket placed directly behind it is difficult to use while standing or sitting, but it is offset so that the buttocks and pockets do not interfere with when sitting, making it a practical and convenient pocket. What's more, it's large enough to fit a large smartphone (photo below).
Hem for a wide range of styles of climbing boots
Another thing I like is the hem. The back of the hem is stretchy with elastic, so it fits the ankles, making it less likely to catch your feet, and it also has a gaiter effect that prevents the invasion of pebbles, sand, etc. (photo below).
The stretchy material at the hem seals the ankles tightly, making it useful as a simple gaitor to prevent the intrusion of pebbles and other stones.
In addition, the hem width of all models can be expanded with a zipper, making it suitable for high-cut boots. However, I tried it out as I thought I could put it on and take off while still wearing my shoes, but it was impossible and I couldn't spread it that far.
In the unlikely event that the hem becomes cramped due to high or middle cuts, the hem can be opened to widen.
Waist area designed for comfort and ease of adjustment
As for the waist front area, the "light" was excellent. The entire waist is loose flat elastic and belt holes, but the front zipper uses an inconspicuous concealed zipper, and the top is a velcro fastening with a flap that prevents it from getting caught (photo below). The lack of buttons prevents the thickness from becoming thicker, making it less likely to be pressured by the backpack belts and harnesses. These kinds of things are never possible or thought out unless you really use them, and just taking into consideration these things will increase your trust in the product.
The front part of the light is flat with a velcro fastening so that it won't be squeezed against the belt or harness.
On the other hand, the Techno Vertigo model has a more focus on climbing pants, and has an adjustment system using a round rubber adjuster cord in addition to loose flat rubber (photo below). In particular, the cord lock used in the latest techno was not thick and easy to use, making it a very easy-to-use part. However, since there is no need for a belt, it is easy to use, but if you tighten the thin round rubber firmly, it will feel a little less comfortable to touch the skin, so personally I couldn't like this one. I prefer the adjuster with either flat rubber or built-in belt (buckle).
The waist of the Techno (left) and Vertigo (right) can be adjusted using the included adjuster cord. I like the thin, highly usable techno, which is smarter.
Summary: In a sense, it is a perfect form of trekking pants. What kind of person and situation are the three models recommended for?
As rumored, all models have been made with incredible ease of movement and comfort, a beautiful silhouette, and ease of use rooted in the real field, and are trekking pants that respond to actions in harsh conditions . From material selection to patterning and detailed specifications, the slogan that it is "the crystallization of many professional and selfish requests from adventurers and athletes," resonates with a sufficiently compelling feeling, with such unsatisfactory level of perfection.
This pants' specialty is of course the main battlefield for trekking and climbing on steep alpine mountains, such as those traversing the Alps, where the ridge passes through rocky ridges, but light, air-drying models like the Light and Techno should be able to perform well even when hiking in low mountains, fast packing, and climbing streams.
However, if you are only planning on taking a long trail that involves walking slowly in warmer months, you might want to look for other best options. In any case, it is undoubtedly perfect for outdoor activities in areas like Japan where it travels back and forth between the forest limits, and sometimes with strong ups and downs, such as forests and sometimes ridges.
If you understand and wear each model's specialties, you will be able to accommodate any mountain activity, regardless of season or use. So, finally, I've put together a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of each model, as well as recommended situations that I felt when wearing each one, so I hope this will be helpful when purchasing.
Item name | Vertigo Techno | Vertigo Light 2 | Vertigo pants |
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In a nutshell, | Refreshing summer pants for light and active-oriented | All-round pants that can be worn all year round | Authentic pants for alpine, rocky ridge, and alpine-oriented pride. |
Strength |
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weakness |
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The best season | Summer (including before and after) | Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter (no snow) | Spring (remaining snow, alpine mountains), autumn, winter |
Suitable activities |
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Details and purchase of the "MONTURA Vertigo Pants Series"
For information on the latest models and product details, please check the MONTURA official website or the product page for each product page for the Vertigo Pants series