In 1993, a small group of people who had weathered years in the outdoor industry decided to get together and form Mountain Hardwear. In addition to working in the outdoor industry, the Mountain Hardwear founders were avid outdoors people themselves Mountain Hardwear has always focused on bringing radical thinking to the gear they make. That's why they have a section in our website that talks about the innovation they've built into their products. Reliable protection: Highly abrasion resistant with a reinforced scuff guard, micro-chamois waist for comfort and four way stretch for long strides or an unexpected scramble. Lightweight, fleecy inner cuts the chill on cold days.