Caring for Mammut Men's Alto Pants

Mammut Men’s Alto Pants are softshell touring pants, normally used for cold-weather, alpine activities. As they are specialty pants, lack of proper care can render Mammut Men’s Alto Pants with a shorter lifespan and limited effectiveness. These pants, commonly subjected to more-rigorous strains than normal apparel, also need specific caring and washing so that they can last longer.

  1. Leave it Alone

    • The elements can reduce the quality of Mammut Men’s Alto Pants if they are not taken care of promptly. Grease and dirt particles can block membrane pores and affect the breathability of the material. When the outer layer becomes saturated by rain or dirt accumulated over time, it can also lose its water-repellent properties. Mammut pants should be washed when needed -- mainly, when the above factors are present; otherwise, they should be left alone to protect the material, as each wash will gradually wear the pants down.

    Follow the Label

    • Proper care for Mammut Men’s Alto Pants starts with checking the care label, which will vary depending upon the type of Alto pants. Washing, ironing, drying and cleaning symbols in the care label indicate the specific material’s instructions. If the care label is missing, check the insulation material. Mammut Men’s Alto Pants consist of a 100-percent polyester fleece lining, a polyamide-polyester outer material, and a 100-percent polyurethane functional membrane.

    Washing Specifics

    • Polyester fleece requires specific washing and drying steps. To prepare for washing, close all zippers and loop-and-hook fasteners and turn the pants inside-out. Use liquid detergent to avoid detergent residue, which will also keep the fleece smooth; do not use powder detergent, as this can block the membrane pores. Also, do not use fabric softener or bleach on the pants, as this will destroy the membrane material. Machine wash the garment in cold water on a gentle cycle, rinsing thoroughly. Hang up the pants to air-dry. Avoid ironing fleece, as it will melt the material.

    Mammut Group Specialty Apparel

    • Alto Pants are designed and manufactured by Mammut, a specialty apparel company established in Lenzburg, Switzerland by Kaspar Tanner in 1862 as a traditional ropeworks company. Mammut’s products, because of its special design and materials, also need very specific caring and washing procedures. At the time of publication, the Mammut Sports Group has branches and subsidiaries worldwide. The group develops, produces and sells snow-sports products and outdoor pursuits. Outdoor products include footwear, ropes, climbing gear, avalanche-safety gear, backpacks, headlamps and sleeping systems -- all of which also have specific washing and caring procedures. The Mammut Alpine School also provides training and courses in mountain activities, such as backpacking, free riding, ice climbing, ski touring and snowshoeing.