REVIEW: CARINTHIA MIG 4.0 Pants

To make it clear once and for all: we don't just wear the pants. When winter comes, we even wear the warm pants. CARINTHIA is the local specialist for Cold Gear. In the past two years, they have completely redesigned their equipment line. One result of this is the 4.0 line of Medium Isolated Garment (MIG). This is available as winter gear for use up to -15 degrees with jacket and pants.

This is the piece we will put on with you. Usually, when it gets cold, you start with the jacket, and when it starts to chill your legs, you add the pants. We put on the pants first, and we start at the bottom before putting on the whole suit.

Basic information about the MIG 4.0 Pants:

Insulation: G-LOFT® 100g/m2, 100% Polyester
Outer fabric: Gore Windstopper®, 100% Polyester, ePTFE membrane Inner fabric: 100% Polyamide
Sizes: S-XXL
Packed size: 18x30 cm
Weight (g): 780 (size M)
Available colors: olive, urban grey, black, coyote

Features according to the manufacturer:

• Completely covered components
• Fully adjustable hip area with internal cords & button closure
• Side concealed zipper up to the thigh with wind protection
• 2 side pockets with wind protection
• 2 large 3D side pockets with holster fixation opening
• 2 ventilation openings with wind flap on the inner leg
• Reinforced hem (inner leg and knee area)
• Adjustable leg closure (velcro closure + snap buttons)
• Adjustable holster optional
• Includes pack sack

We take the pants in hand, and the look inside reminds us of the nocturnal relatives of these pants, the sleeping bags. This is not illogical, because CARINTHIA is a master at it, and sleeping bags and Cold Gear share a material: G-LOFT, the fiber used as insulation for both, leading to very different results depending on the type and density.

Inside the pants, we see the CARINTHIA tag and a size designation. Three loops give the wearer the option to attach suspenders for an even better fit.

But one doesn't start at the top with such pants, but at the bottom. We want to use the MIG 4.0 as overpants and step into them with shoes. To do this, we open the velcro at the end of the leg.

Inside the leg, you can see that there is a lot going on. The snap button secures the bar behind the zipper and prevents any cold bridging here. With the Shock Cord, you can tighten the pants at the bottom and the small black piece hooks into the lacing of the shoes, preventing the pants from slipping up in the snow. CARINTHIA has thought of everything.

The zipper runs the entire length of the lower leg. Let's open the whole length.

And then, let's get right into the MIG 4.0 because it's already quite fresh. With the right pants, you don't have to endure it. And with some experience, you can also adapt yourself: for example, the MIG 4.0 can also be worn as stand-alone pants with long underwear, or as overpants.

This is what we wanted, foot with shoe comes effortlessly through, the zippered opening makes entry easier, even with boots. If it's not in the negative temperatures yet, you just have to make sure the shoes aren't muddy. We would actually see the MIG 4.0 under zero. For around zero, it's worth opting for the lighter LIG 4.0.

When getting in, you have to help manually and pull the pants up. Be careful not to fall over...

Then the second leg comes along.

Here the shoe is visible and the pants are now pulled all the way up.

Now it's on the man: There are also large loops at the waist, so you can wear a belt up to 5cm wide. There are no back pockets.

On the front, there is the classic combination of zipper and button.

The button is of a good size – called Canadian Button – and can be easily operated with gloves. The pants go over the hips, but not endlessly high.

If you don't want a belt, you can also adjust the width like this, additionally the pants are tied tightly with a cord.

The pants on the side: Under the fully functional pockets at the top, which are opened with a zipper, there is a bellows pocket on each thigh on the right and left.

They are closed with Velcro and are really nice and large. Important and convenient, because you don't want to reach into the lower layers in the cold. Quickly put in gloves, take a lot of snickers. There is plenty of space here.

What's really nice is that CARINTHIA has thought it through. Leg straps from a holster would otherwise ruin thigh pockets. Here you can loop under the bag.

And the MIG 4.0 even has an air conditioning built in. Everyone knows, it's not just the temperature difference outside, but also whether you are standing or moving. This needs to be regulated somehow. If it's warmer or getting warmer because you are moving, simply open between your legs and the temperature inside adjusts to a certain extent with the fresh air from outside.

At the knees and in the lower area, where the pants are really stressed, a different material is used. You can also see the CARINTHIA logo on the knee.

Here is the stress area at the end of the leg where the legs rub together.

View of the two materials: GORE Windstopper with RipStop at the bottom and Cordura at the top as abrasion-resistant material.

The pants are on, now the hook comes into play and prevents anything from sliding up. If there is a lot of snow, additional gaiters are also a good idea to seal everything between the pants and shoes.

The knee bend as a reliable test of comfort: the MIG 4.0 fits perfectly and also ensures excellent mobility.

Sitting on cold ground is only recommended up to a certain temperature. After that, it gets really cold. The Russians have a reason for having an insulating cushion that attaches around the buttocks.

But the pants are only a part of the MIG 4.0. Here we see them in natural combination with their ideal partner, the MIG 4.0 jacket. We will introduce it to you in the next review and evaluate the complete set afterwards.

CONCLUSION: The MIG 4.0 trousers are an ideal piece of equipment for winter. What we particularly like is that they can be worn as overpants, but don't have to be. In terms of construction, the MIG 4.0 with its pockets is a proper pair of pants. Therefore, it is also considered complete when worn only with underwear. This also extends the temperature range in which the MIG 4.0 trousers can be used.

The MIG 4.0 Trousers are available directly from CARINTHIA or from all CARINTHIA dealers for 324.90 Euros.

CARINTHIA on the Internet: www.carinthia.eu

With the MIG 4.0 in the field: Mobility is key - especially with this Cold Gear outfit.