Antique Duxbak Convertible Skirt-Pants – Trail to Town Elegance (c. Early 1900s)

$850.00

Own a rare piece of history. Originally designed for adventurous women who demanded both function and modesty, these rare antique Duxbak split pants are a remarkable piece of outdoor wear history. Dating to the early 20th century, this garment is cleverly constructed with wide trouser legs concealed beneath a buttoned front panel, allowing it to transform from practical pants into the elegant illusion of a long skirt.

Made for hiking, horseback riding, or camping — yet styled to pass in polite society — this very highly collectable and wearable piece is in a RARE larger size and captures the spirit of pioneering women who balanced grit with grace. A true collector's item with a timeless silhouette, it's as striking now as it was then.

Features:

  • Label: Kamp-it Outing Clothing Ultra Duxbax Corporation

  • Authentic antique Duxbak garment, early 1900s

  • Wide-leg pants hidden beneath a full wrap panel – converts seamlessly from skirt to trousers

  • Heavy-duty cotton twill in a rich olive-drab hue, made for durability

  • Double-row button closures secures the skirt for tailored styling

  • Large utility pocket at the hip for function and charm

  • Versatile silhouette – historically worn for active pursuits, now perfect for statement styling

  • Beautiful movement and drape, ideal for photography, display, or wear

Garment Measurements:

  • Waist: 32 inches

  • Hips: 44+ inches

  • Inseam: 20.25 inches

  • Outseam: 35.25 inches

Fit: If worn at the waist, this is a very rare L, however as shown, it can be worn lower for S/M sizes

Notes:

  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition. This pant-skirt retains every single one of its original buttons and is ready for more adventures!

  • This garment has not been washed to retain its lived-in look many prefer with Edwardian clothing.

The History of the Duxbax Company

Before today’s popular outdoor brands like Patagonia and Columbia, Duxbak was a pioneer in functional outdoor apparel. Founded in January 1904 as the Utica-Duxbak Corporation in Utica, New York, the company emerged during a time when specialized outdoor wear barely existed. Men typically wore generic wool garments for outdoor sports, while women relied on cotton dresses or riding breeches—none of which were ideal for rugged conditions.

Recognizing the growing interest in wilderness recreation around the Adirondacks, Duxbak’s founders created durable, water-repellent clothing using duck cloth—a tightly woven canvas. Their innovation led to the brand name “Duxbaks,” a clever nod to how water rolled off their garments “like a duck’s back.”

The company rapidly gained popularity by advertising in adventure magazines and catering to both men and women. They later introduced lighter garments under the label “Kamp-It.” Duxbak clothing became widely recognized for its quality and utility, even worn by figures like President Theodore Roosevelt—whose Duxbak outfit now resides in the Smithsonian Museum.

By the 1920s, Duxbaks were a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Duxbak helped lay the foundation for modern outdoor fashion by blending functionality, innovation, and adventure-ready design.

Own a rare piece of history. Originally designed for adventurous women who demanded both function and modesty, these rare antique Duxbak split pants are a remarkable piece of outdoor wear history. Dating to the early 20th century, this garment is cleverly constructed with wide trouser legs concealed beneath a buttoned front panel, allowing it to transform from practical pants into the elegant illusion of a long skirt.

Made for hiking, horseback riding, or camping — yet styled to pass in polite society — this very highly collectable and wearable piece is in a RARE larger size and captures the spirit of pioneering women who balanced grit with grace. A true collector's item with a timeless silhouette, it's as striking now as it was then.

Features:

  • Label: Kamp-it Outing Clothing Ultra Duxbax Corporation

  • Authentic antique Duxbak garment, early 1900s

  • Wide-leg pants hidden beneath a full wrap panel – converts seamlessly from skirt to trousers

  • Heavy-duty cotton twill in a rich olive-drab hue, made for durability

  • Double-row button closures secures the skirt for tailored styling

  • Large utility pocket at the hip for function and charm

  • Versatile silhouette – historically worn for active pursuits, now perfect for statement styling

  • Beautiful movement and drape, ideal for photography, display, or wear

Garment Measurements:

  • Waist: 32 inches

  • Hips: 44+ inches

  • Inseam: 20.25 inches

  • Outseam: 35.25 inches

Fit: If worn at the waist, this is a very rare L, however as shown, it can be worn lower for S/M sizes

Notes:

  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition. This pant-skirt retains every single one of its original buttons and is ready for more adventures!

  • This garment has not been washed to retain its lived-in look many prefer with Edwardian clothing.

The History of the Duxbax Company

Before today’s popular outdoor brands like Patagonia and Columbia, Duxbak was a pioneer in functional outdoor apparel. Founded in January 1904 as the Utica-Duxbak Corporation in Utica, New York, the company emerged during a time when specialized outdoor wear barely existed. Men typically wore generic wool garments for outdoor sports, while women relied on cotton dresses or riding breeches—none of which were ideal for rugged conditions.

Recognizing the growing interest in wilderness recreation around the Adirondacks, Duxbak’s founders created durable, water-repellent clothing using duck cloth—a tightly woven canvas. Their innovation led to the brand name “Duxbaks,” a clever nod to how water rolled off their garments “like a duck’s back.”

The company rapidly gained popularity by advertising in adventure magazines and catering to both men and women. They later introduced lighter garments under the label “Kamp-It.” Duxbak clothing became widely recognized for its quality and utility, even worn by figures like President Theodore Roosevelt—whose Duxbak outfit now resides in the Smithsonian Museum.

By the 1920s, Duxbaks were a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Duxbak helped lay the foundation for modern outdoor fashion by blending functionality, innovation, and adventure-ready design.