Alpine climbing clothing

[EricMPeterson]

Might be a dumb question but I need a recomendation for a pair of pants to climb in this summer. I plan on a climb up Mt. Rainier, Mt. Shuksan and hopefully Adams. My dilema is I don't want to buy 2 to 3 pair of pants and I get hot really fast. \

 

Thanks for the info

[robpatterson5]

cheap nylon pants, a pair of 100weight tights and a pair of light PreCip pants to go over that all has served me well.

 

If you want one pair of pants then a light nylon or unlined softshell is what I would look for, but I like my system too much to change.

[jlawrence10]

depends on the weather, but for just about any climb above 20 degrees, i wear some tight nylon boxer briefs covered by fairly heavy duty full zip shell pants, like an arcteryx bib. the shell pants seem to be overkill, but keep me warm when i need them to, and then fully vent for when i heat up. works for me.

i also carry some lighter weight long underwear pants, but run very warm and rarely bust them out.

[summitchaserCJB]

Lawrence- I do pretty much the same thing and it works pretty dang well.

[kurthicks]

grab a really lightweight pair of soft shells. find a tan pair if you can, they're way cooler on glaciers IMO. layer up if it's cold or precipitating. I found a great pair from REI last year (gasp!) and am stoked on them.

[DPS]

I agree with Kurt. The most versatile pair of pants I owned was a pair of Patagonia Talus pants. Lightweight and simple, they were incredably versatile. I used them rock climbing, aid climbing, skiing, ice climbing, and alpine climbing including winter ascents of Rainier and Mt Hunter in spring with insulated pants going over the top when it got cold.

Edited February 21, 2010 by danielpatricksmith

[Julian]

I pretty much exclusively use a 4 year old pair of REI Mistrals, which are awesome light Schoeller softshell pants, and add layers (or thicknesses) of long underwear as needed.

[robpatterson5]

you know having used some Gamma AR pants - I'm not sure I really like them any more then light nylon pants that have been nikiwaxed (for summer climbing).

Not sure why but the softshells dont seem to cut the wind as well as nylon, and they seem to offer only a bit better weather protection. Do seem more durable though. Am I the only one, or are summer softshells really awesome and I got a dud?

[rock-ice]

I pretty much exclusively use a 4 year old pair of REI Mistrals, which are awesome light Schoeller softshell pants, and add layers (or thicknesses) of long underwear as needed.

 

I do exactly the same thing. These pants are hardy and breathe well. In the Summer I'll wear some nylon shorts, preferably with a Hawaiian floral design, and put the softshell pants when it gets chilly or I plan on glissading.

[medicsandy]

I wear The North Face Apex climbing pants and love them. Very comfortable!

[TimL]

go naked and tie some yarn around your chorizo...it works for me!

[Le Piston]

Another soft shell fan here...I happen to like the Mammut Courmayeur tan softshell or Talc pants. I have also had good luck with pants with zip off legs, like the Mountain Hardwear Pack or Matterhorn pants. If it's hot you can have shorts...just take off the legs. They are reasonably wind resistant and warm in cooler conditions. Another option is a 3/4 or knicker type soft shell pant with long socks for chillier conditions. I've used all of these in various weather and temperatures. As mentioned previously, a lightweight hardshell pant or some long underwear bottoms can be added if it gets really cold (as it can up high in the wee hours).

[kukuzka1]

i like the full side zips to really cool my legs when on the go but only if its not going to be too hot/low elevation. then a thin wind pant if gets real windy

[Displaced Native]

Another vote for convertible pants. I wear gaitors, zip off pants, carry synthetic long johns and a pair of hard shell pants in case things go sideways. Not too expensive and chances are you already have the set up buried in your dresser somewhere.

[genepires]

simple softshell pant with a thermal underneath for cold days. Cheap so you won't feel bad when you cut it up with crampons. Fit matters though. Don't buy cheap if it fits like a diaper. (which is how the rei pants) I bought a pair of OR pants that did me very well.

 

the convertable pant doesn't do well for me either. Feels weird when the zipper rubs on the leg.

 

Buy what works.

 

 

[nhluhr]

I like the stretch of softshell over nylon. That and softshells won't have that cold feel on the inside of the fabric when the wind blows.

[kukuzka1]

i would seriously over heat with no ventalation unless its winter

[zeroforhire]

pants? Who needs pants?