ARBrandon Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 Hey everyone, I'm looking for a recommendation for waterproof shell pants. Not wanting to break the bank ($200 or less would be ideal). Any suggestions... Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Deleted_Beck Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 What are your spex? I will assume breathable... so 2 layer or 3? Pockets? Full zip? Will 3/4 zip do? Ankle-only? Will you be wearing them as a main top layer, or just have in the pack for emergency use? For ice climbing? Alpine? Hiking? How much does weight play? Waterproof breathable pants range from $75 - $450+, depending on the features you need.. most stuff that RETAILS under $200 is 2-layer, so it may not be as effective, and it definitely won't hold up as long as it's 3-layer counterpart. I personally think Gore Paclite is the only way to go for 2-layer stuff, if you really want/have to go 2-layer. Precip and Torrent and similar seem to wear out after a few months regular use. If it's just an emergency shell that'll stay rolled up in a stuff-sack for 99% of it's life, this is an option.. but if you're actually gonna use it, it's not. Here's a good place to start. Then buy local... http://www.rei.com/search?cat=40005464&cat=40004586&hist=cat%2C40005464%3AMen%27s+Pants%5Ecat%2C40004586%3AMen%27s+Rain+Pants Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARBrandon Posted May 12, 2013 Author Share Posted May 12, 2013 What are your spex? I will assume breathable... so 2 layer or 3? Pockets? Full zip? Will 3/4 zip do? Ankle-only? Will you be wearing them as a main top layer, or just have in the pack for emergency use? For ice climbing? Alpine? Hiking? How much does weight play? Waterproof breathable pants range from $75 - $450+, depending on the features you need.. most stuff that RETAILS under $200 is 2-layer, so it may not be as effective, and it definitely won't hold up as long as it's 3-layer counterpart. I personally think Gore Paclite is the only way to go for 2-layer stuff, if you really want/have to go 2-layer. Precip and Torrent and similar seem to wear out after a few months regular use. If it's just an emergency shell that'll stay rolled up in a stuff-sack for 99% of it's life, this is an option.. but if you're actually gonna use it, it's not. Here's a good place to start. Then buy local... http://www.rei.com/search?cat=40005464&cat=40004586&hist=cat%2C40005464%3AMen%27s+Pants%5Ecat%2C40004586%3AMen%27s+Rain+Pants Thanks! I'd prefer 3-layer gore-tex or equivalent, 3/4 or full zips would be ideal. Pockets are not a must. I will mostly be using them for alpine climbs. I'd like to be able to wear them as a top layer. I've eliminated the Precips and Torrents, because like you said, they wear out quickly. I'm liking the looks of the OR Foray pants...2L Gore Paclite for $160 isn't bad. I may consider the patagucci rain shadows if I can find them in my size. Do you have a specific make/model you prefer as a primary top layer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonG Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 I've always thought that MEC branded stuff was tough to beat for the money: http://www.mec.ca/shop/mens-waterproof-breathables/50089+50796/?h=10+50089+50020+50106+50022 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Deleted_Beck Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 This season I sported a pair of Rab Latoks.. 3layer eVent, 3/4 zip, no pockets, less than a lb.. Perfect alpine shell. I loved em for the few climbs I wore them on (super shitty weather), but then I changed up my whole system and switched to soft shell pants. Last year, I rocked some TNF hivent Guide pants.. Also pretty breathable, but heavy. Full zip was nice, but I generally either wear them or don't... Not a lot of taking on and putting off on-route. I'd rather save weight and stick with a ventable 3/4. The Latoks are light and compressible enough for emergency use, and my experience with Rab's eVent has thus far been very positive- two jackets, pants, and a tent... Well thought-out kit. Great stuff. Definitely recommend both Rab and eVent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARBrandon Posted May 13, 2013 Author Share Posted May 13, 2013 Thanks, Ben! I've heard great things about eVent, as well. I know Rab makes quality gear, so I will check those Latoks out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrc Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Wait for the patagonia knifeblade to come out and then get it on sale/outlet sale/whatever. Or get the Rab neoshell pant... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.