Best pants for ice climbing reddit I’m only 5’5” but I also hate all the cropped/capri “joggers” as climbing pants. Arc'teryx is bringing back the best (IMO) ice climbing pant, the Alpha Hybrid. Wish there were thigh pockets, but c'est la vie. com May 13, 2025 · The simple and streamlined Basin Pull-On Pants ($79) from Mountain Hardwear are the most comfortable rock climbing pants we tested. You'll be in your soft shell pants, possibly with the base layer underneath, the vast majority of the time and will only toss on the hard shell pants as necessary. Hardshell pants: If you expect wet snow or drippy ice, you Start with a lightweight waterproof jacket, followed by a softshell jacket and a wind shirt (a lightweight windbreaker) and waterproof pants. I wear softshell trousers. I use them for rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing, and big mountain projects. Absolutely amazing stuff. Full zip is necessary in order to slip on the pants with your boots and crampons on. If you are bashing your toes you have the wrong boot. On Lassen we will be practicing ice ax arrests and glissading. I wore them up Rainier in August, and ice climbing in New Hampshire (where it got down to -15 while climbing) last week. Soft shell pants stretch, are breathable, and a more durable/longer lasting. Note: Alpha Hybrid is not waterproof (entirely, anyway). We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Jan 11, 2023 · Of the dead bird variety the Gamma MX are excellent in my opinion too, but I think the Arcteryx Alpha Comp are/were the best ice climbing pants period. Ice Climbing Team and has climbed up to WI5 and M12- around the Colorado Rockies. Only issue is I've developed a small hole where the pants bend near my knee. Arcteryx Gamma AR or OR Cirque 2 Pants) + Gore-tex full zip rain pants Hardshell pants (e. It's not a great idea to wear waterproof pants unless needed. This system works for me while I'm moving (climbing, hiking) down to 0 degrees. My most regular climbing pants right now are The North Face Beyond the Wall pants. Top - LS Baselayer which is half merino, half synthetic (Helly Hansen) , then a 100% merino wool mid weight jumper, then a synthetic insulated jacket and finally a mid-weight hardshell. They have been faithful, but ultimately its time to upgrade. In general I think finding something to use as a sled is best, if you can control the speed. For reference; I tried on Lefroy pants once and they fit similarly if I remember correctly. One key item is your pants. Hiring a guide can be good but isn't strictly necessary if a guide is out of the budget. I am currently huddled in my tent at 4am trying to get moving for a second day of ice climbing. They don’t need to look overly business I just wear a polo and regular shoes I’m hoping for a light weight stretchy type of pants but not golf pants that make that swishy sound. Casket Quarry. I am looking for a nice pair of full zip to 3/4 zip pants that are nice for alpine climbing in the Cascades. The best ones are warm, waterproof, and breathable. For a few of the guys it's training for the summer mountaineering season in the New Zealand Alps. Nov 15, 2024 · The new M10 Storm Pants is this year’s best climbing-apparel innovation. And I would rather my 20€ adidas pants to look a bit worn than my 150€ hiking pants. I have pants, shorts and jackets made of this stuff that are all over a decade old with hundreds of days of climbing and expedition wear and tear and all of them still look new. Would recommend Beta LT Hadron Pants—Hadron LCP fabric is climbing specific, or even Alpha SV Bib if you’re doing any ice climbing. Sometimes windshell pants if there's a bitter wind. Jan 28, 2025 · Corey is a freelance writer and editor based in Boulder, CO. 50% of my winter activities would be considered general mountaineering and hiking, 30-40% alpinism (dual ice axe scrambling etc. Big outer leg vents as well as smaller inner leg vents. After going through a number of climbing pants and wearing everything from cheap leggings to climbing-specific pants to the crag, I started doing a little more in-depth research into climbing pants. The “Renegade Rock Pant” are the pants they designed for climbing but I use the “Radikl” pants for climbing and hiking. The above changes if you’ll be ice climbing or assisting in SAR. We recommend these pants to any climber looking for a go-to pair May 1, 2025 · Ice climbing is a tough and cold sport. I may be out for up to a week at a time, so I have to expect that a storm could hit and sock me in. Twynam, with a group of 6. Im currently climbing in some cheap hiking pants I got from Costco. Then parka over your I'll be climbing 4k' ers and going on an adventure to the alps later this year in the winter season. 80d GTX Pro 3L is indeed used on the front portion, but on the back, softshell Gore Infinium is used. Live in Denver and will be doing plenty of ice climbing this winter in CO and a number of days up in Hyalite. Lightweight, stretchy, good fit; they tick all of your boxes, adjustable cuff etc, and are much more "waterproof" than the MX being a hybrid softshell hardshell Goretex. We're planning to walk in from Guthega and camp for three nights on Mt. Yeah I get that very thin leggings will tear easily but honestly any kind of regular training pants of decent quality shouldnt. And they wont stand any worse than some climbing pants just because they have climbing in their name. Very stretchy with the gusset crotch part. Also my Kuhl renegade pants are quite resilient, but the wide cut leg tends to get caught on crampons. Ice fest has some clinics that are cheaper than private guides. In in the BD Belay Pants that I just bought. See full list on theadventurejunkies. I also plan to climb Lassen and maybe Shasta this year. S. For example, I have been using my Lyngen Hiloflex100 for every ice climbing outings this year. For ice climbing, i wear the following layers and that was in temps of 5C, we climbed the 90m icefall in a couloir sheltered from the sun. Hard shell pants are terrible in comparison. You don't need full-zip but should try putting the pants on and taking them off while wearing hiking footwear. In summation, I'm thinking about: Softshell pants (e. For something more durable than the Nano Airs, cheapo Sporthill XC ski pants. Sometimes though those pants and double boots are overkill and I just want the gaiters over my mountaineering boots. TL;DR: I think you’re looking for two pants, not one. Mar 22, 2024 · Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Climbing Pants The best climbing pants easily transition from crag to bar. The Best Ice Climbing Gear of 2024 Arc’teryx Alpha Hybrid Pant ($350) so these pants are best for cold-weather pursuits where liquid precipitation is We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I've been climbing ice for about two seasons now and my old thrift-shop Mammut pants (~2006 Schoeller 3XDry) are ready to be retired. Hey guys, new to ice climbing, I avidly refresh this subreddit at least five times a day and have devoured through the back-pages of threads. . I'd get some "inexpensive" coated nylon pants to wear over your hiking pants. I also prefer tapered fitted pants. Just having zippers that go partway up the calf works fine unless you have huge feet. My current pair has well over 100 days on them and still seem like brand new . Winona Ice Park page. I do all manner of winter sports (mountaineering, skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing) and would never be caught dead in hard shells. Ice climbers, alpinists, and backcountry rock climbers who need the weather-proof security of hardshell pants have historically had to sacrifice a significant amount of comfort and mobility, since run-of-the-mill hardshell pants stem and lunge about as well as a pair of Jan 20, 2020 · I climb in softshells (OR Cirque pants and sometimes with Gaiters) and wear a Gore-Tex Shell jacket. Hot topic (forgive me, it's my weakness) has these baby blue and pink caro pants that I'm currently hoping will come back in stock because they look dope as hell and comfy and have all these nice pockets and Best place to learn is ouray ice park. And the pants also have powder cuffs. Aug 27, 2024 · The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2. This can be found in the product feature section on the website. And with a price hovering OP here. She is a former member of the U. Backpacks seemed quite cheap but really light, lighter than my ortovox for much less money, and they seem durable enough. I'm looking for a new pair of soft-shell pants for ice climbing that offers a short inseam. Seems to be the fabric bending around the seam taping. Ask on Facebook(group Colorado ice climbing) or mountain project to find partners. You’ll regret plenty of things when shit hits the fan but as long as your shell keeps you dry, it won’t be one of them. Expensive, but softshell is pretty incredible (durable, breathable, other buzz words, etc). Stretchy, draw cord closure for the leg openings to cinch, and super soft. So far, so good. TOPROPE ONLY TO START! Recommend to tr 50-100 pitches before leading. They're a soft shell, which is what I would recommend. May 5, 2025 · We tested 10 waterproof jackets and pants, plus softshells and windlayers—on everything from windy rock laps in Washington Pass to mixed climbs in Patagonia’s Torre Valley—to find which layers are worth your while. I bring full zip Gore-Tex shell pants in case the weather kicks up and gets nasty with snow and wind. Climbing pants: You’ll need a synthetic alpine climbing pant without any cotton content (cotton absorbs water and is slow to dry. Soft shell is extremely versatile, and can keep you plenty warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. I read a lot of reviews, talked to other women who climb, and combined it with my own experience to come up with a list of climbing pants that I Posted by u/i_ride_bikes_ - 13 votes and 16 comments Again, you're going to do your best to not even wear them. I got a pair of Chemical pants this season and have loved the features. So durability would be my main concern. So, what do you climb in? Do you like them? Any recommendations? I've tried on a number of softshell pants but have been disappointed with most fits. ) and the rest ice climbing, with occasional ski touring. ) Water-resistant softshell pants are usually the best option. 2 hip pockets and 1 back pocket. Best touring pants I’ve ever had, crazy venting, beacon pocket ( with lanyard) vents, multiple colors, and for sure, no euro fit. Mar 4, 2014 · The ¾ length side zips come with storm flaps too, so Rab haven’t simply stripped some pants down in order to save weight – they’ve got the basic features in whilst also keeping things light. Last season was my first time ice climbing and I got out like 7ish times, so i'm hoping to get out a lot more this season to RMNP, Ouray, and Lake City in CO. I also have a pair of “Deceptr” for work and everyday wear. Every brand claims to have the latest, greatest, athlete-tested, 100 percent proven to make you climb harder pants on the market. I would definitely upgrade to true mountaineering pants, but personally I've never had a huge issue using light-mid softshell pants without a ton of insulation in the vast majority of temp ranges. And no I don’t work for Kühl! Not exactly soft shell, ( Gore-Tex stretch Pro ) but they tick all your boxes, Burton Japan Guide Pants. Stuff like the OR Cirque (though I'm not a huge fan of the baggier fit on the Cirque 2, doesn't seem well suited to crampons), Arcteryx Gamma AR etc. 0 Capris ($60) are perfect for those who don’t want to wear leggings but also don’t want to wear run-of-the-mill climbing pants. And why wouldn’t they? Nov 23, 2023 · For cold-weather adventures in the alpine, the OR Cirque II (women’s version) is your go-to pair of mountain hiking pants. Make sure they have full separating side zips so you can take them on/off without removing boots/crampons. I’ve used Beta pants, Sabre pants, stinger pants, Chillkoot pants (now the Macai), and they all do the same job. The best pants imo for winter hiking is something like the OR Trailbreaker 2, which has vents, and a water proof membrane on the lower legs. I have really great ice climbing/Alpine hardshell pants with built in gaiters, and I also have two different pairs of double boots that essentially have gaiters. I don’t have much experience with mountaineering pants but so far I like the Patagonia Altvia alpine pants and Altvia light alpine pants for a lighter but less durable alternative. The combination meets the criteria of breathable and wind proof/water resistant (when desired) and sits around your price limit. You typically wear softshell pants, which are water resistant enough, durable, stretchy, and form fitting so you don't catch them on your crampons. I have been climbing for a while but just got into bigger winter alpine climbs and really want a bomb pair of waterproof - breathable pants. The Patagonia simul alpine pants have held up well. They keep you dry during hard climbs and long days. Reply reply I do plan to spend a lot of time in the Sierras snowshoeing around and climbing peaks, so I want to be prepared for those storms. For ice climbing, Patagonia Nano Air pants with a Patagonia Houdini windbreaker or hard shell if desired on top. Im blown away by how many Norrona pieces are well suited for ice climbing, even outside the Trollveggen and Falketind collections. I have the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants. The first day I took the Stretch Neo out was on an ice climbing day and they were frankly superb. My ice climbing clothing set up is: Gamma LT (Hood up if necessary) Proton LT (Hood over helmet) Paratonia R1 (directly over skin with no base) (hood under helmet) OR Cirque Pants Patagonia Capilene Air Bottoms Nuclei SV or Or Super Alpine Parka for Belaying Showa Termes Gloves for climbing. The powder cuffs are also removable. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants are full length (and come in short/regular/tall). Since i'm a newby i'm really just looking for some good cheapish (<$100) pants. You need strong gear to stay safe and warm. Oct 5, 2023 · Share on Reddit; Similar Reads. Ice Climbing and General Mountaineering Goretex Full Zip to go over softshell pants (when conditions require) Available in Europe I agree with u/MtnHuntingislife, that the norrona women's trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light Pants would match your requirements perfectly. One brand I have had a terrible experience is Kuhl, sold at REI. I'm the same size as you, and I'm in a medium. Winona ice park group. Sandstone Ice Festival is coming up THIS WEEKEND and you should totally consider going! (Same goes for you u/mikej453) Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest is also coming up at the end of the month For the past few weeks for ice around Canmore (around -20 to -5C mostly), I was wearing mid-weight long underwear and Arc'mani Gamma Guide pants for both climbing and approaches. At a Glance. Jul 7, 2023 · Patagonia Women’s Altvia Alpine Pants: The Best Technical Pants for Alpine Climbing Important Specs Materials used: 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex Sustainable: Yes Vegan : Yes Country of origin: Vietnam Women’s or unisex: Women’s Baselayers: Wear full-length synthetic or wool baselayer bottoms under your climbing pants. They're pretty rugged too, no rips but some pilling, and they've been put through some shit. They also let you move freely on steep climbs. Sandstone Ice Park page. Nordwand Light HS Pants) + optional merino wool base layer What are your thoughts/experiences? Arc'teryx is based in Vancouver, minutes away from British Columbia's vast mountain wilderness. I want to be able to bend my knee 100% in a full rockover and not have the cuff go up around my calf, because the cuff is invariably to small to go around my calf. Best All-Around Waterproof Jacket & Pant: Arc’teryx Beta ($300-400) Best for Alpinism: Patagonia M10 ($279-399) Most holes in my pants are from hiking in crampons not climbing in them, I try not to hike in crampons unless absolutely needed . Wouldn’t say I’ve put them through the wringer yet though. This proving ground is used to inspire and create technical apparel and equipment with exceptional performance. g. Static insulating layer: Lastly when climbing in cold environments you'll want an outer insulating layer that goes over everything else when you're stopped and loosing heat. I wear thin socks to keep my toes warm. All the climbing specific trousers I've ever tried, although "baggy" are often just made from non stretch fabric (I want to say cotton but imagine their mostly man made fibres) and I have big thighs so even clothes sold as baggy are still tight on me, I'd need MC Hammer pants before I might consider trousers to be baggy. MN Ice Climbing group. Midwest Ice Conditions group. So far I have been using my OR Cirque soft shell pants but I think I need a hard shell. Looking for new pants something I can wear on hot weekends and to the office everyday. I thought they might be too tight over other layers but they are actually great. Heading out to Blue Lake in Kosciuszko National Park, Australia's ice climbing crag 1. Engineered out of a highly breathable 90D nylon/polyester stretchy fabric, the Cirque II is perfect for use in truly frigid temps. If it's -10 and really windy your puffy won't do shit, put that shell on over top of your puffy. BETA AR pants do indeed have keprotec instep patches to protect them from crampons as well as ski edges. She is a volunteer climbing instructor at The Ice Coop, Colorado’s only dedicated ice-climbing gym, where she does much of her training. It's what the size guide recommended. They're okay but they were super cheap so I'm pretty happy with em. Its been mostly mixed climbing in mellow temps but this softshell it the bomb, very well made and thought out. Fluctuating weather, with days just above or at freezing, and nights below, are the best, for climbing comfort and for making thick plastic ice. The Gamma line is a bit baggier then need be, yet they do fit under my Beta AR perfectly. They do a little bit of everything: they’re decently affordable, super stretchy, and warm enough to work on even the Hey i'm looking for some good pants to keep my leggies warm. In my pack I have my Patagonia puffy, Parka if it's less than 0, and my arcteryx alpha SV shell permanently stays in my pack if I'm climbing alpine. And they feel lighter than my Zions. Somepeople like hardshells to ski but I think true hardshell pants are kind of terrible and I'm willing to die on that hill. Good ice climbing pants protect you from wind, snow, and sharp ice. For the past couple of seasons, I’ve used rain pants and snowboarding pants, which have worked well, but I’m refining my setup for this upcoming season. Below are some of the best choices for your ice climbing needs: The North Face Summit L4: A water-resistant, softshell bank that excels in the flexibility department, these take the top spot in our ice climbing category. Also just my opinion, for anything more then walking, the MX is too warm. I have a pair of black under armor joggers (moisture wicking/quick dry material, pretty breathable) that I got from Dick’s Sporting Goods that I’ll wear when climbing to prevent my skin from getting torn up if I hit something, they’re like $45 if they’re still being sold (bought them for reasons not related to climbing but they’ve translated over really well, they’ve got a bit of Posted by u/[Deleted Account] - 12 votes and 37 comments I've been using their ice climbing trousers for two years now and they are at the same level of some 200€ alternatives I've used in the past for half the money. ssan lswo flqmdw zzbrxl yzpijnf bezshdu cbmms fttbssl rxjy zyvyb