10 Best Mountaineering Pants In 2022

How To Choose A Pair Of Mountaineering Pants – Buying Guide

Softshell vs. Hardshell

Top rated pants for mountaineering are often separated by two types – softshell and hardshell. Softshell pants for mountaineering are often more flexible and less rigid than a mountaineering hardshell pant design. Softshell designs are still protective against the elements and should be water repellent and windproof, but also breathable. For climbers who wish to feel less restricted and need greater flexibility, softshell is the best choice. 

However, mountaineering hardshell pants are designed for extreme locations where you will face the harshest elements. Hardshell designs are often fully waterproof, windproof, and have a high abrasion resistance. They are better for adventurers who are spending long times in the outdoors and in rugged locations. The downside is that hardshell ice climbing pants will be less flexible and stiffer, which may be uncomfortable for some adventurers. 

Material

When it comes to choosing the best pants for mountaineering, you should always look for synthetic materials over natural materials. When you need strong protection against harsh weather conditions, the problem with natural materials like cotton is that they aren’t durable and can become quickly soaked. 

Synthetic materials are longer lasting because they are more durable, and they will provide you with excellent protection against wet weather or strong winds. However, synthetics don’t always stretch, so you’ll often find that the best mountaineering pants are a blend of a non-stretchable synthetic and Spandex. 

Durability

Whether you’re reading the best climbing books to plan your next adventure, or you have a specific peak set as your destination, you need your alpine climbing pants to be durable. Durability means that you will have the best protection, better value, and enhanced functionality. 

Mountaineering pant reviews can help you determine the durability of a design and decide whether they will hold up against the weather you expect to encounter on your adventure. You can also check for features like high quality materials, strong seams, and reinforced areas, which can all increase the durability of a design. 

Breathability

Breathability is often important to keep you comfortable as you explore the mountains. Contrary to popular belief, breathability can also keep you warmer because it prevents sweat from drenching your clothing or wetting your skin, which would lower your body temperature. 

Softshell pants for mountaineering are often more breathable and can be used for more casual trips. However, mountaineering hardshell pants will be less breathable because they need to protect you from extreme conditions like blizzards or strong wind. 

Weather Resistance

You should be very cautious of the type of mountaineering trousers you purchase and their weather resistant rating. Water-resistant vs. waterproof climbing pants are not the same. A water resistant design can still be soaked if it is exposed to wet weather for too long, while waterproof mountaineering pants should always remain impermeable. 

In general, mountaineering softshell pants will be water resistant, while mountaineering hardshell pants will be waterproof. This is because of the different conditions in which the pants are meant to be used. For casual mountaineering expeditions, softshell pants will due. But if you’re going to the top of the peak, you may want to use a hardshell pant. 

Reinforcement

The best pants for mountaineering will increase their overall durability by having reinforced sections around the knees or crotch. Double stitching or extended panels around the knees can help the pants last longer, while ensure that numerous bending actions doesn’t rip or split the seams. Gussets are also a good way to reinforce the pants and ensure that the seat can handle multiple treks up the mountain. Double stitching or layered fabrics are other methods to reinforce alpine climbing trousers, which provides a higher quality and durability. 

Weight

The best mountaineering pants will be lightweight and less bulky, so that you aren’t carrying unnecessary weight with you up the mountain. When you’re trying to balance the weight of your climbing backpack, the last thing you want is to feel weighed down by your legs. Therefore, finding a pair of lightweight mountaineering bibs means that you’ll have the energy to last all day on the trail. It also means that you won’t be tangled up in bulky fabric. 

Water Resistance

As we discussed above, the level of water resistance you need will depend on where you are going mountaineering. If you’re going to face wet weather or are trekking through snow, you need a pair of waterproof climbing pants. But if you are going somewhere where you may only have to deal with a little rain, then you can probably survive with a water resistant design instead. 

Related Review: Rain Pants

Convertibility

Some top rated pants for mountaineering feature convertible features that make them easier to use or wear. Most pants will be a complete pants, which means that they won’t zip off into shorts, but they may have zipper ankles. Zipper ankles can make it more comfortable to put on your boots as you convert the pants to accommodate the shaft of your boot. 

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

When it comes to mountaineering, safety should always come first. For climbers who are going to new heights, it is important to keep your legs warm and dry. The best pants for mountaineering are designed to go to the extremes, while providing you with high quality protection. With alpine climbing pants, you can stay safe and enjoy the view from the top of the world. 

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Do you own a pair of the waterproof climbing pants that made it onto our list? Let us know which mountaineering bibs your favorite is in the comments section below.