Need help with sof shell pants!

I have the ArcTeryx gamma LT’s and really like them although I think they changed to a different fabric this year.

Only seen ’em in the store but the patagonia stretch jackelopes seemed to have very similar fabric to the gamma LT’s. They’re a lot less expensive too.

Any pants made of Schoeller Dynamic would be a decent choice too. The only example I can think of right now is the REI Mistral pants but I wouldn’t buy these. Just Google for more offerings.

Other potential options:
– OR Exos pants
– Golite Dynamalite
– Mountain Hardwear Alpinist

Keep in mind that all these options are pretty thin and will need a base layer for winter use but should be perfect for spring and fall.

Also check out BPL member Mark Verber’s page. He has good information on there regarding different types of soft shell materials.

Roy – why not the Mistrals? I've been eye-balling them and am curious about your thumbs down.

I think dynamic is too light for winter use (I have a pair). I would go with the medium weight dryskin instead. I think fit is key with softshells to take full advantage of their stretch and closer fit. I seem to be making this recommendation over and over here, but I have a hard time thinking of a better deal then getting them custom made for you at beyondfleece (the cold play shock would be what I would want as pants).

The climbhigh outlet also has mammut softshell pants that I think are worth considering because they come in varying inseam lengths.

Roy, thanks for the response I did see the Gamma LT pants but they are out of my price range. Also thanks for throwing out some other option. Now I get to research at least 3 more pairs of pants

I too think Dynamic is light for winter use, but if you want a pant to wear in any and all conditions, summer too, I can't think of a better choice.

Roy is dead on about fit- all softshells should fit closely. One nice thing about the REI Mistral and Dryskin Acme (which I use and love) is the 30 or 32 inch seam lengths… and the Mistral is on sale for 50 bucks. Come on, 50 bucks!

If, in winter, you wear full length gaiters I would not worry about the Mistrals being too light. They will shed snow just fine, and you can layer well underneath them.

I believe that Dynamic comes in different types, as I was told my Gamma LTs are Dynamic. They were nice pants, but got shredded climbing. They did not resist moisture as well as Dryskin however, and were just as light s the Mistrals. My REI Dryskin Acme's are holding up VERY well. They have become my default pant for everything- cragging, ice climbing, winter backpacking, etc… very tough.

I have also used the Mtn Hardwear Winter Wanderer alot. They do not breathe as well as dynamic, but are a bit more windproof and have a fantastic water resistance. Crampon holes tend not to get larger, and they stretch nicely. A bit too warm for summer use. My wife has the Alpinist, same verdict. Nice fit though…

I don't own te Inertia pants, but have been very impressed wit the stretch and fit. They would likely beathe like Dynamic given the weave.

I have used the old Black Diamond Alpine pants in winter and they were fine. They cut the wind enough to make life comfortable. I wore them moving to about zero layered with Patagonia silkweight bottoms and silkweight boxers.

Hi Jack, I don’t recommend any REI clothing in general. Much of it is hit or miss but the big problem I see with it is construction quality (poor stitching, faulty zippers etc.) and poor fit. It’s just not up to the same standard as other brands which you can get for about the same price or just slightly more. I used to work at REI and would see lots of the REI brand clothing being returned often.

If you can get them on a discount then I say go for it, but if you’re paying full price then I suggest searching around elsewhere. I should note that my close friend has a pair of the Mistral pants (got ‘em for 10 bucks) and he really likes ‘em.

Michael M, No problem man, good luck on your search and let us know what you decide on.

Michael F, I’m not sure what ArcTeryx is using now, but my LT’s are made out of a material called Tweave Durastretch. I did a little research and learned that it’s basically a stretchy Cordura. That’s a bit surprising yours got shredded as mine have held up very well, even climbing (or more accurately, falling) on sandstone. I agree about the water resistance, it isn’t that great, but they are pretty quick to dry. Thanks for the Beta.

Thanks all for the input. You guys are a lot more helpful than the "specialists" at my local outfitter.

Hi Mike,

I own the Cloudveil prospector jacket which uses the inertia fabric. I have had this jacket for 3 years now, have to say I love the jacket, and would think the pants would perform equally. I'll just list the reasons I like this fabric.
1. Light weight
2. Breathes very well
3. Great wind blockage
4. Very durable
5. Good stretch

I own quite a bit of gear and have to say this is my choice for high activity, cold or cool weather pursuits. I run, climb, bike, and hike in this jacket. It isn't the lightest or most weatherproof, but definitely a top performer in drier, or done in a day adventures. It can be used in a wide variety of conditions depending on how you layer underneath it. I'd give it a 9 out of 10.

I have a pair of Guide Pants not used yet. They feel more like the Schoeller Dryskin. The cut is very nice, form fitting without being tight. I like the fact that you can get them by waist size and not just small, medium, or large.

I have a couple of pairs of the Mistral pants (good sales, what can I say?) I wear them to work, mostly, because they stretch and are basically bombproof. I do find the fabric takes a long time to dry when it gets wet (side effect of stretchiness, I think). For winter hiking, not bad, as I can wear light long john bottoms under them. I would second the suggestion of gaiters, or they would get and stay very wet.

I haven't seen any durability or manufacturing issues, and these pants are several years old.

My spouse has a pair of the Ibex Guide Light soft shell pants made from wool and nylon. They are heavier, with a brushed or fuzzy inner. She finds them very comfortable for hiking in cool to cold weather, and can wear a base layer under them if needed.

I also like Inertia fabric for most of the reasons mentioned by Joshua… but I would take issue with "very durable". His jacket might have lasted three years, but my pants have only made it a couple of seasons before the were pretty much "done". I have classic supplex pants (ex officio and mountain hardware) which have have 4x the wear and tear and as still in good enough shape that my wife doesn't send me back into the house to change when we are running around town (which she would do if I tried to go somewhere public in my first pair of rodeo pants).

Inertia is pretty light. If the temps are hovering around freezing or below, I much prefer dryskin. The REI Acme pants looks interesting, but I haven't tried them. My pair of Marmot ATV Pants (first edition made from Dyskin) are still going strong after several years. I more or less live in these pants for winter sports. Love them. The dryskin seems a bit heavier than what's in the acme. Might also be worth your while to look at BeyondFleece.

–mark

Don't bother. Find a good stout pair of nylon pants and layer under. Soft shells are too heavy, too expensive, and too much dedicated to one garment/layer. You can vary your base layer(s) to suit the season.

Dale,

I'm in your camp!

Don't think that softshells aren't durable they may not face the same problem as nylon pants. I have fallen/slid on my knees in two different pairs of pants resulting in the fabric BURNING THROUGH, something I doubt would be less of a problem with softshells. Also the softshells don't wet through. Friend of mine sat in the snow for hours with only a damp butt while my nylons can wet through and be veeeeeeeeery cold when they dry so quickly sapping warmth away.

The Ibex Alpstar Pant appears to have taken the place of the Guide Lite. I've had the Guides for years and they have been great as have my Mammut Champ Pants for all my late fall, winter, and early spring snow travels in Washington's central cascades. Some folks seem to think soft shells are a gimmick, be that as it may, I have found them to work perfectly and worth the investment.