Synthetic insulated shorts/3/4 trousers

[Scott Emmens]

Hi, is anyone using insulated shorts or 3/4 length trousers as a mid layer? I am mostly thinking for cool morning starts, food breaks or around camp use scenarios. I am thinking of the types of garments that xc skier/skimoers use, probably with side zips to enable fast removal or putting on. I will likely also use to bolster my sleeping bag as I seem to be getting cold around my bum and hips (yes I possibly need to use a warmer bag). I have down pants but they are overkill for most of my use and I have to admit to being worried about their durability! I wonder whether some Polartec Alpha lined windproof shorts might be what I’m looking for?

I’d love some input from you all.

Thanks, Scott in New Zealand

[Bill Budney]

Alpha kilt liner? Or maybe just a kilt if all you need is a wind layer.

(with tall gaiters if you need full coverage)

[Scott Emmens]

Thanks Bill, hadn’t considered a kilt but to be perfectly honest it’s not my jam. Perhaps I’m a bit conservative? Having said that I am seriously considering making a rain skirt/kilt to keep my shorts dry.

Cheers, Scott

[Bill Budney]

I understand the style thing. I had the same reservation at first.

Then I discovered that, if your kilt matches your jacket, then it doesn’t look like you’re wearing a skirt to a casual observer. It just looks like you’re wearing a long coat.

I’ve got pants, too. I suppose there may be some weather condition when I would prefer them, like high winds or a cold storm.

Otherwise, I always reach for the kilt first because it is just so easy to put on and take off, even while wearing a pack. Wearing the kilt is the perfect combination of wind protection, extra warmth, and ventilation. Good for active use as well as around camp. Packs smaller, too. Doubles as a small groundsheet for sitting or under a vestibule. So much better than sweaty pants, in my experience.

YMMV, of course. I’m something like 1% Scottish, so maybe that’s part of the appeal (for me). ;)

[Jordan M]

I’ve been using these from Kuiu, currently on sale:

https://www.kuiu.com/products/peloton-118-zip-off-bottom-gunmetal

Mine might be the -97 weight, because in large mine are only 4.55oz. Very happy with them in the winter for what you’re describing-zip them on when I get to camp/before setting up tent, sleep in them, wear them in the morning until I’m warmed up. Easy on/off. Durability seems good so far.

Obviously, they go under another layer (most of the time). I mostly hike solo, so a little exposure taking them on and off isn’t an issue!

[Matthew / BPL]

Zippers down the sides of the pants seem complicated solution to me. I like the idea of a skirt consisting of a wind cutting layer and some AD fleece. A skirt would be flexible and could be used as a wrap around your shoulders, to keep condensation off your feet, as a pillow…

Rain skirts are so easy to don/doff. I don’t care for the aesthetics but that isn’t much of a concern for me in the backcountry.

[todd]

Years ago I made a MIRT (Man Skirt!) for this purpose.  light nylon outer, Alpha didn’t exist then so I used Insultex for the warmth part.  Worked great, actually.  Also wrapped it around my shoulders to supplement my torso insulation while in my quilt.  Weighed little, packed small.  You’ve convinced me to make another with some Alpha I have on hand :)

[SIMULACRA]

The Piz Boe insulated shorts from Ortovox with side zips. 190g / 6.7oz  (Piz Boe / Ortovox) . Unfortunately, they currently look unavailable.

[Haakon R]

I’m a big fan of side-zip pants / easy on and off (for any layer). Weather changes a lot, and fast in the coastal regions of Norway, so being able to adapt quickly, without too much hassle is appreciated.

This thread went a little all over the place, so I’m not quite sure what you’re after, but I like that. More fuel for my imagination:)

The garments I use that best match your description is two 3/4 length zip longs from Northern playground (Norwegian brand). One is merino wool and the other is a smooth faced fleece. I’ve actually used the fleece more, but both are great.

A new addition this year is the Outdoor Vitals dragonwool zip longs. I ordered the full length version, but it’s not quite full length IMO, more like 7/8. Although a bit misleading, I find this preferable to a full length as it doesn’t overlap (as much) with my socks and doesn’t get wet quite as easily. Haven’t used it enough to endorse it quite yet, but it does add versatility to my wardrobe.

It should be said; zip off pants makes adjusting layers a lot easier, especially with skies on, but it’s still something you don’t want to do too often. In high winds or with cold hands it can take a few tries before everything is aligned and zipped.

I’ve recently started looking for 3/4 insulated pants with side zips. Preferably down. Initially I was searching for full length pants, but realized it’s not really necessary. The problem with 3/4 insulated pants is that there is less to choose from and a significant portion seem to be a bit too short. I guess I technically want slightly more than 3/4, but some offerings are only shorts/knee length, and I really don’t see a need for that. Maybe not quite what the OP wants, but would be interesting to see some recommendations if it’s considered within topic.

[Scott Emmens]

Thanks for that suggestion. I’m looking for something to wear over my “all day” shorts rather than under. That fly is a little off putting for me

[Scott Emmens]

Thanks for this, food for thought

[Scott Emmens]

These are exactly what I was thinking, have you tried them?

[Scott Emmens]

I’m after some feedback on something like the Ortovox shorts linked above. Definitely not after anything too long, as I mentioned I already have down pants but they are overkill for my use case scenario. What you describe is what I was thinking, just a shorter version. I won’t be using them with skis though!

I just had a look at the Northern Playground site, the Zipshorts Padded look interesting! I have access to a Merino Lycra fabric that could work, mmmmm

[David P]

It looks like the Piz Boe shorts are currently available in black for sizes S and XL, so others may be available in the near future, but you never know. This discussion got me wondering about myog lightly insulated, 3/4 length chaps… they could snap along the outside edge and would need a belt loop or something to hang from, but that might make for easy donning and doffing…

For the skirt-curious, Skhoop.us has down skirts from Sweden that are longer than many of the puffy skirts that seem to be coming down the runway from Mtn Hardware, Montbell, and others.

[SIMULACRA]

I haven’t used the Piz Boe, but have other Ortovox. Great quality make.

[Phil B]

I don’t have these but have some other pants from them and they are decent quality.  I would only buy them on sale since they are a bit expensive.

Lightstream Insulated Short – Men’s – Beringia

 

[Scott Emmens]

I don’t have these but have some other pants from them and they are decent quality.  I would only buy them on sale since they are a bit expensive.

Lightstream Insulated Short – Men’s – Beringia

$195! Ahh yep, that’s a bit expensive

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