Best ice climbing softshell Snowy high output climbing is the perfect place for a windbreaker (AKA an extremely thin soft shell). May 22, 2025 · It's best for skiers, climbers, and outdoor professionals who need solid warmth, decent dexterity, and waterproofing without the premium price tag. When selecting ice climbing pants, the first major decision is between soft shell and hard shell materials. Shop our curated selection now! Feb 1, 2025 · BEST FOR: ICE CLIMBING. Offering over 1. S. I got a little wet one day, but had a sitting belay for a good bit of time so figured whatever. On this list, we recommend the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant for ice climbing. Ice climbing is a highly specialized activity requiring equipment and gear specifically designed to withstand challenging conditions. Soft Shell Pants: Soft shells are breathable, stretchy, and comfortable. ) and the rest ice climbing, with occasional ski touring. The Norrona store near me recommended their Falketind flex 1 heavy duty pant too. Dec 30, 2024 · The Role of Ice Climbing Boots. It was my go to pant for most rock/ice climbing, skiing and everything in between pant. Yesterday, no sitting, but a long approach through deep snow and semi wet ice, and I was SOAKED. Would be great to take it on Denali in five years. The Rab store near me was pushing the Kinetic Alpine pant for ice climbing past winter. 5 Million products from 400 globally sourced brands, including sneakers, shoes, apparel, and accessories. I almost went with them but wasn’t crazy about the fit. Choosing the Right Ideal for high-energy alpine climbing, mountaineering and ice climbing; Soft-shell fabric is breathable, abrasion-resistant and weather-resistant with movement-mirroring stretch; ActiveTemp™ thermoregulating technology in waistband adjusts to your body temperature to keep you cool, dry and comfortable during high-exertion activities Get something light and don’t spend a lot. Having vents on the sides help for allowing airflow while keeping ass and thighs dry. Ice climbing gloves are designed with a specific purpose in mind. Don’t fuss about the weight and get something comfortable. Though these layers won't protect you from the harshest weather, they can be a great layer to keep you moderately protected while allowing moisture from sweat to escape during your high-output adventures like running, climbing, hiking, or backcountry skiing. I plan to use it as part of a layering system in the winter in the Sierra, ice climbing, and on the PNW volcanoes. 0 is the brand’s latest iteration in its line of highly popular performance apparel, especially designed for climbing and backcountry skiing. The hybrids are pretty hard to come by but crop up every now and again as new models or second hand. 10 Mar Mountain Equipment Anvil Cragging Trousers 50% of my winter activities would be considered general mountaineering and hiking, 30-40% alpinism (dual ice axe scrambling etc. Apr 10, 2025 · Softshells are great when you need a breathable layer that will help keep some inclement weather at bay. With 21 years of climbing and 11 years guiding, I know the right gear makes climbing fun. These gloves are designed Nov 23, 2023 · Best Budget: Black Diamond Alpine “A versatile, high-quality softshell pant and at a great price point. Dec 28, 2024 · Welcome to my adventure in finding the best ice climbing gear. The above changes if you’ll be ice climbing or assisting in SAR. I'm not necessarily after a do-it-all jacket, but it seems like a soft shell would be appropriate on most, if not all, objectives. Having the right gear is essential. The North Face Summit Chamlang Soft Shell Pant review Men's softshell pants for alpine climbing Durable wind-resistant pants for mountaineering Eco-friendly recycled softshell pants for men Comfortable hiking pants with stretch waist Slim fit softshell pants for outdoor adventures Soft brushed interior hiking pants for warmth Articulated knee pants for freedom of movement Nov 30, 2020 · Condition dependent for sure, but ice climbing can be a really wet affair—definitely would go hard shell. ” Best For Ski Mountaineering: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid “An expensive pant, but a winner for cold-weather climbs. Soft shell is good for good weather, not when attached to a dripping ice wall. AI+expert legit check, 24/7 support. Make sure to check the insulation level. 0 POIZON: Discover, cop, and share authenticated premium goods including sneakers, clothing, accessories & more. Jun 2, 2025 · The best softshell is the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody. Of course they would axe 'em. Norrøna Falketind Alpha120 Check Men's Price at Backcountry Check Men's Price at Norrøna Jan 22, 2024 · The adjustable hood fits perfectly around hats and helmets; (photo/Mary Murphy) Rab tailored this technical softshell jacket for climbing, mountaineering, skiing, hiking, and backpacking Shop the best Men's Soft Shell Pants featuring durable, breathable and weatherproof styles for all season adventures. Unfortunately they don’t make it anymore and I can’t find anything that fits what I’m looking for. Whether skiing at the resort, climbing ice, or digging out the driveway, this glove is built to perform. For ice, I wear the discontinued Arc'teryx Psiphon AR Pants, which, arguably, are the best fitting/performing softshell pants I've ever owned. With so many softshells constructed of different fabrics with different features, it can be difficult to choose which 3 days ago · Unlike traditional hard shells, soft shell jackets offer superior flexibility and breathability, making them the perfect choice for a wide range of activities, from hiking to climbing. Selecting the best ice climbing pants is an important decision that can have a big impact on your climbing experience. I'm more and more alpinism focused, so the amount of winter alpine climbing will definitely increase in the future. It turns a tough climb into an exciting adventure! Hi all, I’m looking to replace a couple pairs of softshell pants and wondering what people are using and liking these days. Alpine & Ice Climbing (2) Alpine & Ice Nov 12, 2024 · Technical softshells are best for technical pursuits like ice/mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, and backcountry skiing. These jackets aim to provide superior protection from the wind, moisture, and cold temps. Today we look at the differences between them and work out which typ Focus on the ascent—our men's hard and soft shell climbing jackets keep you protected in mild rain or dicey alpine conditions. The Marmot ROM 2. Patagonia Ironclad Guarantee Dec 29, 2017 · Rab Neo Guide Pants, that uses Polartec Neoshell which combine the superior breathability, ventilation, and stretch of a Soft Shell with the waterproof performance of a Hardshell, delivering the best of both worlds!!! Pretty good review below: In practice, this jacket works best at lower-paced cold endeavors like the ice climbs we took it on. YES! I really wish more brands would do hybrid construction shells, it's a niche that is quite overlooked as most consumers tend to shy away from 'water-resistant' in favor of 'waterproof', whereas Oct 5, 2023 · The Reviews: The Best Ice Climbing Gear of 2024 Arc’teryx Alpha Hybrid Pant ($350) (Photo: Courtesy Arc’teryx) Note: the softshell rear is not waterproof, so these pants are best for cold Moved Permanently. They offer comfort and performance, with excellent traction and support. There is a reason why you don’t often see high level alpine climbers using softshell jackets. ). If you plan to do ice or alpine climbing on your mountaineering missions, the Arc’teryx Alpha SL gloves give you the required dexterity to handle a rope, ice tools, and other gear. 2. Best Overall Climbing Pants: prAna Stretch Zion Pant; Best Budget Climbing Pants: Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants; Best for Ice, Snow, and Cold Weather: Arc Moved Permanently. The document has moved here. First investment, get some really good soft shells as they will cover you 90% of your time above tree line unless you’re planning on climbing in the rain. I use that with merino down to as low as -30C. May 13, 2025 · The best bouldering pants will not be the best for ice climbing. 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. As others have said, in most cases ‘hard shell time’ means ‘turn back time’. Completely windproof and made for abrasion resistance. They strike a remarkable balance between protecting you from the elements and ensuring ease of movement, often featuring stretchable fabrics and a less bulky design. Dec 28, 2009 · It is a "puffy jacket" only in the broadest sense, as it is less bulky than a Patagonia Micropuff jacket. They are often lined for extra warmth and are only able to offer ventilation through mesh-lined pockets or pit zips. If you’re new to ice climbing, you’re in the right spot. Nov 23, 2023 · Best Budget: Black Diamond Alpine “A versatile, high-quality softshell pant and at a great price point. Jan 17, 2021 · Once upon a time Marmot made the Pillar Pant, a soft shell pant that was slim fitting and reinforced in the knees. Jan 23, 2025 · GORE-TEX advertises this as being for climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, freeriding and hunting. There are plenty of days in the outdoors when it’s not stormy enough for a full rain jacket. Jun 2, 2025 · Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is ideal for women who want a technical softshell for fast-and-light adventures in mild to moderate conditions. Find top-rated gloves for warmth, grip, and dexterity. Arcteryx Procline comp or Alpha comp. 0 Moved Permanently. They do a little bit of everything: they’re decently affordable, super stretchy, and warm enough to work on even the Leaning on our deep-rooted mountaineering heritage, we’ve engineered a range of gear for ice climbing and winter ascents. Oct 21, 2022 · The absolute best I have found for pure ice climbing is softshell trousers with a hybrid jacket with a lightweight synthetic midlayer (eg. Ice climbing boots are vital for warmth and stability. Edit: Montane Terra Mission - their winter softshell pant. High-quality boots like the Scarpa Phantom and La Sportiva Spantik are great choices. One downside is that the hood is not big enough to fit over a climbing or ski helmet—which is a bummer when ice climbing and skiing in spindrifty conditions. Mar 4, 2014 · For cold days of hillwalking, winter climbing or skiing, their combination of warmth, weather-resistance and breathability makes these softshell trousers close to perfect, says Toby Archer. Each jacket accompanied us on miles of hiking with a pack, was repeatedly worn under a harness, stuffed into various pockets, and tossed in the back of a truck after long days in the Mar 18, 2025 · Best For: Ice climbing, mixed climbing Pros Smart feature set execution Softshell jackets emphasize breathability, as well as being able to turn a stiff wind and help to retain body heat May 21, 2025 · We've been testing hardshell jackets for nearly a decade now, and with more than 62 jackets tested to date, this review is a culmination of what we've learned over that time. Jan 28, 2017 · Features to Consider Before Buying a Softshell Jacket. Mar 9, 2023 · The hood fits snugly over hats and under the chin for excellent wind protection. It affects your climbing experience. May 9, 2025 · For active days outside — whether hiking, running, mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, or paddling — a softshell is often a good jack-of-all-trades layer to keep on hand. Just sucks that ReGear is final sale. YES! I really wish more brands would do hybrid construction shells, it's a niche that is quite overlooked as most consumers tend to shy away from 'water-resistant' in favor of 'waterproof', whereas Oct 5, 2023 · The Reviews: The Best Ice Climbing Gear of 2024 Arc’teryx Alpha Hybrid Pant ($350) (Photo: Courtesy Arc’teryx) Note: the softshell rear is not waterproof, so these pants are best for cold See full list on switchbacktravel. Your soft shell is much more likely to be worn. Don't forget, I believe OR still provides a lifetime warranty. It’s a full-featured piece, with an excellent hood, a moderately long cut for good coverage, and There are two main types of mountaineering/climbing trousers, Hardshells and Softshells. Our outstanding testers went on hundreds of adventures in all kinds of weather to help you find the perfect rain, climbing, and hiking pants. Choose the Right Fabric: Hard Shell vs Soft Shell. Backed by AI technology and human experts, our industry-leading "Authentication Before Shipping" service has authenticated Nov 14, 2024 · The Best Climbing Pants of 2024. Made to be ultralight and highly breathable. They are useful in a variety of conditions, since they are water and wind resistant, while also being breathable and stretchy, to move with you and keep you dry when you’re in action outside. These gloves are thin and form-fitting, and they feature a pulley system for customizing the fit. Built tough to withstand scrapes with ice tools and rugged rock, our ice climbing kit offers unrivalled warmth for deep winter conditions, breathability for going vertical, and the mobility you need to chip your way up cascading icefalls. We tested the durability and abrasion resistance of the jackets by taking them ice and mixed climbing, navigating chimneys and off-widths, and jamming cracks. These durable softshell pants are stretchy, warm, and I’m still waiting to hear a convincing reason to carry a softshell over my 5oz windbreaker. I rarely needed a buff, even in 30-35 mph gusts. It is more similar to a Marmot Driclime, but a bit warmer, much more water resistant, and with stretchy gusseted underarm panels of Power Stretch Hardface soft shell that make reaching up while climbing easier, and it breaths very well to boot. Oct 25, 2011 · Probably the classic softshell for ice climbing is the Arc’Teryx Gamma MX Hoodie ($349 U. My Arc'teryx Gamma MX pants have taken me up Denali, plenty of alpine summits, and dozens of ice climbs, sport climbing and dry tooling routes. When don’t we use hardshells? Though we almost always carry hardshells, we try to avoid using them as long as the weather allows. I’m looking at 1 mid-weight pair and one lightweight pair for late spring/summer alpine. com May 12, 2025 · Softshell jackets are a key piece in your layering system for outdoor adventures. Pertex® Shield Air - Electrospun nanofibre web, with an open network of interconnected pores. Safety is key in ice climbing. The gloves that you use when ice climbing are no exception. Whether you’re ice-climbing the tallest peaks, skiing the alpine, or doing your most dreaded outdoor chores in the early morning, there are an array of benefits and drawbacks that you’ll want to look for when seeking the best softshell jacket for you. Soft shell shifts snow perfectly fine Jottnar makes a 4S soft shell pant I highly rate. We took these jackets along for activities ranging from early spring crack climbing, chilly ice climbs, and windy May 1, 2025 · Not every pair of winter trousers is built for this — ice climbing requires a specific blend of features. Aug 2, 2019 · In a strange situation where your softshell pants (climbing pants) tear or break, hardshell pants can also serve as a good backup if absolutely necessary. Whether you opt for the weather protection of Arc’teryx Alpha SV Bib Pants, the versatility of Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Softshell Pants, or the lightweight comfort of Patagonia Simul Alpine Pants , ensure your choice aligns I'd agree; the best bang for your buck currently is the Cirque II pants. Jan 11, 2025 · For the best combination of breathability and durability, this soft-shell tests above the rest. They are essential to the safety, comfort, and success of ice climbing. ” Best For Light & Fast Climbing: Rab Kinetic Alpine 2. Related Searches. Jan 20, 2020 · My buddy who is helping me get into ice climbing said pretty much everyone climbs in soft shells. Testing took place while climbing, skiing, and ice climbing in Colorado's San Juans, the Columbia Mountains of British Columbia, and California's High Sierra. Man, I just wish the Alpha Comp's came with hand pockets. Mar 30, 2020 · The discontinued Procline Comp Hoody is pretty much ideal for ice and alpine climbing in wet conditions (goretex front and sides, soft-shell back). Jan 30, 2025 · Best ice climbing gloves for your next adventure. 3 days ago · Unlike traditional hard shells, soft shell jackets offer superior flexibility and breathability, making them the perfect choice for a wide range of activities, from hiking to climbing. I find soft shell gets overmatched with winds above 50mph. Reply reply Onlycommentoncfb. Longtime acclaimed, awarded, and best-selling, the original Iceline Pants were built for ice climbing, and reinvented as the Iceline Versa Pants for an even more versatile take on tackling steep ice, warding off abrasions, and providing warmth for cold climates. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or simply trying to travel light without sacrificing weather protection, this piece shines. qeus hiuhr fbp aszu xvuf lfzo qlaqkj ehgq pzwui qlygkz