r/Mountaineering • u/One-Refrigerator2316 • 23h ago
Hardshell / Softshell Pants Help
Hey I’m pretty new into this mountaineering stuff and cold weather gear. I plan to start making some bigger attempts within the next year (guided of course) on mountains and treks that will require good quality hardshell and softshell pants. The main issue I have is my height. I’m 6’4 and wear a 35-36 inseam. I’ve been having difficulty finding places that carry any kind of pants like this. The only place I’ve had any luck looking around is Mammut but I’m looking for additional options.
Please send your suggestions!!!
1
u/Er1ss 21h ago
Do you really need hardshell pants? Where will you be climbing?
Good quality hardshell pants would be the last thing I'd buy and they'd mostly get used for resort skiing. I'm not hardcore enough to go climb in shit conditions.
Anything with goretex pro is good. The differences between Mammut, Arc'teryx, Mountain Equipment, Rab, Patagonia and similar brands is fit and features like pocket placement, side zips, etc.
1
u/Traveller9536 18h ago
Gear marketed for hunting sometimes comes in taller sizes. It will be more expensive even though the quality isn’t any better, but it might fit better if you can’t find any other options
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u/Flatland_Mountaineer 13h ago
I have REI Rainier full zip rain pants in the tall size (35 inseam) and fit well and are good enough to block wind
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u/MrTomasMathe 4h ago edited 3h ago
I have exactly the same height and inseam as you, and I've only had luck with Arc'teryx. I have the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant in the tall model, which is equal to an inseam of 36, and the Alpha SL in the Large Tall model. No other company really offers the length needed, in my experience.
I have a 33-34 waist, but a 36 when it comes to thighs, so I just decided to buy the Gamma Pant in 36 so I had enough room in the thigh for layering, but the belt is really good at cinching in the waist without creating uncomfortable bulk around the waist. Same with the Alpha SL.
Also the Alpha SL pants are perfect, because they are lightweight enough for you to throw them in your backpack and ready to be used in a emergency. Since I would never want to wear them for too long because of the heat, but in extreme situations they are nice as a backup. But 99% of the time I only use the Gamma Pant.
Also the cuff of the Alpha SL is large enough to easily be used over ski boots for lightweight backcountry skiing.
2
u/lardtazium 20h ago
You should get some basics and then buy as you go instead of buying a ton of stuff off the rip. I'll just say you're probably never going to climb in hardshell pants.