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Toured a bit on the Upslope this year.
Pros:
One of few that fits a tall, slim/athletic guy well.
Ok room for boot cuff, better than a lot of other touring/mountainering pants. I've used Solly Labs.
Decent pockets.
Cons:
A bit warm in itself.
No thigh zippers for venting.
Ok, pants. Not fantastic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sf
good to know, thanks.
I have a pair of Strafe Recon's on the way. Buddy of mine really likes the Recon Jacket. Will report back, but so far they've got some ground to make up, having whiffed rather spectacularly by first sending me the wrong color, size and model. Oi vey dudes.
I got a pair of the Procline FL this year and generally like them. I have a 33" waist and 32 inseam and the M fits well, maybe a tiny bit roomy. My experience:
pros:
excellent quality
versatile - I can use wear these on most days without thermals unless it's really warm (>30F), really cold ( <0F), or really wet.
cons:
- No zippered cargo pocket. I hired a seamstress to add a zipper to the cargo pocket so I could use it for my beacon. Otherwise, the pocket is a good size/location for beacon use.
- The vents aren't huge don't provide as much ventilation as I would like. Cutting out the vent liner helped a bit.
- Too warm for warm spring days.
Overall, a super high quality pant but really for winter/early spring use for me. YMMV. The lack of zipper on the cargo pocket is just annoying - snow will get in there while skiing pow with just the velcro closure - I know first hand. For comparison, I have a pair of older Gamma SK pants from Arc that I also had to add a zipper to the cargo pocket. BUT, the SK did not come with any side vents so I added my own that are longer than the Procline vents and vent much better. If the Procline FL was made of a lighter material, had a zippered cargo, and longer side vents, it would be my unicorn spring pant.
I'm tempted to try the Dynafit Mercury pants based on what others have said in this thread. Until I find a winner for spring, I'll keep going back to my ca 2007 Mountain Hardwear Navigation pants - lightweight, great side vents, and cut for a slim build (unlike modern MH sizing which is the opposite). Sadly, the years have turned them into sponges so dry conditions only.
Picked up some Dynafit Radical pants. Pretty Euro cut, a bit slim through the thigh for my liking, but otherwise very functional. Could use an extra pocket or two, and the cuffs could be bigger to actual fit over ski boots.
For resort spring skiing, I still like my old Patagonia softshell climbing pants which have the opposite fit, quite relaxed.
Once it gets hot, any soft shell pants that stretch are miles better than a hard shell, even with the full length vents.
I really like the BD Dawn Patrol pants.
Pros:
-stretchy
-slim but not too slim (but: I have chicken legs)
-long enough that the cuff stays over your boot when you bend your legs around
-cuff is big enough to fit over TLT6, MTN Lab, resort boot, etc; and cuff gaiter feels secure on all of these
-cuff zip makes access to booster strap pretty easy
-big ol' thigh pockets that work well with a harness, and a buttcheek pocket I've never used
-breathable; big thigh vents
-reasonably water resistant (have worn them resort skiing in WA and not been drenched)
-comfortable next to skin
-have not yet disintegrated despite tree- and park-skiing
-relatively inexpensive
Cons, perhaps:
-cuff zip does not actually go all the way down the cuff like you'd expect, it just opens a slit in the cuff for booster strap/buckle access
-no fabric reinforcement in key areas if you're into that
-advertised as having a beacon pocket, but all I can think of is that the left thigh pocket might have a strange-feeling fabric loop welded to the bottom. Come to think of it, that might be a piece of gorilla tape that went through the wash. I put my beacon in my right thigh pocket, and clip the leash to itself through the belt loop.
Really like my Stoics as well. Starting to come apart but have lasted really well. Shame they discontinued. Any goat people around that know why?
Update:
The Strafe Recon checks all of the OPs boxes IMO. I used them for 3-4 spring ski outings in CO, and on a number of volcanos in California/PNW.
-Fabric is excellent. Thin stretchy softshell that is comfortable next-to-skin but has a stiffer/more durable feel on face fabric. Pants block wind but are thin enough that they are not hot.
-Vents are on back of legs - keeps snow out.
-Pockets are big enough for a bulky T2. They are deep, which sometimes puts things low enough that it affects stride. Rare issue and workable.
-Fit: Enough room to fit over a mountaineering boot (Scarpa F1), would be tight on an alpine boot. Enough length for a tall guy. Mediums would be perfect for me but they were sold out. Larges are a touch long (6'1") and waist requires cinching (I'm a 32).
-Oddities: the skimo gaiter system is useless for me. I removed them and run w/o gaiter with no issues. The zipper pulls on the cuffs are tiny - I added paracord to mine.
Overall really stoked on these. If anybody has a medium and wants to trade, hit me up!
The perfect Softshell ski pant exist : Patagonia Kniferidge pant.
Polartech Power Shield Pro are just super nice for Alpine ski touring !
Great. Please convince patagonia to make them again.Quote:
Originally Posted by sebchx
For any small people, a pair is on worn wear right now.
Strafe Cham2 pant.
ok, so arcteryx discontinued the proline, which i thoroughly enjoyed. they replaced it the rush FL, which doesn't come in tall sizes and a less and worse positioned pockets.
checked out the strafe recon pant, which is nice but fairly thin for what i'd consider full on winter conditions.
other options?
patagonia has their new snow guide ski pant
black diamond dawn patrol ski pant
dynafit looked like they revamped their pants a bit?
norrona?
RAB makes a decent pair, medium weight super stretchy softshell with a trimmer fit. Can't remember the model name off the top of my head though.
EDIT: The "Upslope"
+1 for the Procline AR pantsQuote:
Originally Posted by kevino
The Procline pants are discontinued and can’t find any mediums anywhere.
Thanks, I’ll look at the Rabs too.
I just received the Patagonia Snow Guide pants. They’re a solid and stylish pant, and the mediums fit well around my 32” hips, but the inseam is unacceptably short on my 6’1” body, a full 1.5”s shorter than the medium (discontinued) Dynafit Chugach’s I’m replacing, the knee and hip articulation is inadequate making for obvious resistance to knee lifts, and the cuff adjustment system is ugly and awkward to use. I’ll be sending them back. I’ve no idea what to buy now?
We need a separate thread: WHO MAKES THE PERFECT SOFTSHELL SKI PANTS...with a 34" inseam?? That little factor makes the search that much harder.Quote:
Originally Posted by kootenayskier
Bummed about that, and can't find a small grey Procline FL anywhere . . . I use those top pockets all the time.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevino
I'm happy I scored some Proclines at 40% this spring before they were gone. Haven't tried skiing in them yet, but they really seem great.
The last 4 seasons I've been touring in Mountain Equipment epic touring pants (prize for the lamest name ever), and they've held up great. The fit has never been great for me though, as I'm probably too skinny.
OR Trailbreakers were the only pair I could find that were comfortable, fit right, and met my criteria of a pocket for a field book and another for a beacon. I can’t speak to the inseam length but would highly recommend them.
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For those interested:
Arcteryx Procline FLs in Medium Tall vs BD Dawn Patrol Medium:
-BD is ever so slight trimmer
-Arcteryx has 1" in length extra compared to BD, but at 6'1" with 34" inseam with ski boots the BD pant is plenty long
-BD pockets are slightly lower and much longer and therefore larger than Procline
-Vents similar
-BD has right butt pocket
-BD cuff is a little different: there is no button closure, just reenforced elastic with a 3-4" gaiter, there is a one way zipper that allows access to buckles etc. This cuff goes over TLT6 and Lange Freetour in both walk and ski mode. I can put the TLT6 into ski mood without adjust the pant, just opening the zipper. Langes with more classic buckles are a bit more PITA without moving the pant cuff up and down.
-material thickness is similar but maybe slightly thicker in the Procline.
Probably gonna keep them, especially since they cost half as much (AAC discount) as the norrona or Arcteryx current models. Was also considering the RAb Upslope pant but I liked the BD color way better and they were cheaper by $20
The new Rab Upslope pant is a contender. It seems similar to the old version but the vents are a huge upgrade.
Nice mid-weight soft shell fabric
3 pockets (the top pocket is a tad small but the other 2 thigh pockets are nicely sized)
Vents with mesh lining
Snow gaiters
Athletic fit but not full rando
Comes in waist sizes (30, 32, 34 etc) instead of just small, medium, large.
Fit seems right on. I'm typically a 32 waist and the 32s fit me very well.
Belt loops
Suspender compatible
Reinforcements at the cuff
My only complaint is the cuffs flare a bit too much if you ask me. It's not too bad when I'm actually wearing boots, but still seems a bit overkill. It does make it easy to get them over your boots. I just worry about possibly snagging crampons. Time will tell. If they had a less flared cuff but had the zip open cuff like the old Procline FL it would be pretty much perfect IMO.
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by sebchx
If you do, have them add additional pockets! :smile: I really like mine, but I do wish they had either 2 zippered hand pockets or another pocket on the opposite leg for food, ski straps, phone, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by doebedoe
They are getting hard to come, but they do pop up from time to time. I found a set on fleabay last season, that still have lots of life left in them.
I have pair of Arc’teryx Procline FL pants but I don't think they vent good enough and without a waterproof ass I won't use them in inbound in say japan.
I'm probably getting the this years Norröna Lyngen Windstopper hybrid Pants. So light so I think they will both protect more and have better ventilation. Myabe I'm just naive but I hope for the best ;)
Good pockets, big vents, waterproof ass, knees, thighs, lower leg but a softshell fabric that breaths where possible. Just over 400g in a size medium! the 300g on the homepage must have been a sample.
https://www.norrona.com/en-GB/produc...en/?color=2295
Gore-tex windstopper is the same as regular gore-tex but no taped seems but if I remember right I think the Norröna guy told med that the ass is taped on these :D
Dynafit are nice
I've got way too many softshell ski pants, but the BD Dawn Patrol is my new favorite. It doesn't have a waterproof seat, which was something the OP identified as necessary to the perfect pant. I've got an older pair of Westcomb touring pants with eVent ass and legs but mostly Schoeller soft shell that I really like when it's wetter out. For most touring applications in the Sierra Nevada, the Dawn Patrol is perfect.
Labonville...... The snowmakers friend.
https://www.labonville.com/Insulated...600P_p_73.html
Attachment 265561
fancy assed supervisors version.......
https://www.labonville.com/Labonvill...ts_p_1292.html
Attachment 265562
I have a Patagonia Backcountry Guide Pants. It is loose enough to allow layering.
Bumping this...looking for recent advice on this front. Already thinking about spring volcano missions and I'm looking for a change of pants....heh.
I found the TNF Summit L4 LT soft shell's on discount at REI and love the way they fit. (https://www.backcountry.com/the-nort...hell-pant-mens) Everything is great except...1 pocket. ONE POCKET?? Why.
So I'm hoping to find something with a similar cut (relatively slim) but with at least two...ideally more pockets. I love. the reinforced cuff, light weight fabric, vent zips, etc.
I have the Rab Upslope (original) right now which is fine, but it's too heavy for the spring time being a midweight softshell.
Any suggestions?
I think the Arc'teryx soft shell pants are the best.Quote:
Originally Posted by thejongiest
Well thought out.
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Just got OR skyward II. Not a soft shell but soft shell feel and very breathable. Like them allot. Also on sale.
Been using the Eddie Bauer softshell this year and like the shit out of it.....and it don't cost 4 bills. Might not be quite up to standard with the best Arc stuff but I'm even using them for inbounds now. Well designe and just all around useful. For the $ their tough to beat. Also have the now discontinued nail driver pants that I've been wearing everyday, November - March, for the past 3 years and they've held up incredibly well, including lots of touring.
Patagonia swapped out a pair of my old pants for brand new Snow Guide softshells before this season.
I really like them. They're well thought out and fit great - beacon pocket on the outside of the thigh, thigh zip vents, come with suspenders and belt loops. Nice piece, worth it if you can find em on sale or at an outlet
I bought those this year too. Sub $100 and i was amazed how waterproof they were during the first storm while riding the lifts. For touring, I haven’t unzipped the sides once but am always comfortable. I just vary the weight of my base layer depending on the weather.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Thomas
I do hate that the top pockets zip one direction and the lower pockets zip the other way. Just annoying.
Anyone find those Eddie Bauer pro guide ski pants in grey large? I'm Looking around and they look sold out of size and color.
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+1 for the Eddie Bauer Pro Guide Ski budget option. For under $100, perfect.
I have the Arc Teryx Rush FL which I quite like for touring. I don't use it for resort skiing cause it's cold AF on the lift up (no long johns).
I halso have the Arc Teryx Procline. Same comments as above. Some good tweaks to the Rush FL and some things I miss from the Procline.
Either way, they work for my needs.