You can climb snowy mountains and backcountry! 5+5 recommended hard shell pants
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
we have summarized the points to consider when choosing hardshell pants , the perfect outerwear for winter activities Finally, this time we would like to introduce some of the models that are currently featured this season.
First, let's take a quick look at the previous episode, there are three points to keep in mind when choosing the best hardshell pants.
- Material (waterproof and breathable and heat-retaining properties)
- Fit (size and ease of movement)
- Convenience (ease of use and functionality)
Furthermore, what you should be aware of when doing this is that the shape you want will vary depending on the purpose of use, such as whether you are climbing or backcountry skiing ( see on how to choose hard shell pants
In that sense, I am a greedy person who can't abandon either of them, to the point of trouble. My main focus is snow hiking and traverse, but I also do slope skiing and I would like to resume backcountry skiing soon. I also want to try ice climbing. If I had to be forced to do snowboarding, I have almost no plans to do it. In other words, I would like a model that is not specialized for any activity, but an all-around, highly-finished model that can be both climbing and sliding. I know that they are selfish, but I'm sure there are surprisingly many people like this.
In that case, the selection criteria for this time would be as follows:
- Three layers (no padding) with waterproof and breathable properties equivalent to GORE-TEX.
- The silhouette is as tight as possible, but easy to move around with, and the hem is wide enough to fit ski boots at the very least.
- In winter when you layer, you don't want to get tight or slip off, so if possible, you can use a bib type with suspenders or as low-profile as possible.
- Measures such as ventilation to prevent it from getting too hot when hiking. In the case of bibs, it's not too hot.
- Gators that support Miyuki Russell and Edge Guard that protects against the crumpon are essential. If possible, there are more pockets.
I've tried to add a lot of unreasonable orders, but what I'm introducing this time is the perfect pair of pants that will satisfy you in a selfish way. However, models that meet perfectly are priced indeed. If you think about it with a jacket, there are probably many people who want to go as affordable as possible. So, for those who are even more selfish, we have compiled our recommendations into two groups: "over 70,000 yen" and "under 70,000 yen," so you can use them as a reference based on your budget.
The weights displayed this time are officially announced.
We also recommend this article about hardshells.
table of contents
table of contents
- Hard shell pants recommended by the 2016-2017 season editorial department (over 70,000 yen)
- Hard shell pants recommended by the 2016-2017 season editorial department (under 70,000 yen)
- summary
Five hard shell pants recommended by the editorial team for the 2016-2017 season (over 70,000 yen)
Arc'teryx Theta SV Bib
Arcteryx pants boast overwhelming ease of movement, and are all very comfortable and high quality, from trekking, climbing, and rainwear. As expected, it's just expensive. Of this diverse lineup, the model that fits the conditions this time is the Theta SV Bib.
It is not specialised in backcountry like the Stinger series, so the good silhouette is neither thick nor thin, and the side zipper that opens fully from the hem to the waist is also great for those who prefer to traverse the ball. It is also not specialized for climbing like the Alpha series, so it is equipped with inner spats, making it safe for deep snow. Of course, the 80D GORE-TEX Pro, which has a comfortable mobility and durability with three-dimensional cutting, is also perfect. The best part is the low profile (conservative) bibs. It never forgets its lightness and brings it to an exquisite balance. The only requirement is that there are few pockets and color variations.
MAMMUT NORDWAND PRO HS PANTS
It was a little the moment I put it on! What I think is that despite the rather sturdy fabric, it is extremely easy to move around in. The silhouette is slim, but it's not too tight even when squatting down.
That's because the 70D GORE-TEX Pro, which promises excellent durability, is difficult to provide stretchability at key points (there are only a limited number of brands that can adopt such special specifications due to various circumstances). This is truly the finest model of hard shell pants. This model is known as the "North Wall", with a finely adjustable hem and hook, side zippers open from the hem to the waist, a comfortable waist for a comfortable fit, wide suspenders, and not too heavy weight. The construction is nothing but stunning, with no sloppy details.
MILLET TRILOGY GTX PRO PANT
Millet's flagship line, Trilogy Series, fully reflects the feedback from mountain rangers in the Alps, surrounded by steep rocky walls and glaciers, brings its true value only during the snowy season. Hard shell pants for authentic people who can't compromise on both lightness and robustness.
Among the robust GORE-TEX Pro, the thin fabric is used, and the natural fit of the three-dimensional cutting makes it light and soft, unlike any hard shell that can be used in harsh winters. The thin Pro shell is not only breathable, but also has a full-side zipper, so it has plenty of ventilation and convenience. The suspenders that fasten with just two points on both sides are also fine, but very comfortable to use.
Patagonia POWSLAYER BIBS
Patagonia has many options for snow pants, but after comparing them all, I finally got my approval from the lightweight bib pants that are suitable for all kinds of snow sports, mainly in the backcountry. Is this a recent trend? However, this season's model, which was reborn with a stylish cutting, seems to have been ecstatic that many people, including the brand's ambassador, are ecstatic that "This year's Pous Layer is nice."
The most distinctive feature is that it is bib pants, making it lighter (572g). The shallow upper body has pockets, making it convenient, and there's no need to worry about stuffiness. It's not that it's light enough to neglect durability, and the 40D GORE-TEX Pro is a safe, so you don't have to worry about it all the time. And as usual, it is stunningly three-dimensionally cut, making it extremely easy to move around. It's designed to be more ski-like, so it's a bit thicker, but the silhouette is not vulgar, and the moderately sophisticated look is impressive. The side zipper is not fully open, but above the knees, but it opens all the way to the waist, so it's not a problem in the toilet sense. There are a lot of pockets, so it seems like it's convenient to use.
Peak Performance BL CORE Pants
During the snowy season, Swedish outdoor brand Peak Performance suddenly becomes more and more prominent. The products are created from a brand launched by three professional skiers, magazine editors and art directors who have a passion for skiing, and the products are highly functional and high quality, yet have the functional beauty that is unique to Scandinavians, making them undoubtedly a guaranteed perfect snow life.
The hardshell pants from the flagship Black Light series, which combines the finest technology, are made from the latest GORE-TEX material "GORE C-KNIT", making them surprisingly light and comfortable to wear. It may be inferior to the Pro Shell in terms of durability, but the high breathability that is more than compensated for, making it the perfect choice unless you do extremely hard activities. The moderately slim silhouette and the clever design at key points are impressive.
Five hard shell pants recommended by the editorial team for the 2016-2017 season (under 70,000 yen)
OUTDOOR RESEARCH Maximus Pant
This may be the most surprising thing this time. This season's new bib type hardshell pants have an unexpected finish, both in terms of specifications and comfort.
Until last year, the flagship Mentor Pants, which had no bibs, gave the impression that they were a bit rough, but this year's one is completely different. The secret is that, just like MAMMUT NORDWAND, it gives the key parts of the GORE-TEX Pro with stretchability. Thanks to this, it's extremely easy to move around in, and the silhouette is extremely slim and cool. What's more, the surprise is not only that, but the inner spats of this model are removable. If you are specialized for climbing or attaching a gaiter firmly to the outside, remove it to make your feet neater and lighter. It can be adjusted to suit your usage without waste. There are plenty of pockets and the waist is very comfortable with a shallow bib. Above all, this price is amazing, despite delving into the details.
MILLET K EXPERT GTX PANT
Despite the different materials from the high-end Trilogy series, I felt this was excellent enough.
Since it is not a Pro shell, it is heavy and has some bulkiness, but it is still made of robust GORE-TEX3 layered fabric, so it is very protective. The clever three-dimensional cutting that allows for slim yet stress-free movement is comparable to higher-end models. When I tried on, the inseam wasn't as long as the Trilogy, so I think this one would fit better for Japanese people. The suspender structure allows you to add more storage while still attached, a fully open zipper, and a hem that can be adjusted to two levels are easy to use, and apart from the lack of pockets, it can be said to be highly complete pants that can be used in everything from authentic snowy mountains to backcountry.
Teton Bros. TB Pant
Teton Bros. is a high-quality Japanese outdoor brand that I trust, and not only has excellent jackets but also the bottoms.
I think Polartec Neosell's "soft and breathable" characteristic makes it even better suited to the challenges of hardshell pants, which require large movements and wants to eliminate stuffiness in the clothing. Made from surplex nylon with high friction performance, which is also used in military jackets, Neoseshell pants are carefully cut with consideration for their robustness, and despite their loose fit for backcountry, they are by no means too thick, and have a very balanced silhouette that is suitable for snowy mountain climbing. The removable bibs are mesh back, making them breathable, so they don't seem to be that hot. The right pocket has a radio and the left chest is designed to store beacons, and this masterpiece has been designed to fit side ventilation and shoelaces hooks on inner spats, making it a masterpiece that can be reached in itchy areas.
finetrack Everbreath Civillo Bib
There are also several candidates for the hardshell pants from the up-and-coming Japanese brand, Finetrack, but all of them are unique features from the user's perspective that are intriguing. Among them, the bib type model from the Cibillo series that is suitable for all winter activities is perfect for those who are greedy like this one.
As I first mentioned in my recommended jacket, this time, the unique waterproof and breathable membrane "Everbless" has an incredible mobility that provides the incredible mobility of 4WEY stretches, and the even easier movement is still alive and well. The thick, sturdy fabric is durable and seems hot, but it has a strong side zipper and ventilation is also in mind. The thickness adjustment with the zipper at the hem can be adjusted to fit boots without breaking the silhouette, and the detailed and easy-to-use details are impressive, with the design that can be lowered only on the back of the pants, taking into consideration the toilet. The only thing I would like to see is something to do with the old-fashioned silhouette, but considering this price, it's too greedy.
MAMMUT GORE-TEX QUANTUM STRETCH PANTS
In addition to the high-end model using the GORE-TEX Pro introduced above, MAMMUT also has an entry model using its own material, DRYtech, as a winter hard shell. We recommend this time with a mid-class hard shell using this GORE-TEX3 layer.
What's particularly noteworthy is that, as the name suggests, it is made of a special material that stretches despite being GORE-TEX, and the silhouette is also quite tight. Moreover, the inner spats are removable, making them ideal for all seasons of climbing. Of course, it can be used for climbing snowy mountains, but you'll need to make sure that it can be attached to ski boots (at the worst case scenario, the hem can be opened and closed with a zipper, so if you use it in conjunction with a gaiter, it won't be able to cover it at all). Despite this tight construction, it is extremely easy to move around, and although suspenders are not included, it comes with loops designed to help with that. The waist can be adjusted with Velcro, and the back is higher for increased wear, so it is easy to wear, making it easy to stretch. It's a Mammut model that's relatively affordable, stretchy GORE-TEX, and is quite comfortable and easy to use.
summary
Unlike rainwear, hardshell pants are outerwear that can be worn all day long. I hope that this article will help you find the perfect hard shell pants that are cool, easy to move around in and convenient for you.
