Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board What kind of insulated pants do you folks wear?

Being from North Carolina we don't get to venture into extreme cold circumstances very often. Our highest peaks are just short of 7000 feet and get a fair bit of snow. I'd like to get into more winter hiking out here and was wondering what you more experienced guys and gals out west use for winter mountaineering.

Specifically I'm interested in what you guys wear for your outer-layers in snow conditions. We already have expedition weight REI thermal underwear and usually for our "normal" winter hiking (no snow) we wear North Face Paramount type pants and that is plenty warm enough. Getting into colder temps and persistent snow obviously we need some sort of water-proof, breathable, insulated overpants. Is that what you guys use?

I was looking at the REI Switchback pants:

<a href="http://tinyurl.com/6vy69">REI Switchback</a>

Or maybe Mountain Hardware Chugach 3D pants?

<a href="http://tinyurl.com/5wj2r">Chugach 3D</a>

Thanks for any comments or suggestions...I'm slowing building up my winter clothing and outfitting collection

BeachAV8R

I love my REI Switchback pants, they are one of my favorite items and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Those are really two different types of pant. The REI pant is a good shell pant and for winter would work well if you planned to layer. The MH pant would be much warmer on it's own, but of course weigh more as well. The only other advantage in the MH pant is it's reinforced knees and seat. If you plan to do some climbing over rock, etc. this type of reinforcement is ideal.

I have a pair of the non-insulated MH pants - don't remember the name. I like them a lot, but get the suspenders. They have worked well and allow for layering according to temps. The most I've ever needed has been a poly base with light fleece mid and the MH shell. Usually, just go with the poly base and the MH outer. Exercise does the rest. Have used them for snowshoeing and hiking, but not climbing. I don't think they would be the best choice for that type of activity.

I have a great pair of Beyond Fleece Cloud Cap pants with the reenforced knees and butt. They are very warm under a pair of light weight hiking pants, and are great for snowshoeing, and cold, windy weather. Didn't pay all that much for them. I also have their Cloud Cap jacket. Check the BeyondFleece.com web site.

Bob

Thanks for the input folks..

BeachAV8R

This comment is outdated but would like to post for reference. For a base layer I use the Patagonia LW(Lightweight) Stretch Capilene; second, as an additional layer I add the Patagonia EW (Expedition Weight) Stretch Capilene; third,REI Muir Woods w/ full side zip; forth, Mountain Hardware Tenacity 3ply Gore-tex)and finaly, for added warmth in extreme conditions, the Feathered Friends Volant (Down). Ofcourse I add or take away as conditions change, but these are for Winter conditions and or Spring in theh Alaska Range.