Thread: Spring/Summer touring pants

Another thing that I just do not get on spring pants is the huge button many brands use. By huge I mean thick, so it digs into your stomach under the backpack waist belt. Perhaps I'm just not flabby enough, but I want a flat and smooth button on the waist, not something the shape of a mini top hat.

And just to be worst in show, Mont Bell came up with a friggin huge adjustable waist buckle: http://www.montbell.us/products/disp...0&p_id=2302365

Do gear designers honestly use their own gear on a regular and intensive basis?

It's all about what bells and whistles they think will sell.

Bump for an update.

Got a great deal on REI Acme pants (grey, Schoeller softshell) so I decided to try those out. They've been fantastic so far, including a warmish sunny day on Rainier this weekend, but it still hasn't been that warm out for a true test. Very comfortable and good breathability so far, certainly a step up from the black nylon pants.

Still interested in trying the Rab Exodus for the sidevents, but the light color seems to be unavailable and I don't want black.

@JRainey, how are your Mammuts working?

They ended up working out really well. The stretch woven material is more brushed on the inside compared to some old cloudveil schoeller pants i've used as summer/alpine pants for years. So they're a little warmer, but the vents are nice. For a spring pant, I'd say they're perfect. I'll use them in the winter too, with some long underwear maybe.

RE: Cold Black, the coating that makes the black material reflect sunlight. It really works. Who know's how long it will last though.

The material started pilling a little bit on the hips where it was rubbing up against an abrasive backpack hip belt.

Suspenders are a nice touch, and the keprotec goes up to almost the knees on the inside.

Overall I like them.

Hi JRainey,

I've had my eye on the Mammut base jump touring pants, as well. They look perfect for me, but I've not found much info with regard to the sizing. Can you comment on the length? I'm a pretty tall guy at 6'3 (180 lbs.) and wonder if the mammut pants run long enough. In addition, does the waist seem true to advertised measurement? Alas, I'm forced to buy these online so I can't readily check. Thanks a lot -- I appreciate your comments!

I wear a pair of REI running shorts with the built in underwear, in a nice small Larry Bird cut so they don't bunch up when I pull on Patagonia Lightweight Guide pants when I get up into the alpine and the temp drops. No side zips but kindy sexy if you're into that kind of thing.

David,

I'm 5'8" and about 160lbs, and I sized up to a 34" waist (on sale). I normally where a 30" or sometimes 32". I feel like the waist measurement is true to size, but it was good for me to size up a little. Mainly because I have thicker thighs than your average swiss mountaineer. I use them more as short bibs because they are a too long and to big in the waist, so the suspenders are perfect. So i hike them up to my belly button or so and the cuffs still have a little slack length-wise. If i where them at my waist there's plenty of extra length.

I don't know what your waist size is, but I would image that they would work give that they are a slimmer, longer cut in general.

I just bought these...

http://www.backcountry.com/mammut-ally-pant-womens

Not sure if they have a male version, but I like them.. the only bad thing is that the belt gets mixed up with my pack belt....

they aren't hot at all, and keep my dry while I fail around on the skin track in wet, PNW spring snow...

no sidezips, though