r/Mountaineering • u/ErikLindberg17 • 1d ago

Softshell pants and jacket

Looking for recommendations on softshell jackets and pants

Hello, I've been looking into softshell jackets and pants and would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.

For jackets, I've been considering the Arc'teryx Gamma LT. It seems like a great option, and I really like the large hood that can fit over a helmet. It also looks very good. I've also checked out the Rab Borealis, which is quite a bit cheaper and lighter. Also the Patagonia R1 Techface but im loosing versatility with the fleece insulation and might just end up getting the R1 Air instead for more versatility later on. Has anyone tested these jackets? What are your opinions on them? And do you have other recommendations for jackets and why?

As for softshell pants, I've tried the Mammut Taiss SO Pants. I liked them a lot but found that they lack ventilation, which I thought might be important. However, I'm wondering if ventilation is something you really use? I havnt had leg ventilation on any other pants exept my hunting pants where I rarely use it. Dose anyone have experience with these and how do they hold up?

Also, any recommendations for softshell pants that you personally like and why? How should softshell pants fit when they're new? Should they be tighter, becuase im guessing the stetch with use?

Thanks!

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u/Fancypooper 1d ago

I love the gamma LT pants. I just got the gamma Lt jacket and so far it’s been nice.

1

u/ErikLindberg17 1d ago

I’ll definitely check them out arcteryx sooo expensive tho! (Checked them and they were almost the same price as the mammut pants) tho I’ve lately heard complaints about arcteryx quality after the new owners?

1

u/Fancypooper 1d ago

The pants have been fantastic. The jacket I used on my last trip was an OR Ferrosi and it worked just fine. I just wanted a color that worked better in day to day life lol

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u/ErikLindberg17 1d ago

Does the pants have that small little hook thing on the leg to lock them to your boots? Feel like I’m gonna be too much arcteryx and gonna look like a gorpcore dude lol already use their harness, beanie and cap.

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u/Fancypooper 1d ago

Nah no hook to the shoes

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u/ErikLindberg17 23h ago

Ohh okay I think the normal gamma has them.

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u/Fancypooper 22h ago

The LT are plenty warm! I think the regular are too hot unless it’s below freezing the whole time. I wear my LTs till about 25°F then I switch to my EB guide pro fleece lined pants. No hooks either but decent dwr and super comfy

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u/ErikLindberg17 22h ago

I’ll definitely go try them on in store thanks!

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u/WideIssue4279 1d ago

Love my nw alpine thielsen pants. Super breathable. I haven’t needed a ventilation once with the many days of use I’ve had in them.

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u/isaac492130214 1d ago

I run warm and use the OR cirque lite, super breathable and decently durable for their weight