Softshell Opinions? - Pants/Bibs

I agree that the OR Exos are great all around winter pant. The fabric is very comparable to Dryskin Extreme and you can't beat OR's warranty.

Looks like a lot of companies have stopped (never started? ) making soft shell bibs, looks like a lot of people really like the added sense of warmth.

What's are the pro's to pants verses bibs?

and what are the best ways to make sure you don't get snow up the bottom of your jacket when you're not wearing bibs?

Dave Deming wrote:Yeah, I've been using the MH Synchro bibs. Couple of ice climbing trips and for skiing. I like them, good breathability, roomy enough to layer under without binding, double side zips, don't know how effective the inner gaiter is, but it's worked for what I've used them for. Been happy with durability, no holes, despite ski edges and crampon kicks. Pockets are in good position for use with a harness or pack waistbelt. And the back section of the bib comes up high enough to avoid the "plumber's crack" feeling. A bit steep though, so be sure they are what you want.

A nice review there, DD.

Can anyone using the MH Synchro bibs tell me if all the leg seams are completely waterproof (as in fully taped)? From the website picture, it looks as though the inner thigh seams are not taped, and it's wet in Whistler, hence my concern.

Thanks in advance for any information.

I have the Synchro jacket, which is the same construction. I really hate it for climbing or skiing. It seems to be the worst-breathing membrane out there, and there are no pit vents. It is totally water-proof, however - there is internal seam-sealing, even where there's no bumpy tape. Oh, and I look awesome in it.

YMMV, especially the looking awesome part.

Hey, Thanks for that. That helps a lot.

I'm not sure how I'll look, but if I'm dry, I'll be a happy camper. ;)

Doesn't look like the inner seams are taped, so the Synchro's might not be your best bet. Hasn't been a problem for me, but it might in wetter weather. Hope this helps.

Thanks Dave. I was afraid of that.

Up in Whistler it gets a lot wetter than down your way, I think.

Especially when sitting on wet lift seats. And wet woohoos are no fun anywhere.

Thanks again, man.

My beloved Patagonia Speed Ascent pants have died a clumsy death to my crampon points. Anybody have any suggestions for fleece lined, softshell pants that DON'T use any sort of membrane to keep the wind out? I'm looking at the Patagonia Northwall Pants, but I'm wondering if I'm missing anything from somebody else.

I have the Patagonia mixmaster pants, love them for cold and dry days. They are a bib hybrid so to speak, come up higher than pants and have suspenders, but no "farmer john" style bibs. They are warm with a microfleece lining and really comfortable to climb in, and especially resistant to crampons. They arent really waterproof at all though, so on warmer days when things can get wet, they do as well.

They only have the size 36 (which I presume to be a waist), and its on clearance. I passed because it was just too big. I managed to find a pair of Speed Ascent pants on ebay, and I snapped those up, so hopefully I'll make it until the next pair of fleece-lined snow pants is released before I need a new pair.

Some days, I think I might start a clothing company that makes precisely the sorts of outerwear I actually use. I've been pretty loyal to Patagonia because they do make garments that fit my preferred system, but its frustrating that any given design rarely sticks around for more than a season before getting cycled out.

Still, my fleece-lined softshell jacket is a custom design that, after some hefty revisions, would be the flagship product if I started building gear for sale.

Thanks for the advice again, guys. I ordered the Mountain Hardwear Synchro bibs from Evo.com for $130-ish. I figure I can always get them seam sealed at a repair and alterations shop if I find them leaky.

And I do like this idea of skiing in a high tech track suit.

Enjoy the snow, everybody.