Rain Gear

OK - here's the scenario - you're up on say the Diamond and moved a little too slow and an afternoon shower of icy rain catches you and it's cold as heck - Rain Gear top is pretty easy to don when it starts. Rain gear bottoms not so much - does anyone make bottoms that can be used nicely over a harness or am I going to have to fix something up myself? The other option is to wear a sort of Softshell bottom I guess but they either aren't that waterproof or not that breathable? What's the normal for people? 30 years ago I just got wet and moved on - but it wasn't much fun - hoping to do better next time around.

I've got the BD BDV pants and they keep me dry enough in most situations. When the wind picks up and the rain gets intense they'll soak through, but they were quick to dry when that happened. Very breathable as well, I wear them all the time when climbing these days.

I have no personal experience, but it seems as if rain chaps could be a solution. A cursory google search turned up: mountainlaureldesigns.com/s…, equinoxltd.com/the-gear/rai…, zpacks.com/accessories/chap…, moonbowgear.com/4clothingou…

Make your own out of Tyvek! Considering the potential for trashing these climbing, it may be a good idea. Plus you could make them specifically adapt to your harness. gossamergear.com/wp/tips/ti…, and youtube.com/watch?v=Qt8MMLz….

The problem is the exposed areas front and back, and the possibility that the chaps will just channel water down your legs. Again, if you make your own, you might be able to add some flaps held in place by the harness to reduce exposure.

Fully separating side zip rain pants can be put on with a harness on, though if you climb in it youll want adjustable leg loops that come fully apart so you can get em on ... I have a set of dead bird alpha sv which can do this

With separating leg loops you should also get normal rainpants on with some gymastics if you take off yr climbing shoes/boots

I usually just wear a softshell with a light synth long johns

;)

With all the gear out there today its hard to imagine someone somewhere hasn't figured this one out yet. Some kind of a big front zipper/velcro thing for the belay loop and rope and necessary space for the front of the leg loops maybe. Wouldn't be perfect but it should work OK. Might be time to start tinkering a little - I have an old junk pair of pants I'm willing to experiment with.

Wool long johns will keep you warm even if your pants get soaked. That's my go-to if I think I might get rained on.

Years ago Trango made a inexpensive pair of coated rain pants (and a pullover parka) that went over the harness and had a large velcro fly that let out the harness belay loop and rope tie-in. They worked fine.

Over the harness (but of course under the harness gear racks) is the way to go for gear you expect to pull on quickly for thunderstorms, but I don't think anyone makes something like this specifically for harnesses any more.

I think some of the new soft-shell materials are prob good enough to use on their own. I.e. Power Shield Pro, or Neoshell. Try the Patagonia Knifeblade pants. Much easier and lighter to just be in one set of pants. Wool long johns go a long way too.