Eddie Bauer First Ascent - Go or No?

Hi guys,

This will be a quick question for once lol. Anyone have any opinions on “Eddie Bauer” gear? Specifically the “first ascent” line?

I have the “alchemist” backpack I bought a few years ago (just saw one on sale in the latest posts) and am wondering if anyone else has had experince with this brand?

They usually have discount sales in the 40% to 60% off range, so I yhink its good for the beginner, cost-wise when looking to invest in gear. Thts why I have posted this in the beginner fourm. 

What do you think?

I only have Iphone available so I am not able to search the fourm, not sure if there is a good thread out there already asking this. I suspect there may be so apologies is this has been answered extensively before! 

Thanks,

Colin

I’ve had a few pieces that have lasted very well and for a very long time. It’s always on sale which makes it a great addition to the closet. I have a down jacket (probably 6-7 years old, gets used every time I’m in the mountains and it’s still in great condition), and my favorite is the Accelerant jacket. I wear it all the time. Perfect CO jacket. Hard shell over torso with primaloft insulation but it has breathable material on the sides. Pretty sure I have some guide pants too

Bottom line: it’s not the best quality stuff but it’s definitely worth it at 50% off. There are so many options out there so I’d recommend EB if it fits you

The Guide Pro pants and shorts have worked out really well for me.

You can also search the forum in the mobile web browser. Tap the 3 lines in top right corner and the search box is the first item. 

i enjoy eddie bauer stuff. Always on sale and pretty decent quality in my experience. Guide pants are super nice, and I've owned many down jackets/other jackets throughout the years. 50 to 60% off jackets is always nice.

I bought 2 pair of the 1st ascent guide pro pants based on positive remarks in another forum a couple months ago.. One pair I wore climbing 3 times as has gotten a hole each time out.  The other has not been climbing at all but the threads on the thigh pocket are coming out.   The cloth feels nice and is very stretchy. Comfortable but not durable.

Totally disappointed.

I have been using their first ascent fleece and stormdown hooded jacket for a couple years and have been very happy with them. Also just bought a light windjacket on sale which has been great too.

I love their shirts, one of the few places that actually stock ‘tall’ sizes, which are about 3 inches longer than normal. And the only shirts that will stay tucked under a harness for any length of time. Their pants are good for the price but probably aren’t gonna blow your mind.  

I recently bought the IgniteLite Reversible Jacket to replace a dead Patagonia Nano Puff. Both feature the exact same 60g Primaloft fill and have Pertex exterior fabric. The biggest difference I see is that the Eddie Bauer is reversible and has a two-tone color scheme, which means I don't always have to be in "HERE I AM SAR" mode around town. And the loud color side has far less stitching to catch on stuff. Also, the Ignite was less than half the price of the Patty. I got it for $95. At the time of writing you can get some models for $70.

So far, I love it.

climber pat wrote: I bought 2 pair of the 1st ascent guide pro pants based on positive remarks in another forum a couple months ago.. One pair I wore climbing 3 times as has gotten a hole each time out.  The other has not been climbing at all but the threads on the thigh pocket are coming out.   The cloth feels nice and is very stretchy. Comfortable but not durable.

Totally disappointed.

hmm I have a pair that I wore all year around and climbing in at least a dozen times and love them.  I've actually been planning on grabbing another pair because of how well they performed.

i have a few pullover fleeces and guide pants (both the convertible and non-convertible models). love em all!!

I have nothing but praise for their First Ascent goods. My only complaint is that they did discontinue the climbing Jean's which were the best I have found and that disappointed me.

I have had a pair of winter climbing pants for a good 3 or 4 seasons and I love them as well as a lightweight down jacket I used for a mid layer in Alsaka and it was the perfect solution. I have 2 gear bags and a soft shell top that have been nothing but dependable.

I wish they sold the First Ascent line out of their retail stores, but as far as I know it is only sold on line.

Good products,good price, good value. Go for it!

First Ascent is absolutely sold in stores but it’s usually one side or one area of the store. Also, for anyone in CO they have a massive outlet store in Colorado Mills mall. It’s pure gold

Don't be the guy at the crag wearing Eddie Bauer. They are all going to laugh at you.

Tradiban wrote: Don't be the guy at the crag wearing Eddie Bauer. They are all going to laugh at you.

Climbing fashion police. Clad in Arcteryx no doubt. I wont wear Eddie cause all i ever wanted to do was fit in.

North Col wrote:

Climbing fashion police. Clad in Arcteryx no doubt. I wont wear Eddie cause all i ever wanted to do was fit in.

I won't wear Eddie because they used to badge a Ford SUV.

North face badged a Chevy trailblazer too

Tradiban wrote:

I won't wear Eddie because they used to badge a Ford SUV.

Are you OK with LL Bean? Because Subaru.

Gunkiemike wrote:

Are you OK with LL Bean? Because Subaru.

LL Bean?! Better off wrapping yourself in a towel.

Tradiban wrote:

LL Bean?! Better off wrapping yourself in a towel.

Win-win !

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/120494?page=organic-textured-cotton-towel&bc=31-900&feat=900-GN1&csp=f

Eddie Bauer 1st ascent guide pro pants with stitch coming undone.  This pair of pants has been worn around town for a couple of months.  No climbing or activity which should cause any noticeable wear.


Different pair of eddie bauer 1st ascent guide pro pants.  Also a couple of months old but has been climbing three times.  More seams coming undone for no apparent reason.

The climbing pair of guide pro pants with hole.  

The climbing pair of guide pro pants with back pocket ripping off.  Remember just 3 days on the rocks and some use around town.

I think the rear pockets which are like standard pant/jean pockets is really a design flaw in a pant made for climbing.  The pant should have a double butt with stitching creating a pocket and access to the pocket.  

My La Sportiva solution pants survived 2-3 years say 150 outings of similar activity before the butt finally ripped out.  I was hoping for similar durability, hence my disappointment.

FYI, they are available at the Eddie Bauer outlet in Dallas-FT Worth airport.  Where climbers and mountaineers shop  :)  

Eddie Bauer will warranty just about anything. I brought a pair of pants back with ripped knees and torn seams and was just like ‘I heard you guys have a good warranty’ and they said go grab a new pair or something else and will discount the price of the pants