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Softshell Pants - Thinner than OR Cirque

Original Post
Demetri V · · Farmington, CT · Joined Jul 2019 · Points: 132

I have a pair of OR Cirque pants for ice climbing and ski touring, but when combined with my 3/4 length polypro base layers, my legs are often too hot when moving fast. I'm often wishing that they had side zips for venting.

Any suggestions on a flexible pair of softshell pants that are thinner/lighter/more breathable than the OR Cirque?

FWIW, I have a pair of insulated full-zip 3/4 pants and belay puffy for whenever I'm sedentary.

Cairn War Machine · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2018 · Points: 6

Check out the Norrøna Lyngen Infinium pants, they have quickly become my favorite for ski touring and winter mountaineering. Super comfy, you can add a removable bib and suspenders to them. Large side zip for venting on both legs. 

Seems like the main Norrøna site is down to one color, but I got mine in a nice lime green. 

https://www.norrona.com/en-GB/products/lyngen/lyngen-windstopper-hybrid-pants-men/?color=2295

Jared Chrysostom · · Clemson, SC · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 5

Maybe check out the OR Offchute? It’s cut more like a ski pant than the Cirque and has a tiny bit of insulation in the seat and knees, but also has huge outside thigh vents which go from the hips almost down to the knees. The material is thinner than the Cirque and doesn’t seem to have any insulation value outside of the areas previously mentioned.

I have done a good bit of uphill skiing in them and have never felt clammy. 

Adam Gellman · · Bellingham WA · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 311

Marmot scree pants are a good bit lighter than the cirques but definitely more featured for 3 season/alpine/hiking than skiing and water ice

jaredj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 165

Maybe no baselayer on warmer days?

jdejace · · New England · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 5

Gamma LT are thinner. 

Rab Ascendors are burly but have little side zips. 

mfskibum · · Montana · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 80

I have a similar issue (run hot on ascents), and I just picked up a pair of the new BD dawn patrol hybrid pants. I haven't gotten to test them out yet, but the fabric is pretty thin (considerably more so than other softshells I've seen) and looks like it'd breathe well (has side vents). They fit fine over my touring boots but are too baggy to wear with mountaineering without gaiters.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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