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Tall & Desperate for Ice Climbing Clothing

Original Post
Kat McKittens · · Burtonsville, MD · Joined Oct 2018 · Points: 0

Hi there! I am a female rock/ice climbing guide. I'm getting ready for the winter season and am very desperate to find ice climbing clothing that actually fit me. I am about 6ft (minimum 32" inseam needed but 34" preferred and am a size 0/XS. I have spent the past few months looking for gear that will fit my long but slim arms/legs. Currently I have been making it work with male fits but, the additional space around my body is not only harder to move in but doesn't keep me as warm either.(Also looks kinda weird lol) A hard shell jacket and pants are the main priority but, even soft shell/base layers that actually reach the ends of my wrist and ankles would be great! 

Any advice is much appreciated!

Jess Arnold · · SLC · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 173

Arc’teryx layers are known for their long sleeve and torso length, esp. older models. As a skinny and tall-ish gal I have also found success with mostly men’s fits, but have been impressed with some of the women’s soft and hard shells size-wise. I would often fit lankier women in the slim-fitting men’s pants when I worked there (the Sigma pant line was great, I think they still make some). You might also have success on their ReGear site with an older Gamma MX (great ice climbing soft shell) or any of their hard shells. I’ve heard good things about the old Alpha Comp shell as well. I think they’ve moved somewhat away from their exclusively skinnier/longer sizes as the brand has encompassed more body types. 

Graham Johnson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 0

NW Alpine (and I’m sure there are other companies out there) used to do some custom work - might be worth reaching out and seeing if they can build something for you? 

F Wheeler · · Portland, OR · Joined Oct 2022 · Points: 0

https://madeoutdoor.ca/

If you’ve got the $$$ these guys are the way to go.  

mitchy B · · nunya gotdamn business. · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 0
bearded sam · · Crested Butte, CO · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 145

the irony of a man commenting here, but myself and my female partner are tall and skinny. We have both been having a lot of luck with Ortovox and as a dead bird fanatic, I am finding the features, fit and performance equal or better than Arcteryx. 

Newt Riverman · · Denver, CO · Joined Jul 2019 · Points: 0

Mountain Hardware is now offering pants in three different lengths. 

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,687

See, now if you wore gaiters while you're climbing, length wouldn't be that much of an issue.

Gaiters... they never went out of style.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Ice Climbing
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