Continue with onX Maps
Sign in with Facebook
Down insulated shorts and harnesses - can (should) it be done
|
Howdy. Thinking about picking up a pair of full zip down shorts for mixed use between ice cragging, ski mountaineering, and other objectives where I sometimes find myself wishing I had a very warm layer for my lower half. I was thinking it through and it seems like https://rab.equipment/us/mens-mythic-down-shorts something like that could add a lot of comfort without a huge weight penalty. However, it seems like that type of product would be limited to ski touring because it would be hard to wear with a harness. I was curious if anyone has experience with that issue (i guess belay pants are a similar concept but I've never used them either). Thanks :) |
|
The zipper in the front allows you to pass your belay device through. |
|
Following for advice on insulated shorts. It seems like plenty of models should be slim enough and stretchy enough to climb in, but I've yet to see anyone with evidence of it. I saw an Instagram clip recently w Jeff Mercier and he had those rab shorts in his pack, but Jeff is always just looking fly in his red and orange and no shorts. Regarding pants, they've been nice for cragging if you're going to belay a few pitches at once or hang out, but they're annoying to go on and off and on and off. I also have a skirt I use for bc skiing (on the descents or at rest). It works for climbing too. Less faff than pants. But I'm interested in shorts for cold days where I can leave them on and stay faster and on the move. |
Jason4Too wrote: Yeah the skirt option has also been on my radar, seems like it might work well. Per the other persons reply, my planned use case was either at cold belays (static layer) or for transitioning / descending while ski touring (and at camp for overnights). I don’t imagine climbing in them would be my use case but if so, shorts would be preferrable of course for not impeding movement. I saw the clip of Jeff as well and was curious how he layered them. |
|
All the people that I know that have belay skirts are very legit climbers and have convinced me of their utility. The skirt is quicker to don and doff than shorts. |
|
Yeah if you don't want to climb in them I would look at a skirt. Pretty much any puffy skirt with a side zip is going to work. I have a skhoop and if i just dont zip it all the way up than i still have belay loop access and the skirt is tight enough over my hips to not fall. |
|
Jeff Mercier commented back that he wears it over his harness and only for belays so I guess it works (at least for him) |
|
But yeah I think a skirt is ultimately the move |
