Whether in the fine season or for routes not too exposed to harsh weather conditions or overly technical terrain, the
mountaineering softshell trouser is an excellent trouser choice for climbing summits and traversing ridges. Today, softshell products for mountaineering offer an appealing compromise between comfort, lightness and technical performance. Here you will find an overview of their key properties and the main features to bear in mind when making your choice.
In the past, wearing thick corduroy trousers was commonplace among mountaineers. Some would add a thermal base layer underneath or overtrousers to complete the setup. However, the combined weight of these three items cannot compete with that of modern products. Indeed, mountaineering softshell trousers are, for some uses, highly suited to all-terrain mountaineering, offering adequate protection with optimal lightness.
Softshell is not a specific material but a concept: literally translated, it means "soft shell", as opposed to Hardshell — a waterproof shell that keeps out all the elements. Softshell products are made from a wide range of polymer materials, such as polyamide, combined with soft and elastic materials such as elastane or natural fibres, sometimes reinforced with a micro-fleece type fabric. The aim is to offer a product that is breathable, waterproof but not entirely so, windproof but less so than a simple single-layer Gore-Tex Hardshell… And comfortable in movement. In short, softshell is an intelligent compromise offering genuine versatility in use.
The
softshell trousers prove highly suited to mountaineering in all its forms. That said, it is temperature and wind conditions that will ultimately determine whether this type of product is appropriate, as will the aggressiveness of the terrain: a crack in a chimney on sharp granite can quickly cause damage to a fine pair of trousers; equally, north faces can often be very cold, even in summer. It is therefore up to you to assess the conditions in which you will be able to use your mountaineering softshell trousers.
The key features of a mountaineering softshell trouser
Weight: mountaineering softshell trousers generally weigh between 500 and 880 grams. They are therefore very lightweight for intensive sport use. The presence of reinforcements at the ankles and knees, and the thickness of the materials — which always provide greater warmth — are factors that inevitably add weight… But also make the product more versatile and built-to-last. For mountaineering, avoid trousers that are too lightweight, as they would certainly not be built-to-last enough or suited to this type of activity.
A mountaineering softshell trouser must therefore be reinforced (sometimes with kevlar layers for highly effective protection), particularly at the knees, lower legs and seat; additionally, if your trousers can be fitted with laces at the ankles, that is even better. An integrated elasticated waistband is also a bonus for comfort and should not be overlooked.
The stretch effect: depending on the model and materials used, the famous stretch of the garment varies. This ease of movement with the body is essential in mountaineering. Trousers made from stretch fabric will be more comfortable to wear and offer greater freedom of movement.
Warmth: choose trousers with good thermal insulation. This is essential to avoid getting too cold when the wind picks up or at the end of the day. To achieve this, opt for trousers that incorporate fibres (such as bamboo fibre) that retain body heat through a mirror effect.
The water repellency of your mountaineering softshell trousers reflects their waterproofing capability. Not all these trousers are 100% waterproof, and that is not the intended effect. However, good moisture protection is always useful. A waterproof rating of around 8,000 mm will be a sound selection criterion.
Finally, to complete the list of features to look for, also consider antibacterial treatments, which offer added comfort, as well as breathability and ease of care — a point not to be overlooked.
You are now equipped with the key characteristics to look for in a mountaineering softshell trouser and for mountain activities in general. This type of product is ideal for moderate, not-too-extreme weather conditions: do not hesitate to add it to your kit list for exploring the peaks. Their versatility and all-round capability let you enjoy the mountain with unmatched lightness and comfort.
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