Well folks, it’s almost official; wintertime is here. That’s how it has felt the last two weeks here in Boston at least. And let’s be honest, it can be tough to motivate on an cold winter day. One thing is for sure; hardy gear won’t give you an excuse to sit on your rear in the house on a beautiful (yet blustery) Saturday afternoon.
The Himali Pant by Sherpa Adventure Gear is marketed for ice climbing, but I tested them by taking a day hike on a misty cold fall day here in Boston. I found they did an excellent job keeping me warm and dry, thanks to an inner fleece layer and softshell water-resistant outer layer. The 4-way stretch fabric was helpful for ease of movement, and they will be my go-to choice for cross-country skiing a bit later in the season.
A feature that was a notable plus was the multitude of pockets these pants had. With six zippered pockets in total, there’s plenty of space to keep all your important gear within reach-energy bars, tissues, car key, etc. As the pants are designed for ice climbing, the pockets are placed in areas still accessible while wearing a harness. Not a big plus for me since I don’t ice climb, but very useful nonetheless.
The ankle zips make it easy to get in and out of the pants while wearing boots, and the belt is built in, which is a nice touch. Added velcro on the bottom ensures snow won’t enter your boots, giving the pants a form fitting look.
One thing to note is that these pants are only water-resistant, not waterproof. These would not be ideal for a day in heavy, damp snow.
What I Love:
- Very comfortable, and excellent range of motion for a variety of activities.
- Built-in belt that helps my pants stay put.
- Six zippered pockets to choose from.
- Very durable, won’t snag easily.
Not So Much:
- Not completely waterproof.
You can buy the Himali Pants here on the Sherpa Adventure Gear Website.
Adventure On,
Joslin
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