Outdoor Research AlpenIce pants

Apenice Review

Apenice Review

05/11/2018

Phil

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I purchased these pants to replace my 10 years old ice climbing pant. They are a mainly dry condition use pant i.e. Alps or consistently cold weather pant. The fit is amazing they feel very baggy, which is excellent for warmth (lots of air trapped) and the flexibility...well the fit is that good that you can't feel any resistance when in use climbing/stretching legs. the knee joint is very erganomical. I've never seen this type of fit in a trouser...ever! The different types of material keep the weight down and ensure they don't wet out. The pockets placed on the rear of your thigh are a clever idea. This enables unrestricted movement with your pockets full and are still easyly accessible. I'm a little sceptical that the thinness of the material will withstand consistent use but at 538 grams this is what you can expect. The Alpha material is also impressive, its traps more air than any fleece tyoe material ive seen before. it's lack of close knitt fibres may look like it's been worn away but allow a comfortable feel (personally I wear leggings baselayer) and trap lots of air for what is an incredibly warm pant. My only concern is crampons ice axes and ice screws will tear the thinner material on the upper parts however this is inevitable with any pant and I'd rather have the weight saving. Also the belt buckle does slip but can be knotted or easily replaced. I can imagine these pants being just as functional for sking. Outdoor research have made an exceptionally well thought out functional pant with changes from the norm that I can imagine all future designers will copy.

I purchased these pants to replace my 10 years old ice climbing pant. They are a mainly dry condition use pant i.e. Alps or consistently cold weather pant. The fit is amazing they feel very baggy, which is excellent for warmth (lots of air trapped) and the flexibility...well the fit is that good that you can't feel any resistance when in use climbing/stretching legs. the knee joint is very erganomical. I've never seen this type of fit in a trouser...ever! The different types of material keep the weight down and ensure they don't wet out. The pockets placed on the rear of your thigh are a clever idea. This enables unrestricted movement with your pockets full and are still easyly accessible. I'm a little sceptical that the thinness of the material will withstand consistent use but at 538 grams this is what you can expect. The Alpha material is also impressive, its traps more air than any fleece tyoe material ive seen before. it's lack of close knitt fibres may look like it's been worn away but allow a comfortable feel (personally I wear leggings baselayer) and trap lots of air for what is an incredibly warm pant. My only concern is crampons ice axes and ice screws will tear the thinner material on the upper parts however this is inevitable with any pant and I'd rather have the weight saving. Also the belt buckle does slip but can be knotted or easily replaced. I can imagine these pants being just as functional for sking. Outdoor research have made an exceptionally well thought out functional pant with changes from the norm that I can imagine all future designers will copy.