Backpacker Magazine – January 2013

Gear Review: Patagonia Alpine Guide Pants

Softshell pants built for years of abuse.

by: Dennis Lewon

Tags:
• Gear
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• Pants
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VERDICT
From the metal buckle on the integrated belt to the armor-like scuff guards on the ankle cuffs to the reinforced Polartec Hardface* fabric on the knees, these softshell pants are built for years of abuse. Good thing, because with the combination of weather-resistant/breathable Polartec Power Shield and low-profile looks, I found myself wearing the Alpine Guides more than any other pants last spring. The DWR-treated fabric is nearly waterproof—one tester used them for two weeks straight on a hike-paddle-climb journey in soggy Chilean Patagonia, and says, “They never wet out even after after three days of rain and crashing waves.” Articulated knees and a nonbinding fit allowed excellent mobility while skiing, snowboarding, and high-stepping. $229; 1 lb. 4 oz. (32); 28-38; patagonia.com

Best For: Hikers/climbers/skiers who want one pair of versatile pants for all of their pursuits   

Tester Data
» Dennis Lewon (other testers: Shannon Davis, Steve Howe)
» Duration Feb. to May
» Locales/conditions UT, WY, Patagonia; 20°F to 70°F; rain, snow, wind
» “Metal snap closures at the ankle accommodate big boots, and they won’t ever snag or break like zippers.”



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