Arc'teryx Kappa Pants

[jibmaster]

Anyone using these?
The zipper died on my trusty Marmot fleece pants. Had to spring for something for the January trip.
Can't afford any down pants, which was what I really wanted - but I'm hoping these might work.

http://www.backcountry.com/arcteryx-kappa-insulated-pant-mens

Going to be using them with a base layer and non-insulated ski bibs while touring during the day.
As well as at night, in the tent.

[BillyFromTheHills]

Mountain Hardware has insulated pants that are wonderful....probably alot cheaper than Arcta-bucks.

Edit: Just checked, it is the MH Compressor pant that I have...price is not much cheaper than the Arcta-bucks offering.

[James]

I think those pants are designed to go over your shell as a belay type of pant. They are heavier and more durable. I think the Mountain Hardware compressor pant and the Western Mountaineering flight are also more of a belay pant but not as heavy as those Arc Teryx pants. The compressor would probably work as mid layer or a light outer layer for belaying or around the camp or in the tent. I think the flight have to much loft as a mid layer.

I have been looking for the same thing but for mostly brutal cold resort skiing. I am getting tired of pretending I am still a young warm blooded person. Especially this week. Since it is going to be a mid layer I want it light with out to much loft. Patagonia microfibers are more of an insulated mid layer. Both Mont bell and Western Mountaineering (flash) make down pants that are a really good and warm mid layer for less then those Arc Teryx pants and I think more suited for your intended purpose.

[BillyFromTheHills]

Jibs, the Compressor will work great for you, I think. I bought it as a warm layer to go over long underwear and under shell pants for winter camping/skiing trips. Not as warm as down pants but not as expensive either. Should be all you need for winter in the Lower 48. Warm enough for really cold weather, esp. if you're moving, but OK if stationary. If you were going to use fleece pants, then they will be fine. Why not another pair of fleece, if that's what you had? I like the Compressor better than fleece because they stuff down smaller and may be a bit lighter.

[jibmaster]

That's a good call. I'll see if they bunch up under my ski bibs.
This is what I've been using


Should arrive tomorrow or Wed.

[BillyFromTheHills]

That's a good call. I'll see if they bunch up under my ski bibs.
This is what I've been using


Should arrive tomorrow or Wed.

Those Marmot's look good. So what did you end up buying? Not clear from your post....

[jibmaster]

I bought the Arc'teryx pants. Wanted something more waterproof for wearing around camp without my ski bibs.
But I also need to wear them under my un-insulated bibs while skiing.
I'm hoping the Kappa pants don't prevent movement under the bibs.

If they do, I guess I'll save my $ and get something not quite as bulky.
More Marmot or the CH Compressor.

[BillyFromTheHills]

thanks...good luck with it...and enjoy your trip!