Women's softshell pants

[oyster_07]

My partner and I will be heading to Tasmania in September and I have convinced her to do a single overnight trip in addition to some day-walks.

We are looking at options for a pair of softshell pants for her. She feels the cold and is ready to wear thermals underneath.

We looking at the below options. I am keen to hear thoughts, especially those from the ladies.

Marmot Madeline pants
http://www.paddypallin.com.au/marmot-madeline-pant-womens-16375.html

Marmot Scree pants
http://www.paddypallin.com.au/marmot-scree-pant-womens-21404.html

Patagonia Simple Guide pants
http://www.paddypallin.com.au/patagonia-simple-guide-pant-womens-w14.html

* No commercial interests. Links for reference purposes.

[Kainas]

Not sure if it is any help, my husband and I bought Macpac Nemesis pants for our NZ tramping trip (December). They still get lots of use. I wear thermals & shorts under them.

[Avatar]

Point taken. Sorry.

[oyster_07]

I appreciate the intent, however the original post was a request for thoughts on the three options listed, not a request for advice on creating a clothing system.

[kitty]

This might not help you, as I dont own any of those 3 pants.
I recommend that your partner tries the pants on, if possible, because the shapes of womens pants varies a lot and some shapes will not suit some women.
Ive tried a lot of pants on, the majority do not suit my shape. I tried the Madeline ones on but didnt buy them as they didnt suit me.
I cannot go past these: http://www.mainpeak.com.au/or-ferrosi-women-s-pant/

[Moondog55]

What kitty said
Let her choose after trying them on

[axcarmil]

I recommend that your partner tries the pants on, if possible, because the shapes of womens pants varies a lot and some shapes will not suit some women.

+1. Her height relative to the 'pattern' is important. I'm short and find that some zipper placements and knee bends are not where they should be and there is no easy adjustment to make the pant 'fit'. If she cannot try a pair on before purchase, look for pants with less styling and features as these will be more flexible for making any adjustments in length and are still 'fit'. I find 4 way stretch the comfortable.

I don't own any of the three pants, but tried on the Scree and thought they would be too hot for walking in Tasmania. (I am based in Vic but got to TAS approx every 6 weeks). Lighter 4 way stretch pants and thermals under provide more flexibility.

Edit: Originally, I said the Madeline, but have realised I had the marmot madeline mixed up with the marmot scree. i've corrected the above. The scree fabric is heavier and thicker, and I thought these were too hot for Tasmania.

[oyster_07]

Thank you for your comments. The OR Ferrosi pants seem to be a common recommendation.

As strange as it may sound, I tried a pair of the women's Madelines on yesterday and agree that she should try them. I once bought a pair of women's pants for myself that she has now claimed as her own.....

[Suz]

I wear OR helium II men's pants - they're great. $200 but they can probably be hot cheaper.

[hobbitle]

I wear OR women's Cirque pants. Totally brilliant and warm. I know you were asking about a particular trio but just wanted to put another vote in for OR in general.


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[oyster_07]

Thanks for the Cirque tip. They also look like a great pair. I'll add them to our consideration.

[The Perambulator]

I have a pair of Marmot Scree pants, I have used them for 25 or so days on the snow and found them to be comfortable, snow/ water resistant (not waterproof) and almost windproof; (up to the point where the wind was pushing me off balance). I have never used them off snow so can't comment on how they would be in warmer weather. I would highly recommend them. I'm happy to answer any questions you have.
Charlie

[Chezza]

I own the Cirque and the Simple Guides. The Cirque is a cold weather mountaineering/skiing pant (with crampon kick patches), while the Simple Guides are cool weather climbing pants without kick patches.

I'd go with the Simple Guides or the Scree, or better yet thin, highly wind-resistant OR Ferrosi pants with thermals.

[oyster_07]

I took my partner to the outdoor stores last weekend and she liked the Marmot Madeline pants. She liked the fit and the 'not too adventure' styling.

We picked up a pair for just under $60, so we were pleased with that.

Thank you all for your advice.

[Gusto]

I realise it's too late to suggest this, but, never the less I think these merino Ortovox pants may be good, but I don't think anyone stocks them in Australia.

http://www.ortovox.com/4598--mountain_pants.html


Also, Mountainhardwear stock a big range of softshell pants. But they too are hard to find in Australia
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/womens-softshell-pants/

[walk2wineries]

This might not help you, as I dont own any of those 3 pants.
I recommend that your partner tries the pants on, if possible, because the shapes of womens pants varies a lot and some shapes will not suit some women.
Ive tried a lot of pants on, the majority do not suit my shape. I tried the Madeline ones on but didnt buy them as they didnt suit me.
I cannot go past these: http://www.mainpeak.com.au/or-ferrosi-women-s-pant/

I agree although suspect someone asking about different brands without thinking of shapes is probably one of the lucky ones. I have a problem with some of the designs with a stud at the waistband, which usually pops open at the least convenient time.

I'm female but buy either male or female. This is away from your question but others may find useful

I) if the stud is a problem, add a buttonhole and button. (I have removed those buttonhole thingummies from sleeves, which I don't use, to use, saves doing a button hole.
ii) Elastic is the non-standard girls best friend. I just buy the larger of the two sizes which aren't quite right, thread elastic through the waistband. Some mac and other brands have a sort of enclosed tunnel for belts or elastic. This can also be useful for shorter people because a lot of pants are designed to close below, or at, the level of the navel rather than the waist - if you elasticise the waist, the pants might be lifted a little and that can put the knee patch where you want it, ie a better fit for the legs than turning up the hem. Doesn't work too well on blokes!
iii) if your waist measurement - or indeed outfit (tucked in thermal when its cold for example) varies, you can use the elastic designed for pregnant ladies (it has buttonholes in it) and secure at each end with a button. So you can wear the strides by themselves or over other clothes.