Alpine Climbing Clothing Systems // DAVE SEARLE

[@dodger2051]

Tip for hut approaches in hot weather, if you're not too worried about your looks: compression boxers can pass for shorts. Keeps your softshell pants nice and dry for higher altitudes. (Also swimsuit if you pass by a nice lake on the way down!)

[@greengraycolor]

I recently switched from merino base layers to nylon mesh. It's amazing, I'm using same combo of mesh long sleeve and sun hoodie from -5C to >40C. As long as I'm active I also let it soak in rain, mesh keeps me warm and dries super fast.

[@reevecol]

What brand? Where do you get it?

[@greengraycolor]

@@reevecol mesh from GripGrab and DhB (I think they are actually polyester but treated with polygene for smell control, works for multiple days), hoody is Black Diamond Alpenglow PRO (non pro alpenglow is made of very different fabric).

[@dodger2051]

You may also want to check out polypropylene mesh from Brynje. Polypropylene absorbs less water than nylon (and polyester is in between the two). Spandex is worst, so there's a tradeoff between elasticity/close fit and sweat transfer.

[@tjb8841]

@@dodger2051 Brynje also doesn’t smell, even after a few days. Best moisture management of any baselayer. Still, for summer use I’m not sure I’d bring it, since you still need another layer over the top for sun protection.

[@tobitest7259]

Very good Video. I am a Rab fan and would have liked to see a bit more of the clothing itself and its features. Especially seeing the fabrics, how thin/thick they are is interesting as it can be shown way better on video than on pictures. Furthermore I would like to see a video on your first aid kit for Sport Climbing and Alpine Climbing as this is an important part of equipment in my opinion.

[@DaveSearle]

Thanks! It’s actually quite difficult to show how thin or thick materials are. That’s why I left some links to the items in the description.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

5:24 maybe I haven’t watched long enough to see if there is talk of mesh base layers, but I have an inexpensive mesh long-sleeved base layer that is meant for road cycling, and it is wonderful. When I de-layer I can leave my base layer on in 60+ degrees F and it keeps me warm with just a thin second layer over it in 20 degrees F. I’ve had such good luck with this base layer that I am seriously considering getting a Brynje Merino wool base layer…

[@musiqueetmontagne]

A good summation Dave, thanks...

[@PhilippKlein]

Super interesting! Big Borealis and Xenair fan here too!

[@austris_]

Superb video, love the explanations and details of it! A gamechanger for me has been to take a spare top base layer on longer approaches (especially in codler conditions) as I tend to sweat a bit more and it's so nice to swap a damp layer for a fresh and dry one to avoid shivering whilst getting up first pitches of climbing. Also I would almost always have a spare lightweight down jacket in my pack for when the wind hits, sun dissapears or for those longer belays.

[@DaveSearle]

Thanks! Yeah that works great!

[@tjb8841]

@@DaveSearle I’ve done it in the past. Now I just use a Brynje Polypropylene fishnet baselayer. No matter how much you sweat, it dries instantly and never gets cold.

[@EmilWittrupPraestbrogaard]

Great video!

[@bctrider1]

I see little talk and use of vests in alpine circles and among guides. I have a lightweight goretex vest with a mesh back that is indispensable in sunny and windy conditions.

[@DaveSearle]

seems like a less common system for sure. any downsides to that system?

[@bctrider1]

No downsides as these vests can pack down quite tight. On a sunny alpine day with a brisk wind it can keep me comfortable from the wind but I don't overheat when I'm performing high output work.

[@tarfeef101]

I have bad habits, i just use cheap long sleeves and sweat thru them 😅, then compensate with a fleece and rain/wind shell if things get chilly

[@Emilwit1990]

Super informative video 🙌🏼 are you planning to make a similar video but for footwear? I’m about to get into Alpine climbing, but struggling with choosing the right first time footwear purchase on a budget.

[@DaveSearle]

Coming soon!

[@kamyarilkhanipour9807]

Dave just ordered the Ascendor lt pants based on this review. What shorts are those btw?

[@DaveSearle]

Mens Momentum shorts

[@the0neJames]

Any need for a hard shell, or do you work on the assumption if you're packing one then it's probably not a day up high?

[@DaveSearle]

Depends on the day, depends on the route. I leave it behind as much as possible and if I do bring one for summer alpine then it’s most likely a light goretex paclite. There is a link to one in the video description

[@Davide_LP]

Hardshell is absolutly needed because it's a non thermic protection against wind and rain. If you are doing a 4000m in summer chances are it will be windy on the way to the top, the hardshell protects from wind while preventing you from overheating (because it has no insulation). On a sunny day, starting early for the summit (4 am) you could probably use a thermic base layer, light fleece and hardshell

[@DaveSearle]

@@Davide_LP Although I would tend to agree for 4000m peaks a hardshell is a good idea there are still a few times that I don't feel that a hardshell is 100% necessary. A Synthetic jacket like the Xenair can actually provide enough protection from the wind, be more comfortable and even more breathable than a gore tex layer. Even a thicker softshell can be enough protection whilst being more breathable than a hardshell. It's all situation dependent of course but I personally feel a hardshell is not always needed in the alps.

[@faradaynick]

Links are broken, could you restore them? Thanks!

[@DaveSearle]

Should be working now

[@samb3309]

Shame Rab decided to ditch size XS. Patagonia all the way now.

[@DaveSearle]

Thay do have some jackets in a XS but not all unfortunately.

[@samb3309]

@@DaveSearle they've reintroduced a couple of items but it was a real shame when they ditched XS for fleeces, base layers etc. As a UK climber I'd like to support local business where possible. As it sounds like you have a relationship with Rab, feel free to feedback this to them :) Also, thanks for the useful content!

[@greengraycolor]

Nylon does not stink, only polyester does. Strangely, hardly anyone mentions it.

[@tjb8841]

I assume you mean stink? If so, that’s not true. nylon does certainly stink. Not as bad as polyester, but it’s still there. Anti odor treatments have gotten quite good lately though. But, mostly it’s about what you want a garment to do. For a baselayer, you need a close fit and some stretch, so knitted is the way to go. I’m not aware of anyone doing that in nylon.

[@greengraycolor]

@@tjb8841 yes, ups, corrected

[@greengraycolor]

@@tjb8841 Falke T-Shirt Ultralight Cool is nylon (polyamide) and very stretchy. It's not a mesh, it's very thin and light.

[@MrProphetius]

u do it 100% like me.

[@linuse.9420]

Is Gore Tex Paclite capable for skiing? So I’m not sure if it is abrasion resistant enough if you bail and slide down on snow. What you you think?

[@DaveSearle]

It probably won't hold up too well to a big slide!

[@tjb8841]

Assuming you mean ski touring, it absolutely is. Most Paclite has relatively heavy face fabrics (>30d). I don’t want to carry anything thicker while ski touring, because weight, packed size and breathability would be very poor. If it rips, patch it.

[@linuse.9420]

@@tjb8841 I was considering getting a paclite jacket for general skiing And wasn’t sure if it’s “too risky” to wear it for normal park skiing… But I think it shouldn’t rip on a snow slide…

[@tjb8841]

@@linuse.9420 aha. I thought we were talking about ski touring, since this video is about alpine climbing. Yeah, paclite wouldn’t be my first choice for lift served skiing.