MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT TUPILAK PANTS REVIEW

If you would like your own WINTER ADVENTURE, we provide an array of winter courses.

 

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro 80D fabric throughout
• EXOLITE 275 lower back insert
• Storm Construction techniques used throughout
• Alpine fit with articulated knees
• Bonded ice screw protection overlay
• Full length 2-way YKK® moulded Aquaguard® side zips
• Fully adjustable braces with drop seat
• 2-way YKK® WR fly zip
• Zip-out internal snow gaiters
• Reinforced crampon kick-strips for durability

Mountain Equipment have obviously thought very well about the design of these pants.  The Mountain Equipment Tupilak pants has a 3 layer Gore-Tex Pro 80D fabric.  This keeps out the weather, allows the evaporation of transpiration, and is resistant to climbing hard routes on sharp granite and quartzite. It comes with reinforcements on the inside of the ankles, the knees, and the hips.

When carrying ice screws on your harness, the protection around the hips prevents these from tearing holes in them, meaning they last longer.  So for the extra you pay, you do get quality and endurance.  And sometimes it is worth spending the extra, in this instance, it definitely is.

When climbing, most of the time you have your arms lifted above your head, which means your jacket can creep up, and in cold conditions you do not want to expose any flesh.  With the Mountain Equipment Tupilak pants, the bib comes to just below your chest, and helps you keep warm and dry, whilst climbing even the toughest of routes.

Evidence that the Tupilak pants can withstand the toughest of Scottish winter conditions

If I had to be critical, I would like to have seen a pocket on the left or right thigh, for carrying a phone or snack.  But this is very subjective, sometimes I feel I do not have enough pockets, this can be very true in Scottish winters.

Also, going to the little boys room, the zip is manageable to undo with small gloves, with bigger gloves its near enough impossible.  There were a few times when I was wearing big gloves, in very bitter conditions, and had to take my gloves off to get full access, which is not ideal.

PROS

• Cool looking pants
• Like the colours
• High bib, when arms are above shoulder don’t expose belly
• Easy to use zips on the vents
• Great gaiters
• Hard wearing
• Reinforced in the right places

CONS

• When going to little boys room, the zip is manageable to undo with small gloves, with bigger gloves its near enough impossible. Took big gloves off, in very bitter conditions.
• Would be nice to see a pocket on it
• Would be nice to see the same reinforcements on the knees as the hips

CONCLUSION

Having walked, climbed and skied wearing the Mountain Equipment Tupilak pants, these would be my first go to mountaineering pants.  I’m very impressed with the thought that has gone into the design of these by Mountain Equipment, and would recommend these to anyone.  Stylish, lightweight, durable and versatile.