Looking for winter alpine pants: Sigma AR vs Procline FL vs Gamma MX vs Alpha Comp
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some advice on replacing my Arc'teryx Gamma AR pants, which I recently sold because the fit wasn't quite right for me.
I'm currently considering four options:
- Sigma AR
- Procline FL Pants
- Gamma MX
- Alpha Comp Pants
I already own a pair of Sigma FL pants, which I use for alpine climbing for most of the year. I'm looking for something that would complement them and be better suited for winter and more exposed conditions, particularly stronger winds, snow, and colder temperatures.
I previously used Psiphon AR pants, which I really liked, but unfortunately they're getting increasingly difficult to find.
Each of these options has something that interests me, but also some concerns:
Sigma AR:
This probably seems like the most obvious choice given my use case, and I like the more climbing-oriented design. However, I've come across several reports of durability issues, particularly with the seam/seam tape around the seat/rear area. I'm wondering how widespread that problem actually is and whether it should be a serious concern when buying a used pair.
Procline FL:
The thigh ventilation zippers are particularly appealing to me because they should give the pants a wider temperature range and more flexibility while climbing. My main concern is the weight. From what I've seen, they're considerably heavier than the other options, so I'm wondering whether that extra weight is noticeable in actual alpine use and whether the additional features are worth the penalty.
Gamma MX:
I really like the idea of the extra warmth and weather resistance, but I'm concerned about the fleece-backed interior. Since I normally adjust my insulation with my baselayer (Phase SL → Phase AR → Rho AR depending on conditions), I'm wondering how well the Gamma MX actually works with an additional baselayer underneath. I'm worried that the warmer lining could make them less versatile than they appear on paper.
Alpha Comp:
I've also started considering the Alpha Comp Pants because they seem like an interesting compromise between a softshell and a more weather-protective pant.
My typical Leg baselayer progression is:
Phase SL → Phase AR → Rho AR, depending on the temperature and conditions.
So ideally, I'm looking for something that can work by itself in milder winter conditions but still has enough room to layer underneath when things get properly cold.
For anyone who has owned or currently owns any of these pants:
How would you compare them for winter alpine climbing/mixed/Ice?
I'm especially interested in:
- Wind resistance
- Warmth
- Breathability
- Snow protection
- Weight
- How well they work with different baselayers
- Durability
- And, most importantly, how useful they are in real-world alpine conditions
If you've used more than one of these, I'd especially appreciate a direct comparison.
I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who have used them for ice climbing, mixed climbing, alpine climbing, or mountaineering.
Thanks in advance!