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I remember back in the late 90s, Patagonia (imho) lead the way in modern functional legwear for ice, mixed and technical alpine climbing. The Guide Pants were iconic, as were the MixedMaster pants amongst others. It seems over the last couple of seasons, the focus on the technical end user is a higher priority again with for example, the M10 Kit as well as the Alpine Suit and the new for Spring/Summer 2026 “Free Wall Kit”.
Over this winter season I’ve been testing another pair of technical climbing trousers, the Mixed Alpine Pants. These are thoughtfully designed with a cut that favours technical climbing movement, a hybridised construction that balances moisture protection and breathability and a minimal feature set that is everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Patagonia say:
“When the waterfall ice starts dripping and the spindrift is piling on your thighs, these high-performance, hybridized Mixed Alpine Pants provide coverage and mobility with waterproof fabric at the knees and seat and breathable side panels and gusset. For people who thrive in mixed alpine conditions, these pants offer comfort on the approach and protection on the climb. Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.”
Starting at the top, Patagonia have nailed the waistband, fly and belt set-up on these. After a run of different trousers with overly complex and inadequate fly and belt setups, it’s refreshing to see a simple and clean system that works. The waist band is low profile and comfortable under a harness, the zip and button on the fly are easy to operate and they stay put and the belt works perfectly. It doesn’t pop open, doesn’t loosen, it works exactly as a belt should! You can also add a suspender if you want.
The trousers are “Slim Fit”. I’m 175cm tall with regular inside leg measurement and 30 inch waist and size Small fits me perfectly. The cut whilst slim, doesn’t feel tight. It’s not the best articulation I’ve had in a climbing trouser, but the cut is way more refined looking than for example, the M10 pants. That said, I’ve not felt hindered on any move I’ve made on an ice and mixed route in these pants, they accommodate ski boots if they need to and they are turning out to be pretty durable.
So why choose a hybrid fabric design and not just go full softshell or hardshell? Well generally when I go ice and mixed climbing it’s not pouring with rain! Softshell fabrics are more comfortable, stretchy and breathable. However even on the coldest days, icefalls can be a bit drippy so a hardshell fabric on the thighs makes sense and also on the bum for sitting in snow etc.
In terms of pockets, Patagonia have kept this simple. There’s one! And it is positioned purely with climbing and harness comfort in mind. A zippered thigh pocket, that is big enough for a map, snacks or a large smartphone.
As I said earlier the cuffs accommodate both mountain boots and light ski touring boots. This is handy as often in winter, there is too much snow to walk in to a climb and skis are needed for approaches and descent to the valley. There is a light internal gaiter which is a little loose (but adequate) around mountain boot cuffs, but perfect around ski touring boots. The cuffs expand via a zipper adjustment and there are tie-down loops on the hem. The kick patches are low profile and it’s nice to see they stretch far enough up the leg to actually protect the fabric, whilst not being overly industrial!
All in all I’d say Patagonia have created an excellent alpine climbing focused, technical pant which has all the features modern climbers and alpinists need without any other complicated features to increase cross activity appeal. If you want hiking trousers or ski touring trousers, there are better options. But for ice and mixed, buy the Mixed Alpine Pants!
Price: £250
Available to buy at the Patagonia Website in size XS to XXL with a women’s specific fit also available here
About the author
Kevin is an IFMGA Mountain Guide based near Chamonix, France. He specialises in bespoke multi-pitch and alpine rock climbing, ice and mixed climbing and ski touring adventures. You can check him out @kevinavery.mountainguideon Instagram or email truenorthalpine@gmail.com to make a booking enquiry.
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