[mbravenboer]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but the forum description includes 'deals', so I suppose this is the right place. TLDR: The small/tall size of the previous Alpha SV model is available at REI for $312. See https://www.rei.com/product/105248/arcteryx-alpha-sv-bib-pants-mens-tall . I normally wear 32/36 and it fits great. Small/short has the same discount: https://www.rei.com/product/105247/arcteryx-alpha-sv-bib-pants-mens-short I've been wearing a hybrid pair of Salomon pants on my snowshoeing trips (bottom hardshell, top softshell). It does okay, but sometimes I really just need a hardshell, and sometimes I wish I had a light softshell in spring. For my trips, there is not much of a reason for a hybrid if you have a hardshell with good zippers for venting. My Salomon pants are also designed for skiers, so the lower leg is very wide and pretty much consists exclusively of duct tape by now. I've done quite a bit of research on hardshell pants, but didn't found obvious candidates: - There are almost no tall sizes available (particularly not models you can try in stores). - A surprising number of pants with suspenders require you to not poop while out in the snow (including my current Salomon) - Almost all are designed for skiing/snowboarding, and within that category only a few for touring. I selected the OR Maximus ( https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/en/mens-maximus-pants/p/2447970001006 ), Arc'teryx Theta SV ( https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/Theta-SV-Bib ) or Alpha SV ( https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/Alpha-SV-Bib ). Unfortunately, the latest Alpha SV Bib is no longer available in tall sizes though. Alpha AR pants are also not available in tall . REI still has the old tall model though, but it was listed as $745 which was rather discouraging. All other stores carry it for $625. I called them to point out that this was probably a pricing mistake, and after insisting a bit the guy figured out that it was actually a bug on the website. First of all it is supposed to be only $625, and second if you put the pants in your cart, then it costs only $312. I've received mine, and the tag correctly states the discount. I've not been able to find any new Gore-Tex Pro pants this cheap, so that's a pretty good deal. I'm normally wearing 32/36, and small/tall fits great assuming you don't wear a heavy softshell under it (which would be way too warm anyway). In the Seattle store all Alpha SV Bibs are $625 ( https://www.rei.com/product/105246/arcteryx-alpha-sv-bib-pants-mens - pic is the old model, but they have the new). They have a mix of the old and the new model all for the same price (strange ...), but no talls. There is a small hanging there that you could use to see if it fits. Just let me know if you have any questions about other pants I looked into. Just to preempt: yes, I know, some people consider these pants for posers, and Gore-Tex has its limits. Also, the only other mention of the Alpha SV Bib on this forum is from Critter, who disappeared immediately after that 'discussion'.

[DIYSteve]

That's a great deal for bomber bibs if they fit and you like bibs. Try before you buy. These days I'm not a bib guy. I found a killer deal (55% off) of Arc'Teryx Alpha AR pants in my size (XL) via a Google search. Only problem is that they are blue (Macaw in Arc'Teryx parlance), so it's possible someone might confuse me for Bedivere

[iron]

[DIYSteve]