Finding ways to integrate a climbing harness into outdoor apparel seems to be on trend these days. Similar to the climbing shorts and skort from Mammut, Vaude now follows up their original Mera Peak Pants with integrated harness from 2010, with a Light version in 2012, perfect for summer alpine climbing, ski and glacier touring.
The Mera Peak Light Pants are made from lightweight, stretchy, and fast drying Schoeller 3XDRY fabric. The alpine pants are specifically designed to accommodate an Edelrid Loopo Light climbing harness, a favorite among European mountain guides, to be worn underneath. With front exit slots for the belay loop and a rear flap panel opening for gear loops, you have access to everything you need for safe travels.
By wearing your harness underneath your outermost layer, you will not only be more comfortable, but have better access to the four zippered side pockets without leg loops in the way. The Edelrid climbing harness Slide Rail-System lets you position the gear loops wherever you desire along the hipbelt, making it easy to rack your carabiners, ice screws, quickdraws, and other essential gear.
The Mera Peak Light pants themselves have articulated knees and a straight leg cut so that no extra fabric gets in the way of an errant crampon. Schoeller 3XDRY fabric is water and dirt resistant, while helping to wick away sweat in order to keep you dry and comfortable in alpine environments. The bottom gaiters with gripper hems are detachable and feature attachment hooks to secure the alpine pants down to the top of your climbing or alpine touring boots.
The Vaude Mera Peak Light alpine pants will most like retail for the around the same price as the current Mera Peak Pants (€330) and be available Spring 2012.