Stormy Kromer Wool Pants

I really liked the German Army wool pants, because they had something (probably some kind of plastic) on the knees and seat so you could kneel and not worry about soaking through.

But what the pants have really gotten me to love is cargo pockets… Cargo pockets are really hard to find in WW shell pants – either the side zip precludes a cargo pocket or you wear snowboarder pants which are a often a little too baggy if your snowshoeing or a little more active.

Can you recommend any shell pants, that won’t break the bank, with cargo pocket(s) and ventilation? I like to carry my map, GORP and maybe stuff my hat and gaiter in there when I don’t need them…

The classic army surplus wool pants are a staple in my winter camping wardrobe on any trip where I don’t care about weight. I’m with Beau, I love the cargo pockets and the plastic layer at the knees. The pockets can hold big mittens, a wool cap, and a snack with ease. The plastic at the knees is essential for snow caving season. I’ve worn mine so much that all of the buttons at the fly have fallen off.

Make a pair of wool pants with those specs and I’ll comtemplate spending more then $50 on them. Until then, I’ll just keep using safety pins and suspenders.

I too love my old German Army wool pants. I have had them patched several time and my buttons on the fly are also coming off. Great for cross country skiing. I have had mine for at least 20 years.

I spend every weekend and evening I can snowshoeing. I own 4 pairs of Army Woolies and the only other gear that’s better is my canvas anorak! I cold camp and hot tent camp and wool never bothers me. I didn’t see the price for these pants, but I was going to turn two pairs into one this season as they are getting thin. But I still use them! When I fell through the ice in Alaska years ago I was wearing polypros and Gortex pants. Once I was recovered and thawed out I wore my woolies and was warmer and more comfortable than polypro/gortex combo! I know what I want for Christmas

I go even one step further in the surplus route. Wool pants under Austrian surplus goretex bibs. Not only are they waterproof, they add to the wind protection. They have an elastic waist, so getting to pockets isn’t a problem, and they don’t restrict movement because they just slide independently over the wool. I can kneel in snow forever. Throw in some silk long undies and cheap gators and Minnesota winters are nuthin.