Rab Ascendor Light Pants

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Rab’s Ascendor Light Pants are made for fast and light alpine ascents, with breathability, mobility, and durability. They have stretchy yet tough nylon fabric, slim fit, articulated knees, gusseted crotch, and two hand pockets and thigh pockets.

Rab says: 

Lightweight and protective technical pants with a slim fit that won’t hold you back on fast ascents. With breathable yet durable Matrix™ fabric and great knee articulation for mobility on tough climbs, they’re a go-to pant for summer alpine use.

Our Verdict

Rab’s Ascendor Light Pants are purpose-built for fast and light alpine ascents where moisture management, mobility, and durability are needed. They are made of stretchy yet tough Matrix nylon fabric and emphasise breathability and unrestrictive movement on technical climbs and scrambles.

The slim fit, articulated knees, and gusseted crotch allow excellent freedom of motion. This pairs well with the light and airy 108gsm Matrix main fabric, providing ample ventilation and quick drying times. Use a beefier 186gsm Matrix RX nylon for improved abrasion resistance for key high-wear areas like the knees and kick patches.

Despite their minimalist weight starting around 260g, the Ascendor Lights include some well-considered climbing-specific features. The part-elastic waistband reduces bulk under a harness, and the bonded belt loops add support options. You get two mesh-lined harness-compatible hand pockets and a thigh pocket as well.

The ankle openings are sized to accommodate bulkier mountaineering boots, and the DWR coatings are fluorocarbon-free. While not built for extreme cold, the breathable fabrics and articulated mobility are ideal for warm-weather vertical pursuits where you’ll work hard.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Matrix™ single weave stretch nylon (108gsm) with fluorocarbon-free DWR
• Matrix™ RX (186gsm) reinforcements with fluorocarbon-free DWR
• Lightweight, part elasticated waistband reduces bulk while providing support and structure
• Low profile bonded belt loops give additional support options
• Waistband features a double snap closure and YKK® zip fly
• 2 harness compatible YKK® zipped, mesh-lined hand pockets
• 1 YKK® zipped harness compatible mesh-lined thigh pocket
• Long length gusset at crotch for increased mobility
• Knee articulation for ease of movement
• Reinforced kicker patches and hems for durability
• Ankle hem will accommodate a B2 mountaineering boot

Specifications

• Small (30″ waist) weighs: 259g
• Medium (32″ waist) weighs: 270g
• Large (34″ waist) weighs: 280g
• XLarge (36″ waist) weighs: 292g
• Weights based on Regular leg length

Material & Construction

• Main: 95% Polyamide, 5% Elastane. Secondary: 91% Polyamide, 9% Elastane. Lining: 100% Recycled Polyester
  Fit: Slim

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