Weatherproof and yet maximally breathable: Ortovox Westalpen 3L hardshell clothing tested

With the Westalpen 3L hardshell jacket and pants, Ortovox sets high standards in clothing for demanding mountain tours and alpine terrain. Both the jacket and pants are robust, absolutely windproof and waterproof, and yet very breathable. In addition, well-thought-out features are in the right places.

From alpinists for alpinists. This is our impression after a day in the hardshell clothing of the Western Alps 3L Series can probably be summed up most succinctly. The two products from Ortovox keep their promises and come with features that demonstrate a great understanding of the end customer.

First impression: Amazing comfort

The Western Alps 3L Hard shell jacket and the associated Hardshell pants offer something that you are not used to from this outermost layer of clothing: freedom of movement and comfort. Especially if you wear only a thin layer underneath like we did on that warm weekend on the Furka Pass, the material feels very pleasant and supple.

Added to this is the feeling of complete freedom of movement. This is thanks to the 3L shell called DERMIZAX® NX, which not only ensures excellent wind and water resistance (at least 20000 mm water column) and pronounced breathability (28000 g/m2/24h), but also contains 2-way stretch material.

Westalpen 3L – At home in alpine terrain

These first impressions should not obscure the fact that the Westalpen 3L series was developed to withstand all facets of the alpine environment: whether rough rock, snow, ice, wind or wet conditions. On the morning of our planned tour to the Galenstock, we were unexpectedly able to test the weather resistance of our equipment on our own bodies. It was raining and the southeast ridge was shrouded in thick fog.

Nevertheless, we set off to give our venture a chance. It can almost only get better. Before we even reach the Sidelen Hut, we have already become acquainted with the generous ventilation slots of the Westalpen 3L trousers and jacket.

For water-sealed zippers, as seen on other hardshell models, these work surprisingly well and can be operated with one hand without jamming any of the inner fabric. Later, in full climbing gear, you will also see that the ventilation is sensibly positioned and easy to reach even with a climbing harness and backpack.

Sack goods: At a glance

With 2 chest pockets, one hip pocket and 2 thigh pockets, the two items of clothing do not have an excessive amount of storage space. However, this simplicity should not be viewed negatively. Anyone who knows and appreciates Ortovox's straightforward designs knows that the essentials are in the right place.

They offer a lot of space. One of the two pockets also has an integrated cell phone pocket made of merino mesh, which works well for smaller smartphones. The zipper openings on the chest pockets reach down very far, which on the one hand has the advantage that you can reach in generously. On the other hand, the utensils are more likely to fall out of the pocket if you are not careful.

The thigh pockets of the Westalpen trousers are also generously sized and offer enough space for maps, an avalanche transceiver or other items. Because the pockets are located on the front of the thigh rather than on the side, they do not interfere with walking.

Integrated gaiter, adjustable hem

After the via ferrata has brought us to the Bielenlücke in the shortest possible time and on the most horizontal route, we are soon at the start of the ridge climb. While we are still getting rid of our crampons, we come across another feature of the hardshell pants that we were already impressed by early in the morning when we were getting ready: the integrated gaiters.

And it must be said: The principle is pretty self-explanatory and works perfectly: you pull up the outer layer of the pants and reach the integrated adjustable gaiter. Once the corresponding strap is passed under the shoe, hooked in and tightened, nothing slips anymore.

Then you just need to adjust the pants to the desired leg width using the snap fasteners provided and you're ready to go. The hem of the Westalpen 3L pants has a robust edge protector made of Dyneema Cordura, which can easily withstand a puncture from the tip of a crampon or a cut from the edge of a ski.

Compared to other mountaineering pants, the pants have a rather wide cut. This also makes them a versatile companion, whether you are skiing on a tour or want to wear thicker mountain boots in particularly cold conditions. Regardless of the thickness of the boots, the hem can be quickly adjusted. The pants can also be adjusted to your own body size at the waistband.

Of course, not only the Westalpen Pants, but also the stylishly designed hardshell jacket can be adjusted to your own body shape. The cuffs and hem are adjustable. The storm hood is generously designed so that it fits well over the climbing helmet. The double fastening system with cords ensures that the hood fits well even without a helmet.

Flexible temperature regulation

As we climb the first few pitches on the ridge, the cool wind has just started to blow away the damp mist. It is accordingly cool and we are glad to keep the remaining warmth in our clothing.

When the sun comes through for the first time, it's the other way round: the heat pushes the sweat out of our pores. The Westalpen 3L series copes well with this alternating bath of warm and cold. The ventilation is quickly opened or the hood is pulled back over the helmet.

The south-east ridge on the Galenstock offers real pleasure climbing on mostly solid granite. The additional freedom of movement provided by the integrated stretch material makes climbing even more fun. On the one hand, the Westalpen pants allow you to climb very high. On the other hand, the jacket offers maximum freedom of movement, for example on shorter Piaz sections.

The freedom of movement provided by the robust clothing is also evident in the descent from the Galenstock, which we manage by sliding or almost skiing on the remaining snow fields.

Conclusion: Westalpen 3L jacket and trousers

The striking cairn on the Galengrat allows us to find the perfectly secured abseiling point straight away. And as we glide leisurely towards the Sidelen glacier in 25-meter sections, the time seems right to draw our conclusions.

With the Westalpen 3L Jacket and the matching Westalpen 3L pants, Ortovox has developed visually appealing hardshell clothing that is ideal for adventures in alpine terrain. Although the materials are very robust and completely wind and waterproof, they boast very high breathability and impressive comfort.

As you would expect from Ortovox, the design is simple. You won't find any superfluous gadgets or pockets. Instead, the West Alps 3L series provides mountaineers with really useful features in the right places.

Westalpen 3L Hardshell Jacket at a glance

• Area of ​​use: Alpine touring (5/5), mountaineering (3/5), ski touring (3/5), alpine climbing (2/5)
• 2-way adjustable storm hood
• 120 MERINO TEC inserts inside
• High-Reach Performance Fit
• 2-way front zip
• two breast pockets
• 1 integrated mobile phone pocket made of merino mesh 
• 2-way zip underarm ventilation
• Adjustable cuffs
• Adjustable hem
• 3L SHELL: DERMIZAX® NX (non-porous PU membrane), wind and waterproof (min. 20.000 mm water column), 100% windproof, breathability (up to 28.000 g/m²/24h), 2-way stretch material
• DWR FINISH – PFC-free: water and dirt roll off

Westalpen 3L Hardshell Pants at a glance

• Area of ​​use: Alpine touring (5/5), ski touring (3/5), freeride (2/5)
• 120 MERINO TEC inserts in the waistband area inside
• 1 hip bag
• 2 thigh pockets with opening extension, on the right additionally with mesh pocket and light carabiner for avalanche transceiver
• Side ventilation zips
• Pre-shaped knee area 
• Expandable leg width with zipper
• Integrated gaiter with quick-gaiter system
• Width-adjustable hem with snap fastener
• 3L SHELL: DERMIZAX® NX (non-porous PU membrane), wind and waterproof (min. 20.000 mm water column), 100% windproof, breathability (up to 28.000 g/m²/24h), 2-way stretch material
• DWR FINISH – PFC-free: water and dirt roll off

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