I have an upcoming beginner mountaineer course which requires me to buy hard-shell pants, they have recommended an expensive pair for around 400aud, reading posts and blogs about hard-shell pants I get the memo that everyone is saying to get a cheap pair because I will put holes in them from crampons doing self arrest and other exercises. I am fine getting a cheaper pair but the slight issue is that I will be going to Nepal for a few months later this year to start climbing intermediate mountains e.g. Island Peak, Lobuche East and possibly going for Ama Dablam. Do I get a cheap pair for my course here in Australia and then upgrade before I go to Nepal or should I get an expensive pair straight up and just try not to poke holes in them.
I know that I will rarely be using hard-shell pants in Nepal (excluding sitting around on snow and practice stuff) as climbing at that altitude there is likely not much soft snow and precipitation, but on the beginner course I will probably want to wear them while sliding around and constantly on the ground. I have the Rab Ascendor AS pants for my soft shell pants.
Any help and recommendations are appreciated
