are 8 hub gears relly ideal for XC mountain climbing?

I’m about to find out soon, 29er alfine acquired off here. Not going to be the main bike tho, just for the trails at my doorstep and winter rides where 8 gears should be fine.
Still have full range of gears on other steeds, too many routes we do where granny ring essential.

Lots of folk manage with just 1.

ideal? no. plenty adequate? yes.
few friends going 1×9 on conventional gear set-ups, and seem happy enough. I ride ss a lot. the alfine is geared down to close to granny. allows me to winch my way up long, draggy or loose climbs, but still gives me more ‘top end’ than the ss. that and no mech to knock off.

Its equivalent to a 1×9 set up but the overall gearing can be altered obviously.

As standard on a gensis IO ID I managed to get round GT red on mine although normally on my 2×9 bike I would be using the granny gears on some of the climbs.

I think as stock its just a bit lower than a 1×9 with a 32 chainring but can’t remember for sure.