Mountain Hardwear FTX Ultra Pant

Review Date
February 10, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: WSB-83(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Littleton

Price Paid:  $190.00 at Mountain Hardwear

Summary:
Featuring Gore's newest 3-layer XCR (Extended Comfort Range)laminate, these pants have exceptional breathability, while earning Gore's extreme weather certification. The FTX Ultra face fabric ensures the pants survivability.
Previously, one would have to sacrifice breathability in favor of the ruggedness bomb-proof shell, or vice-versa. With these pants however, the shell has kept me dry in sleat, rain, and waist deep snow; while having the breathability to keep me dry during the most strenuous activities. As for their survivability - they've taken skids across rocks, and run-ins with newly sharpened ski edges without showing any sign of damage.
The price is steep, but they're worth it in my opinion. Knowing what I know now, I would have spent the $310 MH was asking for them. If you need something that will survive everything you can throw at them, these come with my recomendation.

Customer Service:
Haven't had any reason to contact them, however it's always been pleasant talking to Mountain Hardwear reps

Similar Products Used:
North Face's light pants

Review Date
March 22, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: JHimick(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Marlborough, MA

Price Paid:  $285.00 at Hilton''s Tent City

Summary:
As all the reviews state, these pants are the ultimate. The only complaint I can make is that the velcro tabs for the optional suspenders dug into my hips when I had a heavy pack on. Perhaps that's just me. I carefully removed the velcro by pulling the stitching and the problem was solved. My thought is 'if you need suspenders you should just have the bibs'.

Customer Service:
Haven''t had to call

Review Date
April 26, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Craig(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from San Diego

Price Paid:  $310.00 at REI

Summary:
Awesome. The material used for the FTX stuff is absolutely indestructible. I bought these after getting a 3 inch tear in my North Face Moutain Light pants after one day of training on the mountain. After that I knew I needed something stronger than nylon ripstop and after I discovered these, I knew my search was over. Very comfortable and bombproof. Expensive, but worth every penny. They also make a long for tall guys, I'm 6' 6" so I went for those. You can't go wrong with Mountain Hardwear, they make great gear.

Similar Products Used:
North Face Mountain Light pant. These are good for backpacking, but the name says it all, they are best suited for "light" applications)

Review Date
January 18, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Sid(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from London

Price Paid:  $300.00 at Snow and Rock,

Summary:
Excellent trousers. I've used these in wet, cold and snow (Mount Washington area), plus plain wet and muddy (Snowdonia). They were perfectly water and windproof, and the snow cuffs did a good job of keeping the snow out. They were very comfortable, the cut allowing unrestricted movement, particularly when scramling over high rocks.

The snow cuffs can hang out of the bottom when wet and not properly secured, and so could snag. The waist strap is a nice feature which means you can tighten the trousers enough so that they do not slide down when wearing a pack. They fit well over plastic boots as well as normal walking boots. In cold windy conditions, I have tended to wear just a thermal underneath plus these trousers over the top. A good combination.

Customer Service:
I'm in the process of returning my M.H. shell jacket due to a leaking seam. So far they have been helpful, but am eagerly awaiting the outcome...

Similar Products Used:
Berghaus single ply goretex (12 years old and showing it), no comparison.

Review Date
January 17, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Kevin(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from West Point, NY

Price Paid:  $310.00 at Mountain Gear

Summary:
They don't get much better than this. I used it for a some winter 14ers in Colorodo. Even in the extreme wind and cold, I never had to wear more than a pair of midweight capelines underneath. I banged the hell out of these pants, and they still are in pretty good shape. I strongly reccomend the optional suspender system, it creates a great drop seat system. Watch out for crampon misteps when on vertical ice, the pants tend to bell out at the bottom and can get caught up if your not paying attention. Great pant, worth every penny.

Similar Products Used:
None