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

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North Face's light pants

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

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.

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

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...

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

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.

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None

Theses pants are the best in the world the FTX Ultra material is absolutely indestructible. It is a comfortable fit and also comes in an extra long fit for you tall people. The snow cuffs are a little long/wide if you are not wearing mountain boots, but great if you are. The braces are defiantly a worth while extra although they are not worth the price in England. They are a bit expensive (RRP £200) but worth it if you can get any sort of reduction.

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Mountain Equipment karakorum pants:- Are a S**t fit I’m lanky but they were still v.tight and most uncomfortable. There have two zips down the side and a lining so they are not that easy to put on, for the same price go for Lowe Alpine pro pants!!

I used these all winter in the Catskills. Wore
them in all weather over polypro pants.
Never a problem. Paid full price, worth it.

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Marmot Lightspeed - had a problem with
zipper snags and returned them.

I have been very impressed. Like all of my stuff from MHW. Quality is just amazing. They are totally bombproof! I actually have the FTX non-ultra, and the ultra is supposed to be even better! They aren't too heavy either. Kinda pricy but you get what you pay for!

Wow! These are the best pants for any activity possible. They are so comfortable and totally bombproof. I love to just wear them around the house. But, when times demand that your clothes perform, I am never concerned about the ability of these pants.

If you are looking for one pair of shell pants to perform in a myriad of different activities, these are for you. I got mine on sale (20% off) with an FTX Ultra jacket. What a combination!!!

Thanks Mtn. Hardwear for such quality clothes.