A great pant but I will never buy an REI brand pant or jacket again. The problem: Insufficient velcro on the "grabber" half of the velcro. The cloth half is fine but REI has resorted (to save a cent or two per garment)to a "cutesy" (WORTHLESS) small oval "grabber" half of the velcro which every half hour comes apart. So in a critical move, my pants pop undone and wind up around my knees (if I can grab them soon enought). I had this problem soon after purchase 3 years ago. I have brought this to the attention of REI headquarters, TWICE. Result: Total Indifference. The same problem (small oval skimpy "grabber" half) is the case with the gore-tex jacket sleeves. The jacket and pant to which I refer are the "Switchback" models. They are terrific outerwear garments EXCEPT the Worthless Crap they Call Velcro. REI brand: NEVER again!!

I have the Gore-tex bib pants but since there is no catagory for it I figured I would write it here. I've always prefered bibs for their comfort (no waist band!) and added warmth (its like having a built in vest).

I use them for snowboarding, backpacking, xc skiing, and snowshoeing. After 3 years of heavy use they are holding up wonerfully. The fabric has withstood many tree and boulder scrapes with ease but still feels relitively light. The flat straps remain comfortable under heavy pack straps, and the full length zips are great for easy entry/exit. Overall a great piece of gear.

Customer Service

REI's customer service is top notch. The sales people are very knowledgeable and friendly.

Similar Products Used:

The North Face Goretex pants
Coated nylon
PVC

I've had these pants for two winter seasons, using them to climb a number of 14ers here in Colorado and Mt. Rainier in Washington. The pants are succesfully waterproof, work well in windy conditions, and can even provide a little warmth, but they do not breath very well in aerobic situations such as snow-shoeing or long sustained climbing. I find the pant to be too heavy to take on day excursions. The construction is good, as the full-side zips have always held-up and run smoothly. The pant could do with patches on the inner-ankle to protect from crampons. My biggest complaint is in the waistband. The draw-cord is not sufficient to keep the pant tight and the velcro closures over the zippers come undone in wet conditions, causing the pants to fall-down (how embarrassing!) all too often.

Customer Service

REI's customer service is normally up to par.

Similar Products Used:

Sierra Designs
Mountain Hardwear
TNF
Jagged Edge