Ascent Pants

Being a big fan of Gore-Tex, I was a bit leary at first of buying non Gore-Tex shell pants, particularly ones that cost $200. However, given the Mountain Hardware reputation, I decided to try 'em out. They are average weight, and fairly compressible, given the amount of reinforced fabric. The knees and butt are bombproof.....the insides of the shins are crampon-proof. I have yet to still figure out why companies include built in "gaiters" on pants, since everyone who climbs in the winter uses gaiters anyway......must be for recreational skiers. The pants have full side zips, although I wish the zippers were a bit bigger, as it would make life so much easier. They can be a pain to get the zipper started. However, these pants don't seem to slide down my butt with a backpack on, even without suspenders, which is a definite plus in my book. After a half hour of glissading, my butt was still dry (and numb). In winds over 100 mph, they performed like a champ. Make sure you try these pants on before you buy them, as if you try and size them compared to say, TNF pants, you might be in for a bit of a surprise. I wear a size M in TNF, but for these pants, I might've gotten a L. I can fit layers underneath them, but when glissading, they have a tendancy of riding up and crushing my nuts, which gets very painful. However, for everything else, the fit is good.

I have own GTX, non- breathable, and every other type of WP pants. These are great pant, water has never leaked though, very breathable and best of all bought for $99. I dont see the need to spend 400 on GTX pants when its the same thing.. Do the research and you will see how close and every companies like GTX products actually come from 1 company that unlike GTX doesnt charge $$$..just a lil bit of info

I love these pants. They are very versatile and were perfect for warmer slog type conditions and also for cold alpine conditions. The knees and butt are reinforced. Also, the reinforced angle area for crampon rip protection is a plus. I have had no problem with water leaking in and they are very breathable and the legs zips are nice for venting. I would recommend buying the suspenders to help keep them up.