Mountain Light Pants

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title Mountain Light Pants
Manufacturer The North Face
Page By GuitarWIzard
Page Type Apr 28, 2002 / Apr 28, 2002
Object ID 255
Hits 5842
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These versatile, lightweight, waterproof, very breathable shell pants for backpacking and mountaineering feature 2-layer Gore-Tex(R) XCR laminate

Full-length, 2-way, side zippers with interior draft flaps and Velcro(R) overflaps allow ventilation and easy on/off with maximum weather protection
Seat and knees reinforced for extra abrasion-resistance and durability; articulated knees allow unrestricted movement
Removable elastic suspenders allow easy on/off and individual fit; standard front fly for convenience
Internal double-barrel gaiter with dual gripper elastic seals out the elements while allowing boots to move independently of pants
Pants stow in back pocket for easy, compact storage
Heavy-duty Cordura(R) nylon patches guard against crampon abrasion
Hot-taped seams ensure waterproofness
Earns W.L. Gore's ''Engineered for Extreme Wet Weather'' rating. Features new Gore-Tex(R) XCR ''Extended Comfort Range'' membrane laminate. XCR is 50% more breathable than the classic Gore-Tex membrane, while maintaining its durable, lightweight and waterproof qualities.

Reviews


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keema - May 29, 2002 6:21 pm - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
These shell pants have served me well. I have worn them on a warmer snow shoe trip and the zippered sides were very nice for keeping me cool. I have also worn them in colder windy conditions and they helped keep we warm and most of all dry, even on long glissades. The ability to stuff into their own rear pocket keeps them from taking up much room on the approach. I will admit to not having tried any other similar products to compare to, but would readily recommend these to others.

marcminish - Aug 14, 2002 10:46 am - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
I wondered when I purchased mine if the XCR was worth the added expense. The new hybrid Gor-tex product really does work better than the older stuff. It has been a little easier for me to keep the damp feeling out and stay warmer. The uninsulated Mountain Light pants are a staple of my outdoor activities. I've found that I can wear them comfortably during fall and spring rain showers without feeling like I'm in a sauna. I have been very pleased with them. I would give this product a five star rating except they are still vertigo inducingly priced.



Be sure to buy a size larger than you would normallly need so that layering with pile pants during the winter is not too constricting.

rcorby2 - Jan 7, 2003 8:50 am - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
I have had good success with these shell pants. They have performed really well in extremely windy and cold situations and they keep me completely dry while climbing ice. I really like the way the pack up small (into their own back pocket). They articulate at the knees very well and I like the suspenders (which you can take off if you don't like them). One HUGE complaint, the side zippers tend to snag easily on the inside material, making them difficult to zip sometimes. I wouldn't mind a more heavily reinforced butt area and larger protective inside heel area. Performance against the elements is 4.5 stars, price is a to steep, so 4 stars total.

dspal - Nov 13, 2004 7:06 pm - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
I had such a good experience with the North Face Mountain Light jacket that when it came time to get a pair of pants appropriate for winter hiking/climbing that I figured I might as well try these. I have not been dissapointed. They have withstood 5 years of New England winters filled with icy and wet hikes and skiing days. No major wear is evidenced on the knees(or butt!!) and they have maintained their water resistance throughout. They have shed wind, kept me warm and never wet through. Perhaps their best asset is their comfort. They are cut to allow a large range of movement which is essential with the weird length and angles of ones strides during winter ascents. They also have fit extremely well over multiple heavy winter layers and downhill ski boots without being tight or constrained. The only reason I cannot give them 5 stars is their price. For an item that I only use 1/10 the amount of time I use the Mountain Light jacket they are extremely expensive....

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