The FTX Ultra Pant is an awesome application of Gore's XCR (Extended Comfort Range) laminate combined with Mountain Hardwear's FTX face construction. XCR with it's exceptional breathability has improved on older Gore laminates while loosing none of the hurricane grade water repelancy Gore-tex is renouned for, thus these bomber pants will keep you dry inside and out in even the sketchiest conditions. FTX Ultra is the incredibly survivable, water resistant nylon face produced by Mountain Hardwear for it's FTX line, giving all these garments unbeatable resiliance to abrasion and puncture from rock, ski edges, ice, and the occasional pole. Tech stuff aside, I love these pants, through the coldest, wettest, and windiest summits these pants have stopped wind, shed rain, sleat and snow; keeping my underlayers and me dry and warm. Granted, when the weather breaks and the sun shines through nothing can replace pack pants for comfort, however on those unexpected days these pants will breath better than any other "heavy" shell to ensure that you stay reasonably comfortable. I've only damaged the FTX face once on a nasty fall where my ski edge rode up above the ankle bushing leavig a small scratch with no effect on waterproofness. In conclusion, a great pair of pants, if your serious about your backcountry/outdoor activities and need something that will keep up without letting you down, these pants are expensive, but worth it in extreme situations (4/5 on value just because they're $295 and not for everyone).

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Mountain Hardwear: Conduit North Face Heavy Shell

This is the best pair of pants I've ever owned. They are not only completely waterproof, but have three-lay Gore-Tex XCR which makes them completely breathable. This is laminated to Mountain Hardwear's AMAZING FTX material. This material is three times more abrasion resistant than Cordura and has never failed me. I normally use the pants for skiing and light mountaineering, and recommend them to anyone who wants bombproof pants that aren't too heavy.