User Review: Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech Pant

Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech Pant
Above: The current Windstopper Tech Pant, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed May 23, 2003 by Wolfman

Rating:
Fabric: Fleece - gore windstopper
Price Paid: $190

I've been quite happy with these pants after I special-ordered the pair of suspenders that are an option for them. The pants have pre-sewn velcro attachment points for these suspenders, and I would say that MH should just provide the suspenders with the pants in the package. They don't, so I had to find a way to special order them. Suspenders may not be necessary for everyone, but I really like them. I was psyched that MH provided the option for suspenders with these pants; but I was pissed that I had to jump through hoops to get them.

Aside from this issue, the pants are quite nice. Very well constructed from PolarTec Windstopper fabric with cordura reinforcements at the seat and knees. Full-length side zippers are provided. Two pockets are there to warm your hands.

I use them for winter climbing. One nice thing is that the windstopper fleece fabric itself is not slippery. I've noticed that self-arresting a slip on the snow is slightly easier with these pants on because they aren't as slippery as nylon fabric pants.

Although I've never been much of a fan of gore windstopper fabric for my other garments (I always feel a bit clammy in them, and they can be a bit loud and crinkly feeling), I've come to love these pants. I wear them a lot!

They are not waterproof; so they won't be much help in a full-on rain storm. But they shed snow, mist and light rain well; they are warm, windproof and provide decent breathability for winter hiking and climbing. If the weather gets truly awful, you can layer goretex pants or bibs right over these.

Highly recommended.