REI Taku Pants

These are great pants. They are extremely comfortable - the stretch fabric in the thigh region makes them wonderful for those high steps one must make on steeper slopes. Alas, however, this is precisely their downfall. The stretch fabric, while comfy, isn't terribly sturdy. I tore a hole in mine on their first outing. On the plus side, these pants have kept me dry through hiking, climbing, and snowboarding (more falling than boarding) except for the snow that sneaks in above the waist.

I would recommend these to anyone looking for a snow-hiking pant and/or a ski/snowboard pant. Also, a set of suspenders wouldn't hurt as they do creep down...the integrated belt is more or less useless.
I would not recommend these for anyone who plans to do any climbing where they will be encountering rock bands or any other hard, abrasive surfaces as they are a bit fragile.

Overall, I really enjoy the fit and feel but wish they were a little more beefy.

I've used the pants alpine climbing and snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Conditions have varied from calm and pleasant while trudging through the trees to very high winds, whiteout conditions at single digit temps on the ridges and peaks. The pants protected me very well with just a lightweight wicking underwear underneath. The built-in gator/cuff tightener worked well, as did the built-in stretch belt.

Things I would change:

1. need suspenders as they creep down a bit over time, especially with a pack on

2. one of the lower leg zippers got caught on the fabric behind it, and it was a bear to get working. Tough on cold fingers.

I couldn't be happier with these pants. I use them mostly during search and rescue training. They handle rain, snow and muddy with no problems. Wish the price was a little better but they have paid for themselves.