Arc'teryx Gamma MX Softshell Pant - Men's

As ever, this is just my opinion. But for my money (and in this case, a mind-numbing $300), these are the best alpine pants I've ever worn. These aren't pants to be worn if the temp is above 50 F, but below that in anything but a torrential downpour or a wet snow, the Gamma MX are unbeatable. I've worn them in the high mountains of New Zealand, backpacking a 50 pound load in a light snow. I use them to patrol my property in winter, temps in the 10-40 degree range. I've worn them skiing. I always think they're going to be too hot for sweaty activities in cold temps, but they're not. They flawlessly modulate my temp, whether I'm just walking or working hard. They shed snow without issue, and only strong winds below 20 degrees will get through the durable fabric.

I had a pair I purchased in 2006, and I just got another pair now that Arc'teryx offers a "Long". I'm 6'3", 202 lbs, and the Large/Tall fit me perfectly. It should be noted, my original pair show little sign of wearing out, just one small rip around the button. Pristine otherwise.

IMO, it's tough to buy Arc'Teryx at full retail. The quality is certainly outstanding, and as much as I love these pants, I think they're a bit over-priced, like a lot of the Arc line. I waited two years to catch them on a rare 20% off sale.

Expensive but that's no suprise. Arc Teryx is usually worth it. The fabric is burly and they are very comfortable. I am 5'11" 185 and med is great. Worth pointing out that the MX is cut larger than the Gamma LT although not by a lot. I wear a large in the LT.

I'm 6'4, 183 pounds with a 33 inch waist and the Gamma MX medium-tall pants fit perfectly. I use these for ski touring and, after a year of use I'm still very happy with my purchase. They move beautifully and are very well constructed.

I do, though, pine for ankle zips in order to better slide the cuffs of the pants over my boots after I've skinned up, tightened the boots, and am ready for the descent. It can be a bit of an unpleasant chore pulling them in place with cold fingers. Certainly won't be a problem, though, if using these with hiking boots or skiing in milder temps. (Or even if you are more warm-blooded or stronger than I!)

In sum, this is one of those pieces of gear that I can't imagine doing without.

Great durable water proof pants, I am 6'5" and the tall is perfect fit, its tough finding a good pair of long pants that fit correctly length wise and arcteryx is awesome. Yes they are expensive but you get what you pay for, definitely thick warm, stretchy and durable, the bottom of the pants have draw cords to keep out snow, also protection from skis and crampons on the sides. Cant really say more will probably have these pants for years to come..very happy