First pair lasted 6 years of working in the Northwest in the Film industry as well as Skiing in the winter. So the obvious choice when replacement was required. While initially expensive, long run value is above reproach. DO IT. And Do it OFTEN. These pants can handle it.
Jon

Just finished climbing Mt Shasta in these, with temperatures from 90F+ on the approach to base camp to below freezing on summit morning. The side vents on the Theta SK allowed me to control temperature perfectly along the way. Glissading down 4000ft didn't cause a single tear or even abrasion. the back of the bib kept the small of my back warm during breaks. Love these pants - highly recommended.

Just a quick note, these pants fit over my heavy duty Asterisk knee braces w/ no problem! I haven't skied in them yet (it's still summer) but the build quality is outstanding as expected. I use other gear by Arc'Teryx (climbing/outdoor activities) and have been impressed by the thoughtful designs and durability of their products so I expect similar. I plan on using these pants skiing and for those wet rainy days when riding my dual sport motorcycle.

I have owned everything from The North Face to Mammut bibs, and these are by far the best all around bibs I have ever come across. They are very light weight, extremely durable, and pre-fitted to the natural curve of the leg, whether you’re skiing down a chute, or placing your crampon on steep ice. My favorite feature is the side zips on the legs...perfect for ventilation, or accessing gear. These bibs reflect perfectly what Arc'teryx is all about. I looked at the Alpha’s also, but I think these bibs breathe better (soft shell above waist) and are more durable with only 2 extra oz.

I've skied in a couple blizzards with the SK and returned bone dry. Ridiculously good. Only complaint is the suspenders are narrow, but the pant is much better than anything else out there. I'm 6'3" 200 and the XL reg fit perfect (maybe even a little baggy depending on the layers). Bib pockets are small, but perfect for a wallet, money-clip, keys or phone.

I am 5'11'' and the medium fits perfectly. These pants are the real deal, durable, great cuff fit, and completely waterproof. Of course, the black is really dark and seems to be fade resistant.
I am very happy with them!
Dan

I posted 2 years ago that these were fantastic pants after 3 years of riding in them. Well, another 2 seasons have gone by, and I'm still using the same pair. Sure, they're a bit stained, and I had to replace the velcro in the legs, but I still love 'em and the still keep me dry! I'll probably ride these again this season and then turn them over to my little bro and get myself a new pair.

Some people complain that the pockets are too small, but I think they're perfectly sized. I can fit my driver's license, credit card, cash, and my car key in there, and everything else goes in the backpack.

I just got the pants and have since skied them for 6 days at Steamboat and 2 days at Mt. Snow. So far no tears on the inside cuff, has a very heavy duty reinforcement. Very light but definitely need some layering under them I prefer no insulation and would rather layer so they are perfect for me. Also the bib is a great height. comes up right under the chest in the front. I think it is perfect because it is high enough to keep the snow out on a powder day or after a spill but not so high that you feel like mom just bundled you up to go sledding in 1st grade. By far my favorite ski pants in a 21 year career. Now if only they made them in pink to match my jacket, skis, bindings, poles, and chap stick. lol j/k this is a serious pair of pants.

Haven't hit the mountain with them yet, but have been out and about in D.C.'s first big storm. The pants have great features and the reinforced rear and legs seem like they should last forever. Had also ordered the Minute Man bib, and wish the SK had the thigh pockets the MM has. However, the SK is much better for skiing and more comfortable. The MM and SK have internal shock cords in the bottom, for keeping em tight on bindings, but the MM only unzips down to the knee. Even with my gloves off, sitting down INDOORs, I couldn't reach my hand down inside to reach it. How you are ever supposed to tighten them I don't know. The SK zip down, so it's easy. I also like their waist belt, and the suspenders are designed better. Unless you move up to the Alpha bib, or want the lightness of the Theta LT, I totally recommend the SK!!!

I am tried of hearing these are way to expensive. If you want cheap go to Wal-Mart, or you can pay for Arc’teryx. I am very picky and these far exceed my expectations. They fit well, and keep me bone dry. They also come in three different lengths. The design and materials are second to none. Check out the zippers, they are the best. I will have these for years. If you spend a lot of time on the mountain these are well worth it.

I've been using these pants for three seasons now, and they are still in near perfect condition. They are expensive but well worth the money.

This is my second pair of these ski pants, they're great. They last longer than any other pants I've owned and they are everything you'd expect them to be.

These are the best ski pants I have ever owned. Arc'Teryx has phenomenal quality control. Their gear is the absolute best, hands down. They are definitely worth the price if you are looking for top end gear!

I bought the Theta SK's last year and got a season in and I have to say by far the best pants I've ever owned. Super durable, totally waterproof, welded zippers and seams are top notch. Super comfortable and very warm much to my surprise. Expensive indeed, but you won't be searching for a new pair of pants anytime soon..Well worth the $$$.

Just outstanding quality. I wear either a pair of 200 or 260 weight Icebreakers underneath depending on the weather. Hqave never been cold, have never been wet, have never given a second thought about these things possibly breaking or ripping. The bib is a great cut. Very comfortable. They fit very tightly around the boot.

These things rock. I wear a very minimal base layer and I stay toasty in even windy, cold conditions. Not to mention, they have a great look.

These pants are definitely in keeping with the high standard that Arcteryx usually maintains.... they are exceptional! I bought them as a waterproof outer layer for skiing and mountaineering, but they would be just as good for other less vigorous sports. Good fit with plenty of room to move. The price can be a little shocking, but they are well worth the money!!

Although these are way too expensive, they will exceed your expectations. Very good for resort and backcountry. Your friend will envy you. These bibs work well with a harness.
I highly recommend these over anything else on the market. Buy these over the Minuteman and Theta LT. These have more reinforcement (thicker material) and seem more durable.

Very good pants. The only thing they need is a better thought out pocket placement, maybe on the outside of the leg, cargo style. Fit is great huge room no matter that the size. I’m 6ft 1in and 105kilos, and the fit is terrific. Pretty expensive but worth the cash if you like the best.

The pants are great. They are a little roomier than other Arcteryx pants. They don't constrict any of my movement when skiing. The only problem I see is the top button always pops open. The way the bibs are set up, makes the pants come right to my mid belly. I have plenty of room when I am wearing them, but if I bend over it pops.

Very impressed by these pants that I've now used for a couple of trips to the north of Sweden. Seems very durable, yet light. Recommended!

I just wore these pants for the first time on a one week trip to the Canyons, UT. It snowed nearly 50" that week. The snow as you know, at thigh deep gets in everything, but not in or through these pants! Hours of icy chairs, stuck neck deep, hiking, not a drop of moisture. Pair nicely with 100 wt fleece pants underneath, comfort! Thicker, more durable material then the other arc pants. Best in 15 years. I'm stoked.

These are bomber pants: by far the best I have ever owned. I have skied in these pants for the last 7 seasons, 4 of which I spent 70+ days on-snow. Very versatile: their light design makes it easy to dress for the conditions by varying the underlayer(s): thick fleece pants for bitter VT conditions, medium-wt for PacificNW winter conditions, and thin longjohns (or none during Spring) the rest of the time. I have done tons of NE tight tree skiing and they have yet to tear. The only problem is that the stitching inside one of the powder cuffs has torn a bit, but it is repairable. The pants breathe well, the leg zippers allow you to vent while hiking/skinning, and the low bib design kept me dry in chest-deep BC powder. I cannot say enough good things about these pants.

These pants are worth every penny. Skiing under the worst circumstances simply doesn’t affect you when wearing this garment.

These are a solid pair of bibs and have stood up well to the abuse I've given them while on ski patrol. Completely waterproof and very breathable. The fit is a bit large - consider getting a size smaller than you might otherwise.

These bibs are excellent. I have used them on numerous mountaineering and backcountry snowboarding trips. The dual zipper design allows for easy heat venting while hiking and climbing and allows you to put on the bibs without taking the boots off. The built in gaiters have never allowed snow into my boots. They do not limit movement for either technical rock or ice climbing, and they have been able to withstand several chimneys and offwidths without showing almost any wear. The price is steep but they are worth every penny.

Although I had buyer's remorse after ordering these bibs. My wife and I have both been wearing Arc'teryx coats for a number of years with absolutely no regrets. After I received these bibs, I was impressed with the fit and quality. After wearing them for three straight days skiing in CO, I would recommend them to anyone who likes the flexibility of tailoring their base layer to the conditions and covering it all up with a top-notch minimalist styled shell. These bibs are expensive, but worth it in the long run as you won't go looking for another style in a year or two.

Bought the Formula 1 red with the black Theta SK pants. These pants work great. They are shells (i.e. no insulation or liner), but a layer underneath works fine. They would be a perfect 5 IF they had pants pockets. There are two tiny pockets on the bib part, but no pants pockets. I really miss the pants pockets.

I had to purchased these at the last minute prior to a Utah BC trip to replace a lost pair of Obermeyer pants. These ARE really nice pants, but other more functional, alternatives do exist for a lot less money. Had my local shops had the North Face Summit Series Mountain Pant available in my size, I would have gone with that. They were available for $210 locally (compared to $399 for the Theta SK... cheaper here on backcountry.com, but I couldn't wait). The zipper technology is the same, both are Goretex XCR and the North Face adds a thigh pocket that I have found pretty useful on other pants. The Theta's do have a really nice articulated pant leg that conforms very nicely to the bend in your knees when skiing. My recommendation is to try them both and see if you can justify the added cost of the Arc'Teryx.

Second pair I got (first "taken over" by my 60+ yr-old ski-bum aunt from HK who fell in love with them at first sight). Positives???... The simple/minimalist design was what sold me up front; the pants are REAL comfortable, all zippers and snap-ons work smoothly. The workmanship is top-notch.... Couldn't be happier.... Negatives???... Kind of expensive AND hard to find (perseverance and patience in the shopping process MAY pay-off.... did for me). Bottom line???... Highly recommended.

Great pants! So well constructed, bullet-proof is the best description. And they weigh half as much as the same pants from Marmot, probably because of the new Goretex fabric. I have a pair of the LT that I use for Spring skiing. Can't wait for the snow to fly this year.

I loved the bibs as they were extremely well mad - the material is way above par. I would highly recommend these bibs. My one and only problem with them was they are sized too small. When I called in the order, the salesman did not share that bit of information so I ended up with too tight a fit. I would have ordered them in a larger size but they were not available or back-ordered.

I used these pants for today and yesterday after freezing with soft shell pants in the Wasatch. I'm really pleased, they aren’t perfect, but they are pretty good.

Positives are they fit well, are durable and windproof. Together with a MH power base layer, I was warm. I love the fact they have a front and back bib, which keeps snow coming in, also a zip, which you need.

The only negatives are the regular is just a touch not long enough (I am 5'9" and 150lb), but the small size fit well. Also the top bib is a little loose, it doesn't matter, but I don't know why they didn't make it adjustable.

The bottom line is I'm happy, they look good, feel good, and work well.

This pant exceeded my expectations and is by far the best ski pant I have ever owned. The other day I skied in the pouring rain and was bone dry the whole time. The zippers and articulated knees are the best. I am a slender guy but the paint fits snug around the waist. Apparently the pant is made to fight this way and has not been a problem for me; just thought that I would mention it.

Seem to be very good quality but have not had the opportunity to use them in the snow yet.

These bibs are built ridiculously well. It's typical Arc'teryx craftsmanship, but I think they went above and beyond on these bibs. Based on the tough material these are made of, it's hard to believe they will ever wear out - and I hope they don't. They're completely waterproof and extremely comfortable in a range of temperatures, which must mean they breathe very well. I've used the side zips (water-tight when closed) to vent in warmer conditions and they work great. I wouldn't recommend taking a seat in the pow with the vents open though. I managed to fill most of my pant leg with some shockingly-cold pow when I forgot to zip the vents back closed. Can't say anything bad about these bibs - I'd give 'em more than 5 stars if I could.

Super durable bibs that go up high enough to keep the snow out. Thickest bib arc makes. A little baggier than the SL. Great for lift accessed terrain and the occasional romp in the BC. I wouldn't want to tour all the time in these though. Something a little breathable for those blue bird perfect days is a must.