Marmot PreCip Full Zip Pant - Men's

I've used these mainly for spring backcountry skiing where the only real use for any pair of pants is keeping you cool on the skin up and keeping things dry on the ski down. The fabric is very delicate, so if you crash on a rock or get too close to a tree, be prepared for a snag. My only other reservation is that the full zip, when used as a vent, requires both hands and a little too much coordination to zip up again. No gaiters means that you're better off using something more technical for powder. If I hiked in rainier weather than the Wasatch and Tetons they'd have a perminent place in my summer pack.

Great pants for easy hikes in mild weather. great for beginning mountaineers

I can fairly say I put these to the test: they were the shell pant I used on my 31-day NOLS course in the Wind River Range. Through that time I found them to be plainly decent - no more, no less. Good side: Light as shell pants go, full zips are INCREDIBLY useful for taking on and off, I would never buy anything but a full zip, reasonably waterproof/breathable, and a great price. Bad side: Zippers are pretty poor; I'm not a big fan of the precip technology, neither my jacket nor my pants perform well at all; the pant is not very durable. At the end of my course I not only had a rip in the thigh (not their fault, I did it by accident, stuff happens) but also the pants had worn through in the butt and on the knees from use on rock. A good starter pant, but only buy them if you can't afford better.

Even though the full zip version is somewhat heavier, the time saved by not having to remove your boots is worth it. Very important when time is of the essence. This version seems to be more rugged than the pull-ons. Heavier duty material. Great for winter activities.

Though the pants had good breathability and waterproofness, the full length zippers are overkill and repeatedly got stuck in the underlying flap of material during the course of one year's wear in the backcountry. Made quick on/ off difficult, a true must for the Montana Rockies.

These are what I take backpacking, hiking or as an emergency waterproof layer on alpine climbs to go over my softshell pants. They are pretty durable for their weight and a good medium fitting pant (not tight or loose). They shed the water very well. Would like to see a waterproof zipper running down the sides to reduce bulk and weight more.