I purchased the Pro Tights for skiing. I'm 6'1", 180 lbs, and a very agressive off piste skier. Now in my mid-30's, the pangs of a hard day have become more noticeable in the lower back and knees. The Pro Tights are very well made and tailored, and fit like a glove. However, the claims of less muscle fatigue weren't immediately noticed. I did feel good afterward, but I guess there is no quick substitute for pre-season conditioning. I give the termal properties an average grade at best, but I don't know if the manufacturer claims this to be a major attribute. I wore them under North Face Patrol pants with XCR Gore-Tex on a breezy high 30's day on Mammoth Mountain. Bottom line, great fitting pants, but maybe not worth the case. I think I may get similar or possibly better performance from a termal half the cost.

I've gotten a few days in with the Patrol Pants, and I'm very happy with my purchase. They're a little more expensive than the average pant, but premier fabrics usually dictate this inevitability. That being said, they seem to be worth the little extra. I've gotten in blue-bird days, a 15F storm day, and windy days, and the pants worked great. I was a little concerned at their minimalist stature, both in weight and thickness. This proved not to be an issue, as the 3-layer Gore-Tex XCR more than held its own. I wear a mid weight Patagonia thermal underneath, and I'm ready for all conditions. Not too many negatives. A thigh pocket would be nice however.