I am surprised by the positive reviews thus far. This jacket will not keep you dry for more than an hour in a rain storm. It does not breathe well (very hot) and fits poorly. Any cheaper brand, (ems ect.) will perform the same for half the price.
The only positive is its compressibility and quick drying. However I would never rely on this jacket on a backpacking trip or for anything more than an hour or two in moderate rain. I spent a few bucks more and got an OR jacket with Gore-Tex. Huge difference.

as with the rain shadow jacket, these pants are hardly waterproof in heavy rain and do not breathe. You will get wet even in no rain from transpiration build up on the inside. They are not easy to get on over hiking boots and ride up the ankles. ankle zippers come unzipped if left partly open to fit over boots. Without gaiters they are worthless.
Plus=compressible. also they seem to have minor rippage with lots of use so I guess the 'ripstop' works well.

price aside, this is an amazing baselayer. The 3 is very warm for how light it is. THis base layer can be worn alone in cool weather and with a fleece over it is fine for cold vermont winters. I wear a wool zip neck 3 with a wool 4 crew and a shell in January in Burlingon VT and am toasty. Highly recommended if you can get a good price.
the only cons are that the cuffs tend to stretch easily on all the patagonia base layers, especially wool, and hangs kinda baggy if its your top layer. Also the crew is not long enough in the back and tends to ride up more than the zip necks.

very warm yet very light, can be worn in almost any condition. Excellent as a stand alone base layer under a rain coat in cool, heavy rain. fits snug, sleeves are a little longer than normal. cuffs tend to stretch easily and do not return to tight fit. Like all Patagonia gear, it is overpriced.
despite the ridiculous prices, Patagonia has by far the best baselayers (especially wool) of any brand (but lousy jackets and rain gear).

I have subjected these pants to the most extreme conditions possible. They have withstood daily field work (walking miles through thick brush), light rain, 60mph winds, days in the desert, volcano treks, glacier traveling, backpacking and they are still in 1 piece. Never too hot or not warm enough. I haven't tried them skiing yet, but they should be alright. They are on the tight side, and are not water proof so I would want to fall in deep powder with them. I recommend them as a 4 season pant but would avoid the slopes with them. go for the more water resistant, ski friendly super guide or Chute pants for skiing/riding.