Contributions by Jesse W. (3)

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.

These pants are amazing. They burly beyond compare (triple stitching in places, thick, resilient, stiff canvas), and yet have a chamois waste lining and a wonderfully comfortable feel and fit. I wear them for everyday comfort, but I like best to put them to use as work pants: they are exceptionally good for working theatrical tech - loading weight, moving equipment; they don't snag and will stand up to any sort of abrasion or wear you throw at them. Nice, roomy pockets are a plus too. Fantastics pants. I'm going to get a few more pairs.

I've always had an affinity for Arc'teryx gear, or at least, for as much of it as I can afford. I've been exceptionally pleased. The fit is snug all around - it's almost magic how it feels cozy with just a t-shirt on underneath yet is spacious enough not to feel constricting when it's got a couple of layers under it. The design is simple and functional - I don't feel as though any part of the jacket is extraneous or showy. The zipper has a nice interior flap to protect you from the elements and aid insulation, and the signature laminated pockets work smoothly and don't seem to leak heat. The jacket also runs a little farther down the back than the front; you don't find the back slipping up when you bend forward. All-round this is an excellent garment. It looks good, fits nicely, and performs as a layer or stand-alone. Just remember that it's not wind-proof.