We love us some Gore-Tex, and their Active three layer fabric is their most breathable waterproof lovingness to date. Patagonia has done the wonder textile justice with their Leashless pant, an alpine climbing hardshell that is multi-epic capable.
The official description of the Leashless includes both the words "regular" and "slim" relative to the fit. The legs might be regular-ish, but the thighs and seat area are definitely slim, so if you're at all muscular (or fluffy! Go team dad-bod!) in those areas you'll likely need a size up from your normal.
If these pants fit you, you will have the most advanced alpine climbing pants around. The articulation is perfect and the features are exactly what they should be: a hook for your laces to keep your cuffs down, crampon patches on the instep, and only two pockets placed exactly where God and Yvon Chouinard intended, which is on the upper thigh, well below harness level.
The waist features a drawstring, snap and two-way zipper, the last being the most important for relieving yourself while in the aforementioned harness. The cuffs also have a drawcord, snap and generous 13-inch zipper for easy on/off over boots. These are ridiculously perfect pants, and they are priced accordingly, so start saving if you must have the best.
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