I am in LOVE with these pants. I literally tried on about 10 others, all different brands and styles, before I found these. Here's why they are the best: Slim fit which means they look really, really (!) great on. I have received so many compliments! They are not too baggy yet not too tight. I've worn them this winter in New Hampshire and the Eastern Sierra's while ice climbing, alpine mountaineering, and rock scrambling ... and they are flexible enough for all kinds of knee/hip bending. The fabric is strong and super comfy. Slight strechyness to it and there is a light fleece lining on the inside which is soft (and warm). Have not been in these in a down pour - but have worn them in light rain as well as snow -- and stayed warm and dry throughout. In very cold weather I wear base layer underneath. Once when it was not cold enough for that, I wore them without base layer bottoms, and did feel the wind coming through. Being very picky -- I would also suggest that the pockets -- which I love -- are a little too deep: I keep my lip balm in my hip pocket and it slipped down to my thigh, which made it challenging to "dig" out. And I'm tall - 5'9" the regular length are about 1 1/2" too short. (With gaiters on that doesn't really matter). But if there is a long version - I would def. get those. Overall I highly recommend these, they are well worth the price.