Alright, you know I'm a fan of Columbia's Omni-Heat: reflective dots that put escaping heat back into your body. Now, they're in my pants.
When Columbia brought me to Park City, Utah for a few days of gear testing, these pants were there to meet me, and I was sure glad to see them. My time there was mostly spent outside in winter storm conditions, all while wearing the Ridge to Run™ II Pants. My legs didn't freeze and fall off, so mission accomplished from Columbia. Not so fast though.
In addition to the incredible warm-for-its-weight Omni-Heat you'll also find the shell made from Omni-Tech, a proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane. I've had good results with this same fabric in the past and it's never let me down.
In the video I mention the vents on the inside leg of the pants. I wasn't too sure when I first found them there, but it makes sense if you want to regulate your heat. It gets built up between your legs, not on the outside. I found myself having to unzip more with zippers on the outside of the legs than I do with these. That means less zipper and less weight; always a good thing in the backcountry.
A reinforced cuff guard comes standard along with internal gaiters. Those weren't a surprise, but the fit is. My waist measures 33" and my inseam is about 34". A medium sits perfectly on my waist.
Speaking of the waist, I don't need a belt because of the adjustable tabs. The Ridge to Run™ II's don't include suspender tabs but I never use those either. Two buttons and a patch of velcro keep it secure and the zipper is easy to work even while wearing gloves.
Pros
Great fit (not too baggy or tight for skiing)
Fashionable color (Dark Compass)
Inside leg vents
Lightweight
Durable
Omni-Heat
Inexpensive ($120 retail)
Cons
No suspender tabs (if that matters to you)
Could be 1" longer though I am a 34" inseam
Links
Columbia Ridge to Run™ II Pants: http://goo.gl/3yOt0H
More gear reviews: http://goo.gl/0x4zz
