For the last 35 years, Outdoor Research has been making highly functional accessories and outwear used by adventurers throughout the world. They began by making a single set of gaiters and now have a full line of clothing, shells, gloves, hats, and accessories that truly follow their motto of “designed by adventure.” Following their tradition, the men’s Mentor Pants are designed for full protection and unsurpassed range of movement in harsh mountain environments.

Colors: Black

Sizes: XS – XXL

Weight: 20.7 oz/585 g (Large)

Material: GORE-TEX Pro 40d throughout the main body and GORE-TEX Pro Stretch 70d on the knees, seat, and thighs. The stretch panels not only increase comfort and maneuverability, they also improve the strength and abrasion resistance on the highest-stress areas of the pants.

Fit: Trim athletic fit

MSRP: $425

Unique features: The Mentor Pants have removable suspenders in tandem with a drop seat that makes relieving oneself in the wilderness not such a daunting task. These pants also have full side zips that make donning or doffing much less of a hassle while wearing crampons or boots. The legs of the pants are also tapered to fit closely around the top edge of mountaineering boots.

Application: From Outdoor Research:

The fully featured Mentor Pants™ are the most technical ice and alpine climbing pants available anywhere. I could see these pants used in any environment where full weather protection is vital in a highly active environment.

Bottom Line: I have owned multiple Outdoor Research products over the years, from gloves and hats to gaiters, jackets, and pants. Not once have their products failed me or not performed as promised. There is a reason that, for over a decade, U.S. Special Operations forces have been using Outdoor Research gloves and gaiters for use in extreme mountain environments. If you are looking for pants to battle the elements, look no further.

These pants can be purchased here.

Images courtesy of Outdoor Research