Reviewed in March, 2020

This is the year of down pants. I know that’s a ridiculous statement, but it’s true. Leave it to the Tour Divide racers to push the limits of comfort and packability. Racers will sleep 4 hours or less and wake up before the sun rises, which makes for some truly cold starts. It’s not to say that these ultralight down pants won’t work on the bike as well. In races like the Silk Road and the Tour Divide - those passes that you trudged up must be descended too.

from benedicto:

Reviewed in March, 2020

LONG TERM REPORT

During the long term test period the MontBell Insulated Pants were continued to be worn on many cold weather trips in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA and Ontario, Canada. Elevation ranged from above 600 ft (180 m) to almost 2000 ft (610 m).

During the test period I wore the MontBell Insulated Pants on several multi-day trips. The winter trips were of different variety including lodge, rustic cabin and snow camping. I wore them on all trips for various purposes. They included snowshoeing and cross country skiing or just sitting around trying to keep warm.

The pants remain comfortable. They are easy to slip on and remove. I have worn them over light wool long underwear as well as heavier wool tights. They accommodate other layers well. I do have to take my boots or camp slippers off to get them over my feet but that is not a problem when inside.

I suspect that I would wear them most seasons of the year here for camp wear except for about two warmer months of summer. The pants remain in great shape and show no signs of deterioration such as popped stitches or abrasions.

from BackpackGearTest

Reviewed in March, 2020

LONG TERM REPORT

Even after four months, I am still gushing about these pants to anyone that will listen. I have continued to use them for the same activities as above including snowshoeing, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, lounging, and recently a day of ski touring. They are a great addition to any of these activities. I have been based around Vancouver for the past two months, so most of my snow days have been spent at Whistler or Cypress and the surrounding areas. The temperatures have been anywhere from +1 C (34 F) to -10 C (14 F).

I would recommend a pair of down insulated pants, and in particular these mont-bell pants to any winter adventurer. For me, they were a great addition under a Gortex layer for many winter activities. They kept me warm but were so light weight that I didn't find myself getting bogged down. They also work great as loungewear or as an addition to my sleep system. They are incredibly comfortable with no extra bells or whistles to get in the way or add any discomfort. They are a simple, but elegant solution to the cold.

from BackpackGearTest

At under 7 ounces, the Light Down Pant has been a great layer for alpine exploring in the Pacific Northwest. Ideal for a summit layer, I’ve worn these on Mount Baker and other peaks. They provide enough comfort to spend time enjoying the summit, rather than bolting down. Perfectly versatile, I wear them around camp and as an added sleep layer on the coldest nights. They belong in every outdoor enthusiast’s arsenal.

from Heather "ANISH" Anderson