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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Pros<br /><br />Great fit (not too baggy or tight for skiing)<br />Fashionable color (Dark Compass)<br />Inside leg vents<br />Lightweight<br />Durable<br />Omni-Heat<br />Inexpensive ($120 retail)<br />Cons<br /><br />No suspender tabs (if that matters to you)<br />Could be 1" longer though I am a 34" inseam<br />Links<br /><br />Columbia Ridge to Run™ II Pants: http://goo.gl/3yOt0H<br /><br />More gear reviews: http://goo.gl/0x4zz
