montbell u.l. wind pants

I bought these pants to use instead of my MEC Rad pants during three season hiking. They provide sufficient warmth, excellent wind resistance and are surprisingly water resistant. They are not advertised as water proof and they are not, but have stood up to 30 minutes of light to moderate rain, and heavy wind blown fog. In other words they will not take the place of rain gear but provide fine short term (read time to set up your campsite) protection. Montbell's sizing seems a little wonky to me. To get the right size waist I had to put up with pant legs that were way too long. No worries here – I simply hemmed them and while I was at it installed elastic cuffs. I like these pants and use them in conjunction with the UL wind parka.

Cheers

thanks for your comments. I plan on using these in above 40-degree F temps so I don't mind if some water gets through as long as they provide water and wind resistance (and thus some warmth)

I just got a pair of these and I like them alot.

Amazing how light they are. I'm a 31 waist and got a small, so its a little too tight. I plan on sending them back for a medium but otherwise these things are really cool.

Articulated knees, not too baggy, not too tight and the fabric isn't too loud when you walk.

One of the best investments I have made on new gear. These things are great, they pack up to the size of half a banana, they weigh almost nothing and they really are comfortable.

Dustin,
I agree! I can't wait to get my right size.

Whats your waist size and what size pants did you buy?

-Peter

Back in the Arctic 1000 days, Ryan and the others were going to wear either the Montbell UL windpants or the Montane windpants. In two separate posts, one or the other was listed, but I think they went with the Montane pair (if I remember correctly). Why? I would guess the form-fit of the Montane and the fact that the Pertex Microlight fabric is more breathable (and maybe more durable) for covering alot of miles in a day. The Montane do weigh at least an ounce more than the Montbell. Or maybe Montbell didn't jump on the sponsorship wagon until too late.

I had to go check, then laughed as I realised I cut the tag off of them. But IIRC I ordered a small and had to send them back for a medium. They fit perfectly now.

I am 5'8", 145 lbs. waist 32 inseam 30 to 31.

i'm surprised a medium isn't long on you…, because i'm 5'10" and the small fit me lengthwise.

Can anyone tell me how big the mediums are around the waist and how long they are? Thanks.

I don't have the dimensions buy i called montbell and found out a small piece of the puzzle..

medium is about 1 inch wider when put ontop of a small in loose position.

medium is 2 inches longer in length in than small. ;p

Johann,

I normally wear a 30" waist x 32" inseam. For example my REI Mistral pants in this size are a little loose in the butt and legs.

I buy 32" X 32" Levi jeans, wash them in hot water, and they fit just fine after shrinking (don't use these for hiking!).

The Montbell medium UL windpants fit me snug around the waist. The length is a true 32" inseam, maybe longer. The legs fit rather snug. This is fine for me because I only use them over very light pants or shorts. I like them snug around the legs, because I seldom hike on maintained trails. If I were to wear them over anything thicker, I would need a large. I don't use them in cooler weather, but wear soft shell pants or some other option. So I would say go one size higher than normal. The waist has a elastic band that keeps them snug, but will probably loosen up over time. They also have a drawstring cord for the waist. They do a good job. I don't bring them with me much. I do bring the UL windshirt on almost everytrip. Some folks complain they are not very breathable, but they work great for me.

Thanks Nick. I wear 31"x32" 501's. Looks like medium is long enough then.

I just got the medium sized Montbell u.l. wind pants and they seem to fit perfect on me. I'm 5'10" and 140lbs.

I took out the cord in the waist b/c the stretchy waist seems to hold just fine on its own without being too tight.

Weight w/ the stuff sack and w/out the cord comes to 2.22oz. 8)