When the way to the peak requires us to utilize all our hard skills and embrace harsh conditions, we pack along Outdoor Research's Headwall GORE-TEX 3L Pant. The separating side zips make it easy to zip this pair on once we reach the headwall. As we climb, the wind- and waterproof construction shuts out frigid winds and ice crumbles, while the bomber scuff guards armor us against our crampons.