What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I keep these in my daypack for hikes where the forecast looks iffy, and they've kept me completely dry through some surprisingly heavy showers. The side zips vent easily on the climbs, so I never feel like I'm cooking inside them."Weather on the trail rarely shows up on the forecast before we head out, and the Namche Hike GTX Pant is there for the moment clouds roll in, and rain starts falling. Fully waterproof GORE-TEX construction keeps legs dry through the downpour, so a shift in conditions becomes a minor inconvenience instead of a reason to turn back. Three-quarter side zips with an upper slider vent heat on the climbs, keeping things comfortable even as the pace picks up, while articulated knees allow natural movement over rocky, uneven terrain. A lightweight, part-elasticated waistband adds structure without extra bulk, and the recycled, fluorocarbon-free fabric keeps environmental impact lower without giving up any weather protection.