I use these pants primarily for backcountry skiing, where they perform to the highest level. A lightweight, bombproof pair of waterproof pants which fit well. The thin waist belt fits seemlessly under harness or Bergan waist belt with no rubbing or rucking. The slim fit does allow for lightweight belay pants to be used underneath but above a baselayer, for those pre dawn starts or foul weather hold ups. Great instep protection gives years of use, taking the punishment from crampon and ski edge. An additional hip pocket would be useful on sunny days, when with jacket stowed quick access to lipsalve, Sun cream etc is required. Overall, a superb pair of waterproof pants that will give years of hard use.

After looking at several pairs of over trousers I decided to go for the beta AR. The main reason was the long side zips which make it easy to quickly put them on over boots.

As with all arcteryx the quality is superb. You do pay a premium for this but the facewest Xmas discount helped. I went for the large size and the fit is perfect for me @ 6'1 tall, 32waist & 33 inside leg.

Bought a pair of these a year or so back to replace a cheap pair of trousers. Biggest difference and advantage is the longer side zips allows the trousers to be put on over big winter boots quickly. Internal cuff and instep patches keep snow out and offer additional protection to the fabric where my old trousers had holes from crampons.Of course having bought these they now seem to spend most of there time in the backpack but low weight helps.