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2008 Mountain Hardwear Xenon | Reviewed On: May 1, 2009
Gear Reviews>>Pants>>Waterproof>>Mountain Hardwear XenonPRODUCT SUMMARY
By Swiss Miss
THE GOOD
Full side zips: The zippers are not waterproof which I like because they don't get stuck easily. Instead they have a generous weather flap. Accessing buckles, kneepads (for teleskiing), and easy on and off is simple with these pants. I wish they had a third intermediate zipper for more ventilation options.
Fit: Mountain Hardwear's sizing is right on for these pants. They come up a little higher in the back to keep the snow out and are good for my longer legs.
Fabric: Gore-Tex Performance Shell keeps you dry no matter what. The face fabric has a smooth finish that is soft to the touch and glides easily over rocks and ice.
THE BAD
Powdercuffs: good design but they're a little too tight around my AT boots which makes them tough to snap, especially with mittens on.
Durability: I'm noticing a few very small patches of delamination of the Gore-Tex laminate near the cuffs. I'm not too worried about it now, but I'll be watching it closely.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Xenon pants are a great choice for backcountry skiers in wet environments. They are as lightweight and breathable as many softshell pants with all the weather protection and durability you need in the backcountry. Full side zips are great for easy on and off and ventilation on warmer days.
By Swiss Miss
THE GOOD
Full side zips: The zippers are not waterproof which I like because they don't get stuck easily. Instead they have a generous weather flap. Accessing buckles, kneepads (for teleskiing), and easy on and off is simple with these pants. I wish they had a third intermediate zipper for more ventilation options.
Fit: Mountain Hardwear's sizing is right on for these pants. They come up a little higher in the back to keep the snow out and are good for my longer legs.
Fabric: Gore-Tex Performance Shell keeps you dry no matter what. The face fabric has a smooth finish that is soft to the touch and glides easily over rocks and ice.
THE BAD
Powdercuffs: good design but they're a little too tight around my AT boots which makes them tough to snap, especially with mittens on.
Durability: I'm noticing a few very small patches of delamination of the Gore-Tex laminate near the cuffs. I'm not too worried about it now, but I'll be watching it closely.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Xenon pants are a great choice for backcountry skiers in wet environments. They are as lightweight and breathable as many softshell pants with all the weather protection and durability you need in the backcountry. Full side zips are great for easy on and off and ventilation on warmer days.
OUR ADVICE
AVG USER ADVICE
Solid
AVG USER ADVICE
n/a
| VALUE | 4/5, $250 is expensive but expect to pay that for any Gore-Tex performance shell pant. |
|---|---|
| COMFORT | 4/5, Fit is good and well articulated (but I wish they made them with bibs!) |
| MITTEN TEST | 3/5, Most of the zippers have nice big pulls but the powder cuffs can be tricky. |
| WATERPROOF | 5/5, Exactly what you'd expect from a Gore-tex pant. |
| BREATHABILITY | 4/5, Good for a hardshell, especially because of the side zips. |
Gear Reviews>>Pants>>Waterproof>>Mountain Hardwear Xenon
PRODUCT SPECS
| AVG PRICE | $250.00 |
|---|---|
| WEIGHT | 1lb 6oz |
| AVAILABLE SIZES | Womens XS-XL |
| FABRIC | Gore Tex Performance Shell |
| REINFORCEMENTS | Ankle |
| SEAM TAPED | Yes, fully |
| COLORS | Black |
| SIDE ZIPS | Full |
| WAIST | Velcro adjust, integrated belt |
| POWDER CUFFS | Yes, with grip elastic |
| POCKETS | 2 Handwarmer, 1 thigh, 1 rear, all waterproof |
| BEST USE | Backcountry skiing |
| WARRANTY | Lifetime |
SIMILAR PRODUCTS
 |
PRIMO FLASH PANTS | Best in Test | $350.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
EXUM PANTS | Best in Test | $349.95 |
 |
MAYA | Solid | $140.00 |
 |
SHELT ER PANTS | Solid | $218.00 |
 |
TRINI TY BADLA NDS HARDS HELL PANTS | Solid | $150.00 |
