One pair of world class weatherproof pants are Marmot's Liquid Steel pants. These are Marmot's matching pants for their Liquid Steel Jacket. Like the jacket, the Liquid Steel pants are a technical shell designed to keep out foul weather, while at the same time they are designed to be as breathable and lightweight as possible.

The Liquid Steel pants are made out of Gore-Tex XCR three-layer fabric, which is considered by the majority of experts to be the most breathable shell material available. The advantage of this is that not only does Gore-Tex XCR keep water out, it reduces the amount of moisture that builds up within your pants, making it much more comfortable over a wide range of temperatures.

Some of the other key features of the Liquid Steel pants include:

• The shell fabric is micro-stitched and then seam taped to ensure that water can't seep in between seams.
  
  
• Potential high abrasion areas, such as the seat, knees, and ankles have been reinforced for durability.
   
• The waist is elastic and adjustable.
  
  
• Each leg has full-length, waterproof zippers. This not only makes it easier to put on or remove the pants, but the zippers can be adjusted to allow in more air for ventilation. You can put on or remove the pants even if you are wearing your boots.
   
• The knees are articulated so make it easier for you to move.
  
  
• The men's pants have a zip fly.
  
  
• Included are removable, adjustable suspenders.
   
• A rear zip pocket allows you to store small gear in a handy location.

The Liquid Steel pants weighs about 21 ounces. While you can find waterproof pants that weigh less, they won't be as breathable.

Using the Liquid Steel Pants in the Real World

The Liquid Steel pants are best used when the temperature drops below 60 degrees (when being active), and all the way down to the coldest temperatures you can imagine. It is great for blocking wind, rain, sleet, and snow.

Under heavy exertion, and depending on the temperature, moisture will build up inside the pants, despite the Gore-Tex XCR material. But this problem can be minimized with by wearing a wicking base layer and opening up the zippers to let out the moisture. As you probably know, your legs are less sensitive than your torso to temperature and moisture, and you probably find that the parts are very comfortable, no matter what the weather.

As the temperature drops, the pants are sized to leave lots of room for your base and insulation layers. The base layer you will want to wear (light, medium, expedition) will vary with the weather. You will probably also be wearing a pair of hiking pants, or perhaps fleece pants, all of which fit very nicely inside the Liquid Steel pants.

When you are not wearing the pants, they fold down to about the size of grapefruit, not taking up too much space in your pack, although you can find jackets that up less space, they will not be as breathable.

Recommendation

If you need tough, breathable, waterproof pants to wear in cool or cold weather, then you should consider the Marmot Liquid Steel pants. If you will be in warm weather, or feel that you will rarely, if ever need to wear rain gear, then you might want to consider lighter weight pants, such as Marmot's Precip pants.

Product Notes

The Liquid Steel pants are available for both men and women in a variety sizes, but on only one color: black. The pants retails for $250.00. Marmot also offers the matching Liquid Steel Jacket, which is also reviewed on this website.