Salewa

Ortles GTX Pro Stretch Pant - Men's

Sublime

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

XL

Height:

5' 11"

Weight:

225

It was not easy to make this purchase with no really meaningful reviews available. After all, Ortles is not a household name in the United States, at least not in my household. I think part of my hesitation has to do with my experience with European pants being cut strangely. Well, for all of you who hesitated to get these mountaineering pants at such a steep discount I have one word for you: SUCKERS! These are fantastic. My head was dizzying with delight seeing all of the features, the cut and the quality in these. Just so you know, they ARE worth the $650 list price. They are just that good. I should have known that from the country that brought us the Ferrari, Maserati and Armani wouldn't let me down. I wasn't able to find the denier of the material, but it feels like an 80, but more pliable. The side zippers are truly full side zips. They are a clever two zipper design (with nice watertight zippers) where the upper zipper covers the top of the lower zipper results in no bunching at the knees. The internal gaiter is also brilliant. At 13 1/2" It is more than long enough, can be removed entirely by a zipper, has two choices for diameter via two sets of velcro fasteners, and have a boot / lace hook that can be stowed in its own pocket. The boot hook is attached to the gaiter and positioned toward the front of the pant leg. I don't know how Salewa did it, but they managed to cut these pants so they aren't floppy or baggy and fit over my thighs while still allowing me to be in a full squat without binding. (FYI I am 5'11" 225, 52 inch chest and I lift heavy and often.) I am referring to the size XL pants in this review. I have literally spent 2 years looking for the right solution for myself and I could not be happier. Other notables are crampon patches, a zipper fly for easy access, very good suspenders and a brilliant waist adjustment. I was determined to find bib pants, but I think these may be a better option. I don't use the pants pockets because something will get destroyed. I put the avalanche transceiver in an interior zipped pocket in my jacket, so a kangaroo pouch isn't that important to me. Thanks for reading.