Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s Review

First Impressions of Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s promises a versatile solution for skiers who split their time between resort runs and backcountry adventures. Mountain Hardwear aims to deliver a pant that blends sustainability with high performance. The eco-conscious design, utilizing recycled materials and a fluorinated chemical-free GORE-TEX membrane, immediately piqued my interest.

As someone who spends countless days on the slopes, often transitioning from groomed trails to off-piste explorations, I needed a pant that could handle diverse conditions. My old ski pants, while reliable, lacked the breathability needed for strenuous backcountry climbs. I was specifically searching for a waterproof, breathable pant that wouldn’t leave me feeling like I was skiing in a plastic bag.

Upon unboxing, the Cloud Bank Pant felt robust and well-constructed. The recycled polyester face fabric felt durable and the 2-layer GORE-TEX construction inspires confidence. The weight, at 22.7 oz, felt reasonable for a pant with these features. Comparing it to my Arcteryx Sentinel AR pant, which offers similar levels of weather protection, the Cloud Bank Pant felt slightly less bulky, which is a plus for mobility. I also considered the Patagonia PowSlayer pant, but the Cloud Bank Pant stood out due to its body-mapped insulation, promising extra warmth where I need it most.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The promise of sustainable materials and versatile performance was appealing, but I was eager to see how the pant would perform in the demanding conditions of the backcountry. I was excited to put them to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s during a day of resort skiing followed by a short sidecountry hike. The conditions were typical for late season in the Rockies: sunny skies, firm groomers in the morning, and softening snow as the day warmed up. The pant performed admirably during the resort portion of the day.

The articulated fit allowed for a full range of motion while carving turns, and the GORE-TEX fabric kept me dry from the occasional splash of slush. The real test came during the sidecountry hike. The integrated thigh vents proved essential for preventing overheating during the uphill climb. These inner thigh vents effectively dumped heat without allowing snow to enter, a crucial design element. I appreciated the breathability of the GORE-TEX membrane, which minimized sweat buildup. There were no immediate issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s has proven to be a reliable and versatile piece of gear. I’ve worn them in a variety of conditions, from frigid single-digit temperatures to warmer spring days, and they’ve consistently delivered solid performance. The durability of the 150D recycled polyester face fabric has been impressive.

There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even in high-abrasion areas like the knees and seat. The reinforced CORDURA kickpatches around the bottom hem have effectively protected the pant from ski edge damage. Maintenance has been straightforward; I simply machine wash them with a GORE-TEX specific detergent and tumble dry on low. Compared to my older non-GORE-TEX pants, the Cloud Bank Pant is significantly more waterproof and breathable. It outperforms them in wet conditions, keeping me dry and comfortable all day long.

Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s

Specifications

• Fabric/Material: GORE-TEX ePE 150D 2-Layer: 100% Recycled Polyester. This sustainably sourced fabric offers excellent waterproof and breathable protection.
• Lining Material: 20D Nylon Taffeta. This provides a smooth and comfortable feel against the skin.
• Weight: 22.7 oz. A good balance between durability and lightweight performance.
• Inseam Size: Regular. Fit is as expected.
• Pockets: Zippered. Secure storage for essential items.
• Apparel Fit: Standard. Allows for layering without being too baggy.
• Insulation: Body-mapped 60g at the seat and knees and 40g. Strategic insulation provides warmth where it’s needed most without adding unnecessary bulk.
• Fastener/Closure Type: Zippered Front Fly And Belt Loops. Secure and adjustable fit.

These specifications translate to a pant that is both environmentally conscious and performance-oriented. The recycled polyester face fabric reduces environmental impact, while the GORE-TEX membrane ensures waterproof and breathable protection. The body-mapped insulation enhances warmth without compromising mobility. The zippered pockets provide secure storage for essentials, and the standard fit allows for comfortable layering.

Performance & Functionality

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s excels at providing reliable weather protection and comfortable mobility on the slopes. The waterproof GORE-TEX membrane keeps you dry in wet snow, while the breathable fabric prevents overheating during strenuous activity. The articulated fit and gusseted crotch allow for a full range of motion, essential for skiing and snowboarding.

One of the pant’s strengths is its versatility. It’s equally at home on groomed runs as it is in the backcountry. The inner thigh vents allow you to regulate your temperature during uphill climbs, while the reinforced kickpatches protect the pant from ski edge damage. The biggest weakness is the lack of a dedicated beacon pocket. This beacon pocket is a significant oversight for backcountry enthusiasts. While the hand pockets are spacious, they are not ideally located for carrying a transceiver. It meets expectations for resort use, but backcountry skiers may want to consider an alternative with a dedicated beacon pocket.

Design & Ergonomics

The Cloud Bank Pant features a clean and functional design. The fit is athletic without being restrictive, and the articulated knees allow for a natural range of motion. The materials used feel high-quality and durable. The weight is reasonable, considering the level of weather protection and insulation offered.

The pant is user-friendly and requires minimal learning curve. The integrated belt is easy to adjust, and the snap closures at the cuffs allow you to customize the fit around your boots. The pockets are well-placed and easy to access, even with gloves on.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s is built to last. The reinforced kickpatches and durable face fabric are designed to withstand the rigors of skiing and snowboarding. With proper care, these pants should provide many seasons of reliable performance.

Maintaining the pant is easy. Machine wash with a GORE-TEX specific detergent and tumble dry on low. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the GORE-TEX membrane.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cloud Bank Pant comes with an integrated webbing belt with a ladder lock buckle. The most notable customization option is the expandable ankle width with snap closure at the cuffs. This allows you to adjust the fit around different types of ski boots.

The pants are compatible with Mountain Hardwear’s jacket-to-pant attachment loop, allowing you to create a fully integrated system. They are also compatible with aftermarket suspenders if you prefer a more secure fit.

Pros and Cons of Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s

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Who Should Buy Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s?

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s is perfect for resort skiers and snowboarders who occasionally venture into the sidecountry. They are also a good choice for those who prioritize sustainability and environmentally friendly materials. The Cloud Bank Pant is ideal for skiers who want a versatile pant that can handle a wide range of conditions.

Backcountry skiers who frequently travel in avalanche terrain should skip this product and opt for a pant with a dedicated beacon pocket. Those who need a longer or shorter inseam may also need to look elsewhere, as the Cloud Bank Pant is only available in regular inseam.

Must-have accessories include a GORE-TEX specific detergent for washing, and potentially aftermarket suspenders for a more secure fit.

Conclusion on Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s is a solid choice for skiers and snowboarders seeking a versatile, sustainable, and high-performing pant. The GORE-TEX fabric provides excellent waterproof and breathable protection, while the body-mapped insulation keeps you warm without restricting movement. The reinforced kickpatches and durable face fabric ensure that these pants will last for many seasons.

At $205.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and performance. The lack of a dedicated beacon pocket is a significant drawback for serious backcountry users, but for resort skiers and occasional sidecountry explorers, the Cloud Bank Pant offers excellent value.

I would personally recommend the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Pant – Women’s to anyone looking for a reliable, sustainable, and versatile ski pant. If you value both performance and environmental responsibility, these pants are a great option. Consider upgrading to a pant with a dedicated beacon pocket for serious backcountry use. Go shred some pow!