"I've used the shell pants for 3 years now, mainly in winter snowy conditions. The shell pants are made of Columbia's Omni-dry fabric, which is touted to be waterproof and breathable. The pants have a full legnth zipper down each side, making them breathable, however, in rain, they are not waterproof. I never had a problem with the pants until I used them in rainy conditions, in which they became soaked after about 3 hours.
Overall, if you are going somewhere where it won't rain, or are close to a quick exit, these are a decent cheaper alternative to Goretex. If you are doing serious back-country exploits, spend the extra $100 on Goretex XCR, and spare yourself potential hypothermia."
"I purchased the Omni-dry Venture Cargo Pant. It is not design to be water proof. I have worn them in the snow in Eastern Europe (Dec.2005, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland and Germany).
They are designed to wick moisture away in warm climates and dry fast. These are great warm weather travel pants, and adiquate winter pants. They will get wet, but they dry fast. I layered with fleece running tights and was perfectly warm when sight seeing and snow skiing, but I also was not out in the woods with no shelter...
Bottom line: very comfortable, light, versitle pants that are well worth the money."
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