Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Bottom

Good overall product, better quality (and cheaper) alternatives exist. A few key points:The goodIs pretty much as advertised, but nothing groundbreaking to report. A decent entry-to-mid level quality piece, especially if you find it on sale, as you often can.The bad A) Elastic: a) Waist elastic - band is somewhat flimsy, and moves around inside of fabric as it is smaller than said fabric enclosure - feels kinda cheap. A wider strip is better because it distributes its pressure across, well, a wider area, leading to less sweating, constriction of movement, and potentially, pressure on inner organs (bladder, for one). b) Ankle elastic -nonexistent; not quite as robust as should be, considering price point and brand name; is only ~1/2" from ankle to reinforcing seam. The garment itself is stretchy, but would be nice to have some doubled up wool maybe 2" in height at the ankle. The legs have a higher tendency to slide up when putting on top layer, as compared to other wool leggings I've owned like the Minus33, or WoolX ones of similar weight.Nothing Ugly*Care Tips****Follow the manufacturer's specified wash and care instructions to a T, or you will damage your gear in no time. Proper care from the beginning is the best way to ensure any garment's longevity. In this case, you will keep it from pilling, thinning and tearing, stressing and shredding seams, and shrinking.You can actually shrink wool without stressing the fabric too much. Two ways I've found to work are as follows:1) Slow: Soak in hot, barely OK to the touch water (best to boil cold water and let it cool), leave your garment in water for ~15min/until water is about body temp. Now you gently squeeze out excess water, and either lay out to air dry, or wear it to form fit to your body shape (this is best, if you have time).2) Fast: Turn inside out, spray down (not soaking wet) with water, throw in dryer on medium for 15min.Happy Trails!

I'm not sure what Smartwool changed, but the new version of this has a terrible elastic waist band that folds over and gets stuck. The old version never did this. Very disappointed as I was replacing an old version.

This is my husband's second pair of Smartwool bottoms. We live in CO and he wears them everyday in the winter. The fit stays all day, no bagging or sagging. He works outside often and always stays warm. Expensive but last forever if cared for properly. Worth the cost because of the quality and comfort. You could buy 10 pair of cheap cotton bottoms for the price but you would wear them out and be uncomfortable. My husband still was wearing some cheap ones when his one pair needed to be washed. . . No more, he's feeling pretty smart in his Smartwools everyday!

Seriously the worst decision i have made. Worthless they will not keep you worm in 40 degree weather and thats under thick work pants and no wind chill or moisture. Couldn't imagine rain or snow, actually i can and i just wish their policy allowed them to be returned but funny enough wearing them voids this option. So If you want to loose 100$ just to see they don't work as well go for it.

This is an item you want, but hate to pay for. Smartwool makes quality items these are not exception. Yes, they are more expensive, but you get what you pay for in quality and comfort. I use them under my nylon hiking pants during the winter. I have even worn them under my denim when I need to be a bit warmer. They don't bind, and don't remind you during activity that you are wearing basically long underwear. Think of these as more of a gear investment if you are serious about staying warm during the chiller months.

I've had these pants for two Winters now, and the crotch has completely worn through. Catastrophic failure. I really expected more of her a pair of pants that cost almost $100.

Almost excellent! I do like it. However, the stitching on upper legs is at times annoying when it rubs again legs (while walking). If this is not the case, I woulg give five star!

This was a gift and the recipient raves about it. It keeps him toasty in a very cold house. The sizing was true to form but the recipient lost weight and I had to return the XL. There was no problem returning with the seller - everything went smooth and the reorder came on time.