Gear: Arc'teryx Gamma MX Pants

Layering can be a hassle, but I'd still choose crumbled layers over staying indoors. Arc'teryx made that balance much easier with the Gamma MX Pant— a warm softshell pant made for mixed-weather conditions. They're thoughtfully designed to accommodate different body types and come in multiple lengths. I personally chose the long fit so I could tuck them into boots or roll them.

What stood out immediately was how warm they are without feeling restrictive. The softshell fabric has a light fleece lining for insulation, while still remaining breathable and flexible. No bunching, no stiffness, and no belt needed—there's an adjustable waist strap, so I can cinch them down when climbing or loosen them when at camp.

These pants came with me on a trip up Mount Kilimanjaro, where conditions shifted dramatically as we climbed from roughly 6,000 feet to 19,000 feet. We moved through sun, wind, mist, and snow, sometimes all in the same day. And all along, I was dry, warm, and comfortable.

Available at arcteryx.com; $300.