About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the pants, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2021.

My take

The North Face Men’s Freedom is a solid shell pant that won’t break the bank for the casual skier or rider. They have a high waterproof rating and will keep one dry and protected from the elements; however, they are not quite as durable as I would like for skiers really looking to get a lot of hard use from their gear each season. I noticed a tear forming on the seam after about 30 days.

About the pants

• Brand: North Face
• Model: Men’s Freedom Pant
• Size: Large (tall)
• Fit: True to size (available in long and short versions)

About me

• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 210 lbs
• Pant size: 34/34
• Experience: 15 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: October 2021
• Days used: 50
• Where I’ve used them: Ski resorts and backcountry across western Montana and Idaho.
• Weather conditions used in: Everything from heavy snow, sleet/rain, and sunny spring skiing.

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was looking for high-quality shell pants to keep me dry and protected from the wind. I also wanted something versatile to layer underneath according to the weather that day and something that would work well in the resort, touring, and snowshoeing the backcountry.

Why I chose this gear

I initially chose these pants because they fit me very well and had the performance ratings I was looking for. I’m pretty tall and have long legs, so getting these pants in a “long” was a big plus. The Freedom pants also are made from a two-layer construction and include thigh vents to add to the versatility. All in all, I thought the North Face Freedom pants would be perfect for me.

What I love about it

• Fit: The Men’s Freedom pants fit very well and are available in several length options to dial in the fit for each skier. They also have belt loops to further make sure they are secure.
• Waterproofing: The Freedom Pants are constructed of two layers of waterproof nylon, have fully sealed seams, and will keep the moisture out in almost all conditions.
• Breathability: The pants do an excellent job of blocking out the wind, and they also have vents on both legs' thighs when it gets a little warmer.
• Ease of movement: The Freedom pants are lightweight and very comfortable. They have articulated knees to increase mobility and boot gaiters to keep them secure and keep snow out on the deepest days.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Warmth: The Freedom pants are true shells, so they are not insulated. They do keep the wind and snow out very well, but they need extra layers underneath to handle the cold temps of winter.
• Durability: The main issue I have had with these pants is after around 30 or so uses, a pretty solid tear formed on the seam between the legs. I expected pants from a top brand like North Face to last a lot longer before having major tears.

Favorite moment with this gear

These pants kept me dry through a ton of the season and allowed me to go on some long tours and ski some long awesome powder days without dealing with any snow in my pants or boots.

Value for the money vs. other options

These pants retail for around $120. With the waterproof performance and versatility of the fit, they are a great value compared to other options. Similar Obermeyer Chandler pants retail for $189, and Patagonia Snowshot pants are approximately $199. So for someone looking for a pair of pants for casual use at a reasonable price, they are a solid value.

Final verdict

Overall, I think the North Face Freedom pants are an awesome value and will keep the elements out and allow casual skiers to get out into some excellent skiing. The price isn’t bad, and being available in short and long versions adds to these pants’ versatility. My main hold-up with these pants is they did not hold up through an entire season of hard use. When buying gear from top brands like North Face, I definitely expect it to hold up to aggressive skiing and last for several years. Skiers looking to get a few good days a season who will mostly use them for casual resort days will love these pants; however, for more aggressive skiers and backcountry use, I would look elsewhere and find something that will hold up to a higher level of use.