Answer

By GrahamThompson

My view is that it's always better to choose products that you can use in a wide variety of activities rather than a dedicated product for a specific activity, unless you are going to spend a great deal of time doing that one particular activity.

Mountain Equipment products are very versatile as many of the users are mountain guides and they have a tradition of designing products that can be used for mountaineering and ski-touring. Their G2 Mountain Pant is designed for ski tourers, but the fabric and design are equally at home while mountaineering in the Alps or winter walking in the UK. The fabric is Gore Windstopper, so it tends to be a little hot in summer, and as it's not completely waterproof you’ll need overtrousers. 

The Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Pant is a dedicated waterproof design that is also ideal for ski and winter mountaineering. It is made of Helly Tech XP - a waterproof and breathable fabric - so it's great for walking, skiing, mountaineering or making snowmen in cold conditions, but tends to be hot in milder conditons. 

Personally, I would go for a stretch trouser like the Mammut Base Jump Pant or Patagonia Super Guide pant. These are not waterproof but are ideal for mountaineering, walking, skiing and generally being outdoors. I wear them for dog walking and sitting at the computer, as well as everything in the hills. They keep the worst of the water away and so can be used on their own in snow. You can then add a waterproof overtrouser as and when needed. For snow a high waisted trouser such as a Patagonia Stretch Element Low Bib or Mountain Equipment Kongur Pant are good options. There are of course a wide range of other waterproof trousers you could wear including the Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Pant you already know about as well as lower priced options such as a Berghaus Deluge Overtrouser for £40.