waterproof zippers in pants reliability?

[shmoesmith]

repost, but I got almost 0 replies in ski/snowboard

So, I am in need of some new gear this year. My pants are literally shredded and are covered in K-tape and are falling apart at the seams. So I need to get some new ones.

I have gotten into the whole ski mountaineering thing and overnighters in the winter, so I was thinking about a pair of bibs with the crotch/seat zip that goes all the way around. I am thinking they might be damn handy the next time I go out in the middle of a storm or even just extremely cold weather to take care of business while camping/touring this winter, or when wearing a harness.

There are several companies to choose from that make this (arteryx, marmot etc). They all seem to use the 'waterproof/watertight' zips. I remember arcteryx has issues with these a few years ago and when they first came out they kinda sucked. Anyone ever try any of these pants? Are they watertight in the crotch/seat area where the zippers are? The last thing I want to do is dump a wad of cash on some pants and find out that the zippers aren't all they claimed when it is 10PM at night, -5 outside and I'm trying to get dry/warm before going to bed.

[Tele'ndaboat]

Well, even some fishing waders use em now so I think they have come a long way. I remember initially they just sucked to zip. I have a pair of arc pants with 'em I love...