We learn from history. The adventurers of olden times understood the importance of dressing in layers. A pair of gaiters together with the Amundsen knickerbockers gives you fantastic opportunities to cool off when needed, and excellent protection when the weather turns. Back at camp, the gaiters are easy to leave outside the tent together with the moist, dirt and snow that a pair of long pants would have dragged inside.
With the boot cut you will get extra space for a bigger boot or ski boot