Critically taped seams have waterproof tape only in high-exposure spots—like the waist, cuffs, and zippers—rather than along every seam. This saves weight and cost, making these pants a solid choice for dry climates, casual resort days, or riders on a budget.
The tradeoff is that uncovered seams can let water seep in during sustained wet exposure. If you're skiing deep powder, riding in coastal or wet climates, or spending long stormy days on the mountain, you'll likely feel moisture creeping through the unstitched areas.
For occasional riders in drier conditions, critically taped seams get the job done just fine. Just don't assume a high waterproof rating on the fabric makes up for missing seam tape—water always finds the stitching.