Light SoftShell Pant for near freezing in snow

Chris,
Take a look at Wild Things "Mountain Tights" made using Polartec Power Shield soft shell material. Costing $120.00 and weighing in at 12 oz, these are worth looking into.

Some may not like the close fit but I've used these for winter conditions and have been very pleased. Product quality and customer service with Wild Things are excellent.

If Patagonia brings back their Simple Guide soft shell pant this winter that would be also a good option, these are in the same price range and weight but have a slightly loser fit.

The foxwear rain pant are also power shield but I've read a lot about them lacking breathability. What are your experiences?

If you're a 34 there are a pair of Patagonia Simple guides going begging on Gear Swap for $50.

Smoking deal, but too big for me.

Yeah, I looked at those. I was a 34 last year but now those are a little too big on me in most brands. Probably closer to a 32 these days.

Hi Chris,

I have the Gamma LT’s (posted a review of them here) and think they are very similar in performance to supplex pants, but with the added benefit of some stretch and durability. I’ve used them snowshoeing here in California however every single time the temps were fairly warm; somewhere in the upper 30’s/low 40’s so it’s hard to tell how they would do. In dry, cold weather a pair long johns layered underneath would work and perhaps some light wind pants for addition wind resistance if needed. For sleet or cold rain you would definitely need a waterproof.

I also had a pair of the Gamma MX’s which use powershield. I used them on a few trips and they perform well in all kinds of cold weather. They do lack in breathability, but they seemed to dry out pretty fast whenever I stopped. I think the 30’s would be on the extreme upper end of their comfort range. Where I live it rarely gets cold enough to justify their use, so I passed them on to someone else.

Thanks for the info Roy. That helps with some of the options.