Hi,
I've been looking around for lightweight shell pants for use in winter as all-day pants worn over insulation layer only. They should fit the classic alpine pants description:
1. reasonably high,
2. suspenders compatible,
3. fly zip and optionally zipped off bottom.
4. more durable then your average summer overpants,
5. highly breathable, as they would be worn at all times. Event preferred, but I'd settle for a reasonable alternative.
What I don't need are
1. extra reinforcements save maybe in the seat area – the gaiters should function as crampon protection,
2. side zips, as they wouldn't be taken off till the evening once put on in the morning,
3. integrated snow gaiters, as I yet have to see some that really work. These at least could be cut off.
It should be quite easy to reach the weight of 400g when using a 4oz/m^2 or tougher fabric. I'd even settle for anything less then 500g, but I just can't find anything like it!
Traditional climbing shell pants weight over 700g, while the lightweight WPs usually have elastic waist which is not enough to keep them in place, and I don't want to pull them up regularly when wearing several layers of clothing.
Also, virtually all but the lightest and flimsiest have long side zips that add weight.
What do you use?

