Lightweight Soft Shell Pants – do they exist?

Arcteryx Gamma LT’s 11.3 oz. I had a pair for awhile, along with a pair of OR Contours. I could only afford to keep one pair, and so I sold the Gamma LT’s because I figured I could recoup more of my investment on an Arcteryx product vs OR. I preferred the fit of the Gamma LT’s, while I liked the feel of the fabric better on the Contours.

arteryx gamma lt … youll need to sell puppies to afford them ..

breathable, water resistant, durable … i use em bushwhacking and scrambing in the coastal mountains and rainforest all the time

Did you look at the Patagonia Rock Guides? 9.8oz for mediums. I haven't actually bought/used them, but want to. I love their Alpine Guides for the winter. They have a range of weights similar to Arcteryx. Simple Guides, Alpine Guides, Backcountry Guides.

Thanks!
I really like the Arcteryx but that is a steep price for something I am very likely to tear up and neither of these pants has an elastic waistband so they will need a belt. I could make a lightweight belt out of some webbing & fastex connectors.

Are there any other options besides a softshell or windpant for "Mountain Pants" that are lightweight will little insulating value?

My gamma lt have a built in belt

check out the selection from OR, MH and other big names … They usually have light softshells that u can get on sale/clearence

Has anyone see this pant? It's part of TNF's "summit series" so I guess that means they are mountain pants and they only weight 9 ounces and cost $100. They don't go into detail about the faberic but it's listed under their softshells:

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/mens-eidolon-pant.html

Patagonia Traverse or Coolweather tights, light (9oz. or so) and very mildly insulating, more of an all season mountain pant for hiking, running, climbing, etc. They have a gusseted crotch, reinforced knees, calf length zippers, simple waistband that's comfortable. The Coolweather tights are more contouring in their fit, the Traverse are their lightest softshell material available, and the cut is semi-fitted.

They're good pants. I preferred my Patagonia Traverse pants to them because I found them a big baggy for me. the pockets on the legs are useless though.

the problem is "softshell" is a patented term so a lot of companies don't use it in the name or description. there are a lot of pants that are very similar to a softshell but not called it.(like the Golite Yunnan)

try some of these

MHW talus pant
Marmot Cruz Pant
OR contour pant
MEC Ferreta pant
TNF boundless/boarderless pant
Salomon waypoint
Golite Yunnan

just to name a few

The Gamma LT's are described as having an elasticized waist along with the built-in belt. They're definitely pricey but I wouldn't worry too much about tearing them up unless you take a razor blade to them.

The belt loops are the hangup. Most lightweight softshell pants seem to be designed for runners and have an elastic/drawstring waist.

I have a pair of OR Pursuit pants with drawstring waist, zippered pockets and elastic cuffs that are 12.7oz in XL size. They are great for cool weather hiking.

As you found, most softshell pants are 16oz or more and have conventional waistband and fly with belt loops. I would like to see lighter colors too— most are black. Drawstring cuffs would be great too. I believe some Mountain Hardwear models offer them.

The Patagonia Traverse pants are very similar to the OR Pursuit and published weight is 10.8oz.

The Patagonia Simple Guide pants have a partially elastic waist with belt loops and 11.9oz. My guess it that is as good as it gets. After seeing the specs, I want to try some myself!

The Paty Traverse pants are pretty awesome. Slim fitting, great fabric.

I picked up a pair of Gamma LTs at the seconds store in BC a few years ago (for like $60), they're my go to pants. They're made of the older Tweave material and take a beating. They're a little dirty, but still structurally sound. They have a built in belt, which I didn't think I'd like but I do. Elastic stretches out over time.