Light Simple Hiking Pants [suggestions]

I just ordered a couple pair of these. I had a 25% off coupon so got the for $20 bucks and change.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/white-sierra-wicking-comfort-fit-pants-upf-30-for-men~p~3184r/?filterString=s~white-sierra-wicking-comfort-fit-pants%2F&colorFamily=01

I almost bought these, which seem about as simple and light as you could get with nylon pants but I don't like the built in belt, really like to use my own belt.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/woolrich-cross-country-pants-upf-30-plus–for-men~p~4148k/?filterString=s~woolrich-pants%2Fclothing~d~5%2Fmens-clothing~d~15%2F&colorFamily=04

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005K8D0QI/ref=asc_df_B005K8D0QI6983053/?tag=googlecouk06-21&creative=22134&creativeASIN=B005K8D0QI&linkCode=asn
I have the Ronhill pursuit trousers. The New balance sequence pants are almost identical:
http://www.shopnewbalance.com/men/apparel/pants-and-tights/running/MRP7302
Very minimal, wear running shorts underneath them and they still weigh less than a pair of convertibles, that's before adding in the weight of a pair of boxers, so you can get a substantial weight saving. Zips at the ankles make removal easy.
Edit: Pretty flimsy for scrambling though.

Rail riders are great! I wear versatacs, because I like to keep some survival oriented items on my person, separate from my packed gear.

I've been truly amazed on several occasions at the durability, these pants just won't rip! The legs roll up easily enough, and stay up, as well. been wearing mine as work pants going on 3 years now.

I've been using these MEC River Pants… I love em

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/MensClothing/PantsTights/PRD~5023-171/mec-river-pants-mens.jsp

They are tough as nails. They have survived field work, bushwhacking, and a month of crawling around the amazon jungle, and they barely have a scratch.

Bugs can't seem to be able to bite through the nylon weave, they dry quickly, are fairly lightweight

Simple, light and breathable pants — Just go to any REI or similar store. They have dozens of brands and styles. Try on several pair and buy the ones that fit best. Not rocket science. Or as mentioned earlier, go to a large thrift store.

I have a $10 (on sale) pair of New Balance nylon exercise pants which are wonderful for hiking in cold weather. They are somewhat wind resistant and have a mesh liner. I've had them several years and they have worn like iron–still look as nice as when I bought them. Admittedly they are not suitable for hot weather.

Back in the 1980's I (and every other hiker in town) bought a pair of Air Force surplus tropical weight (50% wool, 50% polyester) pants. The fabric is really like cast iron! The only wear is fraying of the cuffs' edge at the bottom. I think I paid $5 or $6 for them–best investment I ever made. I still wear them occasionally.

I bought a pair of Campmor convertible pants several years ago, another bargain ($20). The only problem with them was that the seat came unstitched, a simple repair on the sewing machine even for this non-sewer. I recommend that with any pants, you reinforce the stitching in the seat when they are new. One line of stitching is never enough in that stressed location! I decided after a couple of trips in them that I really don't like convertible pants and hardly ever use the convertible feature. With my legs(varicose veins and knee surgery scars), I generally avoid shorts. Even with stream fords, I kept the legs on. The convertible feature, for me, isn't worth the extra weight.

I tried REI and everything they had in women's pants had a low rider waist. With my ample (!) hips, that's a non-starter. Anyway, I really don't want the waistband of my pants to be under my pack's hip belt!