I'm looking for soft shell pants and I'm on a budget. Any recommendations?

What does on a budget mean? Obviously the lower the better, but what do you consider cheap?

I recently got a pair of Patagonia Simple Guide Pants (on sale at the moment for I think $80 at campsaver - see my post in the gear deals section) and they are without doubt or exaggeration, the most comfortable hiking/technical pants I've ever worn. They have stretch to them and are (to me anyway) warmer than standard nylon hiking pants. My other pants I regularly use is the Helly Hansen Charger pants, but they are not a soft shell.

$50 to $100 is what I'm looking for. I'll have to check out those Patagonia pants, thanks.

Check out the REI Mistral pants--- $89.50

http://www.rei.com/product/784779

I've been very happy with the MontBell soft shell pants I have.

The Patagonia Simple Guide pants are great. The even lighter Traverse pants are fantastic too.

Edited by holdfast on 11/11/2010 10:25:49 MST.

I like marmot scree pants for 3 season use and light 4th season use. Very stretchy. Fit well over single layer mountaineering boots too. Usually can be found for $80-100

I bought two pairs of the REI MIstral pants years ago on half-price sale. Aside from a little problem with some leaking acid from an Aqua Mira bottle, they are in great shape 10 years later. Stretchy, not too heavy, easy to wear. I don't normally like to hike in long pants, but in very cold weather or for other outdoor activities, these are great. I even wear them to work occasionally.

I see REI no longer carries the pants in Khaki color -- too bad.

TNF Prolix are now on sale for 40$ at Cabela's, really liked them so bought a second pair.

Do you know of any that come in a short inseam (around 29")? How hard would it be for a tailor to shorten soft shells with ankle zips? Would womens pants be another alternative? - I'm just worried about them having a weird cut.

Edited by catalyst81 on 11/27/2010 21:53:30 MST.

Beyond Clothing soft shell pants are pretty awesome. Kind of expensive though.

if yr short n squishy like me just get ones with a string closure at the leg ... you can fold it up and with a quick sew itll be fine ...

dead bird gamma lt ...

Also, check out the Mountain Hardwear Talus pant.

ANyone try out the Adventure trousers that Craghoppers made for Bear Grylls? Have read some good things.