It's for fun.
Background:
Although I primarily ride in shants, I've been a long-time long-pant-riding devotee in colder/wetter contions: I've had several pairs of both Roach (although sadly not superfly) and Race Face Indys, and a pair of Endura Venturi II's made from eVent. I call the latter ones my magic pants because they seemed to keep me dry in ANY conditions. Although the eVent is ultra-waterproof and breathable it has one huge disandvantage: No strech and very crinkly.
I'm also a huge fan of Schoeller's various waterproof/breathable soft-shell materials(Dryskin/3xDry). I've had a ancient pair of Ibex Dryskin XC-ski shants that work pretty well for riding (pocket placement is the main drawback) and have a couple Schoeller jackets from long-defunct manufacturers that I originally got for doing trail-work but came to appreciate for riding on cooler days as well.
With the current pantaloni renaissance we seem to be enjoying, I am getting a little curious to try some new-age riding pants. Note that I'm looking for heavier-weight waterproof fall/winter/spring pants, not the lightweight summer pants that have been recently discussed.
Requirements:
* Waterproof
* At least eVent levels of breathability
* Stretchy
* Abrasion Resistant
* Riding position cut
* 34" inseam
Bonus points for:
* If I can find them cheap
* Some form of retention to prevent ride-up and keep the cuffs anchored over high-tops, ideally a lace hook. I'd also accept a gaitor-esque under-sole strap/lace/shock cord.
In my experience, the gold standard for shorts in terms of cut, fit, and pocket placement are the first-generation made-in-Van Kitsbow Softshell A/M. In a perfect world, I'd love a pair of these as pants.
The Haskells they currently make are only water-resistant,too chino-cut (legs especially), and have rear pockets with flaps. Meh.
45NRTH Naughtvind jackets are Schoeller, but they don't seem to mention anywhere if their pants are. The vent design is downright goofy (and seems excessively over-done for pants meant for cold weather.)
Foehn Tobin are Schoeller, have a nice looking cut, a little Quebecois je ne sais quoi (although they're stitched in Vietnam)...but...they've got perforations behind the knees! Kiss the waterproofness good-bye! Uggh moist knee-pits! Plus, they're only available in a max 32in inseam.
Foehn Brise might actually be more like what I want, except I think the taper starts a lot higher up and as a result they probably won't leave any room for even minimalist knee pads.
Hmm... seems I've reached the limit for pic links. To be continued...