I guess it depends on what your preference is for warmth. It seems that you like to keep moving based on the mileage your rack up. So I would assume that you get warm fast and want something that airs as you move. Also, I have noticed this trend by manufactures making softshell pants black and using thicker materials. I can't believe that manufactures can't recognize that those pants are to bulky and hot for the spring? As you stated black is out and I assume like myself nothing like being out on a nice sunny spring day on a snowfield in hot black pants.
It is real hard to find spring softshell pants that have thinner material. I have a pair of grey Mammut pants that are 4 years old and they are thin and light. If it rains I can put on the 6oz gore pants over the softshell and be perfect.
Here's my take:
Patagonia does not do a good job on the cuffs of their softshell pants. Often times their pant cuff does not fit over the touring boots even the womens small sizes.
OR is OK, but the material is to thick and their cuffs need a little work. And they come in black
Cloudveil-nice, but all black and heavy materials.
Arcteryx-Gamma MX Pant $$ nice might be your best choice, light 13oz, light colors not sure about boot cuff. Hip pockets may be funky.
I like the Mammut pants, but even they have got the all black pants. Feathered Freinds has these.
I was in Marmot today lamenting the fact that manufactures do not make Spring pants that are light in weight and color.
Good luck!
Joe
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