Soft Shell Pants

I have the OR Traibreakers and I really like them. I wear them with velcro suspenders. IMO they're definitely worth the money.

but then are fairly tight and form-fitting in the thigh-to-glute region. Might not be the fit everyone is after, but I appreciate feeling like the disco-king they transform me into.

Can't wait for Sunday!

I have the OR Traibreakers and I really like them. I wear them with velcro suspenders. IMO they're definitely worth the money.

Are they ever too warm? I think I may be right between the medium and large sizing. What size did you get?

I also have OR Trailbreakers and they are the best softshells I've ever owned specifically for touring. They are never too warm, in fact you can zip out the gaitor for summer mountaineering use. Flip side is in winter you often need an under layer. However, they are $200 and rarely on sale. Also, the top thigh zip sometimes mysteriously works its way open on mine.

Someone else mentioned the First Ascent Nail Driver; I also own these (first version). As long as you don't run hot, these run great and are a bargain. They are higher loft fleece backing with good breathability and pretty good wind blocking, 2 layers in all the areas you want. They are not waterproof but do fight precip shockingly well. They have no vents though. If you can find them on one of Eddie Bauer's frequent sales they become a truly killer value. They are also much baggier than the typical super-narrow active touring softshells, so lend a more casual look and a bit of steaze.

Thanks to everyone for the input.  I ran all over Portland today and tried on about 10 different pairs.  I tried on both the Trailbreakers and the Cirques.  I liked the Trailblazer features, but the Cirques were a better fit.  I was about to pull the trigger when I spotted the sale rack at the Mountain Shop.  There I found a pair of Rab Exodus for $70, but the mediums were too snug in the waist. I was pissed because everything else about them was perfect.  Luckily,  I just found them in a large online for $79 with shipping.  I don't own any Rab gear, but the quality seemed comparable to the Cirques with the benefit of side venting.  I ordered them from Backcountry Edge where they let you return anything for up to one year no questions asked (you also get 12% off for signing up for the newsletter).  I figure the worst that can happen is I wear them this season.  If I don't like them I can always return them and grab the ORs.  Anyway, way more info than you need.  That's what happens when there isn't any snow.  It's all soft shell pants, powder leashes and guns around here .  Here's the link in case anyone else is looking:

www.backcountryedge.com/rab-mens-exodus-pant.aspx

Rab Exodus

Great choice. My first pair is 3 years old and still look and perform as if new. Liked them so much, one year ago, I bought a second pair to wear after retiring the first -- possibly after season four.