I've been searching for quite some time for the ultimate outdoor trews...
By that I mean waterproof, breathable, excellent articulation, pockets etc.
I've tried overtrousers - basically they're either elastic/shock-corded waist which never fit properly and when you're climbing or scrambling tend to open up and fall down, or they're incredibly heavyweight things which would cause you to die of heat exhaustion should you use them in any sort of positive temperature.
I've tried softshell pants with DWR - in particular Klattermusen and Mountain Equipment ones both of which would be perfect if the DWR would hold rain out for more than 20 minutes. I've found that both then functioned as an excellent conduit for rainwater to find its way into my boots.
I've also got a pair of lightweight ski trousers by Helly Hansen which almost get there, but as climbing kecks are let down by lack of reinforcement in the knees/seat etc.
And the nearest I've got so far are a pair of Chris Packham Lutra trousers - they fit very well, can be held up with a belt, have great articulation, have a generous thigh pocket that isn't positioned so that anything in it bruises my knee, but while much more waterproof that softshells, lasted about 50 minutes against Storm Allie's onslaught on Moel Siabod t'other day.
Any recommendations?