Marmot Rockstar Pant

I had originally purchased the Marmot Screes, which are made of the same Marmot M-3 fabric, and sent them back due to the fit. They just hung too loose in the legs for me and I was looking for something more low-profile for my first pair of softshell pants. The Rockstars fit the bill perfectly.

Easily the best pair of pants I've ever hiked in. If you can find them online in the right size I'd definitely suggest making the purchase.

The four-way stretch is remarkable, the fit is clean and athletic, they shed light rain, provide excellent wind blocking protection and while the material isn't thick, I've been comfortable in cold weather with just an expedition weight base layer.  I fully expect to have these pants for many years of hard wear and when they've finally hiked their last mile I'll replace them with another pair of Marmot softshells.

Can't believe I waited so long to add softshell pants to my gear. I'm hooked.

Summary

Comfortable, non-baggy, stretchy pants to use in all 3-season activities.

I have seached for a pant like this to complement my Railrider Eco-mesh hot weather pants, but in a stretchier material.  Andrew Skurka writes about stretchy pants in his book for his extreme treks.  I am not THAT ambitious, but am embracing many of his concepts for my hiking style.  As of now, these pants and the Eco-mesh are my two default pants for 3-season trips as I bought a second pair.  I like the Rockstar pants for mountainous country and the Eco-mesh for deserts.

I can wear these pants alone or with thermals underneath and shells or insulated pants over.  They seem very breathable for "softshells" as they are lightweight, but they lack the Eco-mesh's side vents for Texas summers.  They seem very durable for a light fabric.  I have a couple of pinholes in one of my Rockstars from some nasty briars in an offtrail mini adventure, but considering the abuse I pushed them through, they held together quite well and look to be durable. 

I love its belt loops as I always wear a belt.  The pockets are small and not ideal as a travel pant, but perfect for hiking.  I only hope that they will work for me at the end of my over 50 pound weight loss endeavour for which I have knocked off over 25 pounds.