GoLite Paradigm Full-Zip Pants - Waterproof (For Men)

I should have been suspicious after reading the other reviews. No way would these pants fit a 38" waist/average height. They are very nice, and instead of returning them, I gave them to a tall, more slender son.

I normally wear a Large (waist 36"-38" and inseam 30"-31") but I ordered an XL (waist 37"-40" and 32" inseam which was the only size available) so I knew they'd be a little big, but the inseam was way too long and I had to return them. Was disappointed because they seem like very nice pants. I can't speak for their waterproofness, breathability or duability, but the material has a very nice feel to it and is a little "stretchy". And they appear to be very well made. The only negative thing about them is the snug fit in the crotch and seat area. Seems like you would be somewhat limited in what base-layer you could wear under them.

These pants fit well and are surprisingly water-proof for a softshell. However, the Go-Lite softshell fabric is incredibly noisy, more like a hardshell. Not much of an issue for me, but something that surprised me anyway. That aside, they stretch and move very well and are comfortable for long periods of wear.

took them for a 4 hour hike in the rain and i thought I would either start to get some "wet out" or get too hot, but i stayed comfy and dry from both sides.

I didn't get a chance to really try out the waterproofing on these, as I returned them after trying them on. I got size L, which is meant to fit waists 34-37. I wear a 34, and I think the waist measure is accurate (a bit big on me), but the legs felt very tight. I tried them on over a pair of nylon shorts, but these clearly seem to be cut for wear alone or with a thin baselayer, and not as typical waterproof outerwear--which makes the full-length side zips a bit extraneous. The hook and loop tabs for tightening the waist are awkward, as well, as they tighten over the side zips and end up uncomfortably pinching at the hips. The material is comfortable and stretches nicely, though. I definitely wouldn't recommend as over-pants, and if you're going for a waterproof softshell pant to wear alone, you don't need the weight of the side zips on these.