Great choice for a heavier softshell
I recently picked up a pair of these pants for hiking and climbing in less than favorable conditions. The quality is what you'd expect from Patagonia. For a heavier softshell, I'd definitely recommend it.

balance of arts
these pants are balance of arts. i wear these pants almost all the time and love them. they look great, water resistant (well just less than waterproof) , light&soft, warm in cold days, ventilating in hot days. in short, balance of outdoor activity and routine day life.

Outstanding
Patagonia Alpine Guide Pants - These are my go to do everything mountaineering pants, bomb proof. The material seems to be Patagonia's version of something like Schoeller Dryskin fabric, comparable to Mammut Champ Pants. The sizing seems to be true, but kind of skinny in the thigh area. To me it's a mid weight pant, in the fall I'll carry some poly long john's and I'm fine. They breath good, but nothing breaths like 3sp (sporthill). They have a great water resistant finish and dry fast if you manage to get them wet, I have up here in Alaska. These pants are tough and stylish, when I come down I'll dust them off, put a new shirt on, then off for a steak dinner.

balanced
Patagonia hit the right balance of elements with moderate weight, solid material and finish durability overall, and details that feel and work right (e.g., the exterior finish on the waistband snap, the waistband lining). Comfort knocked down to 4 stars because interior seams down the legs are surprisingly high and rough.

ideal pants
Fabric is very water resistant plus has decent stretch. They don't tear or rip on sharp rocks either. Very well made. Zippers all work perfectly.