UKC

My main bugbear in winter has always been what to wear on my legs.
Sometimes I've put my cheapo over -trousers on and spent hours slogging through dry snow and getting very sweaty , but if I don't wear them I always seem to end up getting wet , despite the DWR coating on my craghoppers kiwi trousers . I'm always either too hot or cold and damp .
I've got a budget of about £80 , will this be enough to solve the problem?
Any ideas or experience - soft shell or hard shell ? Will Good baselayers help ?

In reply to SethChili:

This thread may help:

http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=566871

In reply to SethChili: Softshell all the way.

In reply to SethChili: Thoroughly recommend Paramo Cascada trousers. Quick look at Google shows cost around £100. Got full length side zips which generally take care of the too hot problem. Don't need overtrousers with them and I haven't needed a base layer under them. Best winter trousers I've ever had.

In reply to SethChili:

I always wear Buffalo Special 6 trousers when it drops below 5C. Full side zips mean you can vent as much as you feel the need to if you're working hard.

In reply to SethChili:

I wear Rohan trousers with the 'Barricade' membrane. Warm, but not hot, I don't get sweaty in them, and I was surprised to find out they're actually very waterproof, however you do need a log jacket to cover the top inch or so of the zipped fly, as the waterproof flap doesn't quite protect that area. Very impressed, and machine washing when they're muddy doesn't hurt them any.

In reply to Siward:
Thanks , I probably should have searched before hand .

Good suggestions so far .

In reply to SethChili:

Thermals and Ron Hills. Spend your change on beer / guidebooks / fuel