In reply to CurlyStevo:
> (In reply to GrahamD)
> Thats true, decathalon / simmond also do a thinner soft shell trouser for £39.99 but they aren't as wind proof or water resistant. That said I've found most thinner ones I've tried so far aren't either.
Assuming you're comparing the Quechua Bionassay/Simmond Mountaineering trousers vs the Forclaz 900, I don't think decathlon claim it's a "softshell" type garment (and I appreciate there is a debate on what actually classifies as a softshell) so the suggestion that it isn't windproof/water resistant is a little unfair, as it's just a fairly standard pair of walking trousers.
A better comparison would be the Bionassay/Mountaineering trousers vs the Simmond alpinism light (which are £50), which are made from a "softshell" material that is as windproof/water resistant as the Mountaineering trousers, but less insulating due to the lighter weight fabric.
The Simmond Mountaineering trousers are cracking value though.