Ok, I am going to try the Dark side. At the week-end I tore my over-trousers. I have an excuse to go kit fondling. I am fed up with over=trousers and putting them on only to take them off again a few minutes later.

So, I am tempted by the P word. Now, Cascadas or Fuera's treated with TX-Direct. Both garments would appear to do the same things. I will also look at what Rohan have to offer.

Help, please (and Goretex, event, Paclite or whatever, is not an option on this purchase. Quite exciting really.

Cascadas for Autumn to Spring. Once you try them, you'll wonder how you ever coped without them! They also free up space in your rucksack, which is always nice. Fueras are more for guaranteed dry days, but offer no insulation.

Another vote for Cascadas from me. I've used mine every weekend for the past three winters and they are still going strong.
So long as they are reproofed every now and then, they're fine.

Overtrousers; never use them.

How about a nice pair of Powerstretch tights (mine are Haglofs)? Excellent for winter, and with the added benefit that you can look like Max Wall...

Or Paramo Stretch Trousers - look a tiny bit less like Max Wall! ;)

Cascadas and Fueras don't do quite the same thing:
The Cascadas use Paramo's Nikwax Analogy waterproof fabrics so they are waterproof and also quite warm (you probably wouldn't want to wear them in summer). Fueras are just windproof trousers but if you treat them with TX-Direct they achieve a high level of water-repellancy but are not actually waterproof. For autumn to spring I'd say you're better off with Cascadas.

another vote for cascadas.

Are these Cascadas overtrousers or just waterproof trousers as I'm guessing from checking out the website?

Just comfortable trousers that don't have a plasticky feel so I can wear mine while in the car without that boil-in-the-bag feel.

They also happen to be waterproof and have venting sides for cooling. They save carrying an extra pair of troos in winter.

Cascadas in winter - even with the vents open they're bloody hot when ponching up a hill - and wet legs at all other times does it for me.

Really hate over-trousers!

Cascadas do the whole job: warmth and waterproofing.

Fueras just add windproofing, and water repellency (if proofed by you), to the trousers you have underneath.

I love my Cascadas :)

Mine have crampon holes in them :-(
Must get 'em fixed.

Cascadas for me in colder weather.

Fuera's in warmer autumn / spring weather and cool summer days if its likely to rain. They're not waterproof but very water resistant. They are the windproof ie outer layer of the Cascadas.

If you buy the Cascadas be prepared - you'll probably buy the Fuera's next year. Once you start.... you go on and on!

I like the Cascadas too but I would say that the one thing that really irritates me about them is the sloppy fit. No matter how tight I do the belt up they slide down. They don't fit anywhere near as nice as me Pertex stretch Equilibriums or Mountain Hardwear Velocity pants, but they are the best compromise for cold wet weather.

Dunno if they've changed the design now but mine have a cord to cinch the waist, not a proper belt. That lets them down a little. Has this changed?

Mine are about a year old, and they have a drawcord and belt-loops. I pinch the webbing belt out of some Mountain Hardwear shorts and it works a treat.

Bought mine last year - they have belt loops on them. They also have a cord.

I pull them up quite high and find they stay there ok.

Probably best to try them on first to make sure you're happy with the fit, but difficult I imagine in a shop to find out if they slide down or not!

Must agree that the Cascadas do slip down, and that braces or soemthing would help.

As it's just getting into Cascada season here (and i've ripped the arse out of my Fuera trews - they're a real tight fit, honest) they'll be coming out of the gear cupboard this weekend and i'll have to try and think about getting some braces for them.

The 'Simon Cowell' look works for a bit, but i find they still start slipping down and i'm constantly yanking them up.

Braces?????!!!!!!!

OK, what about fit? I'm a Craghoppers 34" (36"?) with a 31" and a bit inside leg. What size should I go for?

For Cascada's? I'm a 34 waist and 36 inside leg and the "larges" fit OK.