Every product they make is custom-made to your measurements, and every product they offer costs less than comparable non-custom products available (this is true, I checked). So if your measurement, are, let's say, not average, Beyond Fleece is a great source for your outdoor outerwear.

You can order their products via the web, by phone, or mail order from their catalog. Once you send in your measurements, you will get a custom-made garment within about two weeks. I don't know about you, but this is a nifty service, one that I really appreciate because my measurements aren't average, and getting a custom fit is a great thing.

Now let's get down to business and talk about Beyond Fleece's Cold Play pants. These are soft shell pants, which are designed to be wind- and water-resistant, and breathable. In many ways, soft shells are a compromise because they aren't waterproof like hard shells. But what they give up in waterproofness is made up in overall comfort because they breath so much better than hard shells. Like any garment, you need to wear it when and where it is appropriate.

Here's what sets the Cold Play pants out from the crowd:
 

• The Schoeller fabric used in the pants is what I would deem midweight, and is designed for temps below 70 degrees or so when your active, or up to 85  degrees or so when you are not so active. I am not sure why these pants are called "Cold Play," as they aren't really designed for really cold weather (unless you wear an appropriate base layer).
  
  The outer surface is tightly woven, which helps to make the fabric very durable and tough. It is also somewhat stretchy, which makes it easy to move when wearing the pants.
  
  Inside the pants if a microfleece-like surface. It is very soft, helping to wick away moisture off your legs, and adds just a touch of insulating capability.
  
   
• The pants come with a set of assorted options you can take or leave, as you see fit. These include full side zips, front pockets, and back pockets. All pockets come with zippers and a flap to cover the zipper. A belt comes standard with the pants. The men's version of the pants come with a front fly. I ordered my pants only with the front pockets, and I find them a little small, but this is just a nitpick.
  
   
• The "fit" of the pants is similar to what you would get with "standard-fit jeans," except that it will fit you perfectly. There will be no extra material in the pants. In fact, the first time I wore them, my wife asked me if I had lost any weight because there was no excess material around my waist and bottoms, making me look "larger" than I really am. And that's a good thing.
  
  There is plenty of room for a base layer (although there is not enough room for fleece insulation) under the pants, and a hard shell can be placed over them for extra protection from real nasty weather.
  
   
• The style of the pants, let's say, is "serviceable." They won't win any design awards. But heh, are you wearing them for comfort and protection, or for making a fashion statement?

These pants are ideal for hiking, backpacking, trekking, and climbing.

Using the Beyond Fleece Cold Play Pants in the Real World

I prefer to wear my Cold Play pants when the temps drop below 70 degrees. I usually wear shorts when it gets warmer than 70 degrees. If you want to wear them when you are inactive, like when you are inside a hut or tent, then they are comfortable up to about 85 degrees or so (assuming it's that hot there). Anything hotter than this is too hot for me.

The pants can be worn to about 40 degrees or so before you will start wanting to consider wearing a base layer. With an appropriate base layer, the pants are comfortable to about 20 degrees or so, while active.

The pants do a good job of protecting you from drizzle, light rain, and snow. But when it comes to heavy rain, I slip my waterproof shell pants over the Cold Play pants to keep dry.

The Cold Play pants are also very durable, and you won't be afraid to wear them while climbing or even bushwhacking. I expect these pants will last a long time.

Recommendation

Because of the custom-made fit, the reasonable cost, the quality construction, and the benefits of a soft shell, I highly recommend the Cold Play to everyone. Other than for hot and humid weather, these are great pants.

If you decide to have custom-made Cold Play pants made for you, it is very important that you measure yourself properly so that you send Beyond Fleece the correct measurements. I would not recommend you send them your "standard" clothing sizes as they may very well be wrong.

Product Notes

The Cold Play is available for both men and women, and in graphite (dark gray) and dark khaki. As already mentioned, there is an assortment of options available. The retail cost of the Cold Fusion, without any extra options, is $129.00. Beyond Fleece also offers two other custom-made soft shell pants, one with a heavier fabric for cooler temps, and one with a lighter fabric for warmer temps.