Beyond Fleece sells three different types of custom-made soft shell pants, and their "Steel" soft shell pant is their lightweight version, offering year-round versatility, unlike their other pants, which are more of a three-season version. Essentially, all three pants are the same style, the difference is the material from which they are made.

The Steel is made from Schoeller Dynamic fabric, which is light enough for all but the very hottest, humid weather. On the other hand, it is not just a warm weather pant. Because it resists wind and weather, it is suitable for almost any kind of weather, assuming you are wearing an appropriate base layer.

Here's what makes the Steel soft shell pants world class:

• Made with Schoeller Dynamic fabric (made in Switzerland), the Steel is very lightweight, wind-resistant, weather-resistant (not waterproof), breathable (but not as good as cotton), tough, and offers four-way stretchability. The pant offers lots of freedom of movement.
   
• The pants come with a set of assorted options you can choose from when you have them made for you. These include full side zips, front pockets, back pockets, and cargo pockets. All pockets come with zippers and a flap to cover the zipper. A belt comes standard with the pants. Both the men's and women's versions of the pants come with a front fly.
  
  I ordered my pants with all of the options. The front pockets are a little on the small side, and the cargo pockets are only secured with Velcro.
   
• The "fit" of the pants is similar to what you would get with "standard-fit jeans," except that they should fit you perfectly because of the custom fit.
  
  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.
   
• Every product Beyond fleece makes is custom-made to your measurements, and every product they offer costs less than comparable non-custom products available.
   
• The style of the pants is very plain. You won't win any fashion contests.
   

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

Using the Beyond Fleece Steel Pants in the Real World

I have been wearing my Steel pants for about six months now, and they have held up well. I tend to wear them with the weather is above freezing, and often in temps of up to 90 degrees or so. When it's hotter than this, I generally wear shorts.

At colder temps, I wear a lightweight base layer. While the pants do offer some rain protection, when it begins to rain hard, I pull out my rain shell to keep my legs dry.

I have worn the pants many days in a row, and unless you get t them very dirty, nobody will notice. They can be washed and dried like most pants in a washer and dryer. When traveling, they are easy to wash by hand in a sink, and they dry out over night.

Recommendation

Because of the custom-made fit, the reasonable cost, the quality construction, and the benefits of a soft shell, I highly recommend the Steel soft shell pants to everyone, for virtually any outside activity.

If you decide to have custom-made 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 be wrong.

Product Notes

The Steel Soft Shell pant is available for both men and women, and in black and sand (dark khaki). As already mentioned, there is an assortment of options available. The retail cost of the Cold Fusion, without any extra options, is $119.00. Beyond Fleece also offers two other custom-made soft shell pants, both with heavier fabrics for cooler temps.

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.