Actually, the Traverse pants work incredibly well with a good base layer. I used them quite a bit last winter with a pair of midweight Smartwool tights, extremely warm and wind proof. The four way stretch is sweet, I doubt if even a world class gymnast could move in a way that they would restrict.

Like I said in another thread, I liked the pants so well I emailed Patagonia and begged them to make a jacket and a pullover out of the material. And then they did!

I also have a pair of Ibex guide pants and a pair of Patagonia French Roast. I still use the Ibex for really cold days, but the French Roasts have been relegated to the golf course.