Last winter we were up at the CIC hut in Scotland, and the snows melted, and the rains came, and my softshell trousers didn't quite know what had hit them.
On return, I decided that I couldn't keep putting off buying a pair of Waterproof pants any longer, and so took the plunge. With a trip down to the local North Face Store, I came across these, and was immediately impressed.

What really appealed from the outset was the light weigh breathability of them, combined with the supportive sallopette design. The Bib offers a more secure, weather-tight system when combined with a jacket, but doesn't impede your manoeuvrability or make you too hot and sweaty (although you look like a plonker when you take your jacket off!)
There's a handy pocket in the bib too, ideal for your phone, or other personal items, which benefits from its own water resistance, and that of your jacket too. The pants have pockets and zips in all the right places, and are light and breathable, and don't make that infuriating rustling noise when you walk...truth be told, once you've got going, you'll forget your wearing them. Just try to remember again before you climb over a barbed wire fence!!

Cost? well, I can't comment, I got an exceptional deal on mine, perhaps a bit mis-priced in the shop? or just 'last seasons'...but if normal TNF prices are anything to go by, they'll be expensive. However, for the quality your getting, the design and build of the product, and the general satisfaction you'll get from them, maybe the cost is worth it?