I am a Supply Group employee and can verify the following in regards to the new switchback pant/shorts.
*They are for official uniform wear or Class A.
*They will not replace the current pants and shorts, only add an option or in additon to.
*Our aim is to have them available in all outlets by September 1st.
*They will retail for $39.95.
*They will be available in inseam sizes and and six sizes ranging from small-3x based on waist sizes within those inseam sizes.
*They will be available this fall in olive green for boys, mens and female sizes.
*There is expanded seat room and hip room so you can hike easier. They will also accomodate winter gear underneath alot easier than the current pants.
*Supplex Nylon will wick moisture away from your body and is a quick dry material when you do get caught in the rain.
*The cargo pocket has returned to the side of the leg and yes it is large enough to hold the BS Handbook or several merit badge books.
*The ankle area has a zipper so you need not remove your boots to zip on or off.
*They come with a built in belt and also come with regular belt loops so you can remove the built in belt in favor of the standard web belt or a leather scout belt.
*Each leg's zipper pull features a L or R so you can switchback with ease.
From reading your posts I can tell that you are alot like me, mouth wide open saying, "It's about time" well, yes "It's about time" I hope you all get a chance to make it in to preview a pair soon. Your local scout shop may even be taking names and numbers to call you when they arrive as to insure you get yours before your friends do.