These are now my absolutely favorite touring shorts. They are lightweight with just enough, but not too much, padding. I can wash them out under a campground faucet or in a sink, wring them out, and have them dry as a bone the next morning no matter how humid outside. They have two zippered side pockets that are extrememly deep. I suspect that they might be a little on the short side for guys, but if you favor comfort over looking cool they should be fine.
The padding is different from most cycling shorts. They used to use a synthetic lambswool type fabric. Now it seems to be more of a fleece fabric. The ones I just received were very fleecy--sorta weird feeling at first but absorbant and comfortable for a long day on the road.
BTW, this company (J&G) makes an awesome cycling cape for rainy rides.