I am an triathlete, outdoors woman, and lover of fitness. I wear a solid size 4-6 pants. I am 5'8 and 150 lbs and built for toughness. I have never had a problem with Patagonia pants but unfortunately these pants are not cut for women with muscular legs.

I will be returning this item.

Reader's Digest Version: The Pinyon Pines go anywhere, do anything, and look good all the while. They're a welcome alternative to the often-swishy hiking or climbing pant, to say the least. That being said, the fit is a hint off (which is why I'm giving the Pinyon four stars instead of five) which I'll go into more detail below.

Non-Reader's Digest Version: I really, really dig this pant. Versatility is one of my main concerns when it comes to pants, and I often find that most pants that claim versatility, well, aren't actually all that versatile. However, the Pinyon is the antithesis of all those pants that have come before it. Also, if you enjoyed the Venga Pant from Patagonia, but found that the rise in the waist and/or inseam was just a hint too short for you, the Pinyon is a great alternative.

I tested the Pinyon out in a variety of ways, both casually and adventure-oriented. I wore them climbing and despite not having a gusseted crotch, they were really, really comfortable. I recently wore them on a 14.5 mile hike and they exceeded my expectations in every way, shape, and form. They were comfortable and adaptive to say the least.

To start, the Pinyon has a more modern silhouette when compared to the RPS or Venga, so know that it has a bit higher rise and more tapered leg (it's somewhere between a skinny jeans and a straight leg). If you're familiar with the J.Crew denim line, the Pinyon's leg silhouette is comparable to the Matchstick Denim that they offer.

I'm ashamed to admit this a little, but because of its cotton content, I had relegated the Pinyon as more of a lifestyle pant rather than a climbing or hiking pant - but I couldn't have been more wrong. The material is super soft, comfortable, breathable, dries quickly, and durable. Also, moisture beads off the exterior of the pant, which came in hand when I somehow spilled a bunch of coffee on myself the other day. Oops.

So, my only qualm is that the fit is a little weird. I typically wear a 00, XS, or 25 in Patagonia bottoms, so I ordered the 0. The waist gaps in the back, but fits perfectly in the front and doesn't scoot around awkwardly - nor have I ever had to pull up my pants. Also, the thighs fit perfectly, but the calves are a little tight (though they do loosen up with wear). I don't have large calves, so I'm not sure why it is they fit the way they do. That being said, I've never felt like the fit of these pants affects my ability to wear them. So who knows, maybe the Pinyon will fit you perfectly but might fit me a little weird. It's all relative, right?!

Bottom line: this pant is amazing and if you're willing to look past a funky fit, then know that the possibilities are pretty boundless.

I usually do not buy anything I can't climb in. So these were naturally the pants for me. I can go to work and then go outside and play without worrying about them getting torn to bits. I love the color, cut and they are super comfortable and soft. I highly recommend them for any lady that has a corporate office job in the day but is a bad ass after work special climber. They are a bit long on me but I cuff them and they are just as cute :)