Mountain Hardwear Women's Cohesion Pants

These seem great and the fit is right on
I am writing these before wearing the pants extensively because in looking around myself I really need tips on sizing. And, I wear rain pants for such brief spans here in the Rockies that it would take long to assess this. They seem excellently made. They just glide on. I tried the zippers and they don't tend to stick. I did a lot of comparison and believe the extra couple ounces over other choices is definately worth the long zip. I tried on others and these are sooo much easier to get on. I read they were big but did not find them so at all. Rain pants are made to go over regular pants and still allow good movement, which these do. They also look cute unlike many. I am usually a small, can occasionally be an extra small. I am 5'2 3/4", 113#, natural waist 27", hips at widest point 37". The small allows lots of free movement while not looking balloon-y or dorky. They fold up quite small. I am really excited about them.

Stretch Panels Not Stretchy
I like Mountain Hardwear products so much it pains me to say I don't recommend this product. The material and workmanship are very high quality, just like I've come to expect from MH. The fit is true to size. The features of the pants-- lightweight, side zippers, belt, elastic, are all great. My one and only complaint is the knee/crotch material isn't stretchy enough to allow for high stepping during a backcountry scramble or rock climbing during a rain shower, which is what I was hoping the "stretch panels" would allow. If you're looking for rain pants for a stroll on even terrain, these are great, but the material MH chose for the "stretch panels" on the knees and crotch just isn't stretchy enough for what I plan to use the pants for. I've returned these and have ordered the Lightweight Guide Pants from Patagonia.