Having followed MeatEater for a couple of years now, I called First Lite mid-July about finding some mid-layer wader pants for a fly fishing trip to King Salmon, Alaska the second week of August. Taylor talked to me on the phone for a good half-hour walking me through the features of several different pant options, and we landed on this pant. He was incredibly helpful and patient with me, and let me tell you: I cannot express enough how perfectly these pants functioned in the field for the entire week of the trip. Worn over my base layer bottoms each day, this pant provided the perfect amount of warmth and dryness I needed on days full of steady rainfall where outside temps dropped down to the high 40s/mid 50s. Whether I was on the boat, on a two-mile hike to a creek, or of course in the stream, this pant was both comfortable and functional. Even on the days when it got warmer outside (low/mid-70s), I wasn't sweating or overheating. Plus, once the waders came off, these were the perfect pants for lounging on the porch or walking around the cabins after the fishing; and truthfully, I'll be wearing them as sweatpants around my apartment (along with my Smartwool socks) when wintertime rolls around in Texas. For sizing: I'm 6'3" and around 200 pounds, and the Large fit me perfectly. Tip for washing: tie a knot in each drawstring to keep them from slipping inside the waistband.

These pants made me feel like a pro out in the back country. The most dependable item in my gear bag for the trip. I can't wait to use these again.

Was stuck between sizes when ordering. I’m a medium in everything and due to the waist measurement I went medium on these. The waist is perfect, but the legs are crazy long. Fit is just super off on these pants. I can only wear these under a layer, can’t just go around town in them without looking like a clown. I wanted these to fit well so bad. Not doubting warmth though.

I love the First Lite midweight merino wool layering system and have the 3/4 length base layer bottom (perfect for under a shell for skiing or other activities where you have to wear tall boots) and 3 different tops. The material is awesome. I was looking for a pair of pants that are NOT the classic base layer look (ie: no underwear-looking crotch panels) so you could remove your waders or dry suit and still wear them in public. I thought these would be perfect, and I want to love them too, but the cut and fit is just off. Very tight in the calves and thighs, yet so long they are bunchy around the knees. Have tried two different sizes, and just doesn't work. The stirrups are a cool idea, but the calves are so tight, I couldn't pull them up above my ankles if I wanted to. If you are tall and routinely skip leg day, these might be the perfect pant for you!

Super warm and stretchy, fits kind of wonky though. Tight at calf’s loose at knees tight at waist. I’m 6’2” 175 their medium is a bit tight but all my other medium bottoms are good, I should have sized up.