I was recently sent a pair of Duluth Trading Company’s Women’s DuluthFlex Dry on the Fly Convertible Pants to review for ActionHub. With a height of 5’11”, I’m always curious to check out pants from companies that boast options for tall women. In most cases, the pants still aren’t long enough. But Duluth got it right.

The last time I heard the term “convertible pants,” I was in elementary school, shopping for clothes with my mom, insisting she buy me the pants that not only zip off to become capris, but shorts as well. So many pants in one pant! Think of the Dry on the Fly as the matured version of those pants, minus the shorts feature. (No offense to those who still own the former).

Promoted for outdoor activities like gardening and hiking, these Duluth Dry on the Fly Pants were created to wick away moisture. Before we move on, let’s take a look at the specs:

• Lightweight, wicking, 97 percent nylon, 3 percent elastane fabric resists rips
• Built in flex and Crouch Gusset™ for more comfort on the move
• Comfort waistband gently cinches or slightly extends for a custom fit
• Brushed tricot waistband lining provides next-to-skin comfort
• Roll-up legs secure with stay-put snap tabs
• Six total pockets: two front, one cargo snap, two back and an 8″ Pokey Things Pocket on the right leg
• UPF 50+ to protect against the sun’s harsh rays
• Fits both curvy and straight body shapes
• Sits below the waist
• Machine wash
• Imported

I first began to wear these Duluth Trading women’s pants around the house, as they arrived in the middle of the week and I didn’t have any hiking trips or gardening days planned. As someone who is accustomed to trying on at least 15 pairs of pants before finding one that fits (namely because of my height), I was very surprised that these fit perfectly—and were flattering. I ordered the size I typically wear and they fit well. However, for comfort, I believe I could have gone one size bigger. I prefer my clothing a bit baggier, but if you’re looking for something fitted, ordering your normal size should work. The pants are a normal rise in the waist, not too high and not too low. They are fitted until right below the knee, where they extend into a small flare at the bottom. They have loops that allow you to roll up the pants into capris as well.

In several past reviews, I’ve read that some wearers were unhappy with the sizing if they had a smaller waist and larger thighs. If the pants fit in the waist, they were too tight in the thighs. For my body type, they worked well. But I do understand the concern, so keep that point in mind if you’re considering ordering them. Duluth does offer a specialized sizing chart for the pants, so check that out before buying. It’s located under the “Sizing” tab below the product photos.

As for range of motion, the pants were structured yet flexible, allowing for me to move around often and not have to constantly readjust the pants. I’m used to pulling pants up often while gardening, but this wasn’t an issue. While landscaping my front yard a few weeks ago, I’d move quickly between kneeling on the ground while planting and standing to go grab more mulch from across the yard. Normally, I become annoyed by how often I have to pull my pants up while carrying out these chores, but the Dry on the Fly pants stayed in place well.

These Duluth Trading Company pants are perfect to wear while running errands. During these last few weeks of humid, hot weather in Michigan, putting on a pair of jeans to run to the grocery store sounds miserable. And I’m not always in the mood for shorts. The Duluth Dry on the Fly Pants are a good option. They’re extremely light and because of the moisture-wicking feature, they never feel damp or uncomfortable.

Where I found the pants extremely useful was actually at a campfire my family had built next to the lake at our cottage last weekend. I had packed a pair of jean shorts and a pair of yoga pants, neither of which were a good option when it came to sitting on the grass around a fire, especially when the mosquitoes were out in full force. Unlike my other two options, the Duluth pants allowed me to sit directly on the grass at night without the pants becoming damp, and provided enough coverage so the bugs weren’t a big deal—at least for my legs. In addition, I felt comfortable sitting with my legs crossed, as the pants provide a lot of flexibility.

The only scenario I have yet to test the pants in is during a hiking trip, which I believe they would be ideal for. Even in humid climates, the fabric is light enough while at the same time providing protection against low-lying sticks and plants. Perfect to wear in the morning and around camp at night when the temperatures are lower, this pant provides a great option for taller women who often feel ignored in the outdoor apparel market.

The Duluth Dry on the Fly Pants are available in sizes four through 18 and have inseams of 31, 33, or 35 available. They come in six colors—Black, Coffee Heather, Khaki, Light Plum, Pale Navy Heather, and Vintage Olive.

Images courtesy Duluth Trading Company