Designed from scratch with input from real adventurers, Alpine Parrot's Ponderosa Pants are truly versatile and durable, making them a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
One of the best features of the pants is their abrasion-resistant fabric, which stands up to tough terrain and frequent wear. Whether you're bushwhacking through thick manzanita bushes in Northern California or battling mesquite in Sedona, Arizona, you should make it out alive.
I love the design of these pants! They are packed with really thoughtful features that make them stand out in the world of plus-sized outdoor pants:
- Curved, high-rise, adjustable waistband designed to hug your body in all the right ways, ensuring a comfortable fit no matter your shape or size.
- Built-in belt adds an extra layer of adjustability, allowing you to customize the fit and prevent sagging.
- Five generous pockets (including one specifically designed to comfortably fit a cell phone) means you'll have plenty of storage space for all your essentials (read: snacks).
- Zippered thigh pocket is perfect for keeping valuables secure while also being easily accessible.
- A key ring, which is great for carrying a carabiner loaded with your keys or some new UL piece of tech.
- Adjustable cuffs which allow you to roll up the pants and decrease the inseam by approximately 10", providing versatility for changing weather or activities.
In terms of specifications, the Ponderosa Pants are made from easy-care, abrasion-resistant fabric with two-way stretch and UPF 40 protection. The body fabric is composed of 94% nylon and 6% elastane, while the waistband is made from 86% nylon and 14% spandex. These materials are not only durable and comfortable but also environmentally conscious. The pants are made in a WRAP Certified factory in Honduras, ensuring that they are produced ethically.
One of the most impressive aspects of these pants is their updated fit for Spring 2024, which offers more room in the waist for added comfort. This attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction is further demonstrated by Alpine Parrot's offer of free U.S.-based returns and exchanges.
The Fit
The Alpine Parrot Ponderosa Pants are not just any outdoor pants; they're the result of meticulous testing and development, involving hundreds of fit models. This extensive process has led to the creation of two unique “Fit Styles”, designed to celebrate your shape and move with you. To ensure you get the perfect fit, Alpine Parrot highly recommends checking out the size chart and selecting the size that best matches your measurements. For a more leggings-like fit, you may want to consider choosing a size down, while opting for a size up will give you a looser fit. If your measurements align perfectly with a specific size, you can expect the pants to fit like a pair of stretch jeans.
The Styles
If you’re plus-size, you know the drill: typically there are the large booty bombshells with a smaller waist, and the rest of us, who mostly carry our thickness in our waists. This makes shopping for plus-sized pants really difficult because companies tend to focus on designing one style, meaning half of the plus-sized community can’t wear them. Alpine Parrot has made a version for both body styles. Who does that?! (Literal angels, probably). It feels like no one has ever thought to offer clothes made for bodies - it’s always the other way around… like, “I have to change my body to fit into these.”
Their Mountain Fit is tailored for those with a narrower waist and fuller, curvier bottom. These pants are cut to hug your curves without gapping at the waist, ensuring a comfortable and flattering fit.
Their River Fit is perfect for individuals whose waist and hips have similar measurements. These pants are designed to glide over your curves smoothly, without pinching, rubbing, or chafing. The River Fit offers a comfortable and relaxed fit that is ideal for various outdoor activities and everyday wear.
Whether you prefer the Mountain Fit or the River Fit, the fact that you actually have a choice at all means these get a “GOLD Star - Honor Elite PLUS” Achievement Award in the Ace Curtis Plus-Sized Pants Competition (which is a totally made up system by me, that probably should be a real thing).
It's worth noting that the Ponderosa Pants recently won an actual award - the “Best Plus-Size Hiking Pants For Women” award from Forbes, solidifying their reputation as a top-notch choice for outdoor enthusiasts of all sizes.
For those chilly spring days we’ve been having up here in far Northern California, I’ve been wearing these pants with the Alpine Parrot Bristlecone Flannel - and it has been the perfect duo. The Bristlecone Flannel also comes in two fit styles - “the Coastal Fit was designed for those who need less room in the chest, while the Forest Fit was designed for those who need more room in the chest.” I got the Forest Fit, which buttons down over my breasts without stretching to show what's underneath, and it's just so soft and cozy. It’s warm enough to keep your temperature perfect on a chilly day, and light enough that you don't overheat as the sun peeks out over the clouds.
Alpine Parrot products are a top-notch choice for my fellow plus-sized adventure gals seeking a reliable and stylish outdoor pant. Whether you want to take a walk down to the end of your road to check the mail, or walk from Mexico to Canada on the PCT, these pants can handle the journey.
Wearing the Ponderosa pants by Alpine Parrot feels less about capitalism or buying just a product and more about becoming a part of a community. It's about feeling seen and included in the outdoor community, where I have often felt invisible and unimportant. This company highlights a truly diverse group of individuals who may not fit the traditional mold of "outdoor fitness" but are united by a shared passion for adventure.
For too long, the narrative around outdoor activities has been shaped by an image of athleticism that doesn’t represent everyone. The Ponderosa pants challenge that narrative by welcoming those of us with curves, inviting us to explore comfortably and confidently. When I first slipped into these pants, I didn’t just see a fit that embraced my shape; I felt an embrace from a community that has long awaited my arrival.
There was no struggle, no squeezing, no shame—only the reassuring snug of fabric designed with me in mind. It was a profound moment of realization that I do belong in the outdoors. In the Ponderosa pants, I'm not just outfitted for the wilderness; I'm reminded of the strength and beauty of diversity in nature and in human spirit. This is what it means to wear these pants; to stand proudly among fellow adventurers who celebrate every body’s journey through the great outdoors.
Ace Curtis is a plus-sized outdoor enthusiast who thrives in the rugged landscapes of Northern California, where she has lived most of her life. She plays a vital role in her community as an active member of the county's Search and Rescue Ground Team. Currently, Ace is expanding her expertise by attending EMT school, aiming to enhance her ability to provide critical care in emergency situations. You can check out her current ADHD fixation on Instagram @breakfastwithace.
