Unlike most trekking pants, they are refined with no cargo pockets, extraneous zippers, shapeless relaxed fit, or any other detail that would define them as technical gear- which is a refreshing change.

Designed with a feminine fit, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Ankle Pant transitions easily from work to the trails to the campsite. I often bike commute, so I will typically go to work, do some errands on the side, etc. before coming home.

I like these for work because they have the technical properties (stretch, UPF 50, anti-odor properties, and PFC-free DWR finish to repel water) that I need for commuting on a bike in the high altitude mountain community where I live.

Gone are the days when I had to switch pants from my comfortable commuter cycling pants to uncomfortable, more professional-looking work pants.

The Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Ankle Pant offers the best of both worlds in that they offer technical properties and comfort (yay stretch!), but are refined enough to wear to work.

Constructed from extremely lightweight plain weave stretch nylon and elastane, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Ankle Pant are similar to Pearl Izumi’s Rove pants, but fit more comfortably, thanks to the flat and wide stretch waistband (middle-aged me lives for elastic waistbands!) and the fabric is much lighter making it ideal for wearing during hotter days.

My absolute favorite feature is the waistband. I never thought I’d find wear-anywhere pants that looked refined and office-worthy with a stretch waistband- it’s like my workwear pant dreams have come true!

The two hand pockets were deep enough to stash keys, valuables etc. and keep them in place while riding.

Because they are so lightweight, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Ankle Pant are a good alternative for people who don’t want to wear shorts or leggings outdoors, but want to keep their legs protected.

Other features: single back right reverse entry pocket, secure thigh zip pocket, and discreet Mountain Hardwear patch logo at the right rear pocket seam.

I am inbetween sizes (S and M), and the size S Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Ankle Pant fit fine. Because I am petite, the pants fit like full pants, not ending at the top of my ankles- which is also okay because that is what I had hoped for.

The regular fit Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Ankle Pant is available in sizes XS-XL and six colors.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.