Love this pants. I got them in brown. First, let me tell you about sizing - order up! I'm usually a Patagonia 6. For this pants, I had to go all the way to Medium, which fits slightly big at the waist (must use a belt), and somewhat baggy, but it doesn't bother me that much. I tried small, but I could barely sit down when I buttoned it up. (Note: I always wear a heavy weight long undies underneath.)
The feature I like most is the high back - back inseam is a couple inches longer than front inseam - that's what girl's pants should be cut like. The high back means that if you need to sit down to put on your bindings, your back will still be protected.
These pants were actually redesigned from previous season's "Rubicon pants". Compared to the Rubicon, the Sidewall uses lighter material, which makes hiking much easier. Fit is definitely more relaxed. And they changed the waist area so the Sidewall is much less bulky than Rubicon. And the cool fabric weave - I kept getting asked what brand these are, and people can't believe it when I told them that these are Patagonia.
The Sidewall also sports all the regular features that I expect from all snowboarding pants, such as waterproof, inner thigh vents, scuff guards. For this price, I'd rather go with Patagonia rather than Burton or the like, knowing that these will be absolutely bombproof for years to come.

I returned these pants because I did not like how very baggy they are.I figured that since they are advertised as ski pants they wouldn't be so wide-legged. I liked all the other features about these pants, but the baggy fit is not what I wanted.

Cool pants, but HUGE. I wear a 6 or 8 pants. 5'9", around 140. Bought the L - they fall OFF. I may go to a S - that's how big they are. I usually wear Nike workout stuff in L so they are loose - M if I want them to fit closer but not tight. Anyway - I'll try again when they get more in stock...

Based on val's review, I ordered a medium...they are a bit too big but I would rather have room than wear some snug pants out on the slopes. I wear size 6 pants normally. But they were warm and resilient, with Burton Midweight Shant underneath I was just dandy. And I love the weave (I got them in the cream color) pattern and the cut of the pant.

I am on average a 4 in winter 5'5, more like a 6 in summer, I ordered a small and they fit snug but comfy and long enough, i'm pretty sure a medium would be to baggy. Bottom line they are bomber waterproof and my powderhorn capri long undies make these perfectly toastie

Comfy, stylish, and waterproof-these pants are great. I'm usually a size XS and had to go up to the S, I agree with the other reviewer's advice to go up a size. There is a neat adjustable waistband inside that allows you to make your size a little smaller if you need to. They're great for skiing, I absolutely love them.

If you're searching for the perfect pants - look no further! Patagonia's sidewall pant is the perfect women's pant!

I have them in black (the velvet brown was sold out) and I find them to be functional - warm, dry, tough - as well as comfortable and, if you can believe it, figure flattering.

The women at patagonia thought these pants through. The rise is higher in the back than in the front, so they sit below the waist, there are 4 pockets (at the hip and just above the knee) and leg vents for warmer days. The pants dry quickly and pack well.

They are equally comfortable on "cold" days and on days like last weekend when it was "hot" (mid forties).

Even better, Backcountry ships so fast that if you ordered these pants today, you can wear them this weekend! Hope this helps!