Men with 28 inch waist

I have the same problem. I'm around a 28-29" waist and have a difficult time finding hiking pants. Either the waist is too big or the inseam is too long (I'm also short at 5'5"). I haven't found anything that works great. Right now I'm using some REI pants that don't fit great.

I have a 31 waist these days. I have a problem sometimes because smalls are often ~30 with skinny legs. Mediums are 32-34 with huge butts and crotch down to the knees. Just have to shop around and use a belt. Too baggy is better than too tight.

Currently there is some zip off synthetic pants at Bass Pro shops that fit me OK in medium, the small is more like a 30.

Tropical flats pants. come in XS and have a bit of stretch.

Since the general population is getting fat, these sizes are hard to find. It was impossible for me to find off the rack clothes for my kids when they were in high school. So…

1. Buy a sewing machine and learn how to take things in.

2. Find a good tailor.

A second vote for Mountain Hardwear Mesa zipoff pants. I'm a 28-29 inch waist and have had mine for a couple of years now, just renewed the DWR. I wish the legs were cut a bit slimmer, but love them for the versatility and backpack-friendly waist belt.