Yours is a standard complaint--outdoor gear is made for the skinny folks. That leaves those of us who are not so skinny but really want to get out there (to get skinnier or at least not get any stouter) really scrambling for something to wear. Of course for me, short, stout, and female, the main problem is finding pants (regular or rain pants) that will fit over my extra-large rear. At least base layers stretch!

Learning to sew is definitely an alternative for those of us who don't fit into the "standard" sizes! It also can save a lot of $$$.

About a year ago I started Civil War re-enacting. For me, it is really refreshing to "time travel" back to the days when large hips on a woman were considered desirable and the height of fashion!