I'm looking for some simple, lightweight, yet durable zip-off pants for 3-season wear. Too get picky, I'd also like them to zip off just above the knee. Recommendations?

I have used TNF Paramount convertible pants for years. They are rugged but somewhat heavy. Tons of pockets. Shorts inseam are a little short for my liking. I found that over time the sewn in belt was rubbing into my hips due to pressure from my pack hipbelt. One plus are the side zips allowing the pant legs to be removed easier with shoes on.

Due to this, I tried the Mountain Hardwear Mesa convertible pants. They have a soft lining around the waist and does not rub nearly as bad along with a thinner belt too. Not as many pockets, several ounces lighter, and a longer inseam on the shorts that is more comfortable. No side zips on the pant legs but they do have a nice cord lock to cinch them closed. They are my new outdoor go to pants.

I have both the TNF and the Mountain Hardwear convertibles. Both are well made, but the MH are really, really nice. But the pants that I grab first out of the gear closet are the REI Sahara zip offs.

I agree with Ryan that the MHW mesa are awesome convertible pants. Love mine. I don't have them infront of me at this moment, so I can't promise you that the shorts end above the knee. I do remember them have a length where I felt comfortable wearing them casually in pubs/restaurants after leaving the trail. It probably ended right at the knee...I'll be able to check tomorrow. Don't be worried about the length hindering your ability to move/high step, as the pants come with a gusseted crotch, so good range and freedom of motion

You can usually get them for around $50 on sale if you look around or wait a bit

Edited by Konrad1013 on 01/08/2011 18:55:54 MST.

Another vote for MHW Mesa pants. Mine are not zip off, but I wore them for 450 miles last year.

They are heavier than some other MHW pants due to thicker, more durable material. At Sierra Trading Post, they are out of mediums but have the other waist sizes. I don't remember the prices.

Edited by heyyou on 01/08/2011 19:15:53 MST.

I've been pleased with my ExOfficio zip offs. I have the insect shield ones, and am delighted to no longer find ticks crawling on me!

+1 on REI Sahara.

Once I bought these, my Columbia zipoffs never left the closet. Comfy & very tough.

I like my REI ones, not sure what model, but lightweight nylon that sheds water well and dries fast. The bottoms have a full zipper so you can take them off without removing your shoes which is nice. I wear these for lots of things, the only time they do not perform good is for biking, the cut is wrong.

I happen to love my Columbia Silver Ridge convertible pants. The best part is is that you can always find them on sale somewhere for like $30

+1 for the Columbia's Convert Pants. I know Columbia isn't the really big for BPL but they fit great. I like my pants a bit loose and these do me great. Dry fast and rugged as hell. been wearing the same pair of pants for the last 8 years and still going strong. I also like pockets and they have pockets galore.

REI Sahara are a favorite. The new ones have full vertical zippers on the leg section, so you can take them off without going over your shoes. Nice idea, but may be too complex. The #1 complaint I see on used ones in the REI Gear Garage is broken zippers. They do make several inseam sizes too. Tend to be baggy. I see good used ones in thrift stores all the time.

Columbia Titanium are pretty close to the REI pants, with a little different finish to the fabric, baggy too.

Ex Officio is good, with several models. Some have lighter (read cooler) cloth and are less durable.

Outdoor Research Equinox convertibles don't have the thigh pockets and come in inch-increment waist sizes. Less Inspector Gadget looking, not as baggy.

The older Mountain Hardwear models had a chamois fleece liner in the waistband and crotch and the waistband was more conical. I don't know if the current models offer any of the same features. The old ones are about $100-- not something you care to shred in the brush.

RailRiders are another good brand, but no zip-offs.

I want to see pants with roll-up legs with tabs like you see on some Swiss Army-style shirts-- Ex Officio Airstrip and the like. Somehow it seems to be an effort to stop and take the bottoms off or put them back on. There are issues with the extra seams, the zippers and the possibility of losing the leg sections. Velcro tabs and elastic cuffs are on my want list too. The OR pants have drawstrings.

I just buy the $17 fishing pants at Academy Sports. Seem to work fine.

FWIW,

I've used Campmor's Trekmor 2/1 Convertible Pants for the last two and a half years. They're $24.98. They have served me well and I've had no issues with them.

OTOH,

@ Joe,

>>I just buy the $17 fishing pants at Academy Sports<<

During the Thanksgiving holidays our oldest son and I did a day hike near the Texas / Oklahoma border. He was wearing some non convertible nylon hiking pants. He was wishing for some extra "ventilation" as the day progressed. We bought two pair of the Magellan brand fishing pants as a Christmas present for him. They seem like they would fill the bill and not break the bank.

Party On,

Newton

+2

I have 5 pair of these Academy Magellans. Teflon coated I think. Beads water/liquids well, cleans easily and dries fast. Worth 4x their price.

Yeah, just tell everyone that Magellen is Mountain Hardware's high end line of clothing.

Dan, several years ago I was on a quest like yours. That is, to find zip off pants with shorts ending above the knee (they move much better with you that way). I am not ashamed to admit I settled on a pair of women's Columbia convertible pants. I've been using them for 2 or 3 years now and I'm pretty happy with them. I think they were the Titanium Challenger model, and they were about $30. Cue the roasting.

Another vote for the MH Mesa pants. I really like the waist belt and the microfiber liner at the waist. These pants don't get in the way of the waistbelt. All in all a lot of very good features, with great look. I think they stay clean really well also.

Edited by idahosteve on 01/10/2011 17:40:51 MST.