Best Men’s Convertible Hiking Pants of 2023

Convertible hiking pants are a great solution for three-season backpacking in changing weather conditions. With the ability to easily switch from pants to shorts and vice versa, they offer a versatile option for hikers. In this post, we will be discussing the best men’s zip-off pants for hiking in 2023. We have compared 14 different models for all budgets, styles of travel, seasons, and specific uses, making it easier for you to choose the right convertible pants for your needs. With this comprehensive guide, finding a quality pair of zip-offs no longer has to be a daunting task.

If you’re looking for more gear recommendations, be sure to check out our list of the Best Hot Weather Pants for Travel and Hiking. And if you need a pair of shorts instead, we also have a guide for the Best Men’s Hiking Shorts.

Quick answer: BEST MEN’S CONVERTIBLE HIKING PANTS 2023

1. KUHL Renegade Cargo Convertible                                  View on KUHL                       View on REI

2. The North Face Paramount Pro Convertible                View on REI                             View on Moosejaw

3. Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible                                     View on Amazon             View on Backcountry

4. Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Zip-Off                           View on Moosejaw      View on Backcountry

5. Patagonia Quandary Convertible                                        View on Patagonia      View on Backcountry

6. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible                           View on Amazon              View on OR

7. Adidas Terrex Utilitas Hiking Zip-Off                                View on REI                             View on Moosejaw

8. Prana Double Peak Convertible                                           View on Amazon              View on Backcountry

9. RevolutionRace RVRC GP Pro Zip-Off                            View on Amazon

10. Columbia Newton Ridge II Convertible                        View on Amazon

11. REI Co-op Sahara Convertible                                            View on REI

12. Mountain Hardwear Basin Trek Convertible             View on Amazon              View on Backcountry

13. Marmot Arch Rock Convertible                                         View on Amazon

14. Free Soldier Outdoor Convertible                                    View on Amazon

 

Best all-around

#1 KUHL Renegade Cargo Convertible

 

Best lightweight

#2 The North Face Paramount Pro Convertible

Best budget buy

#3 Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible

 

Best features

#4 Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Zip-off Trousers

 

Best of the rest

#5 Patagonia Quandary Convertible Pants

 

#6 Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Pants

 

#7 Adidas Terrex Utilitas Hiking Zip-Off Pants

 

#8 Prana Double Peak Convertible

Pros:

• Adventure-ready all-around pants for hiking and travel.
• Made using more sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester.
• A good amount of pockets provide plenty of storage space for organizing items. There are seven pockets in total including two front-hand pockets, concealed zipper coin pocket into the right-hand pocket, two back pockets, and two thigh pockets with flaps.
• Extra breathability for more comfort in warm weather thanks to the lightweight fabric, mesh-lined pockets, and ventilated inseam gusset.

Cons:

• Slim fit – not exactly the best idea for convertible pants where each rub point against the skin can be a problem.
• A limited number of color options – two color options only – charcoal (black) and cargo green. Additionally, there’s a lack of more vibrant colors.

Best for: Casual hiking

Women’s Version: Not Available

Amazon | Moosejaw | Backcountry

 

#9 RevolutionRace RVRC GP Pro Zip-Off Trousers

 

#10 Columbia Newton Ridge II Convertible Pants

 

#11 REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

 

#12 Mountain Hardwear Basin Trek Convertible Pants

 

#13 Marmot Arch Rock Convertible Pants

 

#14 Free Soldier Outdoor Convertible Hiking Pants

 

 

Table 1: Best convertible hiking pants for men – comparison table

PRODUCT	DESCRIPTION	PROS	CONS
KUHL Renegade Cargo Convertible	#1 Best zip off hiking pants Weight -> 431 g (15.2 oz) Price -> $109 Inseam (shorts) -> 10 Material -> 95% Nylon, 5% spandex	-> Versatile; turn into shorts fast and easy -> Great construction, materials, and features -> Good fit and allow for excellent mobility -> Plenty of options to get the right fit	-> The convertible zipper seam is restrictive to those with bigger legs -> The cargo pockets are deep and convenient but a zipper will help keep the contents secure
The North Face Paramount Pro Convertible	#2 Best lightweight Weight -> 290 g (10.23 oz) Price -> $120 Inseam (shorts) -> 8 Material -> 91% Polyester (recycled), 9% elastane	->Zip on and off fast and easy -> Made of lightweight, breathable, and fast-drying fabric that's perfect for summer wear -> Tough-wearing, abrasion-resistant, solid construction -> Comfortable, casual look, freedom of movement	-> No cargo pockets -> The inseam is 29.5 and there are no other options available
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible	#3 Best budget buy Weight -> N/A Price -> $65 Inseam (shorts) -> 10 Material -> Main body (Omni-Shade): 100% nylon Silver Ridge ripstop; Mesh panels (Omni-Wick): 57% recycled polyester, 43% polyester mesh	-> Versatile and functional, work equally well in hot and humid weather and in the mountain -> Six convenient pockets keep items secure and organized -> Comfortable fit and nice flexibility -> Variety of sizes and colors to choose from	-> Poor quality of the stitching of the pockets -> The fabric is thin and may not hold up well on rugged hikes
Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Zip-off	#4 Best features Weight -> 470 g (16.6 oz) Price -> $200 Inseam (shorts) -> N/A Material -> Main material: G-1000 Lite: 65% polyester, 35% cotton; Reinforcements at leg endings, on inside of lower legs: G-1000 Original, G-1000 Heavy-Duty respectively	-> Nice style and rich colors -> Great breathability -> Lightweight yet very durable and abrasion-resistant G-1000 Lite fabric with ripstop threads -> Lightly waxed with Greenland Wax for added water resistance	-> Expensive -> Good pocket configuration with some spacious pockets but no back pockets
Patagonia Quandary Convertible	#5 Weight -> 340 g (12 oz) Price -> $99 Inseam (shorts) -> 10 Material -> 95% Nylon (65% recycled)/5% spandex	-> Reliable zip-off pants made to provide whatever's needed to hike the heat of the day -> Don't stink after use; easy to care for -> The leg zippers work fast and efficiently -> The fabric is comfy, durable, and stretchy	-> Only come in a slim version -> Pockets can be a bit deeper
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible	#6 Weight -> 338 g (11.95 oz) Price -> $110 Inseam (shorts) -> 10 Material -> 86% Nylon 90D stretch woven ripstop (46% recycled), 14% spandex	-> Great range of motion for any activity -> Lightweight and relatively functional -> The softshell fabric is highly breathable in warm weather; dries fast -> Good water repellency; block the sun UV light	-> The only zippered pocket is too small -> No ankle zippers to fit anything bigger than low shoes
Adidas Terrex Utilitas Hiking Zip-Off	#7 Weight -> 329 g (11.6 oz) Price -> $120 Inseam (shorts) -> 10.6 Material -> 89% nylon (recycled), 11% elastane	-> Functional and versatile -> Comfortable fit -> The material is cool enough for hot-weather activities -> Can be turned into shorts easily	-> Run large -> Two color options only
Prana Double Peak Convertible	#8 Weight -> N/A Price -> $110 Inseam (shorts) -> N/A Material -> 58% Cotton (organic), 39% polyester (recycled), 3% elastane	-> Adventure-ready all-around pants -> Sustainable and nature-friendly materials -> A good amount of pockets -> Extra breathability	-> Slim fit only -> A limited number of color options
RVRC GP Pro Zip-Off	#9 Weight -> 550 g (1 lb 3.4 oz or 19.4 oz) Price -> $119 Inseam (shorts) -> N/A Material -> Polyester 65%, cotton 35%; Stretch panels: Polyamide 88%, elastane 12%	-> Multifunctional outdoor trousers -> High-quality construction and materials combined with thoughtful design -> Comfortable and practical with multiple pockets -> The pants fit over solid backpacking boots	-> The fabric is a bit stiff and not very flexible -> Fit snug, can feel a bit tight at the legs/knees if you have more muscular legs/thighs
Columbia Newton Ridge II Convertible	#10 Weight -> N/A Price -> $85 Inseam (shorts) -> 10 Material -> 95% Nylon, 5% elastane (Omni-Shield Release)	-> Easy to care for: repel stains and wash well -> A good set of pockets for easy access to essentials -> Very lightweight and durable construction; the shorts dry fast -> Comfortable for all-day on the trail	-> Run large -> A bit noisy when walking
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible	#11 Weight -> N/A Price -> $80 Inseam (shorts) -> 10 Material -> 96% Nylon (recycled), 4% spandex	-> Functional and comfortable -> Side zippers for added ventilation -> Both the zip-off pants and shorts are functional on the trail. -> Decent quality pockets	-> Not sturdy, particularly around the knee area -> The overall quality and utility have slightly downgraded over the past few years -> Belt loops are too narrow for a belt even 1.5 inches
Mountain Hardwear Basin Trek Convertible	#12 Weight -> 301 g (11 oz) Price -> $95 Inseam (shorts) -> N/A Material -> 94% Nylon, 6% elastane	-> Good quality construction and materials -> Functional, with cool features -> Decent protection from the elements -> Nice colors to choose from	-> Belt loops are not supportive enough for a rugged belt -> No zipper on the bottom of the pant leg -> Pockets aren't particularly deep.
Marmot Arch Rock Convertible	#13 Weight -> 283.1 g (10 oz) Price -> $90 Inseam (shorts) -> N/A Material -> 94% Nylon, 6% elastane	-> Useful features -> Thin breathable material dries really fast -> Comfortable fit -> Decent protection from the elements	-> The integrated belt isn't among our favorite features -> Neither hand pockets nor back pockets come with a zipper closure
Free Soldier Outdoor Hiking Convertible	#14 Weight -> N/A Price -> $40 Inseam (shorts) -> N/A Material -> 96% Nylon and 4% spandex	-> Great price-to-quality ratio -> Good design and cool and comfortable material -> The fabric has good stretch and mobility -> Weatherproof and quick-drying	-> The removable belt doesn't seem to be of very high quality -> On the baggy side -> The belt loops aren't as sturdy as we would like them to be

 

Materials

There’s no difference between the main materials used for convertible pants and those utilized for regular hiking pants or shorts. And it’s logical as the fabric needs to meet the most important requirements of hiking and other (relatively) high-intensity outdoor pursuits – keep the user cool, dry, and comfortable.

Nylon, polyester, and other synthetic fibers and blends dominate with cotton being the only natural material used in certain designs. Note that although cotton is used from time to time, it isn’t a popular choice. Knowing its inherent characteristics and properties, it’s perfectly understandable that cotton isn’t a hugely popular fiber for making hiking pants and clothing. Still, its high breathability, tenacity, softness and nice feel next to the skin lead to exceptions such as the G-1000 fabric (35% cotton) used in the Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Zip-off Trousers and many other great hiking pant designs by Fjallraven. Prana Double Peak Convertible (58% cotton) and RevolutionRace RVRC GP Pro Zip-Off (35% cotton) are two other models reviewed here that utilize cotton. The former is not the best trousers for rough hiking and backpacking, while the latter can hold up well for hiking and backpacking. Nevertheless, both work well for their intended use.

The KUHL Renegade Cargo Convertible, which is currently ranked at the top of our list, as well as all but two designs on the list, are primarily made of nylon (also known as polyamide). The only exceptions are The North Face Paramount Pro Convertible and the Prana Double Peak, which rely on polyester and cotton, respectively. So why is nylon so popular for hiking pants and gear? Its lightweight, toughness, durability, abrasion resistance, wrinkle resistance, and more make it an ideal material for crafting rugged, abrasion-resistant pants suitable for even the most challenging backcountry trips.

Polyester is one of the most popular fibers for hiking clothing, and in fact, it is the most widely used fiber in the world today. It is commonly blended with other fibers such as cotton, spandex, and nylon, and is used in activewear for its excellent durability, low moisture retention (making it easy to clean and maintain), wrinkle resistance, and resistance to wear and tear, as well as microorganisms. Hiking pants, shorts, jackets, shirts, and base layers can all be made with polyester.

Elastane (spandex, Lycra, and various other trade names denote the same fiber) is another synthetic fiber that plays an important role in the hiking pants industry. It can be seen on the label of many hiking and outdoor clothing items (it’s usually at the bottom of the label as its content rarely exceeds more than 5-6%). Spandex gives what nylon and polyester don’t have – the stretch needed to provide a better range of motion. Models like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible with 14% spandex work great for sports and activities that require dynamic movement.

Manufacturers use UPF-rated fabrics for the zip-off pants to protect from the sun. With a UPF rating of 30 or higher (most models on this list have UPF 50 or higher), these pants provide excellent sun protection, which is especially useful in hot climates and mountain environments. The UPF rating measures how much radiation can pass through the fabric and reach the skin. For example, a UPF 30 rating means that only one out of 30 units of UV will pass through the fabric to the skin (one out of 40 or 50 for UPF 40 and UPF 50, respectively).

Weight

In general, convertible pants tend to weigh slightly more than regular hiking trousers. This is because pants with zip-off legs are designed to be versatile and suitable for a range of climates and environments. The weight of a pair of pants is affected by several factors, including the design, lining, features such as pockets and built-in belts, the thickness and weave of the material, and the material itself. Zippers, in particular, can add weight to the pants.

We have evaluated pants with a weight range of 283 g (10 oz) to 550 g (19.4 oz), with an average weight of 371 g (13.1 oz). However, for five of the models, we do not have precise weight information, so they are not represented in the graphs below. Please refer to Graph 1 and Graph 2 for a comparison of the weight of each model on our list in grams and ounces, respectively.

The North Face Paramount Pro Convertible is one of the best lightweight convertible pants, along with five other models, weighing 340 g (12 oz) or less. It’s no surprise that the lightest models are primarily streamlined zip-off designs intended for warm climates, such as the Marmot Arch Rock Convertible. The three heaviest models range from 431 g (14.8 oz) for the KUHL Renegade Cargo Convertible to 550 g (19.4 oz) for the heaviest RevolutionRace GP Pro Zip-Off. Some of the most durable models are in this group of pants, weighing 420 g or more, including the Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Zip-Off, which offers a good combination of functionality, comfort, and Swedish quality.

Graph 1: Weight comparison between men’s zip-off hiking pant designs (in grams)

Graph 2: Weight comparison between men’s zip-off hiking pant designs (in ounces) 

Traditionally, versatile zip-off pants that offer ample storage space such as the KUHL Renegade Cargo Convertible weigh a bit more. This is because they are designed to work well in a variety of weather conditions and environments, including alpine areas with varying conditions from hot summer trails to cool rainy weather. However, if you’re looking for a similar design that is lighter, we recommend the KUHL Renegade Pants. While the RevolutionRace GP Pro Zip-Off pants are the heaviest on our list, they are still a good option for hiking and backpacking trips despite not being ideal for high-intensity hot-weather activities. Don’t be misled by their affordable price; these zip-off pants are well-made and sturdy.

Breathability and ventilation

Well-ventilated trousers are designed to allow the passage of air to keep the wearer cool, dry, and comfortable even during strenuous activities in hot temperatures. Similarly, zip-off pants should provide enough airflow to ensure a comfortable experience in various weather conditions. Many people wear zip-offs to quickly switch to shorts and improve ventilation. Therefore, a pair of zip-offs’ ability to provide excellent ventilation and air circulation is essential. Several factors affect pant breathability. They can be grouped into two main groups of factors:

• Factors related to the materials including characteristics, properties, weave, thickness, etc. Generally, fabrics that are lighter, thinner, and more porous with looser weaves are expected to be more air permeable than heavier and thicker textiles with tighter weaves. Certainly, there are exceptions but you get it.
• Specific features such as mesh-lined pockets, side ventilation zippers, vent openings, convertible zippers, adjustable bottom hems, i.e. everything that contributes to the ability of zip-off pants to release perspiration and provide much-needed airflow to cool the body.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Patagonia Quandary, and Abisko Lite Trekking Zip-Off are the most breathable designs in our review, making them a great choice for anyone in need of added ventilation.

Features, functionality, and comfort

Both extremely important and interdependent, functionality depends on the features that a particular pair offers. In addition, it is no secret that the perceived comfort is also super important for every serious outdoorsman. And it depends on the fit, features, range of motion, pants weight, overall functionality, etc.

Technical features such as ankle zippers, zippered pockets, integrated belts, articulated knees, and inseam gussets are great for overall functionality, but they alone won’t ensure comfort during extended wear on and off the trail. The combination of a perfect fit, soft and breathable fabric, ease of movement, and useful technical features is what makes a pair of pants both functional and comfortable. For example, the Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Zip-Off and Adidas Terrex Utilitas Hiking Zip-Off are great examples of zip-off trousers that provide easy mobility while being comfortable.

Convertible pants are primarily designed to convert into shorts, and the ease and speed of this conversion depend on the quality of the zip-off legs and zippers. High-quality zippers that allow for a smooth transition from pants to shorts are important. Some zippers even come with color codes to differentiate between the left and right legs, making the process even easier. Nevertheless, finding a pair of well-fitting convertible pants can be difficult. It is because the zip-off legs should be comfortable without rubbing against the skin when walking, squatting or sitting. This is one of the main reasons why some people find zip-offs uncomfortable – they just haven’t found the right fit for themselves.

Water resistance

Outdoor enthusiasts often seek trousers that provide protection against the elements. This is especially important when weather conditions are unpredictable. To make the fabric repel water, durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings are applied. These coatings not only make the fabric water-resistant but also dirt and stain-resistant (and sometimes wind and oil too), making it easier to maintain. The KUHL Renegade and Columbia Newton Ridge II are examples of trousers that offer quality water resistance, shedding water drops and forming beads on the surface. However, it is important to note that all kinds of DWR coatings applied to a garment will inevitably impair its air permeability. It is also a common misconception that durable water repellents make a pair of pants waterproof. In heavy rain, rain pants are required for adequate protection. Regular pants with DWR coatings are not sufficient to keep you dry.

Price

Pricing has nothing to do with functionality and comfort and does not affect performance but it is still a major factor that needs proper consideration.

There is a wide range of convertible pants available in the market, with prices varying from below $50 to over $100. However, in our review, we found that the cheapest model (Free Soldier Outdoor Convertible) did not match up to the best budget option, which is the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible. These pants have an official price (MSRP) of around $65, but from time to time you can find them on sale for considerably less, around $40-$50. At this price point, they are a great deal as you get solid construction and useful features.

While there are more expensive models with more advanced features like the RevolutionRace RVRC GP Pro and Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking, they cost 2-5 times more than the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible. The Mountain Hardwear Basin Trek Convertible and Marmot Arch Rock Convertible are also slightly more expensive than the Columbia designs. Hence, even if you have a limited budget for hiking pants, you can still find a good combination of practical design, durable fabric, and useful features at an affordable price.

The average price of convertible pants reviewed is around $103, with Patagonia Quandary being the closest to that price at $99. However, this average is skewed by the expensive Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Zip-Off, which inflates the price by over $7. Without this outlier, the average price is around $95.50. Interestingly, two of the top 4 best pants are among the three most expensive designs. While this may be a coincidence, it’s often true that high-quality pants cost more. That being said, the saying “you get what you pay for” isn’t always valid. Although a higher price tag can sometimes mean better quality, it’s not always a guarantee.

Graph 3: Men’s zip-off hiking pants price comparison (US dollars)

Conclusion

If there’s one takeaway you should have from this post, it’s the importance of finding convertible pants that fit well for maximum comfort. We suggest that you prioritize specific features and comfort when searching for the right pair, aiming for a balance between functionality and comfort.

We believe that the KUHL Renegade Cargo Convertible is the best all-around choice for men’s convertible pants. It provides an excellent blend of superior comfort and functionality. For those who want premium features, the Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Zip-Off is our top pick. Meanwhile, we highly recommend the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible and The North Face Paramount Pro Convertible for those looking for budget-friendly and lightweight options, respectively.

We hope that this review helps you make an informed choice. You have all the information to do so and get the right pair of zip-off pants for your needs.

 

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