Convertible hiking pants are our favorite since they allow you to easily change from long pants into shorts and toss the legs into your pack when the weather warms up during your hike. When it’s warm, shorts can be great to hike in unless you are hiking in an area with a lot of underbrush.
With convertible hiking pants, you don’t have to choose one or the other – you get the best of both worlds. But which convertible hiking pants are the best quality?
There are a few key characteristics that I always look for in high-quality convertible hiking pants:
- A comfortable fit that gives you good mobility for hiking and climbing
- Durable material that won’t wear out easily or tear
- Sturdy zippers and snaps, especially around the knees
- Designed for the climate you are hiking in – whether hot or cold
- Breathable, quick-drying fabric
- Waterproofing or water-resistance
- Great value for the price
After thinking about your personal needs, such as the temperature and climate you’ll be hiking in, or how many pockets you’ll need, you’ll also want to consider the pros and cons of each pair of pants. Then, you can make an informed decision about which pair best suits your needs. Let’s take a look at the top five men’s convertible hiking pants (in no particular order). The pants range in price from $110 to $200 and are all of exceptional quality. Which pair do you like best?
1. RVRC GP Pro Men’s Zip-off Hiking Pants
The RVRC GP Pro Men’s Zip-off Hiking Pants is a value-driven zip-off hiking pant, coming in at just $139.00. These pants feature a slimmer fit and zip off right at the knees. You’ll find a button closure to adjust the pants around the ankles and seven pockets to fit everything from your cell phone to your map. They are available in three different colors.
The pants are made with two sets of fabric: the first is 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton. The second fabric is 88% Polyamide and 12% Elastane, which gives them stretch right where you need it. The fabric is treated with DWR to give you water resistance without compromising breathability – a sign of great quality hiking pants.
They have a little bit of wind protection and should help you stay warm between 32 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets warmer, you just zip off the bottoms so you can feel comfortable in a pair of shorts.
These pants are offer a slim fit with straight legs and a high rise, so they won’t get caught in the brush while you are out hiking. The thigh area runs a little extra slim, so size up if you have more muscular thighs.
These pants will help you through some of those cooler mornings, while other pants on this list are more geared towards warmer climates.
Pros
- Fit. Slim fitting with stretch to give you range of motion without extra fabric getting caught in the weeds. Adjustable leg ends have a button closure.
- Water-resistant. Treated with DWR to help you stay drier and more comfortable.
- Durable. Hypershell fabric over most of the fabric makes these pants extra durable.
- Pockets. Includes plenty of large pockets to stash all your necessities.
- Value. Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Fit. Thigh fit runs extra narrow.
- Comfort. Zippers are not well protected on the inside of the pants.
2. Fjallraven Men’s Abisko Convertible Hiking Pants
The Fjallraven Men’s Abisko Convertible Hiking Pants is a top-tier, quality pair of convertible zip off pants. Available in two colors, the pants are lightweight. well-ventilated, and great for warm climates. These convertible pants are such high quality, they were made to last a lifetime, which is important with the price tag at $200.
The Abisko Convertible pants are made with 65% polyester (recycled), 35% cotton (organic) G-1000®: 65% polyester (recycled), 35% cotton (organic) 88% polyamide, and 12% elastane to help you stay comfortable. The pants zip off just above the knees, and include 4 pockets, boothooks, and adjustable leg openings.
The pants weigh just 470g and the pre-shaped knee won’t restrict your stride. They are fast drying and have excellent breathability.
Keep in mind these pants are best for warmer climates, while other pants on the list are better for cooler climates.
Pros
- Climate. Best for warm weather.
- Durability. Reinforced knees and calves.
- Breathability. Lightweight and well-ventilated.
Cons
- Price. These are more expensive than most of the pants on this list.
- Fit. These pants run long.
3. Prana Double Peak Men’s Convertible Hiking Pants
The Prana Double Peak Men’s Convertible Hiking Pants are a relaxed-fit, tapered leg style of convertible hiking pants. These high quality pants are also easy on the budget, priced at just $110. They are available in two colors: charcoal and cargo green. Don’t let the lower price fool you – these are high quality convertible hiking pants.
These pants feature ventilated inseam gussets, zipper gussets, and mesh-lined pockets for extra ventilation. For the eco-conscious, they are crafted from a combination of recycled and organic and Fair Trade fabrics that give strength and durability without compromising their breathability.
You’ll get plenty of pockets, UPF sun protection, stretch in all the right places, in a tough and durable pair that will take you from cool mornings to warm afternoons. The ripstop fabric is lightweight, abrasion resistant, and moisture wicking for warmer weather.
Pros
- Breathability. Ventilated inseam gussets and mesh pockets
- Fit. Relaxed fit, tapered leg, with stretch for movement
- Protection. UPF sun protection
- Durability. Made with durable and sustainable fabrics
- Value. Great price for the value.
Cons
- Fit. Pants run long
4. Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Convertible Hiking Pants
The Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Convertible Hiking Pants is a great value, high quality pair of pants for the price of just $100. These high quality pants have a professional look and a relaxed fit. They feature a drawcord and metal shank button closure for a more precise fit.
These convertible pants will give you durability with their abrasion resistance. They’ll also give you sun protection with a UPF rating of 50+. They are made up of 86% nylon, 14% spandex 90D Stretch Woven Ripstop for a stretchy by comfortable feel. This high quality pair of convertible pants weighs a lean 360g to keep you moving easily.
They shed water easily, are breathable, and very lightweight. These high quality pants include plenty of details, such as zippers on the pockets, and adjustable drawcord hem on the ankles if you want a more snug fit.
The quick-drying, breathable nature of the Ferrosi Convertible Hiking pants make them a great choice for summer treks when the weather can change quickly.
Pros
- Durability. Abrasion Resistant fabric
- Fit. relaxed fit with drawcord waist
- Breathability. Quick drying, lightweight
- Protection. Water and wind resistant
Cons
- Fit. Pants run long
5. Adidas Terrex Utilitas Men’s Convertible Hiking Pants
The Adidas Terrex Utilitas Men’s Convertible Hiking Pants is a high quality pair of men’s convertible hiking pants. These pants have the Adidas reputation for being high quality and great value, especailly with a price tag of $130.
The pants are made of 89% recycled nylon and 11% elastane plain weave. These ecologically-consciouse pants feature zippers at the ankles, along with comfortable elastic hems. They have a PFC-free durable water repellent finish to help you stay dry as they shed water quickly and dry quickly. At just under 330g, these lightweight pants will dry quickly and won’t weigh you down while hiking.
They are available in in three colors and a variety of leg lengths and sizes. With the variety of leg lengths and elastic features, these pants will be easier to fit than the other pants on the list.
Pros
- Fit. Available in a variety of sizes and lengths, with ellastic in the waist and ankles.
- Water resistant. DWR finish
- Breathable. Moisture wicking and water repelling
- Value. Moderately priced for the value
Cons
- Pockets. Features less pockets than other brands
Final Thoughts
Quality is key when you are hunting down the perfect pair of high quality convertible hiking pants. You need durable fabrics that are also lightweight, breathable, water and wind resistant, and of course, suitable for the weather you are hiking in.
You may also want to consider how the pants fit at the ankles, how comfortable the zippers feel, and if the pants are stretchy enough so they don’t impact your ability to move and hike. Pockets, drawstrings, and sun protection are always a bonus!
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