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That’s because, even with all the functionality, North Face’s Paramount pants will add an extra wrinkle—okay, zipper—to your fits. All black, crisp, and slim-straight in silhouette, you can sub them in for trousers if you’re looking to add a little gorp without going full -core.
And of course, if you want to take them for a stroll in the woods, The North Face’s FlashDry-XD fabric (as in “eXtreme Durability”) can resist snags, scrapes, and those prickly bushes you pushed through when nature called.
Best Convertible Pants for Hiking: Gramicci Creekmont Pant
Gramicci
Creekmont Pant
Pros
- Drawcords at the ankle for tightening
- Cargo pockets for extra storage
Cons
- Built-in belt is nice, but runs long
The Stonemasters were a crew of free-spirited climbers based in Yosemite who brought sex, drugs, and fun to free climbing in the ’70s. When Gramicci founder Mike Graham launched the brand over 40 years ago, he channeled some of that energy, creating gear that could handle Half Dome and feel chill around the fire pit.
Gramicci’s shorts go toe-to-toe with Patagonia’s Baggies and its Gadget Pants may be the brand’s defining piece, but the zip-off Creekmont Pants deserve a spot in your rotation. Reinforced knees and seat panels, Gramicci’s signature built-in belt, and enough utility pockets to rival a construction worker’s toolbelt, walk the walk (or, climb the climb). A pair of KEENs and a utility vest will take you from a cliff face to the bar comfortably.
Best Convertible Pants for Hard Climbs: Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pant
Nike ACG
Smith Summit Cargo Pant
Pros
- Carabiner loop at waistband
- Pant hem drawcords add (even more) versatility
Cons
- Single back pocket is one less than we’d like
Inspired by a trip to Oregon’s Smith Rock state park, the designers at Nike ACG whipped up these convertible cargo pants with a secret weapon: Cordura fabric. Known for resisting abrasions, rips, and scuffs (a.k.a, the perils of scrambling up and climbing rocks), it covers the knees for added protection and a cool colorblock effect. (Speaking of, that burgundy stands out nicely in a sea of khaki and olive.)
A built-in webbed belt and carabiner on the waistband loop work nicely on trail or off. And while the Smith Summit pants obviously convert into shorts, adjustable drawcords in the pant hems let you go for a breezy cropped-leg option for when zippers are too much work.
Best Zip-Off Pants Upgrade: Aaron Levine Zip-Off Pant
Aaron Levine
Zip-Off Pant
Pros
- Italian-sourced fabric
- A crowd-pleasing 7” inseam on the shorts
Cons
- Price could cause a slight panic attack before swiping
- Drawstring at waist is more fashion than function
Whatever sauce designer Aaron Levine is cooking with, you won’t find it at your local grocer—but you will find it in his thermals, matching workwear sets, and now, zip-off pants. Crafted from Italian fabric and made in the USA, these aren’t your average trail-to-bar convertible cargos.
The pants have a tailored structure that dodges the dreaded gym teacher vibe, while the shorts clock have a 7″ inseam, a universally flattering sweet spot. Keep them zipped and pair with some Danner boots for rugged refinement, or zip ’em off and hit the streets in Venetian loafers for a high-low flex.
Best Fashion-Forward Convertible Pants: Todd Snyder x Woolrich Long Zip Pant
Todd Snyder x Woolrich
Long Zip Pant
Pros
- Oversized fit stands out against the usual slim-straight
- Pockets >>> carrying a tote bag
Cons
- More color options would be nice
This is what happens when reigning “elevated everyman” designer Todd Snyder takes over as creative director for Woolrich’s Black Label. By partnering with the legendary Italian mill Olmetex, he’s made ripstop pants that manage to be handsome, lightweight, and tougher than a $10 steak.
The oversize fit (blessedly) feels more style-forward than the usual slim-straight cuts. Also, we remain a sucker for stash spots. Cargo pockets at the hip, zippered hand pockets, and a snap cargo pocket offer more storage than the average Brooklyn apartment. And though we wouldn’t wear everything at once, the matching vest and jacket complete the gentleman-angler fantasy. Bonus points if you catch something besides compliments.
More Convertible Pants We Love
18 East
Tizian Trail Pant
The brand 18East is for the guys out there doing trey flips and hiking mountains, and its overbuilt Tizian pants hit both marks. You get a water- and windproof fabric, a tri-ring at the waist (carabiner? bottle opener?), and six oversized pockets to stash whatever helps you conquer the day—skatepark or summit—in style.
Relwen
Zip-Off Utility Pant
Like the name implies, Relwen’s Utility Pant isn’t specifically designed for an activity so much as it’s ready for anything. The cotton-heavy blend fabric reads as less techy than others, and shorts with a 7” inseam are a welcome rarity.
Snow Peak
Toned Trout Convertible Pants
Japanese outdoor brand Snow Peak’s latest fly-fishing collection aims to immerse you in the meditative art of casting. These zip-off pants are perfect for wading into striped bass territory, but, like all things Snow Peak, look too nice to use only when you’re admiring Mother Nature.
Klättermusen
Jorid Zip-Off Pants
Swedish brand Klättermusen designs its clothing mountain-first, with asymmetrical zippers, harness-compatible pockets, and adjustable storm hoods. So, when it came time to debut the brand’s first-ever convertible pants, they hit all the marks; the Jorid pants are quick-drying, tear-resistant, and easy to pack (just toss ’em in with your La Sportivas).
GU
Uility Pants
Uniqlo’s underrated sub-line GU just dropped a pair of zip-offs as a collab with Japanese brand Undercover, run by designer Jun Takahashi. They probably won’t stick around for long.
L.L.Bean
Water-Resistant Cresta Hiking Zip-Off Pants
From tote bags to rugged barn coats, you know that the brand founded by outdoor O.G. Leon Leonwood Bean always nails the important stuff. Sure, there’s nothing eminently stylish about these convertible pants, but like everything else in the L.L. catalog, they’ll hit their marks and last years.
Columbia
Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Pant
As always, Columbia delivers field-tested performance for not a lot of dinero. The Silver Ridge pants offer legit sun protection, wick moisture, and dry quickly. Plus, a huge range of sizes and a slew of colors to choose from.
Lululemon
Convertible Hiking Pant
Consider this extra credit for our lesson on the best Lululemon pants. Despite the name, the Convertible Hiking Pant feels spiritually closer to warm-ups than mountaineering pants thanks to the slim-tapered fit and elasticated jogger hem. But at half off, we’re not quibbling.
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