Best Zip-Off Pants Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
White Sierra Trail
Test Winner: White Sierra Trail
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There are lots of reasons to love convertible pants. These are pants that have the lower portion of the legs attached to the rest of the pants with a zipper. When you start to feel warm, you just simply unzip the lower legs from the rest of the pants and then remove them to turn the pants into shorts. This will allow you to stay warm when you need a little extra clothing and also cool off when you start to feel a little warm. We created a top 10 list of the best pairs of convertible zip-off pants on the market. Whether you just need a new pair of pants and want to check out something new to your wardrobe, or if you are an outdoors person that utilizes the versatility, this list is for you.

Standout Picks

White Sierra Trail
The Trail convertibles are a great option to wear while you are outside. These convertibles are packs with plenty of features that make them great for the outdoors such as Teflon coating and UV protection. You will love how they feel on your skin and the way that they will make you look. The Trail by White Sierra is the perfect choice for outdoor wear.
Amazon Link
Columbia Backcast
The Backcast is another great option that is offered by Columbia. It features all of the great features that make them into the perfect pair of convertibles to wear outside. Some of those features include sun protection, interior mesh, and an elastic waist. You will love how cool you feel while you are wearing these convertibles and they look great.
Amazon Link
$60.00
Columbia Blood and Guts III
You should not let the name of these pants fool you. The reason they are named Blood and Guts is that they resist blood and guts that you may get on your clothing when you go fishing which is why these convertibles are a great choice for fishing. You will also love how quickly they dry in the event that you get splashed.
Amazon Link
prAna Stretch Zion
Here is a great choice if you are looking for something that is perfect to wear in a wide variety of different weather conditions. They are primarily made of nylon with will help you stay dry in the event that you end up getting splashed with water or find yourself in the rain. It also breathes well so that you do not get too hot.
Amazon Link
Columbia Silver Ridge
The Silver Ridge is a great choice of convertibles to wear in a wide variety of situations. You will love the casual look that these pants have to offer. They will offer you plenty of protection from the sunshine so that you can spend all day in the sun without having to worry about damage to your skin. Plus they wick away moisture so that you feel great.
Amazon Link
$65.00
BC Clothing Convertible
BC Clothing makes a great option if you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable pair of convertibles. They are made of a blend of soft and flexible fabrics which give them strength and durability while also feeling and looking great. You will love all of the space that you get from the cargo pockets found on the sides of the pants as well.
Amazon Link
$43.99
Nonwe Convertable Cargo
Nonwe makes an excellent convertible cargo that is lightweight and feels great to wear. You will love the feel of these pants that offer more than enough pockets and will protect you from the sun and the rain. They have an adjustable waist so that they fit great on your body and will not fall down while you are moving around.
Amazon Link
Toomett #4409
These convertibles can be worn in a casual setting as well as outdoors which makes them highly versatile. You will love the soft and breathable feel that is created by the polyester material. They also adjust on the waist so that they do not ride or fall down while you are moving around. You will love the way you look while you are wearing these convertibles.
Amazon Link
$40.99
Makino Quick Dry
If you are looking for a pair of great zip-off pants, then you may want to check out these convertibles by Bienzoe. They offer all of the features that you might expect to find in a pair which include things such as cargo pockets, sun protection, and breathability. All of these features make them into a comfortable pair of pants to wear on the trail.
Amazon Link
Bienzoe
Here is a great pair of convertible pants that you can wear on the trail or just casually. You will love the durability that is found in these convertibles so you will not need to worry about them developing holes should you need to climb over a bolder or go up a tree. They will also protect your skin from the sun's UV radiation.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Materials

When you are looking for a pair of convertibles, you will want to pay attention to what sort of material has been used to make them. Each material has different properties and attributes and this will mean that different materials will act differently. For example, you will notice that nylon has a very different feel from cotton. The same is true about polyester as well. When you are picking out a pair of convertibles, you will want to make sure that you like how the fabric feels on your skin. If you do not like how it feels, then you are not going to want to wear the pants which will lower their value to you.

If you like how the material feels, then you are going to want to consider other differences as well. Polyester and Nylon are man-made fabrics while cotton is a natural fabric. Since polyester and nylon are polymer based, they do not absorb water and moisture and they tend to breathe well. This is why most convertibles are made of these materials since it will help you stay cool and dry. They also will resist water in the event that it starts to rain and you can’t go inside right away.

Cotton is soft and has a natural feel to it. It is unlikely to irritate your skin and it will not make noise while you are walking. Some people prefer cotton over synthetic materials for these reasons. Like polyester and nylon, cotton also breathes well which is another great advantage to it. The drawback of cotton is that it absorbs moisture so it won’t protect you as well from the rain.

Fit

When you are looking for a pair of convertibles, you are going to want to try them on to make sure that they fit properly. Specifically, you are going to want to make sure that they fit around your waist, thighs, and that the length of the legs is proper for your height. If the pants do not fit right, then you are going to look funny in them and you aren’t going to want to wear them. They may even be too small or too large for you to wear which is going to mean that you couldn’t wear them if you wanted to. This is why you will want to try on the pants to make sure that they are going to work for you.

One of the first things that you are going to want to check is the size of the waist. The waist is the top area of the pants and does the important job of holding the pants up on your body. When the waist is too loose, the pants will sag or even fall down which can expose your underwear. On the other hand, if the waist is too tight, you may rip the pants or it may be possible that you can’t wear them in the first place. The waist should be snug and fit right without being too loose or too tight. The same principle will also hold true for the thighs as well. You will need to be able to sit or crouch down without having to worry if the thighs are going to rip. Finally, it is a good idea to make sure that the legs are not too short or too long. All of these checks will help you make sure that the pants fit.

Comfort

The comfort of the convertibles is also important because you are not going to want to wear them if they are not comfortable. You will need to make sure that the convertibles feel good on your skin. They also should breathe well and wick away moisture so that you do not experience chafing while you are wearing the convertibles. If you find that the pants are not comfortable in these areas, then you should consider looking at a different pair of convertibles until you find ones that do meet these standards. Otherwise, you won’t want to wear this style of pants.

Some pants do a great job of keeping you dry and wicking away moisture. This is a great thing to have in your clothing because it will help to keep your skin dry and also will help to keep your body cool. Convertibles that do not wick away moisture will interfere with the body’s natural means of cooling itself and it will also lead to chafing as the fabric starts to get waterlogged and rubs against your skin. This will lead to the pants starting to feel uncomfortable and you will not like to wear them. In addition to chafing, the pants may also make you feel hot and sweaty which will only add to the discomfort that you will feel.

Comfort is king when it comes to your clothing and convertibles are no exception. You will always want to make sure that you love wearing the pants that you purchase otherwise you are unlikely to be satisfied with them. Some of the most important things to check when you are considering comfort breathability, moisture wicking, and how they feel on your skin. Pants that perform in these areas will feel great and you will love wearing them.

Durability

Since many people tend to wear convertibles when they are outside, you will want to make sure that you find convertibles that are durable. The last thing that you want to experience while you are on a hike is a rip or tear in the seam of the pants or having the knees get a hole in them. Instead, you will want to make sure that the pants are highly resistant to brush, rocks, and other hazards that could ruin your clothing. A durable pair of convertibles will also look new for a longer period of time which will mean that you will not have to replace them as often as well.

There are a few different things that you can look for to check and see if the convertibles are going to last. One thing that you can check is the thickness of the fabric used to make them. While you will want the fabric to be on the thin side for comfort’s sake, you will not want it to be so thin that it will rip and tear. The thickness of the fabric should be appropriate for the material that is used to make the convertibles. If it is overly thin, then it is unlikely to be durable. Some manufacturers will also use ripstop fabric to help increase the durability of the convertibles and they may reinforce trouble areas. These are positive attributes that will help increase the durability of the product. You are also going to want to take a look at the seams as well. The seams should be reinforced and stitched together well so that you are unlikely to have a tear in them which will also make them more durable.

Features

Some people do not care for pockets but other people love to have plenty of pockets. Generally speaking, if you are going to be camping, you may want to have convertibles that have more pockets rather than fewer pockets. This is because more pockets will give you the opportunity to carry more gear on your person which will reduce what you need to put into your backpack. This can be a big benefit because items that you need will be readily accessible to you so that you can use them when you need them.

If you are someone who wants to have a lot of items, then you are going to want to have a lot of pockets. Many convertible pants have at least six pockets which include two slant pockets in the front. There are also two back pockets and two cargo pockets. When you are looking at the pockets, you are going to want to make sure that they can be closed securely. At a minimum, the pockets should close with velcro or snaps but the best type of closure is a zipper. A zipper will make sure that your items do not all out of the pocket which makes it into the most secure option.

You are also going to want to make sure that the pockets are large enough for the items that you will want to carry. Undersized pockets on a pair of convertibles will reduce your ability to use the pockets since you are going to be restricted on what you can put into them. You will be much better off owning a pair of convertibles that has large pockets so that you can have more room in them.

BEST ZIP-OFF PANTS REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY

1. White Sierra Trail

Where to buy
Amazon Link
White Sierra Trail
Amazon Link

The Trail convertibles are a great option to wear while you are outside. These convertibles are packs with plenty of features that make them great for the outdoors such as Teflon coating and UV protection. You will love how they feel on your skin and the way that they will make you look. The Trail by White Sierra is the perfect choice for outdoor wear.

Teflon Coating

The material has been coated with Teflon. The Teflon coating makes them highly resistant to water which will help you stay dry in the event that it rains or you get splashed.

Quick Dry

These convertibles are made of nylon fabric material. Nylon is a great choice because it is lightweight and doesn't retain water so you can count on these convertibles to dry quickly.

Cost and Value

You will see these convertibles sold at a price that is slightly lower than the average price. The lower price makes them a great option since you get excellent features without spending too much.

Amazon Link

2. Columbia Backcast

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$60.00
Columbia Backcast
Amazon Link

The Backcast is another great option that is offered by Columbia. It features all of the great features that make them into the perfect pair of convertibles to wear outside. Some of those features include sun protection, interior mesh, and an elastic waist. You will love how cool you feel while you are wearing these convertibles and they look great.

Elastic Waist

The waist features an elastic band that helps to hold the pants around your waist. This will help to keep them from falling down and exposing your underwear while you are moving around.

Interior Mesh

There is a layer of mesh on the inside of the pants. Mesh is great because it breathes well and will pull away moisture from your skin which will reduce chafing.

Cost and Value

You will see the Backcast sold at a price that is slightly above the average price. The higher price is because of features such as the interior mesh which add to the price.

Amazon Link
$60.00

3. Columbia Blood and Guts III

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Columbia Blood and Guts III
Amazon Link

You should not let the name of these pants fool you. The reason they are named Blood and Guts is that they resist blood and guts that you may get on your clothing when you go fishing which is why these convertibles are a great choice for fishing. You will also love how quickly they dry in the event that you get splashed.

UV Resistant

You will not need to worry about getting a sunburn on your legs because the material used to make these convertibles is fully resistant to UV radiation and will protect your skin.

Rip Stop

The convertibles are made of a nylon ripstop material. This allows them to feel lightweight and yet they will also remain durable and avoid ripping and tearing if they get hooked on something.

Cost and Value

The Blood and Guts III is sold at a price that is considered to be average when compared to the price of other similar convertible pants. You will not have to worry about overpaying for high-quality pants.

Amazon Link

4. prAna Stretch Zion

Where to buy
Amazon Link
prAna Stretch Zion
Amazon Link

Here is a great choice if you are looking for something that is perfect to wear in a wide variety of different weather conditions. They are primarily made of nylon with will help you stay dry in the event that you end up getting splashed with water or find yourself in the rain. It also breathes well so that you do not get too hot.

Zion Fabric

The convertibles made of a trademarked 'Zion' fabric material. It will stretch well so that the garment doesn't feel too tight on your body plus it also helps to repel water.

Cargo Pockets

Both sides of the pants have a cargo pocket. A pocket is a great place for you to keep valuables such as your phone, keys, or even your wallet so that you can reach them.

Cost and Value

You will see these convertible pants sold at a price that is much higher than the average price. This is because of the high-quality materials used to make them durable and long-lasting.

Amazon Link

5. Columbia Silver Ridge

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$65.00
Columbia Silver Ridge
Amazon Link

The Silver Ridge is a great choice of convertibles to wear in a wide variety of situations. You will love the casual look that these pants have to offer. They will offer you plenty of protection from the sunshine so that you can spend all day in the sun without having to worry about damage to your skin. Plus they wick away moisture so that you feel great.

Omni-Shade

Your skin will love you since these convertibles have a UPF 50 rating. This means that you are fully protected from the harmful UV radiation that is given off by the sun.

Omni-Wick

There is no need to worry about feeling hot and sweaty while you are wearing these convertibles. They have the Omni-Wick treatment that will help pull moisture away from your skin and let it evaporate naturally.

Cost and Value

One of the best parts about the Silver Ridge is that it is sold a price that is average for convertibles. This means you will get a high-quality pair of pants without spending much on it.

Amazon Link
$65.00

6. BC Clothing Convertible

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$43.99
BC Clothing Convertible
Amazon Link

BC Clothing makes a great option if you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable pair of convertibles. They are made of a blend of soft and flexible fabrics which give them strength and durability while also feeling and looking great. You will love all of the space that you get from the cargo pockets found on the sides of the pants as well.

Zippered Pockets

The pockets that are placed on the side of each leg close with a zipper. This will help to keep your items from falling out of the pockets while you are moving.

Key Holder

There is a key holder that is located on the left hip. This will give you a great place to store your keys without taking up room in the pockets.

Cost and Value

You will find this item sold at a price that is slightly lower than the average price. This turns it into a bargain buy since you will not have to spend much to get a great pair of convertible pants.

Amazon Link
$43.99

7. Nonwe Convertable Cargo

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Nonwe Convertable Cargo
Amazon Link

Nonwe makes an excellent convertible cargo that is lightweight and feels great to wear. You will love the feel of these pants that offer more than enough pockets and will protect you from the sun and the rain. They have an adjustable waist so that they fit great on your body and will not fall down while you are moving around.

Nylon and Spandex

The material used to make these cargos is composed of 88% Nylon and 12% Spandex. This allows them to be lightweight and breath well so that you will feel great while wearing them.

Moisture Wicking

Your skin will feel cool and dry while you are wearing these cargos because the material has been made to be breathable and wick away moisture from your skin.

Cost and Value

These pants are sold at a price that is slightly lower than the average price. This makes them into an excellent value since you get premium features without spending much on them.

Amazon Link

8. Toomett #4409

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$40.99
Toomett #4409
Amazon Link

These convertibles can be worn in a casual setting as well as outdoors which makes them highly versatile. You will love the soft and breathable feel that is created by the polyester material. They also adjust on the waist so that they do not ride or fall down while you are moving around. You will love the way you look while you are wearing these convertibles.

Exterior Waistband

There is a waistband on the exterior of the pants where you can adjust the size of the waist. This will help to keep them from falling down or riding up.

Water Resistant

The material used to make these pants resists water. This will help you to stay dry in the event that you end up in light rain or somehow get wet.

Cost and Value

You will see these convertibles sold at a price that is much lower than the average price. This turns them into an excellent value since you get a great pair of convertibles without spending much.

Amazon Link
$40.99

9. Makino Quick Dry

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Makino Quick Dry
Amazon Link

If you are looking for a pair of great zip-off pants, then you may want to check out these convertibles by Bienzoe. They offer all of the features that you might expect to find in a pair which include things such as cargo pockets, sun protection, and breathability. All of these features make them into a comfortable pair of pants to wear on the trail.

Polyester

Polyester is a fabric that is designed to have a feel that is similar to cotton. It breathes well and will help wick away moisture from your skin so that you feel great.

Quick Dry

These convertibles have been designed to dry quickly. This will make them great to wear for when you are going outside and need to dry off quickly if you end up in the rain.

Cost and Value

You will see this item sold at a price that is slightly lower than the average price. This makes it into an excellent value because you will get a high-quality item without having to spend much.

Amazon Link

10. Bienzoe

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Bienzoe
Amazon Link

Here is a great pair of convertible pants that you can wear on the trail or just casually. You will love the durability that is found in these convertibles so you will not need to worry about them developing holes should you need to climb over a bolder or go up a tree. They will also protect your skin from the sun's UV radiation.

Rip Stop Fabric

The convertibles are made of a combination of polyester and cotton and feature a ripstop material. This will help the pants resist tearing if you need to kneel down or climb on something.

Sun Protection

There is Omni-Shade protection built into these convertibles. The Omni-Shade will protect your skin from harmful UV radiation that is naturally produced by the sun which will allow you to spend all day in the sun.

Cost and Value

These convertibles are sold at a price that is around the average price which turns them into an excellent value. They are fully loaded with premium features but are sold at a great price.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Editorial Team, Wikipedia, Information Site
  2. Editorial Team, Travel Fashion Girl, Fashion Site