Lightest zip off pants

Be wary that "the lightwest weight" pants will not be so abrasion and tear resistant…

For me anyway, not the lightest but pretty darn light, pretty darn tough and pretty darn convenient (good sized pockets, ankle zips, etc.) is a pair of REI Sahara convertibles.

Patagonia Gi II
North Face Meridian
REI Sahara
Ex Officio Amphi

I like the Patagonia Gi II. 12 oz.

One warning is, if you buy the REI Sahara pants, check the operation of the fly zipper. I have returned two pairs over the last two years, due to sticking and stuck zippers. I bought two other pairs for friends when I bought my last pair, and they had no problems at all. It's been a disappointment to me, as they, historically, have been my favorite convertable pant, now I'm kind of leery. FWIW, when I returned the last pair, the REI guy said he had never heard of this happening to anyone else.

you can insert your own joke here.

roosterk

A friend of mine had her zipper break on a pair of REI Sahara convertibles on a week long trip. I've had several pair and haven't had a problem. She hasn't had a problem with her replacement pair or other pairs she owns either.

I have had my 3 pairs of Sahara pants — 1 convertible and 2 shorts — for 3 years now. No problems with the zippers. However, just the fact that some have experienced difficulties, it's best to check before buying.

If supplex nylon OK with you, Cabela's supplex nylon Guidewear convertables include cargo pockets and free hemming. Medium waist with 29" inseam weighs 10.2 oz (287 gms).

Hey all, thanks for the suggestions. ben

Ive had two pair of Saharas, and they both had zipper failures. In both cases, the end stop of the zipper is a weak metal clip which bends open and falls off. Shortly afterwards, the zipper runs off the end and falls off.
But otherwise they are the best pants for year round use; so I will continue to exchange them at REI every 6 months or so. REI uses YKK in other products such as their fleece, I don't know why they thought saving a dollar on the pants was such a good idea. They are a 4/5. I told REI about the issue, but who knows if they listen.

Ben,
This isn’t exactly what you’re asking for, so feel free to ignore the suggestion. BUT…

RailRiders EcoMesh pants might be something you should consider. In the desert, keeping sun off of you is good not only for staying cool but more importantly for keeping your skin healthy. These pants would do that but still let in a ton of air, and it’d be more convenient to just reach down and zip or un-zip the side vents when you get too hot or cool than to unzip, take off, and stow each pant leg.

Brett:

I noticed 4/5 zippers on MontBell's new UL down inner jackets. Is 4/5 simply a brand name, or some kind of configuration?

I prefer Campmor brand zip-offs. Size large, 30" inseam come in at about 5 oz. Not the best abrasion resistance though. As far as a belt, I use a 1" nylon-webbed strap with a standard plastic clip. Weight is ~1 oz.

Patagonia Island Hopper Zip-Off Pants are listed at 8.5 oz and cost $75.

Theodore,

If you get a chance, could you reweigh the Campmor zip-offs? The only ones I could find have a listed weight of 11 oz., which intuitively seems to be more accurate. Thanks.

My memory failed me. They weigh ~12 oz.

Ted

exofficio buzz-off, zip off convertible pants 10.4 oz. plus added bug protection.

-Philip

REI Saharas for me. I weighed my mediums at 13.2 oz. Had a problem with the metal clamp piece at the end of the zipper for the cargo pocket, but returned to REI for a new pair no problem.

As someone else said there are probably lighter, bur these dry fast and the material is durable. Note: I would try them for size before buying…I always wear size large in other things, but mediums of these are perfect.

Has anyone tried Montane's Terra converts?
I am looking at these as I have read a few reports that the zips don't rub. Is this rubbing a problem with zip-offs in general?
Thanks
Chris

i like my ex officio buzz off zip off pants. perhaps not the lightest available but fairly light. also not the most abrasion resistant but plenty resistant for my hiking. i find the buzz off stuff seems to really work, and i also like the upf protection.

I have 3 pair of REI Sahara's. I wear them both hiking and for casual. I've never had a problem with them. I just love them.

I have two pair of Ex Officio Amphi Zip offs (both on sale from REI-$20 bucks). XXL- 15oz
They have a built in belt that has a flat buckle, but it isnt removable without taking out some stitches. The built in mesh brief is really comfortable to me and it has a really unique fly and a chamois waist band. The teflon DWR is pretty good but I havnt tried them as summer rain pants. They are also comfortable as pants or shorts. Another cool thing is they come in short, reg, and long legnths.
I would like to try their Stretch explorer pant.

I’ll put my vote in for the REI Sahara’s as well. I’ve purchased 3 pairs (large = 13.45oz on my scales) and love them. I’m a 34 inch waist with a ~ 29 inch inseam. The large/28” fits great. I also had minor trouble with the cargo pocket metal zipper stop falling off, but was able to sew the zipper end shut to prevent it from over-zipping and jamming (easy fix). The quality on the rest of the pant is top notch.

Has anyone tried Golite's Men's JOURNEY PANT, 13 oz | 350 g (according to their website) | $70.00? The women's version is called the MISS CONDUCT PANT, 11 oz | 300 g (again according to their website)| $70.00? "The Journey Pant is made with a soft, durable, quick-drying blend of 95% nylon and 5% spandex. Featuring a fitted waist with an internal belt and side release buckle, two front slash pockets, a single zippered rear pocket, and two zippered welt side pockets, the Journey legs zip off to reveal shorts with a 8” inseam."

I have not tried them yet, but I have been trying to find convertible pants made of this fabric for a while. Why? I have a pair of Patagonia pants made with the same 95% nylon 5% spandex blend (but just not convertible), and they breathe great, have some good wind resistance, dry super fast, move with you and are exceptionally durable and easy to wash – that pair of pants is the Jackalope pant from about 2-3 years ago – the version from the last season or two is made from a fabric that is no where near as comfortable and also has a terrible look (it's shiny) and cut and is too warm.

If the fit is right, these Golite convertible pants could be an excellent convertible pant. The best convertible pant I've had to date is the Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pant, which is super durable, quick drying and very comfortable (but doesn't stretch). A runner up is an old version of Sportif's Truckee Pant, which is very durable and quick drying but not as comfortable against the skin as the Mountain Hardwear Pack Pant and doesn't fit as well. I did not like versions of the REI pants I tried last year, but my primary beef was the fit (I was between sizes) and what seemed to be a cheap zipper and stitching. REI has probably improved these.

I should note that BeyondFleece also made a pair of convertible pants of I believe the same fabric last year, but haven't had them up this year yet (though I've requested them until I saw the Golite pants).

Appreciate any feedback anyone can offer on the Golite convertible pants.

Anyone have any experience with the Golite Journey or Miss Conduct convertible pants?