I'm posting this again (I posted it recently at the end of a long thread on zip off pants which already had its run) in the hopes that someone can comment on these.
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 nowhere 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.
