Summe ZipOff – Stretch Zion Convertible weight? vs Ferrosi vs Silver Ridge

I have a personal observation that may or not apply. OR makes these radar caps with different materials and versions. Insulated, waterproof, etc. I have the thin nylon one and the Ferrosi one. The latter is much more comfortable in the heat. I sweat a lot less. My guess is that it is because the soft shell weave is more breathable than the nylon. The question is whether this translates to pants as well…

The Columbia pants are the lightest and most breathable. They won’t be as durable or stretch as much. I would have bought them for summer hikes if they would fit my large thighs but alas the zipper was too constricting.

I went with a pair of Kuhl pants, which fit me well but are heavier, warmer, much like I would expect the Zions to be like.

i have the OR ferrosi standard, prana zion standard and convertible, and used to have the columbia pants. ferrosi are the best summer pants, especially if humid. also love the sz–by far my two favorite hiking/climbing pants. i won’t try to talk you out of the zip legs, but i use the cord (or) and button (prana) to hold the legs above my calf–ferrosi will sit above my knee ok–and they are super comfortable. not quite shorts, but better than most other pants i have tried.

below are the weights (all size 34/30–sorry, columbia are gone so no weight) and then some thoughts:

ferrosi–10.9oz

stretch zion–14.75oz

sz convert–16.6oz (shorts–12.05 … legs–4.55)

columbia pants are not comfortable. way too tight in the thighs, odd cut, poor stretch.

ferrosi are the most breathable (columbia 100% ripstop blocks more wind) but worst water resistance. good abrasion resistance, especially for its weight (i boulder in them and the ferrosi jacket a lot). more open weave lends itself to snags, but only two in the past three years. fairly stretchy. noticeably lighter wearing (weight and temp) than the prana. also slimmer cut than the prana…had to size up to 34 for soccer/cycling legs.

sz have good breathability, but are more of a spring/fall pant for me (i wear the shorts all summer though). probably a bit better abrasion resistance (maybe because thicker? i climb in both and don’t notice much difference). feels a bit stretchier. fit is different between the two versions. regular pants have room for my thighs (could almost drop to 32) but are not too baggy in the calves. among the best fitting pants i own. the convertible are annoyingly more baggy from mid thigh down the rest of the leg. like a lot more baggy. i regret buying the 34, and wonder if even the 32 might be sloppier than i like in the calf. i never wear them as pants, and as shorts they are looser than the standard pants or shorts. really odd. definitely try them before buying.

I have looked for convertible pants that were light, didn’t interfere with the knee when hiking and zipoff above the knee.  My Zions are XLx30 and weigh 1 lb .7 oz (I left myself go so getting back into shape last time I checked I was coming in at 5’10” weighing 210 lbs w/36″ waist).  The Zions ended up being to heavy and the zipoff is below the knee making them capris for the most part and not cooling enough.  After trying lots of other mens brands I said screw it and I found the pants that work great for me.  They are women’s REI Classic Sahara convertible pants in a size 14 Petite (Petite is the 30 inseam) they are light coming in at 11.1 ozs and I’ve had no issues whatsoever with them.  So look in both men and women’s styles to find what you want.

Thanks for your help so far! Based on the comments I’ve ordered the Ferrosi (Convertible version) and the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible as they were available in my size.

The Columbia already arrived, the weave seems to be quite dense – it’s hard to breathe through them which is surprising as they are listed as cool/breathable in the initially mentioned review. I assume this is due to the lightweight fabric and rather lose cut.

Looking forward to the Ferrosi so I can compare them.