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
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
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
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
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
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