Columbia Sportswear Silver Convertible Extended
Let me start by saying I read a lot of reviews stating these pants run small. This may be true for some, but for a 26 year-old 5'11" 155lb frame guy like myself these fit absolutely perfect in 32x30. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the good stuff:
These are the most comfortable pair of pants I own. The synthetic fabric is extremely lightweight, breathable, yet retains durability and excellent stain resistance. The tusk color is basically khaki despite the grayish overtone shown in the online picture. If they become wet they'll dry within minutes, a must for hiking pants. Columbia includes a military webbing-style belt with the pants that I would only use in an emergency situation. I'm not sure which kind of emergency situation calls for a cheap belt, but hey, it's there. The zipper separator runs just above the knee which prevents chafing on extended hikes. The left cargo pocket is zippered, the right pocket Velcro. The zippers all seem solid, with seams blended wonderfully. Now for easy reading, my list:
PROS:
+ EXTREMELY comfortable. I cannot stress this enough, it's almost like being naked from the waist down.
+ Very lightweight yet very durable. I've been stuck with numerous thorn bushes with nothing to show of it in the pant.
+ Dries exceptionally quickly with superior breathability allowing sweat to dissipate fast keeping your legs cool.
+ Convertible-style is a premium. Pants in the morning, shorts in the evening. Detachable legs are labeled at the zipper "L" and "R" for quick reattachment.
+ The waistline features a 2-inch stretch-band right above the hipbones, which, when coupled with a stretchable belt allows for quick and easy pissing. This doesn't seem like much, but when you have to relieve yourself and don't have to dick around adjusting a belt makes for getting back on the trail that much faster.
+ Pockets are big enough to stow away items for easy access without feeling cumbersome or loose.
+ Zipper banding around the leg-separator sports a layer of fabric that prevents metal-on-skin chafing.
CONS:
- No zipper at the bottom of the legs, you may have to remove your hiking boots to remove the pants. If however you wear hiking shoes with less profile this may not be an issue, but I wear boots and they need to be removed first.
- Belt loops are a little narrow, it can sometimes take longer to insert or remove belt than it should. That being said, these are merely inconveniences that do not degrade overall performance.
All in all, these are my favorite pair of pants. I don't just use them for hiking, they make excellent casual wear as well: they look plain sharp. The function over formalities earns a solid 5/5 from me.
I really like these pants. They are light and very comfortable to wear. Easy zip off pant legs for more comfort.
BalasHapusLet me start by saying I read a lot of reviews stating these pants run small. This may be true for some, but for a 26 year-old 5'11" 155lb frame guy like myself these fit absolutely perfect in 32x30. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the good stuff:
BalasHapusThese are the most comfortable pair of pants I own. The synthetic fabric is extremely lightweight, breathable, yet retains durability and excellent stain resistance. The tusk color is basically khaki despite the grayish overtone shown in the online picture. If they become wet they'll dry within minutes, a must for hiking pants. Columbia includes a military webbing-style belt with the pants that I would only use in an emergency situation. I'm not sure which kind of emergency situation calls for a cheap belt, but hey, it's there. The zipper separator runs just above the knee which prevents chafing on extended hikes. The left cargo pocket is zippered, the right pocket Velcro. The zippers all seem solid, with seams blended wonderfully. Now for easy reading, my list:
PROS:
+ EXTREMELY comfortable. I cannot stress this enough, it's almost like being naked from the waist down.
+ Very lightweight yet very durable. I've been stuck with numerous thorn bushes with nothing to show of it in the pant.
+ Dries exceptionally quickly with superior breathability allowing sweat to dissipate fast keeping your legs cool.
+ Convertible-style is a premium. Pants in the morning, shorts in the evening. Detachable legs are labeled at the zipper "L" and "R" for quick reattachment.
+ The waistline features a 2-inch stretch-band right above the hipbones, which, when coupled with a stretchable belt allows for quick and easy pissing. This doesn't seem like much, but when you have to relieve yourself and don't have to dick around adjusting a belt makes for getting back on the trail that much faster.
+ Pockets are big enough to stow away items for easy access without feeling cumbersome or loose.
+ Zipper banding around the leg-separator sports a layer of fabric that prevents metal-on-skin chafing.
CONS:
- No zipper at the bottom of the legs, you may have to remove your hiking boots to remove the pants. If however you wear hiking shoes with less profile this may not be an issue, but I wear boots and they need to be removed first.
- Belt loops are a little narrow, it can sometimes take longer to insert or remove belt than it should. That being said, these are merely inconveniences that do not degrade overall performance.
All in all, these are my favorite pair of pants. I don't just use them for hiking, they make excellent casual wear as well: they look plain sharp. The function over formalities earns a solid 5/5 from me.
Took 3 pairs of these on a month long trip in the inner Himalayas . They were easy to hike in and breathed well. The run a little tight in the thighs for long strides but otherwise they were very comfortable.
BalasHapusI used these pants for a month long sailing adventure from Greece to France. Since I did the entire trip with carry-on luggage only, clothing like this that was light weight and easily packable was perfect. These Columbia pants were very, very comfortable and zipping off the legs was easy and a useful function, especially out on deck. Exploring the coastal towns with the legs zipped back on made me look a little less like a tourist. These are comfortable, good looking pants that I still wear all the time. Five star all the way!
BalasHapusThese pants are just what I wanted for warmer weather hiking. Pants fit perfect and came fast...def recommend for warmer weather outdoors activities!
BalasHapusI am excited to try them out next week for a fishing tournament, camping and hiking. Fit comfortable for someone that has has an athletic build. I am a 33 so so I bought a size 34. True to fit. One time delivery with Amazon as usual.
BalasHapus