Shorts/convertible pants

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clmautz

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Ok, gear advice needed. I bought some Columbia convertible pants (legs zip off for shorts), at the Hike House in Sedona years ago, for around $100. I like them, but the pockets aren't deep enough and they seem to be woven so they let water pass through them. They're quick drying but you get really wet.

Years later I'm in Gander Mountain and I see Guide Series pants that do the same thing. Cargo pockets, all pockets are larger and deeper than the Columbia's, and woven in a way that, while drying just as quickly, they keep water out. So if you dump water on yourself, it sheets off and you stay dry. Best thing - $34ish USD. I could almost buy 3 for 1 Columbia. I believe Guide Series was their house brand

They've since restructured and while open again, don't carry these anymore.

Does anyone have a brand they recommend that's affordable and sheets water the way I need? Deep pockets are a bonus. Affordable too would be nice. I hesitate to buy another expensive pair and end up dissatisfied again.

Thanks!
 

Flipper

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I have 3 pair of the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible pants. A very lite ripstop material, you can get them wet and they are dry in a minute maybe two, perfect for Fl. camping and boating. I also have 2 pair of Northface Paramount Trail Convertibles. Same type material but a grade heavier and shed water better than the Columbia’s. A plus on the Northface, they have a zipper at the bottom so they go over your boots easier. I used to work at Gander in Orlando in the firearms dept. I’m not sure who made their house brand. Probably the same manufacturers as Bass and Cabelas.The Northface go for around $50-80. A little pricey but really good quality.
 
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USStrongman

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For big fellas, Cabellas has a inhouse line that runs up to 3X. Great pockets, zips and velcro, the 3X runs about 32/33 inseam with legs on.
 

Biker Eagle

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Chip, here's a couple of styles of cargo pants for you to consider. The top pair in the photo below is the Kuhl Renegade Convertible, 100% synthetic, DWR treated, legs zip off, lower legs zip open to make getting boots on easier. Super comfy, but pricey @ $100. Bought these last month during REI's anniversary sale for 30% off. The lower pair is the 5.11 Tac Lite Pro which is a poly-cotton blend with a Teflon coating. Around $45. The pair in the picture is 15 years old and has been worn once or twice a week for 15 years. Stiff at first but gets softer as the years go by. Just can't kill these things. I like em both.
Both pants are full cut and flex well for hiking and camp chores. Also they don't strangle your man parts or make you think you have a thong on. Long term on the Kuhl's...only had 1 pair for a year and they still look new. Happy with them so I got 2 more pair on sale last month.
Cargo Pants.jpg
 
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peeeeetey

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I like the convertibles from REI. You need to check the fabric because I have 3 pair all different,
 

Flipper

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Chip, here's a couple of styles of cargo pants for you to consider. The top pair in the photo below is the Kuhl Renegade Convertible, 100% synthetic, DWR treated, legs zip off, lower legs zip open to make getting boots on easier. Super comfy, but pricey @ $100. Bought these last month during REI's anniversary sale for 30% off. The lower pair is the 5.11 Tac Lite Pro which is a poly-cotton blend with a Teflon coating. Around $45. The pair in the picture is 15 years old and has been worn once or twice a week for 15 years. Stiff at first but gets softer as the years go by. Just can't kill these things. I like em both.
Both pants are full cut and flex well for hiking and camp chores. Also they don't strangle your man parts or make you think you have a thong on. Long term on the Kuhl's...only had 1 pair for a year and they still look new. Happy with them so I got 2 more pair on sale last month.
View attachment 157899
I also like the 5.11 mine are over 10 years old. Wore them for work in Gander Firearms dept.( part of the uniform for the dept.) everyday, still look new, just like you said you just can’t kill these things. Winter gear, too hot for Florida in the summer. Their shorts are great also.
 

diabetiktaco

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These are amazing.


So are these, but way more expensive.


I have both in shorts and pants. Love them both the same. If I had to pick, the PDW are lighter but for the price, the first ones do just fine.