When planning for a 47 day European trip, I faced the classic traveler’s dilemma: what should I pack? As an experienced business traveler, I previously had packed in a carry-on for a 2 week European work trip. But six weeks on a vacation trip that included French open tennis, the Tour de France, city touring in major Euro centers, biking, hiking and a river cruise raised lots of questions.
Part of my solution: convertible hiking pants as my primary bottoms. For the unfamiliar, convertible hiking pants are clever zip-off trousers that quickly transform into shorts.
Convertible hiking pants are essentially two garments in one. With just a quick zip, you can adjust to changing temperatures, activity levels, or dress codes. As long pants, they dress up or down, while guarding against chill, sun, or brush. For heat and casual use, just zip them off at the knees for outdoor activities or casual urban settings.
Beyond their versatility, these pants are usually made from lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable materials. That’s ideal for packing light and staying comfortable. Key features to look for include UV protection and moisture-wicking fabrics. Water-repellent coatings make them especially useful for travel in unpredictable weather. Multiple zippered pockets add convenience and security for carrying essentials like passports, maps, or snacks.
Trouser Timidity
I’ll admit that I was a bit nervous with my choice. But they turned out to be perfect for traveling. Whether navigating airport security, trekking through parks, gardens and vineyards, or exploring cobblestone streets in European cities, these convertible hiking pants delivered flexibility, comfort, and practicality that few other clothing items can match. I even wore them to dinner on casual evenings on our upscale river cruise.
For my travel, I selected convertible hiking pants from LL Bean and Columbia. At 6-5, fit was a challenge, but LL Bean offered a 36″ length that worked perfectly. And much to my surprise, the standard “off the rack” length that I found in a Columbia outlet store were plenty long enough as trousers, too. You’ll find lots of other brands, too, with a simple Amazon or Google search.
My Choice
Frankly, while priced higher, I preferred the LL Bean choice, which currently sell for $89. Those included two zippered back pockets, two zippered cargo pockets on the legs, and deep front inside pockets. Those were key security and convenience features, especially in European cities where pick-pockets were prevalent. And zipper-closed back pockets stopped my phone from slipping out on tour buses and trains. The LL Bean choice proved to be more water resistant, too, easily shedding a light rain and stray drops missed by my umbrella on stormy days.
LL Bean’s Cresta Stretch Convertible Pants for men and women feature a durable nylon-spandex blend that resists abrasion while offering excellent freedom of movement. Designed for multi-day adventures, they include articulated knees, UPF 50+ sun protection, and low-profile zip-off legs that don’t interrupt the clean lines of the pant.
The Columbia Silver Ridge convertibles cost approximately 30% less than the LL Bean version. (And I saved a few bucks more by snagging one of my three pair in a Columbia outlet store!) Columbia versions feature the Omni-Wick moisture management and Omni-Shade sun protection. Plus, a partial elastic waistband ensures a good fit.
Tangible Differences
But other differences were tangible. Front pockets on the Columbia pants were more shallow. The cargo pockets were smaller, with one having a velcro clasp while the other, smaller cargo pocket zipped. One of the shallow back pockets had a velcro clasp, but the pocket wasn’t deep enough to hold my phone. The other didn’t have a clasp.
And, wouldn’t you know it, my phone managed to slip out of the back pocket of my Columbia pants on a bus, but was recovered and returned within minutes by an attentive driver! That little design detail — lack of deep, secure back pockets — could have led to an unpleasant travel experience and a $1,000 extra cost for the lost phone. So I’ll gladly pay the extra 30% for the convenience, security and phone-safety of the LL Bean option.
One more personal note: I prefer darker colors over other choices. Darker colors do a better job of hiding the day-to-day dirt and grit that comes if you wear pants for multiple days, And, darker colors also help to hide some of the zippers and flaps.
For me, convertible hiking pants check every box. They reduce the need to pack separate pants and shorts. They repel rain, then dry fast. They’re comfortable from the trail, through the terminal and all points in-between. So, whether you’re jet-setting across continents or heading out for a weekend getaway, convertible hiking pants offer a blend of utility and style that’s tough to beat.
