A few years ago, I was the object of workplace humor when I'd unzip the legs of my convertible pants in an ongoing battle with the office's cold-blooded thermostat junkies. That job and its office drones are long gone, but convertible pants-to-shorts are here to stay. And one of the popular models on the market is The North Face's Convertible Pant, a practically indestructible trouser that nicely resists abrasion, mildew, and stains.
The foundation is durable three-ply sanded Supplex, which is amazingly soft yet up to the task of bushwhacking through thickets of prickly shrubs, as I found during a wrong turn while hiking Costa Rica's Carara Biological Preserve. TNF uses a"VaporWick" finish that pulls perspiration away from your flesh, and a nylon belt with ladder-lock buckle makes sure the trousers stay put. Six pockets — some with Velcro closures and one "hidden" zippered rear security pocket — provide all the carrying capacity you'll need.
A couple of handy features are worth mentioning: Two elastic belt loops at the back can carry extra rolled-up clothing or the removed pants legs; and the ankle zippers conveniently allow you to shed the pant legs without removing your boots. Available in men's and women's sizes.
Price: $74
High mark: Elastic rear belt loops store pant legs when hiking.
Low mark: Belt buckle doesn't unsnap, making it less convenient to pull these pants on and off.
For more information: Call The North Face at (800) 447-2333 or visit www.thenorthface.com.
Article © Ted Alan Stedman, 2000. Photo © The North Face, 2000.
from Away.com
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