I'm looking for a functional pant that is quick-dry, a good amount of zippered pockets, and a bonus would be convertible to shorts. I'm leaning towards the Kuhl Renegade pants, but a lot of recent reviews aren't in favor of the new design (functionally) of them. I've gone with a cheap-o pair of Amazon pants for my first 6 years of going up to BWCA, but would like to upgrade. What does everyone wear out there?

I have several pairs of Eddie Bauer convertible pants that I stocked up on a few years ago when they were about $60 off. I think it was their “guide pants” or something similar. Looking at their website now they aren’t listed, and much of their inventory seems to be completely gone. Seems they cut their “first ascent” line which is about the only outdoor clothing from them I have ever gotten or considered getting, selling off current inventory. Sad.

I have a pair of Outdoor Research that are fantastic but a bit spendy (was a great gift).

I was recently at Scheels and saw these below and thought they looked nice, especially for the price. I would have grabbed some if I didn’t have several pairs already.

Quest Pants

I've used the Columbia Silver Ridge for a few years and like them. The older models were rip stop fabric and I have never ripped them after some pretty good slides on rocks. The pockets are average sized but I don't use them often. They dry very fast.

I have found the Columbia PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) pants to be pretty good for canoeing. Quick drying, light, and comfortable. They make a convertible type, too, if you want an option to have shorts.

AmarilloJim: "I've used the Columbia Silver Ridge for a few years and like them. The older models were rip stop fabric and I have never ripped them after some pretty good slides on rocks. The pockets are average sized but I don't use them often. They dry very fast."

+1

Actually, these are the only pants I wear year round.

I'm a bigger guy and have had really good luck with the Duluth "Dry on the fly" pants. They are not convertible but have plenty of pocket space and are very comfortable.

I used to wear good ole’ Levi’s for many years until I was told how dumb that was. Walking around with a giant water wick. Crazy days.

So, back when Gander Mountain was around, their brand of synthetic pants were the bomb. Sort of cheap in price and up there in quality with the others.

Anyway, while I can’t recommend a brand to you, I know that Bass Pro Shops has their own brand of decent synthetic pants. And I’m wearing a pair of very cool Alaskan Hardware pants from Duluth Trading that my wife got me for Christmas. These are ideal camping pants but gosh, there are so nice that I sort of just use them in the house and won’t take them camping so that’s a problem.
Tom

I sew my own outdoor clothes these days, but in the past I used a pair of these and they were pretty good, especially for the modest price.

Pants

NEIowapaddler: "I sew my own outdoor clothes these days, but in the past I used a pair of these and they were pretty good, especially for the modest price.


Pants "

Sewing your own pants? Impressive, but why? Seems pants would be hard (pockets and zippers and such).

Have tried many; now using Kuiu Kutanas & am happy with them. Durable enough, enough pockets, dry quickly.

They weigh 13oz, so also light enough…

There is a Columbia outlet store not far from me so that’s the brand I go with for my camping pants . They dry really fast and are durable. One pair is over 20 years old and the newest pair is about 5 years old. The newer pair has zippered side pockets which I like better.

OCDave: "

NEIowapaddler: "I sew my own outdoor clothes these days, but in the past I used a pair of these and they were pretty good, especially for the modest price.



Pants "

Sewing your own pants? Impressive, but why? Seems pants would be hard (pockets and zippers and such). "

The same reasons why people tie their own flies, make canoe paddles, build their own fishing rods, etc. Because I enjoy it, and I can make them exactly how I want them. They're not that difficult to make if one has some sewing experience, either. I can also use materials comparable to those used in high end pants that cost hundreds of dollars, but which only cost 40-50 bucks a pair when the components are purchased on their own.

I have worn RailRiders Extreme Adventure pants for many years. Insect Shield treated.

It's been a while since I've purchased any pants for my canoe trips. I guess that says a lot about the quality of the multiple pairs of REI Sahara zip-off pants that I own. A little pricey on the front end, but I'm happy with the product.

Love my Wintergreen guide pants. Going on my third season with them. Light, tough, comfortable, and fast drying. Expensive, but worth it. https://www.wintergreennorthernwear.com/products/boundary-waters-shell-pants-with-fly-mens

AmarilloJim: "I've used the Columbia Silver Ridge for a few years and like them. The older models were rip stop fabric and I have never ripped them after some pretty good slides on rocks. The pockets are average sized but I don't use them often. They dry very fast."

These are what I have settled on as well. Love having convertible pants, less to take with and easier to change, though now that I'm older I usually just leave them as pants most of the time to keep the sun and bugs off me.

NEIowapaddler: "

OCDave: "

NEIowapaddler: "I sew my own outdoor clothes these days, but in the past I used a pair of these and they were pretty good, especially for the modest price.

Pants "

Sewing your own pants? Impressive, but why? Seems pants would be hard (pockets and zippers and such). "

The same reasons why people tie their own flies, make canoe paddles, build their own fishing rods, etc. Because I enjoy it, and I can make them exactly how I want them. They're not that difficult to make if one has some sewing experience, either. I can also use materials comparable to those used in high end pants that cost hundreds of dollars, but which only cost 40-50 bucks a pair when the components are purchased on their own. "

I envy the talent.

Jackfish: "It's been a while since I've purchased any pants for my canoe trips. I guess that says a lot about the quality of the multiple pairs of REI Sahara zip-off pants that I own. A little pricey on the front end, but I'm happy with the product."

^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^

Another vote for Columbia Silver Ridge convertible pants. In addition to being quick-dry, they're also very lightweight. Great for warm-weather trips. In the Fall I opt for Kuhl, FWIW.

Personally, I can't stand the convertible pants. The zipper always rubs on my legs and is annoying. I was looking at getting a pair of those Columbia pants this spring. My previous pair is about ready to get demoted to the backup set.

My work "uniform" is basic "Dockers" style pants w/button-down shirts. As these become worn out they migrate to my non-work wear then to my work-around the house wear. I have a couple pair of comfortable, light weight pants that treated with permethrin became my "tripping pants" albeit more around-camp-wear than actual paddling/portaging. My kids find my business casual campfire attire a bit humorous.

While these pants certainly don't fit the "many zippered pockets" requirement and they are not convertible, they are one of my best finds for canoe trips.

A1t2o: "Personally, I can't stand the convertible pants. The zipper always rubs on my legs and is annoying. I was looking at getting a pair of those Columbia pants this spring. My previous pair is about ready to get demoted to the backup set."

I think I'm in a minority camp with you but I've never been a fan of the zip-off pants for the same reason. The one pair I owned was especially annoying as the zipper fell right across my knee cap and "rubbed me wrong" with every step.

bottomtothetap: "

A1t2o: "Personally, I can't stand the convertible pants. The zipper always rubs on my legs and is annoying. I was looking at getting a pair of those Columbia pants this spring. My previous pair is about ready to get demoted to the backup set."

I think I'm in a minority camp with you but I've never been a fan of the zip-off pants for the same reason. The one pair I owned was especially annoying as the zipper fell right across my knee cap and "rubbed me wrong" with every step. "

I’ve stopped bringing the zip off pants for all the reasons you have said. Plus, whenever I’m when not at camp I have pants on anyways for portages and to minimize bugs and sun. I use Prana Stretch Zion pants. Now I just bring an old pair of gym shorts for the few moments I wear shorts.

I doubt they will find much acceptance here, but I like and have used military surplus BDU pants in the tropical weight 60/40 cloth. They are very tough (rip stop fabric), quick drying, have more pockets than needed and are cheap. I have purchased several pair (in the reclaimed clothing shop at the MCRD San Diego - Marine boot camp) and I have been given a number of them by a nephew who retired from the Army several years ago.

I bought 2 pair of Marmot pants a couple years ago. I brought both pair on our Canyonlands trip last fall, but only wore the one pair. I'd go for a few swims with them on each day. They dry fast and never left me feeling like they were heavy and soggy. I still regard them as almost new condition, so they're holding up very well considering whenever I wear them, it's fairly rugged use.

I'm one who would rather slip out of my favorite pants and into my favorite shorts vs converting them. I think it's simpler. I could even argue two pieces of clothing instead of three, but I can understand some draw to the convertible for some folks, especially if you're the bashful type or are hard wired to a sense of propriety that precludes slipping in and out of trousers outside of perfect privacy. But if you don't mind and can be reasonable about not making a show of it, convertible may lose its importance to you.

After wearing out the fly zipper of my eleven year old Duluth Trading cargo pants I invested in a pair of Kuiu quick dry pants with knee pads. The pads that come with the pants are too industrial for me so I’ve made a softer, more flexible set. Knee pads are way underrated in wilderness camping situations. My kit also contains a pair of White Sierra quick dry convertibles. And, I second the endorsement for the Alaskan Hardgear pant with flex elasticity. Two pairs replaced all my blue jeans a couple years ago and two “never dirty” pairs I wear for dressing up. Super durable, super comfy and great looking, according to my wife.

Thanks for the suggestions! I ordered a pair of the Columbia Silver Ridge to try on as that seems easier than trying to find a place that has them. Honestly, I asked for convertible pants suggestions, but I've never really been a fan of them either. I did think the shorts option in the canoe without going to shore was nice. But I may end up just going with pants and bring a pair of shorts for at camp. I'm considering the First Lite 308 pants since I prefer that brand for hunting as well. The suggestion of the Kuiu Kutana intrigued me as well I like the pockets and ventilation zips it provides.

Try these. Great for the price. Pants

Having a short pant may be better than zip offs.

Shorts

I like my Piragis canoe pants. They are zip off but I never unzip.

I like the fit and weight.

I agree with the sentiment about zip-off pants. When backpacking, I wear a pair of Kuhl zip off pants which are mostly in the shorts configuration. When canoeing, it seemed like I was leaving them zipped most of the time and my knees seem to get raw from the zipper sliding up and down my skin when I bent my legs at the knee. I now use either NRS pants or Duluth Dry on the fly stretch version. The NRS is a little bit cooler but they seem to run really large on me in the waist while the Duluth pants fit better overall. I would still consider using the zip-off pants if I was doing a lot of portaging in hot weather.

Fjällräven Vidda Pro are the only way to go for me.

If you know, you know.

Hopefully not hijacking the thread here....but, what are some good quick drying, relaxed fit pants options with an integrated belt/cinch system people have recently found?

Prefer not being short convertible.

TuscaroraBorealis: "Hopefully not hijacking the thread here....but, what are some good quick drying, relaxed fit pants options with an integrated belt/cinch system people have recently found?

Prefer not being short convertible."

Prana Stretch Zion

boonie: "I have worn RailRiders Extreme Adventure pants for many years. Insect Shield treated."

??
I’ve been using RR since 1993 (same pair). Tough as nails!
AdamX

AdamXChicago: "

boonie: "I have worn RailRiders Extreme Adventure pants for many years. Insect Shield treated."

??
I’ve been using RR since 1993 (same pair). Tough as nails!
AdamX"

WOW
I'm more impressed you can still fit in them!

I know. I wear them almost exclusively when on canoe trips. Best pants I’ve ever owned.

Tony

scottiebaldwin: "Fjällräven Vidda Pro are the only way to go for me.


If you know, you know. "

GopherAdventure: "I know. I wear them almost exclusively when on canoe trips. Best pants I’ve ever owned.


Tony

scottiebaldwin: "Fjällräven Vidda Pro are the only way to go for me.



If you know, you know. "

"

These are the best option I've found as well. Only pants I've had that seem to really hold up to the abuse. Huge bonus for the knee pad pockets as I kneel a lot especially on river trips. Only complaint is that they are a bit warm, but I've found when it's that hot I can just splash some water on them and things cool down really nicely.

bottomtothetap: "

A1t2o: "Personally, I can't stand the convertible pants. The zipper always rubs on my legs and is annoying. I was looking at getting a pair of those Columbia pants this spring. My previous pair is about ready to get demoted to the backup set."

I think I'm in a minority camp with you but I've never been a fan of the zip-off pants for the same reason. The one pair I owned was especially annoying as the zipper fell right across my knee cap and "rubbed me wrong" with every step. "

Not sure you are in the minority. I agree with a lot of the comments above. For me the biggest downside to the zipper is that it doesn't stretch, so if you have thicker legs they can really pinch and limit flexibility. The stretch fabric helps big time with thunder thighs... errr athletic builds. I love the Prana Zion Stretch as others have mentioned. I also have a pair of the Kuiu Attack Pants and they are great only complaint is the pockets aren't very deep.

Still a denim jeans man. Why? Get to camp and have a fire you will burn holes very fast in your quick dry nylon.
Summer time in shorts a little different.

AmarilloJim: "

AdamXChicago: "

boonie: "I have worn RailRiders Extreme Adventure pants for many years. Insect Shield treated."

??
I’ve been using RR since 1993 (same pair). Tough as nails!
AdamX"

WOW
I'm more impressed you can still fit in them!"

Hey Jim. Barely. But they do keep me from eating too much on a trip. lol

not sure of anyone else does this but i have found most of my best camping clothing at thrift / second hand stores.

on one of our trips to duluth mn a few years ago, i picked up some great columbia pants, columbia shirts, a simms shirt (my fav), and a columbia knock off shirt.

the shirts i found were about 80 bucks each at home on canada and i think i paid 5 or 10 usd for each of them.

same with the pants. everything was in really good condition (like new really), i saved a bunch of money, and the funds went to a charity organization.

this one was run by a church i believe.

but if you prefer something new, a lot of people like these

pants

I’ve suggested Prana Stretch Zion pants on this thread, since then I have purchased a new pair and I’m throughly disappointed. I am returning them. The material is different, the cut is different, the waist is super thick and not as comfortable. They also no longer have the snaps for the rolling up the pant leg option. In general these are not worth the money. If you can somehow get your hands on an older pair with the original design I would snatch them up in a second, otherwise it’s a hard pass until things change again.

I own at least 5-6 pairs of these, and this most recent pair is only one I’ve been unhappy with.

rick00001967: "not sure of anyone else does this but i have found most of my best camping clothing at thrift / second hand stores.

Absolutely! I'm often too "cheap" to buy my BWCA clothing and gear from regular retail and get a lot of it from 2nd-hand stores such as charity-supporting thrift stores, military surplus, salvage-sale warehouses, etc. I once found a pair of Royal Robbins pants that were regular-retail $125 for $8 at a Goodwill store. Though they worked pretty well on my next few trips, I grew out of them and they sat unused for several years. When I got healthier and lost some weight, I fit back into them again and these pants were so good for the trail that they were then part of my motivation to keep the weight off! Sadly, after more than 25 years, they have now worn out and I've struggled a bit to find a satisfactory replacement.