Gear Review: The North Face Paramount Convertible Pants
These tough pants excel (and look snazzy) in all seasons.
Verdict
These are my go-to pants all year. The insanely tough, UPF 30 nylon has endured eight seasons of use—through winter bushwhacking to sweltering jungles. The legs zip off at midthigh, and nine-inch side zippers make it easy to remove the legs without taking off your boots. Unlike many other convertibles I’ve tried, the Paramount’s zippers run smooth, even when gunked with mud. The shorts dry lightning-fast when worn as swim trunks, and the plentiful pockets (front and back) are roomy without being baggy. I love the zippered “coin” pocket—it’s my lighter’s permanent home. Bonus: 21 sizes. Minor gripe: I’m not a fan of integrated belts. thenorthface.com.
Best For
All-season backpackers and hikers; adventure travelers
Tester Data
> Joe Flowers
> Tested for 2+ years
>“These look good enough that I don’t feel like Crocodile Dundee when traveling through airports or villages.”
> $65
> 1 lb. 3 oz. (reg)
> men’s S-XXXL in short, regular, and long