The North Face Paramount Peak Convertible Pant

Summary

Bombproof.

The North Face Paramount Peak has been a great convertible pant. One reason I bought these in the first place is that they fit well. I am a 32"x34".  The medium waist, long length is true to that size. 

Also, when the legs are zipped off, the shorts are not too short.  That is my main complaint with most convertible pants. They fall right above the knee. Fit is a very personal thing, though.

Pockets are functional and placed well. One zippered pocket keeps the important ID cards secure. Cargo pockets are good for maps. I also really like the integral belt. Since it is built in, it does not extend to the back of the pants, and does not interfere with a backpack.

The material is very durable. I have been through thorns, thickets, and sliding on the ground without even a snag. The DWR treatment has held up well in drizzle. However, the material is a bit heavy and gets warm in summer.  I suppose that is the tradeoff for durability. These wick well and are not heavy or saturated after a day of summer backpacking.

I will say this: I liked these pants enough that I purchased a second pair. 

I own four pairs of these pants. They look good, they're durable, comfortable, versatile, water repellent and the construction is top notch. The belt is integrated into the pants and functions as expected with no slippage.

The pants have a DWR finish which works great on hikes where one might encounter dew and other light precipitation. I have been on hikes during brief thunderstorms and the pants have done well. Eventually, the DWR can only repel so much and they eventually wet through, but, they dry quickly.

The lower legs of the pants have zippers which means you don't have to remove your boots when the pants are converted into shorts. I have used these pants hiking and backpacking in canyonlands to mountain peaks in temperatures from the 20s to the 90s.

The fit of the pants is roomy in the seat and legs. Pockets: there are cargo pockets on the thigh which are secured by velcro and next to the right hip pocket is a zippered pocket which comes in handy for storing things you don't want to lose, like car keys.

These are good pants for the money.

Summary

Great pants! I ordered two pairs of these pants as I wanted the versatility of having pants and shorts without having to pack both. They are extremely comfortable and the area where the zippers are at to convert them to shorts caused no rubbing at all!

Great pants! I ordered two pairs of these pants for a hiking trip as I wanted the versatility of having pants and shorts without having to pack both in my pack.

I am a tall female and ordered the men's as often time women's pants are too short for me. As a result, when I wear them as shorts they are a bit long for me, but I don't consider that to be a major issue.  

They are extremely comfortable and the area where the zippers are at to convert them to shorts caused no rubbing at all! The durability is fantastic and they really held up well under the stress of various rough terrain that required some sliding on rocky areas. There are a good number of pockets that were helpful for storing things on the trail.

I liked that the back pockets have flaps over them with hook and loop closure.  I did feel like the belt could have a closure that is a bit heavier duty.  I felt the price was quite reasonable for the excellent quality.

Summary

Great outdoor pant

I bought these summer 2011 and I've been pretty happy with them for my hikes and even a trip to Mexico. I find the pant to be quite roomy and nice fitting but that being said they can be slightly long in the leg.

There are lots of velcro and zip pockets to keep stuff organized and dry. I like that the convertible pants have color coordinated zippers too help you know which pant leg goes where. I find the pants not too bad for noise while walking.

I walked in a nasty downpour that only someone in the Northwest could understand and these pants repelled the rain pretty well, it was right along the top of the knees where the rain started too penetrate in where the pants flexed while I walked stretching the fibers.

These were my first pair of outdoor pants and I've been quite pleased.

Very lightweight, and appears to be well made. These were the only pants that fit my frame at the sporting goods store, and they also just happened to be the most expensive!

The speed at which they dry is remarkable, I was truly shocked and duly impressed.

I will give a long term review later, but for a week's worth of daily use, they are doing just fine...so far.

UPDATE: 2 YEARS LATER!!!!!!

Still going strong. These are the best hiking pants I have ever used. A teensy bit thin on the seat, but the seams are 100%, and the leg zippers are perfect. Great product.