The North Face Paramount Convertible Pant
Practical and comfortable, these pants excell in a variety of conditions.
Pros
- Comfortable fabric
- Quick drying
- Easy to convert to shorts
- Great looking
Cons
- The mesh pockets are a little funky
Got a pair of these a few years back, and still love them. I have done many backpacking and day hike trips in them, and they are still my "go to" pants in a variety of conditions.
Some other reviewers have complained about the fit of these, but I find that they fit me perfectly. Some pants and shorts I've had in the past, have a tendency to be pushed down by my pack hipbelt, but these stay in place nicely, all day long.
The fabric is very breathable, but has good warmth when you need it. The legs zip off nicely, and zip back on much more easily than some other convertible pants I own. The zips at the cuff make it easy to take them off when wearing lightweight shoes, but they just won't fit over my size 14 boots. Danged feet!
The one minor thing that bugs me... the mesh fabric used in the hand pockets has a tendency to get caught on sharper edge items such as car keys, compasses, etc. And my legs get poked by said items, which they would not if it was a solid fabric.
That aside, I love these pants, and their durability seems good. After three years they still look great, and I've hardly seen a loose thread anywhere.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $70
Have had two pairs of these pants, they have worn well over time.
Pros
- Durable
- Lots of pockets
- Color-coded tabs on pant legs
Cons
- A little snug in crotch and thighs
- Price is a little salty
I've owned two pairs of these pants. Overall, I would buy another pair, IF I found them on sale relatively cheap. Both pairs have worn well. The materials have held up though several day and multi-day hikes. The first pair I've had since '09, the second since '10.
They have plenty of pockets, too many in some cases, are nice enough to wear on the trail or into town for casual activities. They stay cool and dry quickly when wet. The pair I purchased in 2010 have colored tabs on the leg zippers making it idiot proof zipping back on the legs and a different buckle on the built in belt. Must have been a change in the product line.
I couple of minor things I've had issues with are the fly zipper on the first pair I bought didn't last long. I had the zipper replaced and it's been fine since. The zipper on the second pair is still fine. The pants are a little snug in the crotch and thigh area, but seem to loosen up a little once they are worn for an hour or so. The only time I really notice the thigh tightness is when I have keys and such in my front pockets and sit down.
Overall I'd rate them above average.
Source: bought it new
Material is lighter weight. Quality is not as good as in years past. Shorts are not long enough, therefore selection is limited. Cheaper quality. Disappointed in overall product. Will return all three pairs of pants.
Pros
- Color
Cons
- Quality
- Length of the short
- Selection
Have bought North Face trail pants in the past. These were much lighter weight, the length was much shorter, and I was disappointed in the overall choices when I spoke with a customer rep. Loved the styles from years past.
Will be returning all three pairs. Don't understand why the company can't keep a traditional item that people of all ages love.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $75 each for 3 pair
I bought these pants for a day hike. No problem, nice fit, fast dry, lightweight. After the second hiking trip, one of the Velcro from the back pocket started to fall off. It took the third trip to have the Velcro fall off completely and have some braids coming out. Also, don't think you'll fit a belt in there, it's awkward but instead of 5-6 loops for the belt, there's like 3 in weird positions...
They look nice for outdoors and indoors, they are comfortable and versatile, but for the price I paid (80$ in Vancouver BC) I think next time I'll buy something else. But for now, besides the quality defects (normal defects for all North Face products), those pants are still very good.
Fabric: 100% Nylon
Price Paid: $80
I purchased these pants from REI some time in Summer of 2007. I used them on two trips and loved them, but noticed the stitching coming out of the rear. No problem -- took them back to REI and exchanged for a new pair. Used the new pair on a single 5-day excursion and noticing the stitching coming out again. A definite defect, which is unfortunate because the pants are great otherwise. I've found REI's equivalent to these pants holds up much better and for a lower price. When it comes to playing in the bush, durability makes or breaks it for me.
Price Paid: $65
I would have easily given these pants a 5 star rating except for one important factor. Fit. There is no room in the crotch or seat area.
I'm 6'2" 215 lbs. and bought the large size. The XL were too big in the waist. Walking around in these gave me a constant wedgie. Since comfort is everything, I had no choice but to return them.
A shame, since I really liked the style and features of these pants.
Price Paid: $65
I've worn these pants on one backpack trip and about 3 day hikes, and the seat and one of the knees are already showing wear. (the seat has almost worn through). I'm not particularly rough on my clothes, my last pair of pants (another brand) lasted two years, but I do a lot of backpacking and sitting on the ground, breaking through brush occasionally, and exploring rock formations.
Save your money or wear them around town.
Fabric: nylon
Price Paid: $65
Theses are some comfortable pants I could wear on trail or in town. They are DWR and when I was on the trail and it started raining hard with my parka I stayed comfortable and dry, what was wet dried easily. Talk about one too many pockets, you could fit the world in these pockets. All the features and quality I would expect from TNF.
Fabric: 100% Nylon
Price Paid: $55
These are very versatile pants-climbing, hiking, and kayaking. Pretty tough. Dry quick, maybe not as quick as some other pants, but quick enough. I was surprised at the durability for as lightweight a material.
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Men's | |
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Price |
Current Retail: $54.00-$90.00 Historic Range: $18.23-$90.00 Reviewers Paid: $55.00-$80.00 |
Women's | |
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Price |
Historic Range: $9.76-$79.95 Reviewers Paid: $75.00 |