I just broke them in on a 53 mile hike over 28 hours in the White Mountain portion of the Appalachian Trail and the pants were bulletproof. They withstood rain, mud, rocks, trees, brush and everything else I threw at them. Great investment and great pants.

These are descent pant. I'm use to prAna's and still prefer them much more than these. With that said I think the fit is really good everywhere, except for the waist. For me the waist is too large and tends to bunch right in the front which is annoying to me. Other than that they've been really comfortable pants.

My husband loves, loves,loves, his convertible pants--the most comfortable he's ever had! For a short, stout guy, the short inseam is still too long, but wearable anyway. Will be ordering more!

C. Alexander

I took these pants on a recent trip out west. They survived two days of rock climbing in New Mexico, three days of rafting in Colorado, and even more backpacking in Arizona. The fabric seems to be thin but it can withstand a lot of abuse. I took plenty a spill on rock faces and did some grass sliding just to test them. They held up wonderfully! Dry surprisingly quick and pack down nice and tight.

Cotton is about the worst material to make clothes out of. It soaks up water and leaves you cold. This led me to buy these nylon convertible pants.

Whoever thought up pants that can convert into shorts had a good deal of sense. You save weight and pack size. The integration of a belt is another genius move. My old belt got in the way of my backpack's hip belt and was extremely uncomfortable. Of course once I would take off my belt my old jeans would begin falling down! The belt on these pants is infinitely adjustable and very thin so it doesn't conflict with my backpack.

The zippers that hold the legs together are durable and slide easily. The bottoms of the legs are wide enough to slip over my shoes so it's a quick and painless process to convert them.

The problem with these (for me) is the styling. Immediately after putting them on I was impressed with their lightweightness and comfortability. However, they are a bit too tight around my thighs and a little too loose around my calves (but really only from a fashion perspective). I'm 5'11 at 145lbs and ordered the small size. It's more noticeable when I sit down. Also, the legs look a little too narrow when they're in shorts mode, but I suppose that would be an issue with any convertible non-baggy pants.

I don't think I'll be wearing these to work any time soon, but I don't mind looking a little silly in lieu of comfort in front of my family and friends when I'm in the back country.

Recommended

Extremely functional pants. I bought them two days before I hiked Isle Royale NP, and couldn't have been happier with them. I will most likely buy a couple more pair in the future.

As the previous reviewer said, these pants are a bit tight on the thighs (I'm used to looser fitting casual clothes), but nonetheless were able to withstand rain, mud, wind and were very comfortable during my travels in Ecuador. The built-in belt is a plus as well as the lightness of the pants. Overall I would recommend this, would go for the bigger size if you're in between sizes.

I'm going to have to get me another pair of these pants. I have had mine now for about 18 months and I still love them. They are great for hiking and I also use them on SAR missions as well. They are nice and durable and they dry fairly quickly. I'm 6' and 185 and I wear a L comfortably. My only complaint is the belt, it can be popped open a little easily. The cinch one the bottom of the pant leg is nice. I didn't think I would use these all that much but I find myself wearing them even just to go out. They are perhaps my favorite pair of pants next to my North Face Varius Guide pants but those are snow/rain pants. I wouldn't wear these in a downpour if you can help it unless you are okay being wet for a little bit.

The seemed like a well-made pant. good length on the shorts when zipped off, good detail and soft waist area which is important when wearing a pack on an approach or hike. i'm 6'1" and 175 lbs. skinny climber's body. i tried a medium, and they fit around the waist well, but they are unusually tight in the upper thigh area where your leg meets your torso. it's very odd, and encumbers free movement. i tried the large, and they fit looser obviously, but were too long in the crotch area, and simply a little too big overall. maybe i'm between sizes, but REI's convertible pant size medium fit much more "normal" in terms of being good around the waist, but comfortable and looser everwhere else so as to not impede movement. i wish this pant worked out for me, as i liked the pant overall. i guess some pants are just cut off a weird pattern. i see other reviewers had the same problem.

Convertible trousers are overrated. First, I don't think people use them as much as they say they do. Second, I am a bit dubious on shorts given bugs, thorns and scratching things, and sun-burn. Practically, I would raise that zip trousers have a wider pantleg which collects dust and goes thowk thowk thowk when you walk. Also it is important to consider where the zip falls on your leg as it can chafe or be uncomfortable. I am wearing the trousers now but would probably would just choose straight trousers next time.

I'm looking to get another pair of MH Mesa pants but am dissappointed with the current model; I have the 2003 version and they are absolutely the best pants I've ever owned. But the current model is a HUGE step backwards. The cargo pockets stick way too far out and the hook-and-loop closures are noisy. The old style had very deep, low, roomy pockets on front and rear with angled top entry that helps immensely when wearing a pack. The old model had shin zips so you could remove the legs over boots/shoes. And try to open a hook-and-loop pocket to get your camera; it will scare the wildlife you want to photograph away in a hurry.
WHY did Mountain Hardwear mess up such a good thing? Probably some upstart clothing designer trying to make their mark I suppose. I guess when Columbia bought MH it started going downhill in a hurry. But it's not too late, MH you can change back if you like!

First off, why do you buy "convertibles"?
For comfort, convenience, space-saving!!!

I have several pairs of convertibles, 2 pair of MHW Mesa's. Overall, they're my 2nd fav's. Admittedly the MHW pants are kind of ugly style-wise, but have heaps of functionality! Which is why I bought them. I have several reason for picking convertibles. First I don't vacation, I "travel", and multi-tasking accessories are a must. I load my travel-pack for a journey of a week or several months with 2 pair of convertibles - one light and one dark coloured - that way I have 2 pr pants and 2 pr shorts. This type of pant also works well in my casual-dress work environment of mountian tourism between Apr and Nov, when early mornings or late evenings may require warmer leg covering than midday shorts can provide.

My MHW Mesa's are slightly different from these being offered, no cargo pockets, which is just fine with me - I hate cargo pockets, they get caught on things when you are scrambling up a mountain or breaking trail through the jungle.

Big Thumbs Up: the chamois lining from waist to hip - makes carrying even a belted knapsack sightseeing all day better. The crotch gusset makes for unobstructed movement climbing or scrambling. Legs zip on/off easily when you want to "convert".

Some pluses not in the description:
- Leg openings large enough to get on/off over full size hiking boots.
- Cuffs have bungee draw-strings to cinch pants tight to boots and keep out all the creepy-crawly things!

As I said, the MHW Mesa's are my 2nd fav's. My #1 pants have all the functionality and qualities of the MHW Mesa plus have better style - hard to tell even up close that they are zip-offs - but they aren't made anymore and I was down to just one surviving pair so I picked up the Mesa's.

I just recently picked up these pants and used them on a 10 day hiking trip in Utah. These pants did a very good job. The are very lightweight and did a great job at keeping me cool, even in the high temperatures of the desert. I purchased a size medium because I have a 32" waist. They ended up fitting just right. If I was much bigger they wouldn't have fit. Also, I have fairly large quads and a bigger than average butt (it is a blessing and a curse). These pants were borderline too tight for me around the leg. Overall, these are great pants. Buy them!!

I somehow bought the version of these pants that do not convert into shorts. I am not at all dissapointed though, because these pants are great. I just got back from a 3 day backpacking trip into the White Mountains of Alaska, and wore these pants throughout the trip. They are light, but kept my legs warm, and are pretty tough. I hiked through a lot of low brush and these pants went through them beautifully. They are also somewhat water resistant. Overall, I recommend these for hiking or backpacking because they are great for manuevering through trails and climbing some sweet mountains.

I agree with the guy who said the pre 2007 is much better. Also I want to add that this non cotton pants don't dry as quickly as other convertible pants I own. They are thicker and feels more substantial than others which causes it to retain the moisture. I would not use this for canoeing or anything wet. This is perfect for traveling and hiking. If wet it will take some time to dry. I'm 33 waist and I have a medium.

I just can't get Mountain Hardwear pants to fit me. I am 150lbs, 5'8", inseam 29/30. The waist on the mediums was too small; the inseam too long. Not the pants' fault, but MH doesn't seem to fit my build. Too bad - great detailing on the pants.

The North Face plays the game better for me in the pant department.

Great zip offs for hiking and traveling when its hot. These pants are super soft on the skin and very cool to wear in hot weather. They are super easy to hand wash and hang dry quickly. I really preferred these to the REI convertible pants since these had a bit of stretch to them when hiking. The fit is nice and loose without being too baggy. Only complaint is the pockets are a little small. I'm not sure how well the velcro pockets will hold up but they definitely keep the pants lighter than snaps or buttons. Highly recommend these pants for traveling, hiking and camping.

I got these pants from a friend. He was too short for them so I told him I'd take them off of his hands. The night I got them, we went on a short hike so I could test them out. Let me tell you, these pants are great. They move well, and you can hardly feel them. They're definitely gonna be on the AT with me.

have 2 pairs. I have not tested them on an outdoor trip yet but, around town they are pretty good.

As far as breathable convertible pants go, I can't imagine much better. The cargo pockets are roomy. I did not wear as shorts on account of bugs, but i imagine that in the desert one might be grateful for the versatility. My next pants won't be convertibles however. They are light and breathable enough as is. Good, tough material though. The belt system could also use some modification. Felt good where the pack rubbed but I needed to tie the belt in the front to keep it from loosening on me. I'm rather slim in the waist.

I bought the medium size of these pants because usually i wear a 33 waist. Unfortunately when i tried them on they were too tight! Im returning the pants and ordering the next size up.

I like the Mountain Hardwear Mesa convertible pants for the most part. The material is fairly sturdy for nylon backpacking pants, but still comfortable to wear. I recently wore them on a 4 hour orienteering exercise in below freezing temperatures and snow in Colorado. They performed great going through scrub brush and at times knee high snow with only a base layer under them. I did manage to cut them open during a barbwire fence crossing, but It was a fairly small tear that will not put them out of service. I think that a lighter pair of pants would have been toast after that.

My only issue with them is the odd fit for me. I'm about as average as you can get, 6'00, 200 lbs, 34 inch waist, 32 inch inseam. I tried a size large at a local shop and found them to be tight in the thighs. I had a hard time raising my knees up comfortably. I opted for the XL to have the room in the legs, but that left me with a huge waistband that bunches up when I tighten down the belt. That has left these pants as a cool weather pant with a base layer under them to take up some of the space in the waist.

I just received a pair of TNF Paramount pants in the mail. I took a chance with the size large and it paid off. These pants are great. The material is stronger and the fit is perfect. With only a month in the Mesa's they are going on the shelf for the Paramount's.

I'm a pretty hardcore loyalist to MH, and have had previous issues with TNF's quality control, but this time TNF wins.

These pants are great, very thin and light, and very comfortable. Definately my favorite trail pants so far. I think the fit is great and I have no complaints all. Great summer hiking pants.

Hey - these look good. What more can I say?