Walking Forum

Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Mel on 16:51:15, 29/06/19

Title: Zip off trousers
Post by: Mel on 16:51:15, 29/06/19
I've not really taken much notice of zip off trousers (to convert to shorts) before today but after my walk and suffering really itchy lower legs (due to the heat) I'm thinking they may be a good investment.


Can anyone tell me if they zip off above or below the knee?  Or does it depend on brand / leg length?


Alternatively, are there any ladies out there who can recommend any capri-style pants for walking?  Something with a bit of stretch in them if possible?


Ta muchly  :)
Mel
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: alan de enfield on 17:44:31, 29/06/19
Mine zip-off about 2-3" above the knee (or lower) if I don't pull them up too high.
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: wombat on 17:44:41, 29/06/19
Hi, try the Craghopper shop and the Tog 24 shop at Hornsea Freeport, they usually have a good selection to try, all at "outlet" prices  :)
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: jimbob on 17:47:25, 29/06/19
I think you sorta answered your own question. They come in different styles, some above knee, some below, some even have two zip off portions so you can choose either style at leisure. I like them for when it's raining. I remove the bottom leg portion and just let my legs get wet. ( still  wear the gaiters though)
Am in Perth now (leg one of journey to Fort William ),  no heatwave up here, in fact it is pouring.
Great Glen Way tomorrow.  :)
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: gunwharfman on 18:35:18, 29/06/19
I've a Columbia pair and they work well and dry quickly. Mine zip off just above the knee. The biggest problem is when trying to put them back on again, the zips are tiny and fiddly.
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: archaeoroutes on 19:01:47, 29/06/19
Make sure you get ones with colour-coded zips. Otherwise if you're like me you'll spend ages trying to zip the wrong leg back on!

I have several pairs but don't like them for serious walking as they all chafe where the join is (even the good ones with a layer of fabric behind the zip) and I haven't found any in a high-quality technical fabric. They're great for bimbles and I will be making good use of them over the next few days while supervising Silver DofE.
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 19:08:31, 29/06/19

I have several pairs but don't like them for serious walking as they all chafe where the join is (even the good ones with a layer of fabric behind the zip) and I haven't found any in a high-quality technical fabric.


I always thought this might be the case, so have avoided zip off trousers. In any case it is not fair to inflict my legs on the world.
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: Islandplodder on 21:44:36, 29/06/19
I was persuaded to buy some last year, but I can always feel the zip, and wouldn't do a long walk in them.  A pity, as they obviously really suit most people.
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: Mel on 11:21:42, 30/06/19
Hi all


Cheers muchly for the replies  O0   ... though I am getting the distinct impression you all seem to think "they're a good idea but...."  :-\


I'll have to pop and try some on me thinks and see how irritating the join zip part is for me as I already have a pair of trousers which have a seam behind the knee which can be really restrictive when sitting on the ground or climbing over stiles - I'm assuming the zip location would be a similar issue?



Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: bricam2096 on 11:47:05, 30/06/19
I wear zip offs at work as well as walks. To be honest the zip part of it is only really a bit annoying if I’m going ya steep gradient when you have to bend your legs more than on the flat.

Just make sure to take sun cream lol
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: Mel on 11:54:36, 30/06/19
Hmm.  I don't "do" suncream (prefer to cover up).  I'm hoping zip offs would be a reasonable compromise  :-\
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: lostme1 on 16:38:31, 30/06/19
I have several pairs of zip off trousers and been pleased with them. The best ones I ever had were craghoppers which also had a zip in the outside seam of the leg. This meant I didn't have to remove my boots to remove the lower part of the trousers. Like all really useful items they stopped making them.  >:(

For any which didn't have colour coded tabs I used 2 different coloured sewing thread to show which leg should be attached to which side of the trousers.
 
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: Mel on 18:00:54, 30/06/19
Oh bummer.  I like craggy troos but that explains why I never spotted any today  :(
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: lostme1 on 22:44:05, 30/06/19
Craghoppers still make zip off trousers but without the useful leg seam zip
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: rural roamer on 10:31:44, 01/07/19
Craghoppers still make zip off trousers but without the useful leg seam zip


That will be why I’m still looking for a replacement pair for mine then!  :D   I got mine nearly ten years ago I guess. My Craghoppers have the leg seam zip, very useful. And the “legs” have an L and R on. They come just above my knee. I do notice the zip sometimes though it doesn’t really bother me as the trousers are fairly baggy,  but I’d much rather have the option of zipping off when it gets hot, or back on when going through long grass etc. I’ve tried on several other makes and they’re just not the same. Mine are now looking decidedly ancient and worn out though. These ones come to the right place on my waist as well, I can’t stand them on my hips. I will probably end up getting  another pair of Craghoppers but I really would like some with a leg seam (to save me hopping around!) so if anyone can recommend any?
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: rural roamer on 10:33:59, 01/07/19
Sorry duplicate post so deleted
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: lostme1 on 18:24:33, 01/07/19

That will be why I’m still looking for a replacement pair for mine then!  :D   I got mine nearly ten years ago I guess. My Craghoppers have the leg seam zip, very useful. And the “legs” have an L and R on. They come just above my knee. I do notice the zip sometimes though it doesn’t really bother me as the trousers are fairly baggy,  but I’d much rather have the option of zipping off when it gets hot, or back on when going through long grass etc. I’ve tried on several other makes and they’re just not the same. Mine are now looking decidedly ancient and worn out though. These ones come to the right place on my waist as well, I can’t stand them on my hips. I will probably end up getting  another pair of Craghoppers but I really would like some with a leg seam (to save me hopping around!) so if anyone can recommend any?

If you find any with finding zip off trousers with leg seam zips can you please let us know as I have been looking for such trousers for some time an have had no luck so far. Sounds like I am not the only one who appreciated them.
Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: Jac on 09:05:48, 02/07/19
I love/loved zip offs but now find the legs look rather baggy for today's fashion when leggings seem to be preferred.
I've 2 pairs North face and 2 pairs of Royal Robbins which have a gusset on the lower leg,
which is closed by Velcro, to allow them to be taken off over boots. Bought in 1997 I am wearing the shorts part now, which are a bit shorter than more up to date ones.
I just love the adaptability - no decisions whether it is a shorts or legs day - just change with the weather. Less to pack on a multiday walk.

Seems the Royal Robbins, (with Velcro leg gussets) are still available. Warning - sizing is american

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Royal-Robbins-Womens-Classic-8-Regular/dp/B001MS87PY/ref=asc_df_B001MS87PY/?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583520385790127&psc=1


Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: Mel on 09:48:42, 03/07/19
I'd not really thought about the mid-walk on-and-off-ability of the zip off lower leg bits over boots  :-\



Title: Re: Zip off trousers
Post by: archaeoroutes on 19:08:37, 03/07/19
I'd not really thought about the mid-walk on-and-off-ability of the zip off lower leg bits over boots  :-\
I often see people who zip them off and leave them round their lower legs/ankles like gaiters. Not for me! If I'm going to be wearing shorts I'm also in sandals or at least very lightweight walking shoes.