Traveller’s guide to: convertible trousers

1) Weight

Lightweight trousers are good for your luggage allowance, but check that the lightness isn’t at the cost of key features such as pockets or a more robust fabric.

2) Fabric

Look for fabric that is soft to the touch for maximum comfort, but also breathable and good at wicking (moving sweat away from your body). Most will offer sun protection and a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor – UPF) rating. 15 is good but 50+ is better.

3) Seams

Convertibles usually have a join where the legs zip o# (unless they roll up). Manufacturers are usually good at ensuring the seams and zips are well-placed and covered to keep you comfortable but try trousers on before buying them, to check they suit you.

4) Ease of use

Look for zip colour-coding at the detachable part of the trousers – this will help you quickly reattach the right leg to the right bottom. Also, wear your walking boots/ shoes when trying on the trousers to check that you can easily unzip and remove the lower legs without having to remove your boots. Some trousers have additional zips/ poppers on the bottom of the leg to help with this.

5) Pockets

Different styles offer varying numbers of pockets. Consider how many you might need, and look for pockets that are a good size and mesh-lined to help with ventilation. A discreet security pocket can be handy.

6) Insect protection

Some convertible trousers are impregnated with insect repellent (which may be guaranteed for only a limited number of washes). However, it’s easy to treat clothing with repellent yourself. Remember: only the parts of your body covered by the trousers will be protected – if you zip o# the bottoms, you’ll need to use repellent on your exposed legs.

7) Versatility

Most convertible trousers can be worn in two ways: as full-length pants or as shorts. Some models can also be rolled up and fastened at capri-length, giving a third option. This increases the versatility but additional zips/buttons may increase the weight.

THE TEST: These smart-looking trousers are the heaviest on test (413g, UK women’s size 12), but are made from robust, breathable fabric. They offer some stretch (useful for active travellers) and an impressive sun protection factor of UPF40. They’re not impregnated with insect repellent so would need treating if this was a priority.

The trousers have a belt and four pockets, including a zipped back one and a wellplaced zipped security one, hidden inside a front pocket. None are mesh-lined. The zips are covered internally by soft fabric. Zipping off the legs is easy but the legs are not identified by different colour zips so reattaching can be a bit of a faff. They would also benefit from having zips or poppers at the base of the legs, to make them easier to remove over walking boots.

THE VERDICT: A good price for a stretchy pant with high factor sun protection, though lacking some more user-friendly features.

IN BRIEF

Features: ★★★✩✩

Design: ★★★★✩

Comfort: ★★★★★

Protection: ★★★★✩

Value: ★★★★✩

Overall: ★★★★✩

keela.co.uk

THE TEST: For an extra tenner you can pick up a pant with a few more handy features. The Horizons not only offer a different colour zip on both legs (to help with quick reattachment), but also feature a series of poppers at the bottom so that removing them over walking boots is a breeze. They are made from a durable, rip-stop fabric that is UPF50 and very comfortable against the skin. They are not treated with bug repellent.

The weight is an impressive 285g (UK women’s size 12), making them the second-lightest on test. There are five pockets: two buttoned ones on the back, two open ones on the front, and a smaller zipped front pocket that is good for securing your cash. Most of the pockets are mesh-lined, so offer good breathability in hot countries.

THE VERDICT: A comfy trouser that zips off easily into shorts and offers some handy features for the price.

IN BRIEF

Features: ★★★★✩

Design: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Protection: ★★★★✩

Value: ★★★★✩

Overall: ★★★★✩

thenorthface.co.uk