Amazingly, you can still buy zip off pants. What are they you may ask? These kinds of pants have a zipper, usually from mid to upper calf, just below the front pockets. When it starts getting hot outside, you simply unzip them and they become shorts. They are also a good idea if you are out and need to protect your legs from getting scratched up when hiking in the woods.
These types of pants used to be a big hit about ten or fifteen years ago, but have begun to see a come back. They are available in both women as well as men styles, and there are a large variety to choose from. You have your regular zip off pants, with just the standard amount of pockets, but there are many varieties of cargo style pants that have zippers so the legs can be removed. There are just as many brands of zippered pants, which Dickies, Royal Robbins, and L.L. Bean being among the top of the list. They also vary in price, from about thirty dollars to close to one hundred dollars. If you are just looking for some cheap cotton zip off pants, you can find them at some retailers for under ten dollars.
For example you can buy a pair of Susan Graver Stretch Pants, with Textured Side Zipper. These tapered zip off pants come in women's sizes only, have a slim leg design, and have a side zipping closure. These canvas pants are available in many colors, so you will have no problem wearing them with any of your summer wear. When you find an adventure, and need to drop the pant legs, they can be removed easily. They come with a stretch waist band, and sell for just $7.88 at some outlets.
If you are looking for men's styles, the cheapest ones are Reel Legends Zip-Off Pants. They are 100% Nylon, and are easy to wash. They have four regular pockets, and two side cargo pockets, and unzip mid thigh. They are available in four different colors, and sell for around $30. The prices from here go up, and you will pay more for name brand pants. There are some other things you need to know about buying them.
While you can find these kinds of pants at some higher priced local stores, for your best selection you should go online. There are many different websites offering a wide assortment of styles, colors, and brands. If you are not sure about the kind you want, or even if this is the kind of style your want, there are review sites available. These sites compare different brands, give their features, and offer reviews from actual customers, then you can decide if they are right for you.
Just a word of caution when buying zip off pants, make sure that you always fold up the pant legs and put them in a safe but easy to find place. While these pants are widely available, they are hard to find the exact size and color replacement.