Patagonia Roving Zip-Off Pants

Lightweight and dries fast when wet. However, like most convertible pants out there, these are cut very loosely. When used as shorts, the shorts went below the knee which effected performance during ascents of high elevations. Furthermore, the button seems to come undone when stooped or bent over.

As aforementioned, this review is for the zip-off/convertible version of the Patagonia Roving Pant. I purchased the black version of these pants on sale through sunnysports.com. I recently wore these pants for an overnight while hiking up Mt. San Jacinto near Palm Springs.  

As expected, Patagonia's construction of these pants are great, in which they held up well in rocky terrain after scrapes and abrasions. The pants are made of nylon material, which allows these pants to be breathable and fast drying. The pockets are made from a mesh material, which also assists in the drying process when wet. There are two cargo pockets, two side pockets, and one back pocket.

I thought the sizing of these pants were somewhat large. I ordered a size 30 (I'm 6' 150), and found the waist size to be slightly large compared to other pants that I own in the same size. Furthermore, since there is no attached belt/waist adjustment system, I require a belt for the correct sizing of these pants. I used a $1.99 football belt I bought from a local sporting goods store for a relatively lightweight option.

Also, like most zip-off/convertible belts out there, the pant leg cut is quite loose... especially for those with slimmer builds. Even with a base layer, the pant legs are still too loose for my build. For me, the fit and comfort of the pant would improve if slimmer cuts were offered.

EDIT 7/22/13:

I have noticed that the button to these pants will come undone after stooping over.  Because of the use of a belt, it hasn't been too much of a problem, but the button failure has changed my overall review of these pants.

Furthermore, as I previously mentioned, the loose cut of these pants, as well as the length of the shorts past the knee, effect the fit and overall performance to these pants, especially during climbs of substantial elevation.

Enclosed are some photos taken by my friend while wearing these pants with both pant legs attached and unattached:

(I'm the one nearest to the camera wearing the "shorts" version of the Patagonia Zip Off.  Photo taken by my friend Ryan Lopez during our ascent of Mt. Langley.)  

(I'm the one standing on the right in the picture wearing the "pants" version of the Patagonia Roving Zip Off.  Photo by Ryan Lopez)

EDIT (8/8/13): I recently noticed that the button of the pant becomes easier and easier to unbutton when bent over at the waist.  While this issue can be mitigated with a belt, I would expect more from a company like Patagonia.