Tall people - what make/model of zip-offs do you recommend?

[nidarosa]

I am a little bit annoyed that my favourite walking trousers, the Craghoppers Kiwi Pro, seem to be getting shorter and shorter and no longer do an 'extra long' men's model. I am tall - 1,79 or about 5'11 - and have loong legs. Now I am ready to give in and get zip-off trousers for the first time and instead of researching or trying on loads of pairs that turn out to be too short I thought I'd ask you knowledgeable lot! So please no suggestions for trousers with 31 inch inside leg, that is practically a capri on me. I need 35! Most normal trousers are between 31-33 inches, even the ones labelled 'long'. And of course they should be easy wash and quick dry. I don't care if they are women's model or unisex or whatever, as long as they fit and are long enough. If the zip is on or under the knee, even better! What are you tall, long-legged people wearing?

 

[jirit]

Have you considered just using capris instead, at least a version that you can roll up the legs if required?

I am tall 6-1 ½ and I use convertible pants (bought them at MEC here in Canada I believe).
However I rarely zip off the bottom sleeves and I just walk and use them as long pants.

 

[nidarosa]

Hi, Jirit, this is what I always have done and why I love the Kiwi Pros so much. They are stretchy and comfy and have a great fit, and I can easily fold them up to the knee if I need a shorter trouser - I also have the same model in a capri which I love. The problem is I need a longer trouser, because I now have grit and stones popping into my shoes all the time. The trousers no longer cover the sock and shoe. So I am reluctantly ready to move to zip-offs as long as they are long enough. A very long trouser can be harder to fold up so I might as well zip the bottoms off.

 

[jirit]

Do you wear two socks?

If so flip the outer pair down and over the shoe cuffs or maybe try gaiters over your shoes?

(This is assuming you can not find a long pair of pants)

 

[nidarosa]

Ah, I always used the two socks but now I am a convert to 1000 mile socks, at least for summer use. On my recent two week camino I had to stop and shake little bits of sand and stuff out of my shoes several times a day, so I really would like to find some longer trousers that will keep the grit out. Also for walking in Norway it gives added protection against ticks etc. I refuse to wear gaiters in the summer!

 

[wayfarer]

I use North Face zip offs. I'm 6'4"

 

[nidarosa]

Thanks, Wayfarer, I am zooming over to the North Face website asap!

Edit: Looks like their ladies' models only go up to a 33 inch inseam. Just for info. Men's are longer, but only for the larger sizes. What about slim men with long legs? It baffles me that it is so hard to find long trousers for tall people. *next contacts Craghoppers to tell them to make more long ones*

 

[cabigred]

I am 6 ft. even and Eddie Bauer women's tall travel pants are 35" inseam I believe. I order all my tall stuff from them.

 

[Phillip]

Thanks, Wayfarer, I am zooming over to the North Face website asap!

Edit: Looks like their ladies' models only go up to a 33 inch inseam. Just for info. Men's are longer, but only for the larger sizes. What about slim men with long legs? It baffles me that it is so hard to find long trousers for tall people. *next contacts Craghoppers to tell them to make more long ones*

I purchased REI branded pants with a 36 inch inseam. Practiced several hundred miles with no issues. Good luck.

 

[nidarosa]

Ah, see I'm in Europe and have no access to REI, MEC etc. Have been in touch with Craghoppers and been told they have three models of men's trousers in an extra long length, one cargo, one stretch and one convertible, so might try one of them.

 

[Jo Jo]

Nidarosa,

I echo the idea of not taking convertible pants. In the summer on the Frances (July Aug. 2014), the sun was so intense that I had to leave the legs on the whole trip. In retrospect, I wish I had taken lighter long pants without the convertible option.

That being said, I was otherwise very happy with my Kuhl convertible pants (and they make a long inseam size). They are tough and nicely articulated knees never got in my way. I bought them after returning my REI sahara convertible pants (I went through the knee in one fall on granite while hiking--I do not find that sufficiently durable).

Ultreia,
Jo Jo

 

[nidarosa]

I agree that normal long trousers would be better in the sun, and I do burn easily, but for relaxing in the shade after walking, shorts are really good. I have looked at a lot of long trousers in the last 24 hours and I am on the verge of cutting the bottom legs off one of my old Kiwis and sewing them on to the bottom of a pair of new ones, just to make them longer! It would be cheaper too.