Thorn-resistant pants?

March 10, 2009 10:51 AM

I'm an avid Geocacher and in my area that often means encountering thorns and other hazardous (to me) plant life. I don't mind shedding some blood for fun but it's murder on my clothing. Since I'm in the market for some new pants, what should I buy? Bonus if they're convertible (the bottoms zip off and make shorts).
posted by tommasz to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

Military surplus fatigues are tough and durable, often rip-stop.
posted by exogenous at 11:08 AM on March 10, 2009

Mountain Khakis. Very, very comfortable and nigh indestructible. Also, probably the best-fitting pair of pants I've ever purchased.
posted by backseatpilot at 11:12 AM on March 10, 2009

Carhartt makes excellent clothing - very durable. A quick look didnt show any convertible ones though.
posted by elendil71 at 11:21 AM on March 10, 2009

Do they sell moleskin pants where you live? If it's thick and the weave is tight, it's the toughest fabric next to actual leather.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 11:26 AM on March 10, 2009

Best answer: Rail Riders make awesomely durable pants which are a bit pricey.

5.11 Tactical pants are aimed at the law enforcement community, but are rugged at a better price point than the Rail Riders, but a bit heavier.

I also love Mountain Khakis as mentioned above.

I don't own any, so I can't endorse them, but I've heard good things about Campmor's convertible pants
posted by Lame_username at 12:04 PM on March 10, 2009

Best answer: I would second Mtn Khakis and Carhartts, although those are quite heavy (I have pairs of both). If I were going Geocaching then I would probably wear my Pranas. I don't know which pair I actually own, but look around and you'll find something appropriate, probably. They are very light and very tough, they don't make me sweat or feel heavy like the Carhartts or the MKs, and they are my absolute first choice for anything involving lots of movement (like hiking).

Also, here are Cool Tools' pants recommendations.
posted by alexwoods at 12:20 PM on March 10, 2009

Response by poster: The 5.11 Tactical TDU pants look to be pretty much what I'm looking for and the padded knees more than make up for the lack of zip off bottoms.
posted by tommasz at 1:18 PM on March 10, 2009

Best answer: Duluth Trading's Fire Hose Work Pants. Super tough fabric, cargo pockets on both legs. I like them so much I just roll them up when it gets too warm.
posted by symbollocks at 1:24 PM on March 10, 2009

I would just go to a really cheap second hand store and get an old pair of jeans. That's what I do before I start my field work and some times the pants end up being comfortable and work there way into the regular rotation.
posted by Midnight Rambler at 4:10 PM on March 10, 2009

Best answer: I can thoroughly recommend Cactus Supertrousers. They're made of 12oz canvas, so there's not much that's going to destroy them - bear in mind that they'll require breaking in.
posted by MatJ at 5:13 PM on March 10, 2009

Response by poster: The Fire Hose pants look good as well. I have some Fire Hose stuff already and I can vouch for the fabric but the knee pads on the 5.11 pants are hard to beat.

The Cactus Supertrousers are definitely nice but at around $350 US they're a bit much for my (Fire Hose) wallet.
posted by tommasz at 5:28 AM on March 11, 2009

Response by poster: Oops, I mean $95 US. But, still.
posted by tommasz at 5:32 AM on March 11, 2009