I'm a huge fan of Columbia's Saturday Trail ii line of pants. So much so that this is my second pair of the convertible version, in addition to the two "regular" and one insulated that I own. They are well made, very comfortable, functional and flattering. The other pair of convertible pants I have (in the "grill" color) is still in perfect condition after over a year of heavy use. I bought this to have an additional pair in another color (British Tan), not because the other needed replacing. The feature I love most about these pants is their comfort. I have never had such comfortable pants! They fit well, have just the right amount of stretch. I love them for hiking (and all the jumping, squatting, and stretching that goes along with it), but also for long car or plane rides. Another feature I love about these pants is their incredible versatility. There is the obvious aspect of versatility in that they can be worn as shorts (falling about 3-4 inches above the knee) or full length pants, but there are many other reasons that they are so versatile as well. One is the light-weight, breathable fabric that makes them comfortable and functional in a variety of weather conditions. I have worn them (with the full-length pant legs) from 50 degree to 98 degree weather, and was comfortable in that whole range. When worn as shorts, they are so cool and light and airy that it is almost like wearing nothing at all. They are also quick-drying and water resistant (though not water-proof) as well as UVA protected, making them ideal in both wet conditions and blazing sun. Another versatile aspect is their style. These pants look good not just on the trail, but around town. The "outdoorsy" features such as breathable panels (hidden in the pockets) and zip-away legs are discrete. There is ample pocket space, but no bulky and unflattering cargo pockets, or a ton of zippers and buttons. I wear them all the time to go hiking, but they are also often my go-to pants for when I don't want to look like a slob, but also want to be extremely comfortable. These pants are perfect if your plans for the day include taking a hike, doing some shopping, and eating at a nicer restaurant. The shorts are a nice length, too. Long enough to be modest and practical, but a bit shorter than "Bermuda" style. In the spring, summer, and fall I walk/hike almost daily, and enjoy camping frequently, and these are always my go-to pants. Even if I start out the day wearing shorts, I always bring the pant legs along to use if needed not only if the temperature changes, but also for protection from my legs getting scratched or bitten by insects or ticks if I end up in some more rugged areas. I love not having to choose between avoiding exploring an area with tall grass/dense woods, or having my legs covered in ticks and chiggers. These pants are PERFECT to take on vacation, as well. They take up a very small amount of space in your suitcase (about 1/4th of what a pair of jeans would) and are light as a feather. As mentioned above, they also look good and are appropriate for a variety of occasions. And because they are dirt and stain repellant and quick drying, you can wear the same pair for days in a row, or wash in the hotel sink as needed. As for the color, British Tan is a standard khaki color, a bit on the light side. Honestly, this is probably my least favorite of the 3 colors I have (grill and midnight), but that is only because I've never preferred khaki colored pants. They look nice and match everything, and are a great option if you want a light-colored pair of pants. The light color does show dirt more than the others, however, because these pants are so dirt/stain replant, you can easily brush them clean. One advantage of this color is that it is very easy to spot ticks and little thorny seeds that can attach to you when hiking. As for the fit, I typically wear size 7 or 8 pants with an average length. While the size 8 of these pants does fit me, it is very "fitted" through the thighs and rear. I like a more relaxed fit, therefore I order the size 10. The length is perfect and it is a roomy (though not baggy) fit through the legs and rear end. The waist is a bit big (I have an hourglass figure, but I do not have flat abs), however, it's perfect with a belt and not so big that they fall off without a belt. I do not have a problem with the zip-off leg zipper being too tight around my thighs in the size 8 or 10, as many reviewers stated.
