Hi folks.

Search suggests it's been a while since this has been asked...

I'm looking to lighten my load in terms of pants for summer time hiking. I hike exclusively in the north-east US so summer hiking means mostly in the shaded woods and mostly on trail. Below treeline, it get buggy and humid. Above treeline, it can get cold, wet and very windy.

I hike in shorts all the time in summer unless bugs or cold wind (above treeline) force me into pants.

I also have huge size 13/14 feet, so pull on wind pants are not an option as they require me to take shoes/boots on and off.

I'm considering either convertible pants (perhaps backed up by a rain kilt) or full zip water-proof breathable pants (e.g. Precip).

I'm a huge fan of side zip pants for their ability to ventilate from the top. I have heavy side zips and side zip XC warm up pants that I use all the time in the colder months. But, I'm afraid that unlined super light WP/B side zip pants will be too restrictive and too clamy over bare legs.

I'm wondering what others are using in the north-east and elsewhere.

Thanks