On the AT I pretty much lived in convertible pants. They were great protection from mosquitoes and ticks. The bottoms came off (like in the picture) when it was warm.
They went back on when it was cold.
My shorts got worn for laundry.
On the PCT for the first year I was able to train with sunlight and got some protective tan on my legs. I pretty much switched to hiking in shorts all the time.
For the second year in the PCT we started hiking through snow. When my pants finally wore out the Prana pants I found (the only pair between two outfitters in my size) were quasi-convertible.
They roll up rather than zip off. They have a snap to hold them up. You can visit REI https://www.rei.com/product/200887/prana-stretch-zion-slim-pants-ii-mens—to see what I wore.
For the CDT I started without any tan and with lots of sun. As a result I wore my convertible pants like regular pants the entire time.
I started thinking about how rarely I switch up my pants and now I’m wondering if for some t rails non-convertible pants might be better.
Especially since they are much cheaper. For example $21 to $26 dollars. https://www.walmart.com/ip/3751577683?sid=00a1e119-461f-42b3-b0de-1b70414841ca
I’m even tempted to save a little weight and not bring the shorts. That is a huge move from the PCT where shorts were a core clothing item.
I’m just careful about not getting sunburned.