Modifying the Switchback Gen 2s

[Eagle92]

Ok has anyone modified the current nylon Switchback Gen 2s, specifically adding lower leg zippers so that you can take off the legs with the boots on?

 

I've been playing with my gen 1 switchbacks in the snow, and love how they repel the snow to a degree, dry fast, and I can take them off without taking off the boots, thus keepign the snow from going everywhere.

[The Blancmange]

That's a good idea when you'll be active and don't need the warmth of insulated snow pants. I'm going to try that.

 

I suppose it would't be too hard for someone skilled with a sewing machine to add zippers. If you needed to take them to a tailor, it would probably be cheaper to just buy a different pair with them.

[qwazse]

I don't wear uni pants in the winter. Vintage shorts and thick socks is a lot more practical. I slip them over a pair of longjohns if necessary. Boot grommets can rip pants to shreds.

 

But your modification makes switchbacks ulititarian to the point where I just might think of changing strategy. Where do you keep the lower leg if you take it off?

[The Blancmange]

 

Where do you keep the lower leg if you take it off?

I think what E92 is talking about is putting a vertical zipper, about 8" long, along the outseam of the pant legs which allows you to open up the bottom a little so they slip over your boots. At least that was the context in which I intended my reply.

[Eagle92]

Blanc nailed it, I'm talking about adding zippers vertically to the bottom of the legs so that you can take the pant's leg off without taking off the boots, just like the original switchbacks.

 

As for wher the lower leg goes, it depends upon when and where. I've placed them in my cargo pocket, back pack, and dresser.

[OwntheNight]

E92,

You mean you don't just let them dangle on your boots after unzipping them? That seems to be the trend with our boys I saw more boys at Camporee last year with them just hanging low instead of putting them in their pockets.

[ScoutBox]

Same here, I say lots of boys just letting them hang around thier ankles.. Kills me.. being ex-military and all..

[Eagledad]

So we are talking about two zippers, one around the leg and the other vertical along the leg. You got the engineer in me thinking.

 

Thinking

Thinking

 

OK got it. Two zippers abeam each other (abeam is pilot talk for right angles) would be a mess trying to start both at the same time and work properly, so lets try velcro or buttons or a combo of each for the vertical part. I'll keep thinking on this:

 

Thinking

Thinking

[Eagle92]

Folks,

 

Let's not over think this. All I was wondering was if anyone modified the current Switchback uniform pants, the ones without the lower leg verticle zipper that allows you to take off the leg over a boot, with a zipper so that they perform like the orignial switchback pants.

 

Now I admit I was skeptical of the Switchbacks when they first came out. But I got the old ones when they went on sale, and have been using, and like them alot. Grant you the sizes were way off, but overall I like them. Wish the new switchbacks had those lower leg zippers.

[Eagledad]

Hey don't interrupt please, over-thinking is what I do best. I'm now pondering snaps and waterproof materials for winter activities.

 

Thinking

Thinking

[IM_Kathy]

I wish I had enough talent to do that - took enough thought and work to be able to do bottom seams... I did a few so that as my son grew taller all I'd have to do is rip out some stitches.