I found a pair of convertible hiking pants at REI the other day. This pair:
They’re great, except that they had a small rip along the belt area in the back left. Retail price: $55. REI Garage Sale price: $3.83. Sold! I brought them home and ironed a patch onto the inside over the hole, then I got some matching thread and stitched the stuffing out of the rip. Problem solved, and since the hole was under where the belt goes, you’ll never see the rip. Sewing machines rule.