REI Co-op  Classic Sahara Convertible Pants - Men's 32" Inseam

The material on the old version of these was harder/stiffer/smoother and cooler. The material on this current version feels "soft" and fuzzy and lighter weight. It doesn't hold up as well, isn't as comfortable and doesn't look as good. I have some issues with the changes to the design as well...but the biggest factor for me is the material. These are my every-day pants. I have like 8 pairs a mix of the old and new version. Sadly I really prefer the old version but they are getting worn out (holes). There is nothing technically wrong with these pants...but the old version in comparison was a much better product in my opinion. Please bring it back!

The design and fit of these pants have changed since last I purchased them a year ago. The rear pockets now have a larger flap, and the front cargo pockets lack the small outside pocket. Also, the pants no longer come with a belt. The most significant change, however, is the overall fit of the pants. The sizing runs much smaller and the cut is much tighter in the seat and legs. I returned the M-32 size that I have worn for years, as it was way too tight and constricting. The previous version of the REI Sahara Convertible Pants w/ No-Sit Zips have been my favorite go-to pants for years due to their fit, looks, and versatility. I hope REI brings them back. I already miss them.

Got these about a month ago and they are one of the better convertible pants I have. The material is light and soft and seems durable. Detaching the legs is very easy and both stow well in a cargo pocket. I'm 5'11" 205lbs and the size L fit just fine.

I want to echo other reviews: the old design was superior and I will not buy this version of the Sahara No-Sit zips. I 5-star reviewed these pants 2 years ago, declaring these the best hiking pants for the price. Why? Same as the others have said: better button at waist, 1 zip-pocket in back (essential for securing keys/id when you're really climbing around), small-pocket on right hip above side-pocket, wider cargo pockets than competing brands, and lastly, better material that truly traveled well between rougher day-hikes, weekend errands, and airports. You had a good thing, REI. You listened before and offered more colors; let's hope you go back to the old design of about 2 years ago. For now, I'm (sadly) shopping elsewhere.

I originally loved these convertibles. They were comfortable and really easy to change from pants to shorts and then back to pants. On this last backpacking trip, the stitching simply failed in the crotch. What's worse, the way it is stitched, once it begins to fail it keeps going (no interlocking stitches). I was lucky in that a member of my party carried a needle and thread, but the pants are shot and while I have not gone back to REI I am assuming I will hear, "Sorry, we wont exchange the pants as it is simply wear and tear..."

Tried these on at the store and they fit well. However trying them out hiking was a different story. 1. If you have muscular thighs with a smaller waist, these aren't for you. Once you start going uphill there isn't enough room for your legs to move and the pants will pull tight on your thighs. 2. Button is poorly sewed on and looks like it will pop off 3. The crotch is dropped about 1-2 inches too low, resulting in a lot of bunching and an uncomfortable wedgie when only using them as shorts

I agree with ATM's review. Although the change in fabric is not too bad, the changes to a poorly sewn button waist closure and pocket redesign was a big step back. I have several pairs of the old design and wear them for everything...around the house, hiking, running shorts, swim shorts, etc...a totally versatile, go anywhere/do anything, pair of pants/shorts. The new design is not nearly as rugged. They may look a little nicer, but that is not nearly as important as their function.

I went to REI this weekend to buy a few more pair of my favorite weekend pants. I completely agree with every issue pointed out by atm. Go back to the old material! I also noticed the deletion of the inner pocket on the left side. It was the perfect size for most phones. Bring this back and size it snugly for an iPhone 6 plus. Also the coin pocket on the right side up by the belt was perfect for a small set of keys when running.

REI Sahara pants were my long-time favorite hiking pants, but their recent fabric and design changes have me looking for a new brand. Here are the three big reasons I won't buy REI's new Sahara pants. 1. REI now uses a "brushed nylon" fabric to make these pants. This gives them a soft and slightly fuzzy feel. To me, the fabric just feels gross. I don't want soft, fuzzy hiking pants. 2. They also replaced the front snap with a button, and the button doesn't look like it was sewn on very well. I don't want to have to sew a button back on in the backcountry. 3. The old pockets used to close with either a zipper or a Velcro flap. Now a couple of the pockets close with a zipper and a Velcro flap on top of that. How many ways do you need to keep one pocket closed? REI's new answer to that question is, apparently, two. They also did away with that little zippered coin pocket that held my Mini Bic lighter, Victorinox Classic knife, and Ferro rod so perfectly. I'll miss that little guy. Not sure why they decided to change you so much, but . . . . Well, anyway, we had a good run, Saharas.

Perfect pants for hiking (and other things). Plenty of pocket space and easy to remove bottom half of leg without taking boots off. I own 3 pairs of these which I hike in all year round. Mostly winter hiking lately. In the summer they are cool and with a thin under layer they have been just right for me in the winter hiking (4000 footers of NH) with temps down below zero. **I bought a new pair this year and found the sizing to be different/smaller. My other pairs are mediums and found I had to step up to a large with the new ones. The sizing chart says a medium will fit 32" to "34 and I am a 33". You should keep this in mind and if possible visit a store to try them on first before ordering. Else your stuck paying the postage to return them for a correct fitting size