How to Choose Hiking Pants

This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Lightweight men's REI Convertible Sahara Pants with 28 in. inseam offer a new slimmer fit and stretch fabric for comfort on the trail; leg zips provide an easy transition from pants to shorts.
Shop newer version| Best Use | Travel Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Nylon |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 50 |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Convertible | Yes |
| Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
| Inseam (in.) | 28 inches |
| Shorts Inseam (in.) | 8.5 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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The good news is REI is still making 28" inseam pants for us leprechauns. The bad news is that they are still using the same 8.5" inseam for the shorts part (ie, same 8.5" for all total inseams 28-36") as if our thighs weren't shorter as well. It leaves the leg attaching zipper knocking on the knee caps all day. Alternative is finding a pair of the pre-no-sit-zip convertible pants on e-bay that have a 6" inseam for the shorts.
The back pockets are stitched to the outside as compared to 2016 where they were a full pocket stitched on the inside. Why does this matter? In my experience using these on hiking trips where you frequently sit on rocks, the back pocket stitching wears through after a season or two of use. You'll be throwing away perfectly usable pants if it weren't for the back pockets.
I bought this a month ago for traveling. I like the fit and finish. I've worn the pants/shorts before traveling to try them out. They are quick drying and hold up well for my intended use. I had two pair of the previous design. I like this design better in the sense the cargo pockets have a slimmer look. And the zippers connecting the legs to the shorts are color-coded to make it easier to distinguish which leg goes where. I agree with a previous review that the waist button could be more effective. I don't think I had the waist adjustment too tight. When I knelt and bent at the waist the button popped open. It's only happened once so far. So far overall, I would buy another pair of these.
I would have loved these pants if the snap would have just stayed snapped. Every time I bent over, stood up, or turn my upper body, the snap would pop. Hopefully I just got a dud pair.
I bought these pants several weeks ago for my trip to Glacier National Park. They fit great and were east to get around in. They were nice enough to wear them to restaurants before I grunged them up. Not sure I like the adjustable cinch tab because it rides right where my belt buckle sits..
I always hesitate to buy pants online, but I have an older pair of these pants. These fit so much better than my old ones, waist, length, and slimmer fit.