How to Choose Hiking Pants
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants - Women's Petite Sizes
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Lightweight petite women's REI Convertible Sahara pants offer a slim fit and stretch fabric for comfort on the trail or the crag and a zip-off design that transitions easily from pants to shorts.
Shop newer versionKey Details
Fabric
94% nylon/6% spandex
Quick Drying
Yes
Best Use
Hiking
Rock Climbing
Pants Rise
Mid
- Color-coded zippers help you easily tell the right leg from the left leg when converting back to pants
- Vertical zippers from bottom hem to mid-thigh allow for more ventilation, and also let you remove pant legs without removing your shoes or boots
- Lightweight nylon blend fabric dries fast and has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish
- Low-bulk fabric with flat seams prevents chafing, also allowing pants to pack down small
- UPF 50+ rating provides excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet rays
- Stretch fabric with center gusset lets you move freely
- Multiple pockets have mesh or eyelets for drainage in wet conditions
- Zippered pockets keep essentials secure
- Reinforced cuffs stand up to abrasion from boots
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Sahara Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Convertible Pants| Best Use | Hiking Rock Climbing |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 94% nylon/6% spandex |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 50 |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Convertible | Yes |
| Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
| Pants Rise | Mid |
| Pant Fit | Standard |
| Pant Leg Style | Straight |
| Inseam (in.) | 29.5 inches |
| Shorts Inseam (in.) | 7 inches |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
REI Co-op Clothing - Women's
| XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | 26W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18 | 20-22 | 24-26 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Bust | 31 | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41-42.5 | 43-45 | 47-49 | 51-53 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
| Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 |
| Waist | 24.5 | 25.5-26.5 | 27.5-28.5 | 29.5-30.5 | 32-33.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 37.5-39.5 | 40.5-42.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
| Hip | 34 | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 41.5-43 | 44-46 | 47-49 | 50-52 | 54-56 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
| Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements. Some women's pants are available in petite and tall sizes. Typically petite sizes fit women 4'11" to 5'3". Regular sizes fit women 5'4" to 5'8". Tall sizes fit women 5'9" to 5'11".
PETITE: Generally, as compared to regular sizes, petite sizes are 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 1 inch shorter in body length, 1.25 inches shorter in sleeve length and ¾ inch shorter in total rise.
TALL: tall sizes are 3 inches longer in inseam, 2 inches longer in body length, 2.5 inches longer in sleeve length and 1.25 inches longer in total rise.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Much better fit
hilty8 years ago
Thanks for redesigning the Sahara convertible pants and getting rid of the balloon effect.
A couple of suggestions would make the pants better:
the petite pant leg is still too long but the hiking boots keep the ends off the ground.
The cargo pockets need to be longer and preferly a double pocket.
hilty
Montana, United States
46 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Sahara
HIkes alot8 years ago
The original Sahara of a few years ago was the best, fabric cut and features. LOVE them!
I bought a few pairs after that and found that the velcro closing to secure the back pocket had been removed, the front interior coin pocket was gone and the front pockets were now mesh which everything I put in my pocket snacked and my rings caught on the mesh also.
For me this new "new" design falls short also. Still have mesh pockets, no coin pocket and the side flaps being sewn down over the zipper make it very difficult to retrieve anything from your pocket without stopping and using 2 hands, plus makes the pocket smaller.
Very disappointed in the new design and fabric. These were my go to shorts and paints for everyday and hiking. Hope my original ones last. Won't be buying any more.
Very sad.
HIkes alot
Prairie Village, KS, United States
60 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
bluejeanbeane
Houston, TX
Very Breathable!
5 years ago
These are my first convertible pants I’ve ever bought and I think they’re pretty great! I’m usually a 4 in pants but being that these are “petite” I went with a 6. The waist in slightly big on me, so when I tighten the belt I get a bit of puckering that happens. However, I doubt the 4 would fit as the 6 fits perfect in my thighs and butt. The length is also great for me as it doesn’t drag on the ground and I find that the shorts length is super cute. The material is softer and not as crinkly as I was expecting and I also find that there is a LITTLE stretch to these pants - they’re not completely no-stretch. I measure 32-27-37, 128lb and I’m 5’5”
Body Type:Athletic
Age:18–24
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Yes , I recommend this product
Taylor
Orlando, Florida
Run a little big
5 years ago
I was between purchasing these in a size 0 or 2, and I’m glad I purchased the 2! I am 5’3 and 115 lbs. My true waist (smallest measurement) is 25.5”, my high hip (bikini line) is 34”, and my lower hip (biggest measurement around my butt) is 37.” I do have to cinche the waist a tiny bit, but it doesn’t pucker! I felt that the 0 wouldn’t have been roomy enough. The size 2 is a smidge tight around the bottom band of the short when I bend over, but it’s not uncomfortable since the fabric has some give! Taking these guys out tomorrow, but so far they zip on and off nicely, and stretch when I squat.
Body Type:Petite
Age:25–34
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
Sugarpeas
San Antonio, NM, United States
Button Issue!
7 years ago
These are great pants, first and foremost as far as the overall design goes. I like the material, it's breathable, it converts to shorts, the pockets are convenient and nice, and it fits over my butt. However, there is a huge problem with the front button meant to snap your pants above your zipper. Even the slightest pressure causes them to unsnap. These pants are loose on me for emphasis here, this is not because I bought a size that was too small. The waist fits fine! This makes these pants annoying to wear in general, and super annoying to wear while hiking. It's a gigantic design flaw that pretty much makes the pants useless.
No, I do not recommend this product
Debbisam
New Smyrna Beach, FL, United States
Great Quality, Color, Style BUT They're Enormous!
8 years ago
The reviews re these pants being true to size were all over the place. I was excited when they arrived - early. Even before I tried them on, when I took them out of the package, my husband said, "Those look enormous!" And lo they were. I'm 5' 108 lbs and def not a "stick". Size 2 petite is my true size. The fit across the bottom was slightly loose and acceptable; I could have fit the entire Sunday NYT newspaper down the front. Length was fine. I'm totally bummed. Also ordered REI hiking shorts in same size so expecting they'll also be returns. Was trying to avoid driving 90 miles r/t to the closest REI. Guess I'll be making a road trip.
Yes , I recommend this product
jcw63
Illinois
Very comfortable pants
7 years ago
I wore these for a week of hiking in Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks, and they worked great. I had an old pair of Sahara pants from 8 years ago, and these fit much better. The legs are a much slimmer fit, and the petite length was perfect to hit right at the top of my boot. They were comfortable in temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the 90s and were very easy to zip off to convert to shorts. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars was that they were very snug in the rear and rode up, so I had to get a size larger than usual and tighten the belt. I wear a size 8 short in the Kornati pants, but I had to get a size 10 short in these.
Yes , I recommend this product
christinalaura
San Diego, CA
Fits Well for Length but Not for Thick Thighs
3 years ago
I have short legs, longer torso, and big bottom half. The length is perfect and the waist can be snug but there’s a built in belt to adjust. However if you have thicker thighs, the convertible part with the zipper is a little tight. Even when I wear them as shorts, it’s more like a cuff and if I sit or bend I got some thigh spillage. Other than that, converting them is easy and the pockets are spacious. I got them in the khaki color and they wash well. I wear them for my grocery store job but have also wore them hiking so they hold up to your physical activities.
Body Type:Curvy
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
Likelyds
Chicago, IL
Practical with all of the stops.
7 years ago
I love these! The built-in belt is a life-saver because they run big, in my opinion, and
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
Northwest Arkansas
Incredibly versatile and accommodating.
4 years ago
Perfect for variable conditions within Zion. Wind, temp changes, pocket storage needs, non-chaffing, lightweight... perfect. I actually never took them off the entire weekend as they provided so many options along the different trail types within the park.
Body Type:Petite
Age:35–44
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
Summit Girl
Idaho
Feel great, but look bad
7 years ago
Best hiking pant I have found in recent years; I have two pairs, and they are wonderful to hike in. Frustratingly though, I've already returned two other pairs, trying to obtain a pair that is not defective where the two legs are sewn together at the butt. I give up. They're all poorly sewn and/or designed. I got a second opinion from my spouse (who knows sewing), and he agrees they're poorly designed in the back. The affect is cosmetic, in that the pants are all bunched up around your butt crack. Too much fabric on one side or the other. I will not be winning any fashion competitions in these things. Still, they're great for hiking, I just cannot wear them casually around town because they simply look awful.The photo I uploaded was taken AFTER I tried to iron out the creases. Yuck!
Happy camper
Denver, CO
Hate/love relationship with these pants
5 years ago
I wear 4P but the waist in these are not stretchy so ordered a 6P then the waist fits okay with extra room to tuck in my shirt, but my bottom area looks baggy including the leg area. Disappointed for a petite size pant the leg is still too baggy and long it will touch the ground wearing sandals after taking hiking boots off. Little belt is pointless. Convertible short is too short, I would prefer a 9 in. long inseam. However I like that the zipper color is coordinated so you know which leg goes where. Fabric is very comfortable, light weight, it really keeps me dry and cool on hot days. "Sand" color is my favorite.
Body Type:Slender
Age:35–44
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
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