REI Co-op  Sahara Shorts - Women's 9" Inseam

Last year I purchased a black pair of these shorts in size 8 and LOVED them. They fit perfectly, were comfortable, and great for every day, hiking and biking. I bought the exact same short in Khaki also. They do not fit at all. When I laid this year’s size 8 on top of last year’s size 8 there is a distinct difference in size, both at the waist and in the hips. It is at least an inch or more smaller. How frustrating this is! Please do not cut material out from one year to another. I can still easily wear last year’s size 8 but I will have to return this year’s.

I am 5'9 and 135lbs and ordered the size 8 (I'm usually a 6) and they fit perfectly (not baggy and not too tight). I like the little "belt-like" adjuster at the front (near the button) for fine tuning the fit. I don't like wearing belts so this creative option is perfect for me. The pockets were spot on for me as well. I found them very useful and comfortable. I recently wore these on several long hikes (in hot weather) with thousands of feet of climbing and the stretched in all the right ways - never binding or constricting me movement. I'm not a fan of the green or tan but I think I will get them because I like these shorts that much!

I have these shorts in all 3 colors! I brought them to Zion and Bryce and they were very lightweight and not restrictive at all when scrambling or climbing. They hit about a couple inches above my knee which is what I like! I'm normally a solid 6 in most jeans and dresses but I actually got these in a size 10 (could have done 8 but I don't like any tightness on the thighs). I love these!

I am a long-distance hiker and the REI Sahara shorts were perfect for me... until the design changed this year. I liked the length and I especially liked the side pockets. The cargo pockets were deep and had velcro flaps and there were separate zippered side pockets, too. Very useful. I guess they weren't "flattering" enough, so they changed them. (If I was after fashion, I wouldn't be buying cargo hiking shorts.) Now they are shorter and - worst of all - there are only zippered side pockets and the flaps are tacked down on the sides, so they are harder to get into. It's inconvenient to insert and remove my cell phone and other items now. I am so disappointed! I hope REI brings back useful cargo shorts for women.

I wore these on ONE three-night backpacking trip and the material is already shredding in the back from sitting on the ground, and the stitching is coming undone on both back pockets. I liked how they fit and the pockets, so they get 2 stars, but they won’t even make it the whole summer before needing to be replaced, so I’ll be returning them...

Almost perfect hiking/walking shorts because they’re thin, stretchy, lots of pockets (including zippered), and LONG. The only thing is they’re seemingly made for “pear shaped” bodies and for those who carry their weight on their tummies (“apple shaped”), to fit into the non-elastic waist (with the belt unbuckled) the backside is poofy and baggy, which is so unattractive. Please perfect this amazing short simply by adding a bit of elastic to the waistband. A tad bit of stretch to the inseam would also be appreciated by us taller gals. Thank you. I have searched everywhere for such a short but to no avail so I’m really hoping you’ll help.

Given the usual fabric and length of hiking shorts, I was looking for a pair for summer bike commuting for a distance of ~5 miles each way. I have a curvy but muscular build and I found these ran quite small, I had to go up to a 12 from my usual 8-10. I really liked the fit and feel of the shorts and was very excited about my purchase until I wore them a few times and realized that the fly comes down! I am going to try exchanging these for another pair in the store with the hopes that the pair I purchased initially was just a defective one.

These shorts are extremely comfortable! They fit me perfectly (5’ 6” 157 lb, 32” waist 42” hips, size L) and they felt light as a feather (which would be great for NC summer). BUT, the stitching is really bad. Close to the hem, the stitching is messed up with multiple layers. I am a sewist, I tried removing the multiple stitches but no success. I would have purchased 2 more if it was well made, what a big disappointment!

I have a VERY old pair of REI quick dry Sahara which I have taken on long distance cycle tours as my "off-bike" shorts. They are finally wearing out. I had looked for a while and found these on my visit to REI last fall in preparation for a cycle tour to Australia. With a small waist and large hips, they fit me perfectly in the size I usually buy. The little belt tightens them up to fit my waist and I can loosen it to get the shorts off. The pockets are roomy enough for my Pixel2 phone and I like the zippers for small items like car keys which I want to keep secure. All in all, I think these are great shorts. I bought three pairs so I won't ever have to worry about needing them.

I liked these shorts so much that I purchased two pairs in black, then two pairs in the olive color. At 5‘7/123 lbs size 4 fits comfortably. The shorts have a slim fit, perfect length (not too short) and are slightly stretchy. The belt is adjustable (sometimes it gets twisted and needs to be straightened out; this could be improved, otherwise perfection!), and there are numerous pockets. I wear the shorts almost daily in this hot weather, since the material is very light. They have a very pleasant feel and are very comfortable. Shorts look very nice with both t-shirts and tank tops. I wear the tops over the shorts and not tucked in - no bulky belt or closure that sticks out. Highly recommend.