How to Choose Hiking Pants

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They may not be your date pants, but REI Co-op Sahara Convertible men's lightweight pants in extended sizes are a trail staple and, of course, transform into shorts. Embrace your inner utilitarian.
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View the REI Co-op Sahara Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Convertible PantsBest Use | Travel Hiking |
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Fabric | Nylon |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Convertible | Yes |
Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
Pant Fit | Relaxed |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
Shorts Inseam (in.) | 10 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | Unavailable |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
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 pants fit well and are very comfortable. Belt loops are good size for my 1.5 in. belts; a lot better than the built-in nylon belt of old. However, the cargo pockets have small openings, too small for my hands. Both thigh pockets and both rear pockets have the flaps tacked on the ends, thus, the making the opening restricted.This prevents quickly stashing or retrieving wallet, keys, etc. I would ONLY recommend this pant to a friend with small hands. I probably missed something while reading the reviews. Perhaps the two pair I bought may be my last purchase of this pant. We will see if the overall comfort is high enough for me to purchase again.
Sizes are WAY smaller than indicated. Normally wear relaxed fit in other pants. Bought my normal size and next size up just in case. I couldn’t even pull my normal size on, and the next size up was far too tight (waist, seat, and thighs) for hiking and other activities. Not only is the waist sizing inaccurate, but no way these are relaxed fit.
I'm 5' 7" and 250 pounds. I intentionally ordered a waist size 2" larger but these are still a snug fit especially though the seat. They sit about an inch or so lower on the waist than previous Sahara pants I've purchased in the past. A bit uncomfortable when bending over or squatting. The older design was a much more generous fit.
I should have believed other reviews. The cargo pockets are almost unusable and the boot zips are too short. I'm returning them
Nice light weight pants with plenty of pockets. They're supposed to have a "phone" pocket. However, the left cargo pocket is zipped and the phone just bounces around in it.The right cargo pocket has an inner pocket to hold the phone in place, but it's a little too short for my Samsung Galaxy S8 to really fit. The zipper is also too short for me to "do my business" without unzipping and unbuttoning the whole front of the pants.
Definitely not the same pants REI was selling a couple years ago. Very very small size wise-Japanese sizes? Customers service not helpful. Don’t buy unless you’ve tried them on first.
As others have mentioned, these do run very small. I ordered 4 inches larger in the waist, and 2 inches larger in the inseam, and they fit OK (though I wish I had been able to get another couple of inches in the inseam). Otherwise, they seem like a pretty nice pair of hiking/yardwork/travel pants.
Wore exclusively two pair for 12 days in Costa Rica; lightweight, packed small, quick to dry, and turn into shorts- what more could you want? Four stars because the crotch gusset/buttocks are not exactly generous, (I'm a thicc lad) and the zippers to convert the legs are delicate and fumbly. I mostly used this feature when taking my boots off after a day in the muddy lowland rainforests, and would leave the legs around the outside of my boots like fireman pants to keep the mud-caked ankles away from my socks. Overall, I'm very satisfied, even if the fit took getting used to.
I’m very happy with these pants. As I plan a long-distance hike this spring, I’ve been wearing them several times a week for the last four months, pretty much anytime leaving the house, because I wanted to ensure they would hold up. They are light, dry quickly, and have held up without any issues. Many of the other reviews noted issues with the cargo pockets. For me, the pocket design is not an issue in that I prefer a smaller pocket and I think this gives about as neat a look for cargo pants as you can have. I’ve got a backpack or coat for larger items I need to carry. I like that the left side pockets have a zipper under the flap – ideal for items you really want to be sure don’t get lost - while the other side has just the flap allowing easier access. If COVID ever ends and people get to travel again, these would be great for casual wear in foreign lands as they look neat but still give you safe storage options.
They are great pants but they run small. I would also like with they were stretchy.