REI Co-op  Sahara Cargo Shorts - Men's

This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.

With plenty of pockets and quick-drying fabric, the lightweight REI Co-op Sahara Cargo shorts for men are ready for trail or travel.

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Features

  • Lightweight nylon fabric packs small, dries fast and has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish
  • UPF 50+ rating provides excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet rays
  • Loaded with pockets for essentials, including secure zip closures on the back
  • Elastic across the back waistband improves comfort and fit
  • Gusseted crotch improves mobility
  • 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
  • Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria

Imported.

View the REI Co-op Sahara Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Hiking Shorts

Technical Specs

Best Use

Hiking

Fabric

Nylon (bluesign® approved)

Sun-Protective Fabric

Yes

UPF Rating

50

Quick Drying

Yes

Side Cargo Pockets

Yes

Inseam (in.)

10 inches

Gender

Men's

Weight

Unavailable

Sustainability

Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria

From a Climate Label Certified brand

Size Chart

REI Co-op Clothing - Men's
XSSMLXLXXLXXXL24 IN Waist26 IN Waist28 IN Waist30 IN Waist31 IN Waist32 IN Waist33 IN Waist34 IN Waist35 IN Waist36 IN Waist38 IN Waist40 IN Waist42 IN Waist44 IN Waist46 IN Waist48 IN Waist50 IN Waist
Chest3536 - 3839 - 4142 - 4546 - 4950 - 5354 - 57
Sleeve Length3232.53333.53434.7535.5
Waist27.528 - 3032 - 3436 - 3840 - 4244 - 4648 - 502426283031323334353638404244464850
Hip33.534.5 - 36.537.5 - 39.541 - 4344 - 46.547.5 - 50.551.5 - 54.53233.534.536.53737.538.539.540.2541434446.547.550.552.554.5
Inseam323232323232323232323232323232323232323232323232

Sizing Notes

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.

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Better gear is built together

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.

List of certifications which include The Climate Label certification,
        member informed certification and 100% satisfaction guarantee
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List of certifications which include The Climate Label certification,
        member informed certification and 100% satisfaction guarantee

Reviews
114 reviews with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars

53% 28 of 53 reviewers recommended

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Average Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Most Helpful Favorable Review

8 people found this review helpful
5 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars
5 years ago
Great shorts
These are about as perfect as a pair of all purpose shorts could be: light weight, quick drying, plenty of pocket space, secure pockets, great fit. I am on the REI site to buy another pair. They are superior to my similar Columbia shorts, the front pockets of which are so shallow that everything always fell out while driving. I especially like the flaps over the two cargo pockets, though they do restrict access. I do not understand the complaints. The sizing was perfect for me. My wallet and phone fit easily into one cargo pocket. I do not load my pockets with all of my small equipment; someone who does will need a pack of some sort.
Swirls
Memphis, TN

Most Helpful Critical Review

23 people found this review helpful
5 reviews with an average rating of 1.0 out of 5 stars
4 years ago
Listen to Members! REI is still a CO-OP, right?
The newer Sahara cargo shorts suck. Especially when comparing them to the older ones (that I have from about 2 years ago). The old ones are a stretch material, quick dry, water repellant, fit well and came with a built-in belt...also cost me $50 about 2 years ago. The only thing the new ones have in common is quick dry and cost, they are an inferior product. If you want anything close to the old Sahara's then you're going to have to pay for them, as you will only find them made by Prana...the Zion's stretch, have a built-in belt, are a little heavier material, so don't dry as quick...and they will cost you $70.
Wildcat41
Tucson, AZ
Wildcat41
Location:Tucson, AZ
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars
4 years ago

Listen to Members! REI is still a CO-OP, right?

The newer Sahara cargo shorts suck. Especially when comparing them to the older ones (that I have from about 2 years ago). The old ones are a stretch material, quick dry, water repellant, fit well and came with a built-in belt...also cost me $50 about 2 years ago. The only thing the new ones have in common is quick dry and cost, they are an inferior product. If you want anything close to the old Sahara's then you're going to have to pay for them, as you will only find them made by Prana...the Zion's stretch, have a built-in belt, are a little heavier material, so don't dry as quick...and they will cost you $70.

Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'1"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
Swirls
Location:Memphis, TN
Age:65–74
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
5 years ago

Great shorts

These are about as perfect as a pair of all purpose shorts could be: light weight, quick drying, plenty of pocket space, secure pockets, great fit. I am on the REI site to buy another pair. They are superior to my similar Columbia shorts, the front pockets of which are so shallow that everything always fell out while driving. I especially like the flaps over the two cargo pockets, though they do restrict access. I do not understand the complaints. The sizing was perfect for me. My wallet and phone fit easily into one cargo pocket. I do not load my pockets with all of my small equipment; someone who does will need a pack of some sort.

Age:65–74
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'7"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
adam
Location:Michigan
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars
4 years ago

Not as good as they used to be

TLDR: If you have an older pair of these shorts (built in belt) and love them, don't bother with the new ones. I bought a pair this year (2021) and am really disappointed in the shorts. I have a pair from 2019 and there are differences. As others have said the easiest way to differentiate between the two is that the older version has a built in belt. My biggest complaint is that the 2021 version has a different fabric. It is not as good as the fabric from the older version. The second issue is that the 2021 version runs a bit smaller than the older version.

Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
Steve
Location:Denver, CO
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars
5 years ago

Please, REI, go back to the old design!

Have 4 pairs of the old ones and 2 pairs of these. The older ones are wearing better (but unfortunately wearing out). Old ones had more leg room. The newer style is tighter on the legs and much less comfortable on all day hikes. Why the change? From the other reviews, everyone is missing the style, cut, comfort, lightness, and toughness of theold shorts.

Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
PaddyWaldo
Age:55–64
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'5"
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
4 years ago

Love love love the old ones!

I bought two pair of these shorts (RN #37249 on the tag) in 2013 or 2014. They have been in heavy rotation since purchase and are holding up great today. I've looked for the shorts in stores a few times since then with no luck. They fit perfectly and have held up for years. With mine, the "cargo" short pocket opening runs vertically and is secured with a zipper, so these look a bit different. I would gladly buy two more pair of the older shorts, or perhaps these if they haven't changed much.

Age:55–64
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'5"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
wooz
Location:DC
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars
4 years ago

Uncomfortable - Please bring back the old version

The older version of these shorts with the quick dry stretch material and built in belt got worn almost daily. I bought several pairs. The new version doesn't hold a candle. PLEASE bring back the old version.

Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'11"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
apmckinley
Location:Washington DC
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars
5 years ago

The new style is terrible

I loved the old style of these shorts. REI altered the style for some reason. The fit is off- marrow in the legs and less flexibility.

Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
Rac1
Location:Knoxville TN
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars
4 years ago

Bring back old design

Like many reviews, the new design is poor and I returned my shorts. Same for the zip off leg pants. Not sure why your have not gone back to better products you used to provide. The pockets are way too short to put a phone in, short inseam, lower quality cloth.

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
Ed B
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars
5 years ago

REI Please go back to previous design!

These have been my go to hiking shorts for years. I recently ordered a new pair, and I am disappointed with the new design. They are more stylish and less functional. The legs are cut tighter, so bind when going up hill, the pockets are not as functional, and even the belt loops are spaced out more. I would have rated these as 3 stars if I didn't know how great the previous design was, but these are a real step backwards.

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
Anonymous
Location:California Coast
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars
5 years ago

Too bad they changed the design

Disappointed in the new design and the fit. The previous model was roomier had more pockets and the pockets were more functional. This model runs tight and a bit short, I would not reorder online. I would only repurchase if I had a chance to try it on in the store.

Overall Fit Rating

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1 - 10 of 114 Reviews

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