REI Co-op  Sahara Cargo Shorts - Men's

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.