REI Co-op  Sahara Guide Convertible Pants - Women's

I recently purchased these pants and while I haven't hiked with them yet I can say that they fit great, they're comfortable, and worth the money. I am tall and a curvy/athletic build and was having a hard time finding any hiking pants that fit me. These have stretch which is really nice, the waist also has an elastic waistband - and a drawstring. They zip off to shorts and for my height, they're the perfect length. I also like that the ankles can be tightened using a little cord at the bottom. They don't go past my ankles like the model in the photo, they probably sit about 2-3 inches above my shoe. I got the Medium and they are a normal fit, I could wear a thin pair of long underwear under them comfortably. NOTE* There is a big difference between the Medium and the Large, I tried the Large on and it was way too big for me in the waist and legs.

I bought these for my archaeology field schools this summer and I absolutely love them. They fit wonderfully and look great on and offsite, long or short. However, I think the one area in which the design could be better is in the tiny s-shaped hook that secures the drawstrings at the ankles. Within a couple of weeks, the right hook fell off and got lost while washing them. I took the pants to the local REI and the piece couldn't be replaced. I found that the s-shaped hooks that came in old RainbowLoom kits worked MUCH better than the piece that came with the pants initially. Looking forward to see how well they hold up as I continue my fieldwork.

These are the best convertible pants I have found after trying several pairs of other brands. The pants are loose and comfortable to move around it. When you swap to shorts they are not down to the knee like most others, a great length. Only downfall is having to take off shoes to transition to shorts.

It took me two shopping trips and a good cry to find these hiking pants. I'm a petite and curvy woman: only five feet tall and a major hourglass shape. These hiking pants are amazing. I would say they were more of a high-waisted fit on me (and not midrise) and the legs felt more like a jogger-style cinched ankle (rather than straight). I appreciated the stretchy waistband, waist drawstring, and zipper + button because it made customizing the fit of the hiking pants much easier.

These pants are the best! My favorite thing about them is the length of the convertible shorts. They're shorter than most convertible pants which is great for me because I have thick thighs and most convertible shorts are too tight on my thighs and look awkward as shorts. They're not too short though - I didn't have problems with my thighs rubbing. I also really like that when you wear them as pants you can cinch the bottoms and it gives them a cool jogger look and helps keep your pants from dragging on the ground and getting dirty. They're also super stretchy and flattering. I have a 29 inch waist and 42 inch hip/glutes and the medium was perfect on me. I'm anxiously waiting for a restock so that I can snag them in blue. I really hope that they make more colors!

Love these hiking pants! I ordered them a size larger as I like a loose and comfortable fit and I notice REI women’s clothing runs a little small. There are adjustment straps for the waistline and the button is reinforced with nylon straps rather than thread which makes it unlikely to weaken over time. They are light and stretchy and water repellent. Proof that you get what you pay for.

I got 2 pairs of these pants, to replace the older generation version I had for years. I liked the more refined fit, and the fabric is amazing - stretchy, sturdy and water resistant. Really - water just brushes off unless you're in a downpour. BUT - the shorts are really short, and you lose the cargo pocket when you zip off lower legs. I was uncomfortable hiking in the shorts, and it was no good to have to move things from the cargo pocket and put them ... where? Come on REI - not all women want short shorts, and that extra pocket needs to stay with the pants even when you unzip. I'll probably keep wearing, but I don't love them and won't buy again.

Thank you for deep pocket that can hold stuff. So happy. Maybe consider thin zippers on all pockets so less like to lose stuff.

These pants rate an "okay" only. Will not plan to buy again until REI updates the model again. I do like the fabric and the fit, along with the zip off legs feature. BUT seriously, who designed these? An interior tie just does not work for women in the outdoors. How many times do I step behind a tree in the outdoors? Many. What a pain! Please bring back the web belt from the prior model of Sahara pants. BUT bring it back with a snap at the waist, not a button. Why waste putting in a button hole, and taking the thoughtful step of adding an extra button, when snaps are easier to use with cold fingers.

Most women's convertible pants have a horrible zipper where the lower leg detaches. They dig into your thigh or are scratchy because they didn't bother to encase the zipper in fabric on the inside and outside of the leg (like they do with men's pants). These are super comfortable when you put them on. I have not hiked in them yet and a zipper at the ankle so you can remove the lower portion without taking off your boots would be nice. But first impression is, these are a winner....even for a woman with bigger thighs. I bought a 10 that fits fine, but I might try the size down to see if those would work since I am between sizes.