How to Choose Hiking Pants

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Hiking pants that double as daily chinos? Yes, please. The men's REI Co-op Sahara Path pants are simplified hike pants with fewer pockets but the durability and tech you expect from Sahara.
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View the REI Co-op Sahara Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Hiking PantsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 96% nylon/4% spandex (bluesign® approved) |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Pant Fit | Standard |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
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 | |
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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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These arrived on laundry day-- so conveniently I put them on around the house. I didn't expect them to be so comfortable! The material is exceptionally lightweight and smooth (mostly nylon w/ enough spandex to get some stretch), and I wore them around the house for the first week before I even tried them outside!... so far so good. Outdoors, they performed admirably-- they're very lightweight material, so good for warm conditions mostly, and they breathe very well too. The lightness allows for them to be easily stuffed while also wearing shorts on a multi-day, so they seem to be the ideal campsite-pants and hiking backup. I'm giving some pause about the longevity of the material since it's so thin, but I haven't noticed any wear yet. Again, so far so good. The fit is modern so the legs don't easily go over the hiking boot, but I find them to be flattering for my thin frame. They're true to fit without ANY stretch in the waistband, so don't go smaller thinking they'll stretch during a multi-day-- they don't. The spandex amount coupled with strategically placed stitch in active areas around the knee allow for excellent range of motion. I had no problem fully stretching on the floor after a long hike. I would image they'd also make for decent yoga pants since the modern fit won't ride too far. You could probably wear these to work (if that ever happens again) as they're pretty clean-lined and simple... they're on the casual side for sure, but not distractingly so. Pockets/stow: the front pockets are shallow so that phones and keys may drop out while sitting, however there is a key/utility loop above the driver's side pocket as well as a full zipped phone-shaped pocket on the passenger's side. You're probably not using these pockets on a long-day or multi-day hike, but it's just about the only drawback/pause for these pants. Overall, I'm impressed. I think they're well worth the investment, and are a much needed upgrade to my aging and out-of-style hiking attire. I fully recommend!
Love these pants, I own three pairs of them. They have worked excellent for comfort, style and light hiking. Recently took these on a backpacking trip and was very disappointed with their ability to stand up against brush and thicket. Have developed several snags and loose threads. This is not pilling as the snag loops also have impacted the thread connected, leading to a damaged look on the pant leg. I am pretty disappointed, considering that these were supposed to have hiking functionality. I will also note that the pockets are a bit too shallow as others have mentioned. If you plan to wears these for casual wear, or light hiking that doesn't require going off trail or through thicket then these will still be a solid buy. Otherwise look elsewhere for something more durable.
Nine days out of ten, I’m wearing hiking pants. Mostly prana stretch zions, largely because they fit my disproportionately large, former fat kid calves. For me, a 5’9 175lbs mason by trade and avid trail runner, (awesome break from traffic) these pants in 32x30 are perfect. Sleeker than the zions and the fabric is thinner/sturdier. I have a suspicion will be better for hot weather where as well, seeing how they breeze just as well as the piranhas while also being a lighter fabric. And their cut lets them hang close to your body but off the skin most places, in my experience. The draw cord at the waist works well. My only real complaint is that all three front pockets should be an inch and a half deeper because at the moment they have a tendency to spit things out.
I picked up a pair to wear as hiking pants (which they are great for) but now these are my go-to pants for work at the office, hanging out, and even going out on the town! I got a second pair in another color and recently ordered 2 more pairs! I’m not sure I’ll wear them as much when the cold here in the northeast gets harsh, but they are great for summer and do well on cooler evenings. Super comfy, soft, water resistant stretchy, and quiet (not swishy like some artificial fabrics). True to size. Yes pockets are a little small, but having my phone peel out a bit doesn’t bother me (keeps it from turning sideways). I use a narrow bison belt with these exclusively, and it fits the belt loops great.
These pants are great. Very comfortable look good, and seem like they'll hold up well. I've worn them on hikes in the mountains and deserts, around town, and when traveling. Really handy to have the drawcord waist for airports. The do a great job of staying cool when it's hot, but also can handle chilling mornings or nights. There is one oversight with the pants. Why are the pockets so shallow? I have a normal size iphone (aka not a max) yet it barely fits. I'm always worried about my phone or keys falling out of the pockets so they need to be deeper. Otherwise these are fantastic pants!!!
On sale these pants are a great bargain if you are willing to compromise a little bit. The material and fit are perfect for me: nylon, not too swishy, good stretch, DWR. 2 quibbles, which may be addressed in a newer version I hope REI is working on: !.: My main quibble is that the pockets are too shallow: My modern-ish Samsung S9 phone will not fit in the zipped pocket, nor the back pockets. The slash pockets are also shallow imho. 2: not a fan of the external drawstring -- looks goofy. How about a bit of elastic in the waist or placing the drawstring inside.
When I got the package i thought it couldn't be my pants, it was so small. These pants are a great material, don't stain, incredibly lightweight, and don't really smell on those multiday excursions. Best of all they pack tiny. I wore these pants hiking in Bear Mountain, where they had to go full 90 degrees extended as I climbed rockwalls. Not once was I uncomfortable or didn't have a full range of motion. I bought these pants first during the annual sale, but I'm buying another pair full price because they're just so good. You can't go wrong - highly recommend.
Purchased this earlier this summer and didn’t get to wear them until the temps hit 90+ here in Oregon. I even wore them outside in 100 degree weather and they felt great regardless of the disgusting heat. These are 100% my most comfortable pants I can wear when it’s hot out. They are a little clingy but do not make me feel sticky or hot whatsoever. I’m buying a second pair, the ones I have now are a bit too yellow but still worth wearing. I wear pants out because I have some scarring on my legs that I’m not comfortable with being stared at. I haven’t had Sahara pants in a long time because previous versions had an ugly fit, too baggy, but this feels/looks great to me.
I ordered two pairs on the recent Memorial day sale. When they arrived I discovered they useful only if you don't want to carry anything in your pockets, especially if you want the contents to be secure. The front pockets are too shallow. The hip pockets are shallow AND the flap on each hip pocket doesn't fasten, it just, well, flaps. The zippered cargo pocket is too short to hold a normal (not extra-large) Samsung phone. It seems the design criteria were that a fashionably slim look was more important than practical use for hiking. My wife's comment was "Oh, it's no longer only women's pants that have pockets that are too small!" I returned them both. The old Sahara pants were made of material that was too thin and quickly fell apart with normal hiking use, but had useful pockets. These appear to have better material, but the pockets are useless.
I am 5'10", 31.5" inseam, a lean 153 lbs. 32" x 32" fits me fine. They are cut very slim all the way down. Fit like loose tights. Since they don't stretch, I can imagine someone with a more muscular build would find them confining. The upside of the snug fit for me is they stay up with only the waste tie. I have a problem keeping most 32" pants up even with a belt. All pockets are small (just barely fit a cell phone). The discrete thigh pocket adds a little storage. They are soft, lights, and comfortable for casual use, but the thin cut styling makes them unsuitable for street / travel pants (according to my boomer taste). Though the material is thin, like all nylon, it does not breath well and so is not comfortable in temps above about 85F, despite the misleading name "sahara"..