How to Choose Hiking Pants
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants - Women's
$89.85
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These REI convertible pants are ideal for long days and changing weather. Side zippers switch them into shorts while your shoes stay on. Plus, the breathable UPF 50+ fabric shields you from the sun.
Key Details
Fabric
96% recycled nylon/4% spandex (bluesign approved)
Quick Drying
Yes
Best Use
Hiking
Pants Rise
Mid
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- Made with a recycled nylon/spandex blend that's lightweight, breathable and durable enough to handle hard-charging days on the trail and log-sitting nights around the campfire
- Nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) coating helps moisture bead up on the surface
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Vertical zippers from bottom hem to mid-thigh allow for more ventilation and also let you remove pant legs without removing your shoes or boots
- Pants zip into shorts with color-coded thigh zippers for easy reattachment
- Elastic back waistband allows you to move freely and comfortably while an interior drawstring lets you adjust the fit
- Zipper fly with button closure
- Loaded with 6 pockets for essentials, including front hand pockets, back pockets and cargo pockets (1 zippered)
- Reinforced cuff backs stand up to abrasion from hiking boots
- 31 in. inseam (7.5 in. convertible shorts inseam); Petite sizes: 28.5 in. inseam (6.75 in. shorts inseam); Tall sizes: 34 in. inseam (8.5 in. shorts inseam)
- Machine wash cold; do not use bleach or fabric softeners; tumble dry low
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
- 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
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Sahara Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Convertible Pants| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 96% recycled nylon/4% spandex (bluesign approved) |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 50+ |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Convertible | Yes |
| Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
| Pants Rise | Mid |
| Pant Fit | Standard |
| Pant Leg Style | Straight |
| Inseam (in.) | 28.5, 31, 34 inches |
| Shorts Inseam (in.) | 6.75, 7.5, 8.5 inches |
| Gender | Women's |
| Weight | 12.7 ounces |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
REI Co-op Clothing - Women's
| XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | 26W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18 | 20-22 | 24-26 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Bust | 31 | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41-42.5 | 43-45 | 47-49 | 51-53 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
| Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 |
| Waist | 24.5 | 25.5-26.5 | 27.5-28.5 | 29.5-30.5 | 32-33.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 37.5-39.5 | 40.5-42.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
| Hip | 34 | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 41.5-43 | 44-46 | 47-49 | 50-52 | 54-56 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
| Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements. Some women's pants are available in petite and tall sizes. Typically petite sizes fit women 4'11" to 5'3". Regular sizes fit women 5'4" to 5'8". Tall sizes fit women 5'9" to 5'11".
PETITE: Generally, as compared to regular sizes, petite sizes are 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 1 inch shorter in body length, 1.25 inches shorter in sleeve length and ¾ inch shorter in total rise.
TALL: tall sizes are 3 inches longer in inseam, 2 inches longer in body length, 2.5 inches longer in sleeve length and 1.25 inches longer in total rise.
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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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Love the zip-offs, hate drawstring & front pockets
Martello2 years ago
Being able to zip off the legs while standing up is wonderful. And the pockets are finally, almost as big as the guys' pants (but c'mon, they should STILL be deeper). But what's with the gets-in-the-way drawstring? And front pockets that are difficult to put your hands in? (Try making it more of a side entry ... like guys' pants). To pant designers: get rid of the drawstrings! --- they just get caught in the zipper. And pant manufacturers needs to realize women want hiking pants with functional pockets -- we don't care if stuffed pockets make our butts/thighs look big because, guess what, WE ARE HIKING, NOT MODELING. We need big pockets to put stuff in.
But kudos to REI to at least finally giving women four pockets. Please, just make them big enough to use on a long day hike or many-days' trek.
Martello
Eugene, Oregon
186 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Too Short & Too Scratchy
Lauren3 years ago
I adore the previous version of these REI pants. This new version is a huge disappointment. First, the Petite is 2 inches shorter than the previous version – just too short even for Petites. Second, the new material is very rough and very scratchy against the skin. Nothing like the smooth, non-irritating feel of the previous version. Third, the tie-string inside the waist belt is annoying each time you need to use the bathroom, especially out in the wild. The previous version’s attached belt is ideal – convenient to size just once and not intrusive. Fourth, the 14% price increase for a much lower quality product is irritating. Needless to say, I returned them. REI – PLEASE BRING BACK THE PREVIOUS VERSION OF THESE ONCE GREAT HIKING PANTS!!! They WERE the best Petites in the industry!!
Lauren
129 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Okdlady
Received free product
Oklahoma City, OK
Convertible and comfy!
3 years ago
A lot of thought went into the design of these convertible pants and it shows. Lightweight yet durable materials paired with excellent craftmanship. I was not impressed with these pants at first sight but after wearing them out and about, I have changed my tune. The back half of the waist band has a nice bit of customized stretch which makes these pants that much easier to pull up or down. In addition to the front button closure, an optional inner drawstring cord helped the pants stay on my waist better. The zip off legs were easy to vent or remove altogether, easily folded or rolled up to store. Ample sized front and back flap pockets with a sweet zippered right thigh pocket to stash goods securely. Easy to wash and dry. I can see myself wearing these hiking, trekking, kayaking, flyfishing, working in the garden and beyond!
Body Type:Athletic
Age:45–54
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
RonnieVA
VA
Taking these to South Africa game drives.
11 months ago
The rise is a little short if you have a little stomach or you’re curvy. I’m 5’5” and the run a tad short in the length on the regulars. Since the were on sale and I can zip the front ( my belly rolls over aye! ) But my top should cover. And away we go!!
Body Type:Curvy
Age:65–74
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'5"
No, I do not recommend this product
Mandikaysmom
Tuscaloosa, AL
Perfect for me.
1 year ago
I see the reviews about people hating the new design. I got my pants about 3 months ago (May 2023) and I love them. I am not sure if I got the new or the old. They fit great and have plenty of pockets. The zip on/of is smooth and easy. I like that the fabric is not paper thin because my skin does tend to damage easily.
Body Type:Petite
Age:55–64
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'1"
WannaHike
Los Angeles
Returning these
3 years ago
I bought 2 pair of these a green and a tan and a pair of Kuhl brand on the same table. The first hike up Baden Powell (~8 miles) had my legs screaming because the edge of the zipper for the lower pant is not hidden under the flap. There is a zipper edge there that has plastic bits in it and are not skin friendly. I had approx. 1-inch areas that scabbed over. Next big hike I had all 3 pairs to try. 4 days. I wore the Kuhl pants 3 of 4 days. I tried the REI pants again and ended up putting duct tape over the zippers. I understand an on-trail fail for something but this is a design flaw. I’m returning. I support you REI but please fix this issue!! I would like to see larger pockets all around. I put my phone in the side pocket and it doesn’t fit completely in the pocket.
Body Type:Curvy
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'6"
No, I do not recommend this product
Amy M
Received free product
Darlington, MD
Very comfortable, yet sturdy. Great hiking pants
3 years ago
These pants are super comfortable but sturdy enough to hold-up on long hikes. The material is stiff but doesn't make that annoying 'swishy' sound when you walk. Fit: The pants run about 1/2 a size large, so if you're between sizes, I would go a size down. There is an elastic band in the back which I really liked - it made the pants much more comfortable when moving around. The pants run a bit short on me. I'm 5'8 and got a size 10 - the pants cuff end right above the ankle. I would prefer them to be a few inches longer, but fine for hiking when you wear a boot. The shorts are a good length for hiking - they hit me about 2" above the knee. Function: I wore these out on a rainy day and was very happy with how well the water repelled off the material, keeping me dry. I also wore these while making pottery and the when the clay dried on the pants, it wiped off very easily - not showing how much of a mess I made. The material is very sturdy and does not snag easily. Pockets/Zippers: The pockets are great, especially the thigh cargo pockets. One is zippered and one is not, for easy access. All of the pockets have an overhang, so items won't fall out of the pocket easily. The zippers to convert the pants into shorts are very easy to manage and are color-coded so you can tell the left from the right when re-attaching. Overall I really like these pants a lot. The green is a nice color, but I wish they came in a few others as well (like gray or tan). If they made these in tall sizes, I would definitely purchase a few pairs.
Body Type:Curvy
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
TammyS
Received free product
Easton, PA
Amazingly comfortable and versatile hiking pants
3 years ago
I've long been a fan of REI's Sahara pants and this latest version did not disappoint. I love their versatility. You can easily unzip and remove the legs to convert them into shorts. There are also zippers on the side of the legs for some improved ventilation. Though you don't notice the zippers at all when wearing them. They have a nice comfortable relaxed fit making them easy to move around in out on the trail with enough space to put a base layer under them if you're going out in slighter colder weather. They also have a bunch of pockets to stash things, 2 traditional side pockets, 2 in the back and 2 in the front. These did have a few changes from older pairs I owned. There is an elastic around the back that I felt was a nice addition to help with fit. Some changes I was indifferent to, they did away with the button at the bottom of the legs where the side zipper is so there is now a bit of a gap there, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference wearing them. Also now only 1 of the 2 front pockets had a zipper. The one change I was disappointed in was they switched out the belt with a drawstring. Admittedly it's still plenty comfy and I haven't had any issues with it tying and untying as desired, but I've certainly had other drawstrings knot up on me so worry long term. The one change I wish they made that they didn't was providing a way to secure the pants if you want to just roll them up a bit instead of fully converting them to shorts.
Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
Lori
Great fit for me, a fat-bottomed girl
2 years ago
I purchased these about 5 months ago and have worn them often. I am biggest through the butt and upper thighs and have trouble finding pants that fit me in that area and that are not too big through the waist. The elasticized waist band is great for that and the drawstring tie helps snug the waist close to my body without binding. I like that the drawstring is hidden on the inside. The pants are comfortable whether I am hiking or sitting. Often times the zipper on zip-off pants will cut into my thighs when I sit, but these do not. I also like that the lower pant zips away completely for removal, so I do not have to pull them off over muddy boots.
Body Type:Curvy
Age:55–64
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
Bridgette
Arizona
Amazing pants that really last.
2 months ago
Love these pants. Very versatile I have wore them in all seasons. When it’s cold they are easy to layer up and when it’s very hot they’re nice and breathable (plus the option for shorts mode is great!). Got them for my job with the conservation corps in Arizona and I really wore the heck out of them (like everyday for 8 days working 10 hour shifts outside) the sun protection is no joke which I loved! Just recently burnt a hole in one pair using a hot chainsaw and I’m finally back to buy a few more pairs almost two years later lol. If you like comfy pants for outdoor activities buy these pants! The only reason I’m giving four stars is because of the back pockets seems came out from sitting on rough rocks so when I use the back pockets now stuff falls down into my pants leg which is a bummer but as easy fix I’m just lazy haha. All the other pockets work great also.
Body Type:Slender
Age:25–34
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Cindyj22
Lebanon, pa
Well designed convertible pants
11 months ago
I wrote an earlier review praising the pockets, then I wore these pants on a hike starting during the cool morning that turned hot & steamy later in the day. I pulled up the side leg zipper in preparation of converting the long pants to shorts. I was amazed to find that this zipper actually separated which meant that I did not have to balance on one foot as I tried to wok the pant leg over my hiking boot! So easy. Later when I prepared to reconnect the pant legs to the sorts, the matching of each leg to the proper side of shorts was easy because the zippers are color coordinated. Green for one, peach for the other. Obviously these pants were designed by someone who has trail experience. Nice job.
Body Type:Petite
Age:65–74
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Utahhikinggirl101
Saratoga Springs, Utah
Fell apart after 3 uses
2 years ago
I was so excited to get these pants for my birthday - the fit was comfortable and flattering. The lightweight fabric seemed nice for the upcoming summer hiking season although it did catch dirt easily. Unfortunately after 3 wash/wear cycles with relatively light use the product fell apart in the wash - the zipper was closed in the dryer but appears to have broken and ripped the fabric leaving a 4 inch tear along an entire back pocket making the product unusable. I was even more disappointed when the store associate told me that this was not covered by REI’s return policy under the “wear and tear” and “accidental damage” policy despite washing according to the wash instructions and less than a month of use. I would not trust this product with any hiking requiring scrambling and I would not trust REI’s satisfaction guarantee to leave you satisfied.
Body Type:Athletic
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
No, I do not recommend this product
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