REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants - Kids'
When the trail steepens and the day warms up, the kids' REI Co-op Sahara convertible pants deal with it quickly and easily. Color-coded zippers provide an instant transition from pants to shorts!
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- Recycled nylon/spandex blend fabric is lightweight, breathable and stretchy for easy movement
- Nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) helps moisture bead up on the surface
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Pants zip into shorts with color-coded thigh zippers for easy reattachment
- Button closure with zip fly
- Internal button adjustment system within waistband allows for a set-it-and-forget-it custom fit
- 2 hand pockets; 2 back pockets
- 2 side cargo pockets with flap closures
- Reinforced, double-layer back cuffs
- Size S Kids inseam length: 23 in.; convertible shorts inseam: 5.5 in.
- 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 Kids' Convertible PantsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Fabric | 96% recycled nylon/4% spandex (bluesign approved) |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50+ |
Convertible | Yes |
Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
Pant Fit | Standard |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
Inseam (in.) | 23 inches |
Shorts Inseam (in.) | 5.5 inches |
Gender | Kids' |
Weight | 9.2 ounces |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numerical Size | 5 | 6-7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
Height Range | 45 | 47 1/2 - 50 | 52 | 57 | 61 1/2 | 65 1/2 |
Across Shoulder | 11 | 12 1/4 | 13 | 13 1/2 | 14 | 14 3/4 |
Chest | 23 | 24 - 25 | 26 - 27 | 28 - 29 1/2 | 30 1/2 - 31 1/2 | 32 - 33 |
Sleeve Length | 21 | 22 - 23 1/2 | 24 - 25 | 26 - 27 | 27 1/2 - 28 1/2 | 29 1/4 - 30 1/4 |
Waist | 21 1/4 | 22 - 23 | 24 - 25 | 26 - 27 | 27 1/2 - 28 1/2 | 28 3/4 - 29 3/4 |
Hip | 23 3/4 | 24 1/4 - 26 1/4 | 27 - 28 | 29 - 31 | 32 - 33 | 34 - 35 |
Inseam | 19 | 21 - 22 3/4 | 23 - 24 | 25 - 26 1/2 | 27 - 29 | 29 1/2 - 30 1/2 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
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.


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Good hiking pants for an active 12 year old.
We hiked on a muddy trail and made a trip to the playground. The pants are well made and wash well. Good features: an adjustable waist, pockets for snacks or gloves and convertible legs that a child can zip on and off. My child loves adventure and the look of the pants fit that goal.
Nice lightweight kids convertible pants
My 9-year-old son likes these pants a lot. The fabric is very lightweight yet strong, and it dries quickly. The pocket lining is made from a mesh fabric, which also improves drying time if they get wet. The color-coded zippers make it very easy to know which leg goes where when converting back from shorts to long pants. My son said the zippers are easy to operate, and he had no trouble converting the pants himself. The one minor downside is that the pants are a size M, but the waistline is huge. Thankfully, there are two interior adjustable elastic straps to reduce the waist size. To fit my son's slim waist, I needed to adjust 5 buttonholes on each strap, which creates a bit of a bunch of fabric on the back of the pants.
Very large Kids' Small
I received a sample of these pants to review, so I did not see the actual size before hand. That said, these pants still seemed quite large for a Kids' Small where the most common comment I got was, "is that for you or for your kid." I can't comment on the quality of the pants other than fit because we didn't get a good chance to really use it because of the sizing issue. I tried it with other friends' kids and found that they were too long for a couple of 7 year olds and a small 8 year old. Then they were too small for the 10 year old. The pictures are from the small 8 year old with the adjustable waist bands pulled all they way in... (the waist was very adjustable). The right leg was also rolled up twice to get the approximate right length.
Solid with some nice touches
These pants are exactly what we wanted and needed, but they’re incredibly long. As you can see in the pictures, the shorts fit well, but the pant legs are seemingly disproportionate in length. I love the material, the color-coded zippers are brilliant, and they breathe well/feel durable. Reinforced cuffs at the heel are a nice touch. Can’t wait to get out and really break them in!
Great fit for adult too!
Great fit, just not a fan of khaki color. These are a kids XL but they actually fit my wife perfect. She’s 5’7, 130 lbs. She likes the pants but not the shorts part. She also doesn’t like the color as much. Great pants so it’s just preference and fits tight around thighs when she sits. I thought they’d be good for our 11 or 12 year old child, but they fit my wife better
Decent Convertible Option
These pants are lightweight and still seem to be durable. My daughter liked the fit and style. They were comfortable hiking and easy to convert from pants to shorts. She had difficulty getting the pant legs reattached, which is why I docked a star. I was able to help her attach them with a little manipulation of the zippers. Overall, I think these are a great option for when you are expecting the temperature to change while you are out. We often have a chilly start and a warm afternoon.
Convertible Kids Hiking Pants
Another great pair of convertible rei pants. My son loves theses. He loves that he can wear them as both shorts (most of the year) or pants. The cargo pockets in these are a bonus for carrying all kinds of things. The only slight con is zipping the pant legs on to the shorts can be a little difficult for young kids. Overall, these pants are great and hold up to the day to day wear and tear and I love that the waist band is adjustable.
New Colors
Love these pants for my kids for camping and hiking. Would you please bring back the navy blue though? They were perfect Cub Scout pants. These colors are great for the Troops but the Cubs need navy blue. Thanks!
Not really hiking pants anymore
I used to love Sahara convertible pants, but they are different this year. The material is thicker and not lightweight enough for hiking. They are more like chinos than hiking wear. They used to have a zipper on the side of the lower legs for ventilation, but not any more. I had three pairs until I lost my home in the recent wildfires; I ended up buying the previous version from a seller on eBay.
versatile!
I have bought multiple pairs of these for my son and daughter. They hike in the pants, they convert them into shorts when they get hot. My son also wears these pants and shorts with nice polos. These pants are great to have for traveling because of their versatility. I plan to continue buying these as my kids need more sizes!