How to Choose Hiking Pants
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants - Men's
$89.95
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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
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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
- 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
- Zipper fly with button closure
- Convertible shorts inseam: 8 in. (28 IN Inseam sizes); 8.5 in. (30 IN Inseam sizes); 9 in. (32 IN Inseam sizes); 9.5 in. (34 IN Inseam sizes); 10 in. (36 IN Inseam sizes)
- Machine wash cold; do not use bleach or fabric softeners; tumble dry low
- 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
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Sahara Product LineView all REI Co-op Men'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 |
| Pant Fit | Standard |
| Pant Leg Style | Straight |
| Inseam (in.) | 27, 29, 31, 33, 35 inches |
| Shorts Inseam (in.) | 10, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 13.4 ounces |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
REI Co-op Clothing - Men's
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Sizing Notes
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.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
My favorites!
anton1k2 years ago
Great pants - very versatile, functional, and comfortable.
I've had several iterations of them, liked them all, but I also like the latest generation (March 2023) compared to the previous generation. They are now using slightly stretching fabric. The sizes are off - even when compared with the previous generation - if you had 38 waist, now it is 36. Not a problem what the actual number is - you try them before you buy, but if you like to reorder the item you've purchased 2 years ago, you'll need to go through some returns. That being said, the current generation waist sizes seem to be the correct ones, while earlier-Gen was running small. I noticed that REI does refresh their products under the same names, not only these pants, and it is great that you can buy the same item you did 2 years ago, but I'd suggest to add something like "Gen 2"/"Gen 3" to the titles.
Regardless of generation, they also run a bit short, so if you typically wear 32 inseam, you can comfortably order 34. For me, the ideal length would've been 33, but I don't mind them being 1 inch slightly longer, 2-inch step between models is fine.
I've read in some other reviews that the belt loops are too narrow? I can't confirm- had multiple generations of these pants, and I am wearing 1.5 inch wide belts, and they fit in nicely.
Overall, very well thought out pants - I like that they are convertible to shorts - the only shorts that I find for myself practical to have is the ones that are convertible to pants. I don't think these pants are inferior to non-convertible pants in any way - visually or functionally, so I love the combo.
You can convert them to shorts and back without removing them, which is great. Zipper on the side is great for going with the boots, making them the most functional pants for any situation or season. Speaking of cold seasons, I can wear fleece pants underneath with no problem, and I can wear them without in the summer, and they hold well.
Nice touches such as different color zipper for the legs (hidden from the view), so you won't mess up left and right.
Nice touch of reinforced pocket edge for carrying stuff with belt clips such as knives.
Fabric is quick to dry, and feels nice as well.
Ive had several generations of these pants before, and I am hoping to keep buying them years ahead.
I've purchased 3 pairs of them in different colors so that I can wear the pants with familiar feel while having different look.
As of colors, I like them all, but Cork and Burlap colors are nearly identical (I ended up picking Burlap). Can't say much about Terra Firma, as my size is out of stock. Army Cot Green color is good too.
I like the Asphalt color as well, and if there was a lighter shade of gray, I might've purchased it too, depending whether the color tone is different enough to Asphalt. But choosing one between the two, I would've preferred the darker gray, i.e Asphalt.
anton1k
North Bend, WA
26 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Overpriced junk
Brad3 years ago
After 3 generations of increasingly worse Sahara convertible pants, I will say these are a minor improvement. But they pale in comparison to older products. Mesh pockets tear. No zippers on rear pockets lead to lost wallet and credit cards. Side pockets are a minor improvement from last year. But for $80?? That's some overpriced junk. And the belt loops are too small. Don't even get me started on the shoestring "belt" on your other pants. I'm better off getting army BDU pants for half the price. Academy sports has a better product for $25. Get back to your roots to the product that worked. Not something that mimics skinny jeans or yoga pants. I doubt the stitching on the new pants would survive a night of sitting on a log or rock.
Brad
Atlanta
151 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Jason
Received free product
An improvement on other convertible pants
3 years ago
I've tried multiple brands of convertible pants in the past an anyways been disappointed for a few reasons. These pants have improved or fixed a couple of these. The first biggest issue with this type of pant was always rubbing/chafing from the zipper on/around my knees that made them borderline unwearable. This hasn't been an issue with this and was one of the first things I noticed when putting them on the first time. Second, is the convertible part. These have a second zipper up the leg of the lower portion allowing for their conversion to shorts without having to take off shoes. Last, convertible pants have always been super baggy in the legs. These are a bit baggy, but definitely an improvement. A plus is the zippers ar color coordinated, so you know which leg belongs to which. Overall, they're pretty comfy, and when worn as shorts it's not obvious they're convertible pants. Definitely the best of the convertible pants I've tried.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
johnw536
Oakland, CA
Epic Design FAIL!
1 year ago
I've been an REI customer and coop member for longer than most of the REI sales people have been alive. I've pretty consistently been a big fan of REI products and their having been designed by folks with real wilderness experience. HOWEVER, that seems to be changing. I've owned three or more generations of REI's zip off pants, and as another reviewer stated, they seem to be getting consistently worse. I just bought a pair of this iteration, and in almost all cases, they are worse. The supposed innovation of color coded zippers for the legs turns out to be now just a tad of color on the end of the zipper, whereas before it was the whole zipper that was differently colored, making ease of attachment possible, especially in times of need for a quick re-attachment. The side pockets now have such a small opening that you've got to have hands as small as Trump's to get them into the pocket, even without trying to get something like a phone in and out. The back pockets used to be velcro and zippers, and now are neither, just a flap. The cargo pockets used to have real plackets to assure spaciousness. The older versions had more belt loops, and the back two were positioned thoughtfully close together so as not to create a rubbing bunch under the top of your sacrum bones where a pack lower back pad fits. I could go on. The main reason I bought these newer ones is that my older pair, which I had worn for years, including 250 miles of the GR-10 in the Pyrenees in 2022 and several Grand Canyon trips (with lots of rough limestone) had a broken front zipper. I now think the price of these should have been used to pay a tailor to replace the zipper on my old pair. Recommendation for REI: stick with features that work for real backpackers, and save "innovations" for those things that real backpackers recommend. FYI, I have several comparison photos, but this form won't let me submit them. ????
Age:65–74
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'5"
No, I do not recommend this product
Michael
McCarthy, Alaska
After my Summer Guiding in Alaska...
2 years ago
These are one of my two favorite pairs of pants! I love these! I put the durability, conversion, and comfort to the test! I practically lived in these for four months and had no problems. The pockets got some reviews of being weird but I didn't mind. They are farther forward than most pockets but SO BIG! which was nice. They slid down many a hill of scree with me and showed minimal wear and tear. One small tear on the back that held up for three months- Not due to my subpar sewing skills! The only times I had problems converting them was when I got them filthy and had a bunch of silt/mud in the zippers. Once I cleaned them they worked pretty well again. I also Stabbed into the pant leg with a crampon once and got one tiny hole that never grew bigger. Sweet!
Age:25–34
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
Phil27
One minor flaw
3 years ago
I would have given the pants a 5 based on the weight and durability, but... The pockets are sewn about parallel to the waist and high up. It is hard to access them when hiking with a pack with hip belt. And even just standing around mind yer own business they are not particularly comforatable. The outside attachment point of the pockets needs to be further down from the waist. Where me finger is point at the not attachment point. (vs. the other pointing at the attachment point) Of course the marketing team is probably like "But this tested so well among the people who modeled them!" Models...you never see 'em with stuff in their pockets! Or maybe they have a thumb in the pocket with their jacket flung over thier shoulder trying to look cool. Hansel, Hansel, Hansel!
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
RonB
Received free product
Lake Texoma, TX
Loved these zip-off pants
3 years ago
The problem I have reviewing these pants is that I can’t find any issues or problems, big or small, so it makes the review seem very one-sided! Being a picky person, and a 50-year hiker, there is usually something, but not this time. Consequently, I’ll have to talk about what they did right, especially over and above the other two zip-off pants I own. The biggest plus is the zip-off leg design. Previously, I have often been reluctant to remove the legs since they were such a pain to get back on, but not here. The zippers around the top are color coded so you instantly know which leg is which when re-attaching. Further, there is a second, vertical, detachable zipper the entire length of the leg enabling it to open flat. You just wrap this around your leg to put it back on. No more struggling to get your shoe or boot through a pant leg cylinder! I also liked the design of the pockets. The two leg pockets are not just flat patches, but have a base and two-vertical folds allowing them to expand to hold more stuff, and one is zippered. I like this type of pants for international travel since they give you a two-in-one option to keep your luggage light (the only way!), and the zippered pocket works great to secure passport, wallet or phone (or all three). Also, the waist pockets have a horizontal opening (like bluejeans) rather than vertical (like dress pants) and are very deep. This minimizes the chance of stuff falling out of your packet when seated (and being irretrievably left behind when exiting the aircraft, speaking from experience!). They are also nicely reinforced where they attach at the back. Overall, the fit was true for me (32 x 32) with elastic at the back of the waist for more comfort, generous cut to allow for easy movement (if you want the tight-fit, skinny look these are not for you), quality fit and finish (no loose threads, unsewn sections, etc.), and a soft-feel fabric that didn’t scream made-of-nylon (which they are). I wore them for three days straight including a couple of hikes and a car trip. Very comfortable. I loved them--and could say more, but myself I tend to skip too-long reviews!
Age:75 or over
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
Peter
Phoenix
Great Pants but belt holes are unusually small
3 years ago
These pants are great, feel great and very comfortable. My only issue with these pants are that the belt holes are too small, smaller than usual. I can't fit my arcade ranger belt into the belt holes which is big let down for me. My waist size is between 35 and 36 so I can't just buy a perfect size. The current pants I have are really comfortable but slide easy and I'm not able to put a belt into it. Big dissapointment, otherwise I would say these pants are perfect.
EricB
Austin, TX
Note the change to the front pockets
3 years ago
This is my fourth or fifth pair of Sahara Convertible pants. They are fantastic! But do note that they have changed the front, upper pockets from previous versions. With the new design, they are only accessible through a straight up-and-down motion. Previous versions had much more slope to the pocket opening, allowing a (at least for me) much more natural movement. With these new pants, I pretty much have to "shrug" and pull my elbow into my side to access the pocket. Someone with shorter arms, or who wears their pants around their knees, may not find this an issue. Other than that, they seem to be the same quality I've come to expect from REI.
Age:55–64
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
Eli
Received free product
Saint Paul, MN
Good Zip-Offs
3 years ago
+The stretch fabric is very comfortable. Good range of motion, nice and soft. +Good, usable pockets, one of the cargo pockets is zippered. +Far from the dorkiest looking zipoffs. A friend was shocked they were REI Saharas... +Layered well over a merino baselayer for a cold weather trip, trust that they'd be comfortable in warmer weather. +They do dry fast and the DWR works, though I never retreat nylon pants with DWR once it inevitably wears off. -The price is somewhat shocking, but they are quality pants. We'll see how they hold up to more extensive usage over the summer. I typically wear 32/33" waist and ended up with a 34", need to use a belt.
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
JMP
Evanston WY
Really Nice Pants But, Serious Design Flaw .....
2 years ago
Just bought a pair of REI Co-op Men's Sahara Convertible Pants at my local REI. Really nice hiking pants for a very reasonable price. However, the belt loops are so small that only one of my five belts will fit thru them. The belts are not that wide. The belt material will fit thru just fine, but the belt clasp (simple Fastex type clips) will not if still on the belt. I will have to remove the clip (or buckle), insert the belt, and replace the clip (or buckle). Sorry, to much of a hassle!
Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
No, I do not recommend this product
SOBeing
97594
change is not always a good thing
2 years ago
I bought these to replace my worn out ones from years past. The original had slash pocket opening that allowed me one handed access to the bottom of the front pocket. The pocket on the original was no where near as deep. Most of the fitment issues relate to my body proportions. I have XL hands and cannot get them into the pocket without upper body angulation and hip contortion! Then due to the location of the opening i cannot reach even the bottom half of the pocket due to the opening being the incorrect angle and small diameter. Takes both hands to get my phone out of a front pocket. Would like to see the return of the slash pocket located lower and more lateral! These have to go back… Loved the old style
No, I do not recommend this product
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