REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Shorts - Men's
It's not just about the pockets, although you do get 6. The men's REI Co-op Sahara cargo shorts feature stretchy, water-repellent fabric to keep you comfy for miles—on the trail or around the world.




This purchase pays for membership!
$5
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$35
Value
Keep shopping
- Recycled nylon/spandex blend fabric is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying
- Nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) helps moisture bead up on the surface
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Elastic across the back waistband improves comfort and fit
- Belt loops
- Button closure with zip fly
- Gusset for full range of motion
- 2 hand pockets; 2 back pockets
- 2 side cargo pockets; right-hand cargo pocket features a zipper under the flap
- 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 Hiking ShortsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Fabric | 96% recycled nylon/4% spandex (bluesign approved) |
Inner Liner | No |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50+ |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
Number of Pockets | 6+ |
Inseam (in.) | 9 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 8 ounces |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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.
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.


Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Most Helpful Critical Review
Customer Images
Great Until Zipper Fails
These were great until the zipper failed. The flap on the inside kept getting caught in the zipper until eventually it got so stuck it destroyed the zipper to get it unstuck. Shame such a small but so integral part can make an article of clothing utterly useless.
Not very durable for the price.
I wore these probably 20 times and the stitching for both back pockets, the crotch and one of the hems started to fail. For the price, I expected a much more durable pair of shorts. Tried to replace them outside of the 12 month window as a manufacturing defect. The associate tried to claim that it was from wear but it was the interior stitching that failed in multiple places that doesn't even see abrasion. That will likely be the last time I walk into a REI.
Poorly designed cargo pockets
This items cargo pockets are so difficult to use them as they are not spacious I used to be able to carry my reading glasses and some money in the zippered compartment. Now I’m not able to put money flat in that zippered compartment. It doesn’t fit. 5 years ago REI designers new how design cargo shorts that are functional. Save your money move away from this item
Not the shorts they used to be
I wear these exclusively in the warmer months. I use them for everything; cycling, hiking, yard work...everything. Cotton is not an option in the south; you have to have something quick drying or you're wearing sodden clothes all day long. Just ordered several new pair and noticed the following: no more velcro "helpers" on the pockets. No more pocket within a pocket. Mesh-type primary pocket liner instead of real material. Six belt loops as opposed to eight on my old ones. Lastly, the new ones felt very lightweight, so I weighed a pair; 7.9 ounces. I then weighed one of my 8 year old pairs which have been machine washed and dried hundreds of times; 8.1 ounces. What does that tell you? For the money, there are now better options out there, I'm sorry to say.
Cost Reductions Have Eliminated Valuable Features
I've worn REI shorts for years, in fact, until the legs split and I had to buy new ones. The features I liked in the older ones were: a change pocket inside the front right pocket, a hanging loop inside the back and belt loops that were wide enough for a wide leather belt. Unfortunately, in the interim, all of my favorite features have been cost reduced into oblivion. None of them were particularly expensive, I would gladly pay a little more to see them return!
Great pair of shorts
These are great shorts. The fit is correct and they are very comfortable. The zippers for the cargo pocket and fly haven’t been snagging or jamming up and the button for the waist closure isn’t difficult to fasten and unfasten. Splashes of water get repelled by the material and there hasn’t been any of the odors that some gear seems to get. While this may not be a big selling point, I really appreciate the front pockets - they’re deep enough and sewn in a way that allows me to carry my phone without it sliding out while seated or crouching. Four stars because they are a little expensive in my opinion and I have no way of knowing how long they’ll last.
Needs a belt or at least info on the width needed.
I have worn them a couple of times and they fit my needs well. They are sized as ordered and the product is as ordered. My gripe is that shorts like this used to come with a belt. This may have been a long time ago. The information should state that a belt that is one inch wide or less is needed. As far as I can tell REI does not sell a belt this size. I bought one elsewhere. Even at one inch I had to remove the clip and just thread the belt itself thru the loops and then re-attached the clip. This finding a belt delayed my use of these shorts a little more than a week.
A good fit and very comfortable
I was looking for a good pair of casual shorts and these really fit the bill, even if I never use them for actual hiking. They are very lightweight and with a fabric that's not prone to wrinkling. I especially like the deep pockets. The RH cargo pocket is the only one with a secure closure (zipper), but I doubt I'll be carrying anything there. One issue that I always have is that my ideal waist size would be 35" where these are only in even sizes. In this case, aided by some elastic in the waistband, the 34" is comfortable.
Still a good product
I have purchased several pairs of Sahara shorts over the years and am always pleased by the quality, features, fit and price. There tends to be a bit of variation from year to year but nothing major till I purchased my most recent pair. The pockets are not as well integrated into the shorts as past years and no longer velcro shut. There are fewer belt loops. The new ones have six loops, my older shorts have 8 belt loops which was really nice. The belt loops themselves are skinnier. My old shorts will accept a full rigger belt which is at least 1.5 inches wide. The new shorts will barely accept a belt that is 1.25 inches wide. Still a good product but it is disappointing to see REI cutting corners on its in-house brands. I suppose their communist production masters have coerced them into cutting production costs by increments, or perhaps the BOD wants more perks.
Great Shorts, Itty-Bitty Belt Loops
Love the shorts! The side pockets fit my favorite field notebooks with ease. The belt loops are a bit small for my favorite belts (Arcade Ranger) so I ordered the thin version of the belt. The shorts waist fit is right on so I could probably go without a belt, it just feels wrong.