How to Choose Hiking Pants
REI Co-op Sahara Stretch Convertible Pants - Men's
$69.93Compared to $99.95* Save 30%
Inspired by our iconic hiking pants—but designed with extra stretch and a slimmer leg—the men's REI Co-op Sahara Stretch Convertible pants repel water, dry fast and zip off into shorts as needed.
Key Details
Fabric
88% nylon/12% spandex (bluesign approved)
Quick Drying
Yes
Best Use
Hiking
- Hidden thigh zippers let you convert these pants into shorts
- Made with a stretchy nylon/spandex performance material that's designed to move with you
- Nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) helps moisture bead up on the surface
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Soft elastic waistband has an interior drawcord to customize the fit
- Faux fly
- Drop-in hand pockets
- 2 patch-on back pockets
- 1 zippered pocket at thigh
- Regular sizes: 31 in. inseam (8 in. convertible shorts inseam); Tall sizes: 34 in. inseam (9 in. shorts inseam)
- 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 | 88% nylon/12% spandex (bluesign approved) |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 50+ |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Convertible | Yes |
| Pant Fit | Standard |
| Pant Leg Style | Straight |
| Inseam (in.) | 31, 34 inches |
| Shorts Inseam (in.) | 8, 9 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 14.5 ounces |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria 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.
Buying Advice
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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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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Decent pants with some good and bad qualities
BigHoss4 months ago
Received free productI received these pants a few weeks ago and had a chance to use them on the trails hiking. There are definitely pros and cons to these pants. First, the Pros. These pants are very comfortable and have great flexibility. I am a big guy and they fit well. The waistband and stretch in the legs make them some of the most comfortable hiking pants I have ever owned. Additionally, at about 6'2" the length fit me well. Lastly, they have the zip off legs. Since it was cooler here I didnt have the need to test that out, but it would be a nice feature to have on summer hikes.
Now for the cons. These pants have a full elastic waistband, no snaps or button to close them. Personally I like the option of being to button and unbutton pants. In addition to no button, there is also no zipper. As a guy, there are times when having buttons and zippers make things like using the restroom much easier than having to pull my pants down entirely. That is definitely not a feature I enjoyed. The second con, and maybe a deal breaker, is how loud the fabric is. It is a constant swoosh every time you take a step. Do not use these pants if you want a nice quiet hike in the woods, it wont happen. Reminds me of a scene from Seinfeld where I think George was wearing corduroy pants. I will probably continue to use these pants in the yard mowing or climbing when I dont care about certain things. Overall decent, but definitely some things I would chance
BigHossReceived free product
Indianapolis, IN
19 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Not Your Dad's Saharas
James R3 months ago
It's crazy to me how REI took an amazing product and made it increasingly worse every year. The best version of these pants and shorts had an incorporated belt and weren't convertible. They were the original reason I even bought an REI membership. I probably owned 10 pairs between the shorts and the pants. I tolerated the stretchy waistband, but I was done with convertible pants in like 2005. Since all this, I've switched over to the Member's Mark Denali pants from Sam's Club--also an inferior product to the original Sahara, but much better than whatever this and only $15/pair. I think REI lost touch with the rock climbers and are losing touch with co-op members in general based on these shorts/pants. They could have done all this with another model of pants because they were selling out of the Saharas every season. I literally only go in REI to check on these pants/shorts or to see if there is a sale on their overpriced gear anymore.
James R
7 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
MO BigDawg
Received free product
Warrensburg, MO
Sahara Convertible Pants
1 month ago
Let's start with the area where I live, the heartland of America, Missouri. If you know the Midwest you know that the summers are very hot and humid so fabrics do matter when outdoors. Which is the best thing about these pants. The nylon/spandex blend allows them to breath and stretch better than other hiking pants in my dresser. Usually I am not a fan of convertible pants put the zipper around the leg didn't seem to bother me as others in the past. My biggest detractor for these pants are the lack of belt loops and lack of fly. I am not a fan of drawstring around the waist as it loosens pretty quickly no matter what not I use.
Age:55–64
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'2"
No, I do not recommend this product
BigHoss
Received free product
Indianapolis, IN
Decent pants with some good and bad qualities
4 months ago
I received these pants a few weeks ago and had a chance to use them on the trails hiking. There are definitely pros and cons to these pants. First, the Pros. These pants are very comfortable and have great flexibility. I am a big guy and they fit well. The waistband and stretch in the legs make them some of the most comfortable hiking pants I have ever owned. Additionally, at about 6'2" the length fit me well. Lastly, they have the zip off legs. Since it was cooler here I didnt have the need to test that out, but it would be a nice feature to have on summer hikes. Now for the cons. These pants have a full elastic waistband, no snaps or button to close them. Personally I like the option of being to button and unbutton pants. In addition to no button, there is also no zipper. As a guy, there are times when having buttons and zippers make things like using the restroom much easier than having to pull my pants down entirely. That is definitely not a feature I enjoyed. The second con, and maybe a deal breaker, is how loud the fabric is. It is a constant swoosh every time you take a step. Do not use these pants if you want a nice quiet hike in the woods, it wont happen. Reminds me of a scene from Seinfeld where I think George was wearing corduroy pants. I will probably continue to use these pants in the yard mowing or climbing when I dont care about certain things. Overall decent, but definitely some things I would chance
Age:45–54
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Kylan
Received free product
Virginia
Quality pants with loose styling
5 months ago
These are NICE pants, very good quality and features. Fabric is durable, stretchy, looks good Zippers are smooth Waistband lays flat Pockets are deep and in good locations Wore these on a few hikes this winter and pleased with them as a mild-weather pant. Fabric is too thick for eastern US summers, but obviously that's why the legs zip off. Good for fall and mild winter hikes. I don't love the loose styling though. I'm 6'-1", 180lbs and a size Large was the right length, but more baggy in the butt and thighs than I prefer. If you prefer a wider leg fit, these will be great pants for you.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
chobbes
Received free product
Dublin, CA
Cool looking pants for outdoors and as casual wear
5 months ago
Comfortable and good-looking pants. The fabric feels soft and also seems durable. The color options are really good. I like the draw strings as I can adjust easily and don't need to wear it with a belt. All the stitching seems solid and reinforced well esp. around the pockets. The zippers to detach the legs feels smooth and works nicely. Waiting to test it out during my next backpacking trip.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
Josh
Received free product
St. Cloud MN
Nice pants, but lacks a zipper
5 months ago
I tested the pants on a few warmer Minnesota winter days. I did a few short hikes on some local trails and wore them around town a bit. They fit well and move with me easy. The zip off legs work decent, i didn't find them amazing or lacking. The waist works great. The elastic and drawstring hold the waist in place without being compressive. The pockets are a nice depth and well placed. The fabric is smoth and dries fast, but does not get that plastic kind of feel some do. These are a bit noisier than cotton pants i usually wear, but not to the point of being annoying. My big negative is the lack of a crotch zipper. The waist band stretches enough to work, but is is very odd to have to pull my pants down for a leak.
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'7"
No, I do not recommend this product
ATLDRO
Received free product
Atlanta, GA
Good Quality Product - Fit may not work for some
5 months ago
While I think these pants do the job and will certainly work for most, I found the fit uncomfortable and not very flattering for someone with athletic legs/thighs. On the plus side the fabric is really breathable, holds up great in the wash, and the zipper is subtle. I did like the length of the shorts and found that much more comfortable.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'10"
No, I do not recommend this product
Anonymous
MD
Good comfortable hiking pants
4 months ago
These pants have a nice stretchy fabric and the cut is spot on. Not too baggy but not too tight. I absolutely love the drawstring waist. It is tremendously more comfortable under a pack hip belt than a typical snap or button closure. I dock them 1 star because they desperately need zippers at the ankles. It's kinda absurd that I have to take my shoes off to take the legs off or on. I would also like to see an opening in the fly so that I can more discreetly check my hydration levels, if you know what I mean.
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Modular Millennial Dad
Grand Rapids, MI
Near-perfect (with some suggested improvements)
1 month ago
These are nearly identical to the long-discontinued REI Sahara Guide Convertible Men’s Pants: my single old pair has been my favorite 4-season legwear for years (I add a base layer for winter). They would be near perfect if they added a hidden vertical zipper to the full length of the bottom leg outseam (with full unzip-away ability). Other improvements (in priority order) would include a quieter fabric, shorter short inseam, a more minimalist short-bottom hem (essentially zero hem with an invisible zipper), hidden zipper-closure on both hip pockets, and hidden-outseam-zipper pockets slightly higher up. I unsderstand why some folks miss the fly zipper and ankle synch cords, but I never use either. With these improvements, I would love to wear these to work as business-casual joggers/athletic/golf pants, then zip off the legs to go for a hike and a swim after. And they’re absolutely perfect with their elastic waist band with flat drawstrings, no buttons, and no belt loops: nothing more comfortable exists for under a backpacking waist strap. Size M for 34” waist, 32” inseam, 5’9”, 38yo always-too-hot Midwest active dad of two young kids.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
James R
Not Your Dad's Saharas
3 months ago
It's crazy to me how REI took an amazing product and made it increasingly worse every year. The best version of these pants and shorts had an incorporated belt and weren't convertible. They were the original reason I even bought an REI membership. I probably owned 10 pairs between the shorts and the pants. I tolerated the stretchy waistband, but I was done with convertible pants in like 2005. Since all this, I've switched over to the Member's Mark Denali pants from Sam's Club--also an inferior product to the original Sahara, but much better than whatever this and only $15/pair. I think REI lost touch with the rock climbers and are losing touch with co-op members in general based on these shorts/pants. They could have done all this with another model of pants because they were selling out of the Saharas every season. I literally only go in REI to check on these pants/shorts or to see if there is a sale on their overpriced gear anymore.
Age:35–44
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'0"
No, I do not recommend this product
H C Hari
ok but would like a real fly
3 months ago
Generally happy with the pants. They’re a good fit, pockets and draw string nice along with coloured zippers. Only surprise was I missed fact it’s a faux fly so it seems like wasted stitching and makes quick bathroom breaks tougher
Yes , I recommend this product
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