REI Co-op  Sahara Convertible Pants - Boys'

We take our 8 y.o. backpacking for 4-5 days at a time, these pants are a must have for the versatility. When it's hot out he can wear shorts and easily switch to pants when trudging through the back country. The color coded zipper makes it easy for him to get the legs back on, even in low light. The adjustable waist for our slender guy makes for a custom fit. He is average height and they were a little long last year but fit perfectly this year. Will have to replace them next year but will be handing them down to a cousin since they are wearing very well. We go hiking or biking almost every weekend and he practically lives in these pants, and they still look like new.

For buying any kids clothing the primary debate point is how much they cost vs. how much they'll wear them. I'm very happy that the boy likes these pants and wears them regularly. I got them to go with his scout uniform, they were a need, but so often those needed purchases are rarely used and seem like a waste. But he likes them, and wears them long and short. As a bonus, they fit well and look good and his mother was happy with my ability to buy the kid some pants.

We have bought these REI zip offs for several years as our boys grew--from size 7 to 18 XL. They get a hole if you slide on bare rock, but otherwise are durable. cool, EZ to wash, EZ to pack for trips, very comfortable and still stylish. NOT dorky as the waist is not elastic. Only CON is the zipped off shorts are longer--a bit below the knee of a tall son-- than the regular REI shorts of the same size.

I've been buying this for our little guy since he was 2 yrs old. He's had at least 5 pairs so far and each one held up beautifully despite regular wear all year round. They are rather expensive compared to most children's clothing but their dual functionality makes them worth it. I've found them to be most useful during the spring and fall when the day is hot but the evenings are cool. Just zip off the bottoms during the day when he's hot and zip them back on when it is getting cold. Needless to say, these are priceless when travelling.

My son has several pairs of these pants and I am getting additional in preparation for summer camp. They go through messy camping trips and clean up beautifully. They dry quickly and they can be worn throughout the entire year, which means I do not have to buy seperate pants for cold weather campouts and shorts for the summer camps. With the adjustable waist, he is able to just add layers underneath in the winter and then he is able to tighten up in the summer and zip off the lower leg. A really incredible value for any hiker and camper.

These pants are great, especially in the Timberline color as they double as pants for a Boy Scout Uniform. BSA has moved to Switchbacks and they cover boys from ages 11-18 with S, M, L, and XL. My son is tall and thin and unlike the Switchback pants these have standard size ranges and even have the hidden elastic sizer in the waistband. These are well built and he really likes the zipper on the inseam so you do not have to remove your hiking boots to convert to shorts. Great job. Can I get a pair in 36" x 36" ?

As a mom with 2 boys, I love that the fabric weight and convertible aspect make these pants virtually year-round for our weather down South! I can't attest to durability yet, but my boys think they are very cool with all the zipper options. I gave them 4 stars only because they are so generously sized. Admittedly, my boys are petite, but these seem long and generous in the stride, waist and length. I'm keeping the S (8) for my 10 1/2 y.o. and exchanging the XS (6/7) for a size XXS (4/5) for my 8 y.o.

Got them for my son, for boys scouts. He loves them and so did the other scouts. Will buy again. I been with R.E.I. for years always get my money's worth. Only wished that we had a store close by.

These are our go-to pants for Boy Scouts. They are durable and look great despite abuse from boys while camping! Features we love: the hidden adjustable waist; color-coded zip off legs (which can be taken off without taking off shoes, unlike some convertible pants); trim and streamlined profile (official BSA pants are a baggier, less flattering fit). Wish list: Pants are really long for the size they are marked; wish navy blue was offered as an option for Cub Scouts.

I have worn these pants literally around the world. These are about the only pants I pack when I do not have to take a suit. They take a beating and I have a few pairs that are 4 years old and have only minor repairs caused by operator error. All in all still great pants in good shape. Only con is that the newest fabric they are using attracts dog hair and holds on to it like crazy. Who would have thought?