How to Choose Hiking Pants

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Lightweight men's REI Co-op Classic Convertible Sahara Pants with 34 in. inseam offer comfort for the trail and a zipper design that provides a quick and easy transition from pants to shorts.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | Nylon |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Convertible | Yes |
Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
Inseam (in.) | 34 inches |
Shorts Inseam (in.) | 8.5 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | 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 | |
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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 |
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.
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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I bought my first pair of Sahara pants in 2000 and have bought 2-3 pair, always size 34L, every couple of years since. They WERE awesome. I spend 100+ day a year in these pants fishing, wading rivers, walking through brush and blackberries and these pants were nearly indestructible. REI changed the design and material around 2011 and I have not been happy with the style. I compared the most recent (2015) version to an old 2006 pair that I was about to throw out: the 2015 version has a rise that is 1" shorter and they are skinnier. The 2015 material is also much weaker. After wearing a pair for about a week they are already starting to show small tears in the lower legs. I'll be returning them. REI please go back to the tough and roomy version of your Sahara pant!
1. The material on these pants used to be thin and dry quickly. Now it has a "nap" to it that makes it dry slowly. 2. The material on these pants used to dry wrinkle-free. You could take them on a long trip and never have to iron them, and they would look great in the field or at a casual function. I used to wear them to work. The new material needs to be ironed to be presentable. 3. These pants used to come with a belt. Now you need to supply your own.
I have long been a big fan of Sahara shorts. Though not perfect, they do so many things well I find them indispensable. These convertible pants have all those attributes, plus the versatility to handle more extreme weather. Being a big guy, I appreciate the roominess and hope REI doesn't surrender to fashion and make these any slimmer fitting. Most models are ectomorphs, Most Americans, unfortunately are mesomorphs, More unfortunate still, I'm an endomorph. Worse yet, I am long torsoed and short-legged endomorph. Not complaining but fit can be a problem. I tried the XXL to gain room in the thighs. Too much! XL's fit the legs, but the rise seems an inch or two too high. Will have to make them work, best fitting yet.
I was reasonably happy with these pants, the only issue being that the elastic was a little too weak and I occasionally had them sliding down on me. The main downside is that after about 18 months of light to moderate use- some daily wear and some backpacking/climbing, the seams were falling apart. Not sure if I got unlucky or the construction was simply poor, but the end result is that they're now unusable. If I'm going to pay a premium for what is supposed to be a superior product, I expect quite a bit more use out of it.
The pants and even when converted into shorts, the material is restricting. When I am hiking and taking long steps or stretching my legs to climb something the material is too restrictive and is uncomfortable. I also used the size guide to purchase these pants on line and according to the size guide a L is 36to38 waist. These are a little too tight. I own a different type of REI pants that are a 38 and they are just a little too big so I figured the 36to38 range would be perfect. They seem more like 33 to 35 waist. If I had the right size I wouldn't mind them for around the house or around the comp pants but not for hiking or strenuous activities.
I'm glad REI has added more tall sizes -- including 34" inseams in trousers. However, your tailor needs to consider rise length, too. Tall means tall in every aspect.
I thought it was just me! I've been using these pants for years, and loved them. But the ones I bought two years ago almost fall off. They don't come up far enough to stay on my waist, and since (sadly) by hips are thinner than my waist, once they slip down it's hard to stop them from slipping further. Please bring back the long rise!
I'm 6'4", skinny, long legs. Nobody makes pants that are not crazy high waters on me. I now have 3 pairs of these, because it's all I can wear and look like an idiot. They are loose in the waist to get the length I needed, so a belt is necessary. Material is thin and cool but has held up well. Button is weak and probably will go before anything else, but so far so good. They're not the best pants on the market, but they're long which was the biggest factor for me.
I have had the same pairs of REI sahara shorts and convertible pants for over a decade. I believe the best way to take care of our planet is to buy quality gear and use it till it is dead. Well, they still have a bunch of years left. I wear them a lot for rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, swimming, yard work, and whatever else. They are exceptionally durable, light weight, and quick drying. If I could make recommendations for improvement, it is for more durable front pockets, one pocket out of four pairs of 10+year old shorts wore out. And the bellow pockets on the sides get caught on things sometimes.
The material is heavier which I suppose some may have been asking for, but I really liked the lightweight and quick drying of the old material which was also very abrasion proof. And come on REI, what happened to the great belt?