REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants - Boys'
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The boys' REI Sahara convertible pants offer comfort for the trail and a clever design that provides a quick and easy transition from pants to shorts.
Shop newer versionKey Details
- No-sit zipperss along the lower-leg sideseams make it possible for kids to pause along the trail and peel off the lower legs without having to slide them over muddy footwear
- Lightweight nylon fabric dries fast and offers UPF 45 sun protection
- Multiple pockets offer storage; eyelets and mesh pocket bags provide drainage
- Button-hole elastic at waist makes fit easy to adjust
- Scuff guards on the inner pant legs protect against boot abrasion
- 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
Imported.
View all REI Co-op Kids' Convertible Pants| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Nylon (bluesign® approved) |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 45 |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Convertible | Yes |
| Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
| Inseam (in.) | 26 |
| Shorts Inseam (in.) | 13.5 |
| Gender | Boys' |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
| XXS (4-5) Kids | XS (6-7) Kids | S (8) Kids | M (10-12) Kids | L (14-16) Kids | XL (18) Kids | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Size | 4 - 5 | 6 - 7 | 8 | 10 - 12 | 14 - 16 | 18 |
| Height Range | 41 - 44 | 46.5 - 49.5 | 52 | 55.5 - 58.5 | 62.5 - 64 | 67 |
| Chest | 22 - 23 | 24 - 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 - 28.5 | 30.5 - 32 | 33.5 |
| Waist | 22 - 22.5 | 23 - 23.5 | 24.5 | 25.5 - 26.5 | 28 - 29.5 | 31 |
| Hip | 21 - 23 | 25 - 26.5 | 27 | 28 - 29 | 30.5 - 32 | 33.5 |
| Inseam | 17 - 18.75 | 20 - 23 | 24.5 | 25.5 - 27.5 | 30 - 31 | 31.5 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
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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 Critical Review
poorly designed pants
I have purchased the Sahara convertible pants for my sons since they were old enough to wear them. This years design though is a failure. My sons love these pants because they can easily transition from pants to shorts, but this year the leg zippers are located so low that they are no longer shorts and my sons complained that the zippers got in the way when walking. On my oldest son the zippers for the lower leg falls about 3" below the knee. I hope that REI reconsiders the design on this tough dependable pant and moves the leg zipper back up above the knee.
Sizing off - M 10/12 is way too big for 10 yr old
I have an older pair of these pants in sz 8/10 that we love but are getting a little short (this size is now called Small (8)). I ordered the next size up- Medium 10/12 - and they are 4" too long and giant everywhere else on my skinny boy. My son is 55.5" tall so Medium should fit according to the sizing chart. I called REI and was told the inseam on S/8 is 23". I measured the inseam on the M 8/10 and it is 26.5". This means there is no in-between size once your child outgrows the sz Small. A 3.5" difference in length is huge. I agree with other reviewers it is really odd they put the zip-offs so far below the knee compared to older style. Plus, the older style I have is WAY better quality, lots of pockets and zippers and thicker material. The newer pair is very thin.
My son's favorite pants!
My son (13 yrs old) has been wearing these pants for 3 years now and it is pretty much all he wears. He is very active - climber, backpacker, mountain biker, plays soccer...and loves that he can wear them to do anything. They also never seems to wear out. It's amazing how much use and wash they go through and never seem to show any wear at all. Love the adjustable waist and zip off bottoms as well. He likes the new, lighter fabric in the latest version, but is disappointed they discontinued the green color.
Not what they used to be
My boys have been wearing REI's Sahara Convertible pants for 4 years and have loved them. Comfortable, easy conversion from pants to shorts, 2 pockets to put the extra leg pieces after converting the pants to shorts, and dries fast. This year's style change changes the product from a 5 star to 1 star. Uncomfortable, no 2 pockets to put the pants leg pieces, the zip off to make it shorts is way too low. These are being returned!
Best all around pants ever for my grandson
This was the 3rd pair I have bought for him. He is a rough and tumble boy and actually worn 2 pairs out. He wears them as often as he can. And he wears them with and without the legs zipped on. The only issue is the sizing. It jumps from a 7/8 to a 10. He is a trim 9 year old, so he is wearing the 7/8. The 10 had legs that were 4 inches longer than the 7/8. So there may be an in between time that you will not have one that fits, unless there is another manufacturer, e.g. Columbia.
Shorts too long
I understand that long shorts are in style, but with little kids, they don't care about style. It's hot, my son wants shorts and to be able to wade in the lake, not worrying about getting these wet. Only 5-6 inches zips off, that's not shorts, it's cropped pants. Tried rolling them up for him, but.... Disappointed about that and suspected it would be the case in comparing them to girls' version. Otherwise, excellent product, adult version quality, just wishing they really became SHORTS.
Why I Like Convertible pants
I'm a 14 year old boy who makes holes in the knees of my pants. My mom likes the pants because they're durable but I like the convertible part a lot. You can zip off the legs so it can be shorts. They dry quickly making them good for water activities. There not tight and easy to move in especially when hiking. They don't take up space in packing and are light weight.
Lighweight comfy
Went to Florida and wanted some lightweight pants for my son to wear in the Everglades. They were perfect. He is really slender so having the adjustable waste band was a must. The sun protective fabric is also a requirement since we all have fare skin. The light weight made the heat of mid-day July bareable. considering the cost to comparable other brands, these give you the most bang for the buck.
center seam ripped out before hiking in them.
Everyone in my family bought convertible pants this summer, some for field work and some simply for back packing. They loved the versatility of them. My son thought this knicker length was fun, they are not shorts. He was so excited about these that he wore them around town before we left for our road trip. Good thing he did, because the crotch seam started to unravel after a few hours. The pants fit hit like they should, no bagginess that would have caused them to overstretch and rip. We took them back and exchanged them for a second pair of a different brand.
Perfect pants for petite females
I'm 5'3" and 105 lbs and the large boys size fits perfectly. With the discount they are so reasonably priced, half of the women price. They are light, and the zipper for the legs goes past the knees and color coded which is a feature. The side zippers allow me to leave the boots on to put the pants on. I usually don't fit in boys' pants but for this style, they fit perfectly. I have quite a few stocked and good fo recipes a while.