How to Choose Hiking Pants

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Lightweight men's REI Co-op Classic Sahara Cargo Pants with 30 in. inseam offer plenty of comfort, coverage and storage for trail essentials.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | Nylon (bluesign® approved) |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
Inseam (in.) | 30 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 have used REI Sahara pants for extensive hiking and backpacking for over a decade. I would rate the older style 5 stars and have used them for over 1,000 miles each year. But the current design has a fatal flaw and one annoying flaw. First, the fly zipper length has decreased by 25 mm (1 inch). So now I need to remove my backpack in order to urinate without pinching. This design change means that I will no longer use the Sahara pants when hiking or backpacking. Second, the pocket fold has increased by about 15 mm. This means that the pocket grabs onto protruding things at unexpected times, such as when bushwacking through the tundra in Denali National Park.
I have had several pairs of Sahara pants purchased over the years and with each purchase, the quality of design of these pants goes down. First, they made the belt a loose belt instead of being integrated with the pants. So the belt would fall out of the loops when taking a rest stop on the trail if you did not hold on to the belt. Now this latest iteration drops the belt completely. What??. Then they drop the snap for a sewn button. That will last. Then the material is changed and does not breath as well as the previous pants. Then the zip off pant legs are gone. What was a perfect pant for my hiking needs has been "improved" to the point that I have purchased my last pair.
I have loved REI brand pants for years, especially the Sahara styles. I am an avid hiker/backpacker and have always been satisfied with the durability and performance of the pants. I recently have had 2 pair (1 1/2 year and 2 years old) where the stitching on the inside of the pockets failed. In each, I put my wallet in my back pocket only to have it fall out the bottom of my pants legs. The stitching also, failed on the side pockets. I repaired the first myself, but with this happening to the second pair, I will be trying to return them.
I loved these pants, light, packable, quickdry, good pockets, summer or winter... BUT, as I've grown older, I suppose I'm lumpier and harder to fit. With a 35" waist and a 31" inseam, I found the mediums to be a bit tight, and while the large fits great up top, the "straddle" is TOO LONG to walk comfortably without pulling them up like chest waders... I would highly recommend these pants IF THEY FIT YOU WELL, so try them on first!
I bought these to travel to an overseas desert location, and they are perfect. The cargo pocket is perfect for holding passport, wallet, bottle of water, etc. The material is a great weight and the fit is ok but size seems to run small. I am 32"-34" waist which says I should wear a medium by the size chart (and I typically do) but these pants required a large.
These slightly redesigned Sahara pants are a replacement for a well traveled pair that served me extremely well. The fit is now a little more relaxed and much better suited for a light base layer on cold trail starts. The pants have nice features such as the zippered left cargo pocket and the mini multi use pocket on the outside of the right cargo pocket. The nylon fabric has a soft touch to the skin, is comfortable and has a functional DWR finish. Great product!
These seem like the perfect hiking, travel pants for warm weather. They are lightweight and have lots of useful pockets. I am sure they would dry quickly. I first ordered a medium waste and found them to be equivalent to REI's and just about any other company's small. I just received an XL and they are more like a large. So I would recommend them with that caveat when ordering or purchasing.
Bought these pants for the hot and humid condition in Central America and they didn't disappoint. These are one of the few that fit me really well. The fabric is light and dry quickly. They are easy to pack. I wish they come in more colors like the convertible pants. These are becoming my favorite pants back in the States as well.
I'm typically a 30" waist. Problem is they took a 30" waist and tightened it with the elastic gusset. I suspect they should have designed it as a 31", then use the elastic to bring it down. when I tried on the 32" waist, everything was too big pants ended up baggy. Love the pockets, material and looks. I'll keep them and suck it in I suppose. I don't like wearing belts while hiking.
Used these pants the whole time while in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. These pants are really comfortable and dry quickly. The pants seem to be really durable.