How to Choose Hiking Pants

This product is not available.
Lightweight men's REI Co-op Classic Sahara Cargo Pants with 34 in. inseam offer plenty of comfort, coverage and storage for trail essentials.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Hiking Travel |
---|---|
Fabric | Nylon |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
Inseam (in.) | 34 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
As several other reviewers have noted, the fabric and fit are changed from the previous version of this product with the same name. The older version was nearly perfect. Great for year round wear, including hot and humid summers. The new fabric feels softer, but does not breathe as well and clings when you get sweaty. The fit around the waist and hips are much tighter and, for me at least, quite uncomfortable. Make sure you try these on before buying. I tried the next larger size, but they were hugely baggy. For now, I am trying to keep my old Safari pants alive by re-stitching and patching.
Have several of previous Sahara Pants (Medium long) and like them. This new version is made of nicer material and looks great. However, the cut of the pants is smaller and tighter all the way around. In addition, it does not stretch in the waist as previous years. I cannot move up to the Large long as it would be way to big. REI should have stayed with the older version or at least not change the cut and fit. I will return item.
As noted by another reviewer, the design of the Sahara pant has been tweaked. The material feels great to the touch. Previously, the elastic waist extended all the way around the pant. I like that the stretch section is now confined to the back of pants, as I think it is more comfortable. There are 8 rather than 7 belt loops. The closure is a button rather than a snap. The cargo pockets have been changed. The right-side cargo pocket used to have a second, 5x3" pocket on the outside of the pocket, with a flap closure. On the current model, the second pocket is 4x4" with a velcro tab--not as useful IMO. Lifting the velcro flap on the left hand pocket now reveals a zipper, a redundant closure that reduces the opening of the pocket from 6" to 5". The older models had a second, hidden, zippered pocket under the flap--very useful for securing travel docs when I was traveling abroad. I will miss that feature. So, overall, the pocket design is, IMO, less useful than on previous models. On the plus side, the velcro for the pocket closures appear to be more firmly attached, which was a weakness of the prior version. I have a major issue with the fit of these pants. The rise, the portion between crotch and waist, has been reduced about 3/4". Doesn't sound like much, but the shorter zipper, 4.5" vs 5.25", makes it an uphill battle when you have to urinate. The overall length of the pant reflects the reduction in the rise and is about 3/4" less. There is a lot less material in the pant leg. The older version almost seemed baggy. They have taken several inches of circumference away in the thigh area. When I walk with these tighter pants, I feel restriction in the thigh. With each step, it feels like the pants are pulling on the top of my thigh. I hike, and I really don't like feeling the pant tug on my skin with every step. These are pants made for active wear, right? The design revisions of the new Sahara are a step in the wrong direction. I often wear these pants while bike commuting. The reduced rise of the pants makes it tougher to keep a shirt tucked in and frankly may lead to exposed plumber's crack while biking. I'd like to know the thinking behind the design changes. Were customers demanding a hip-hugger fit. I know the younger, urban set favor the prisoner look, with pants just barely hanging on the hip, but is that reflective of the REI market? I don't think so. I'm 6'4", 185 lbs and have been wearing the medium. I guess I will try ordering a large and see if I like the fit any better. These mediums are going back. I have been living in Sahara pants for the past few years and thought they were the perfect pants for my life style. So, for me, the redesigned Sahara is a major disappointment.
I really like these pants so I bought another pair. I had to return them as the new pair didn't fit the same as the old pair. The new pair is simply smaller in the waist. I really like these pants but if they don't fit then they don't fit.
purchased for dog walks, golf, etc. too tight in hips and crotch.
I bought these for a hiking trip to Alaska and they worked great. It was rainy but these do an awesome job of repelling water. They are extremely light weight and airy, perfect for cool to hot, humid days. If it was below 50 I probably would add a base layer. My only dislike is that they are a bit wide from the knees down so the extra material flaps around in the wind. Would have preferred a more tapered appearance.
These are really great! You can travel and carry just about anything without a worry where to put it!! Roomy pockets and overall comfort!! I wear mine all the time.
Very lightweight, comfortable and lots of pockets for storage. Wear them almost daily if I'm not wearing shorts.
These pants would be a perfect fit for my 6'1", 183 lb, 34" waist body except for one thing, and that feature was supposedly put in place to enhance comfort. They took a true to size pair of pants and decreased the waist size by at least 2 1/2 inches by sewing a one foot long piece of very strong elastic in the back of the waistband. This requires a substantial amount of pull to close the button which leads to three unintended problems. 1. The strain on the button hole/button is too much, 2. The "gig line" ( for those who have had to endure harsh drill instructor critiques of proper uniform wear) is distorted and 3. The pants simply feel too tight around the waist leading to the uncomfortable and annoying feeling that you have cinched your belt one notch too many. I can see why I was able to buy these otherwise perfect pants at closeout discounted prices. Hopefully the elastic will weaken with time and the pants will be a treat to wear.
Bought the 34" inseam for my 30" needs since they were sale priced. Had them hemmed, and the looser fit in the crotch is really nice for hiking steep terrain. Two zipper pockets are great and eight belt hoops are so smart for even support. Also, the Velcro pockets really stay fastened.