How to Choose Hiking Pants
REI Co-op Activator Soft-Shell Pants - Men's 30" Inseam
This product is not available.
An essential piece of gear for hikers and backpackers, our 30 in. Men's Activator Soft Shell Pants offer 4-way stretch and lightweight, breathable weather protection.
Shop similar products- Soft-shell fabric has a smooth, durable nylon exterior that layers easily and resists rain and wind
- Integral belt with daisy chain adjustment; zip fly with snap closure
- Zip pockets offer secure storage
- Articulated knees and a center gusset provides an extended range of movement
- Bonded hems resist 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
| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 46% nylon/39% polyester/15% spandex |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
REI Co-op Clothing - Men's
| 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 |
Sizing Notes
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.
Buying Advice
More expert advice
Better gear is built together
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.
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Mt Rainier worthy
Anatoli9 years ago
I bought these pants and went right up Mt Rainier with them. The last 2000' of the climb we were in a blizzard with 40 mph wind and blowing snow. The pants performed well. Just wore an extremely thin pair of long underwear underneath them from Camp Muir to the summit. Versatile, comfortable and durable.
Anatoli
Shrewsbury, MA
30 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Nice enough pants, but a few problems
chwhitaker7 years ago
These are nice enough pants, but the material is kind of weird. It’s heavier than the Safari pants and shorts, which is good for cooler weather, but it feels and sounds plastic-y in a way that the Safari material (100% nylon) does not. These pants are noisy when I walk, like George Costanza’s whooshy suit pants. Also, the front pockets are inconvenient. On the one hand, they zip closed, which can be good, but OTOH if you don’t zip them closed you can lose stuff when you sit. Plus, it takes two hands to zip a pocket closed — one to hold the bottom of the zipper in place, the other to pull the zipper up. Zippable pockets look good in a list of features, but in this case they don’t play well.
chwhitaker
Ashland, OR, United States
20 people found this review helpful
Nuthatch11705
Oakton, VA, United States
My "Go To" Cool Weather Pants
8 years ago
I recently bought these as a tough, weather-resistant, cool/cold weather pant, and so far, I am impressed. I love the integrated daisy chain belt, which is also utilized by Arcteryx on their comparable (but pricier) Psiphon AR pant. The fit is true to size and the pants seem quite durable. These work fine alone with temps between 40 and 60 degrees, any colder and one might appreciate a lightweight wool under layer. I have not worn them in heavy rain, but they repelled a light drizzle with no problem. I only wish REI had these in additional colors. If I buy a couple more pairs, it will look like I am always wearing the same pants.
Yes , I recommend this product
chwhitaker
Ashland, OR, United States
Nice enough pants, but a few problems
7 years ago
These are nice enough pants, but the material is kind of weird. It’s heavier than the Safari pants and shorts, which is good for cooler weather, but it feels and sounds plastic-y in a way that the Safari material (100% nylon) does not. These pants are noisy when I walk, like George Costanza’s whooshy suit pants. Also, the front pockets are inconvenient. On the one hand, they zip closed, which can be good, but OTOH if you don’t zip them closed you can lose stuff when you sit. Plus, it takes two hands to zip a pocket closed — one to hold the bottom of the zipper in place, the other to pull the zipper up. Zippable pockets look good in a list of features, but in this case they don’t play well.
No, I do not recommend this product
Panda
Baltimore, MD, United States
Excellent pant for all weather.
8 years ago
A store salesmen recommended this to me but since there was only one pair in store, I purchased an extra pair online. I was initially shocked by the price tag of almost $100 but they definitely worth every penny. They are very comfortable, breathable and smooth pants. Very comfortable to walk with. So breathable that I am actually wearing them in mid-April; yes they prove comfortable even in late spring and early summer weather. Good for both outdoor and business casual style. Also, wearing leg base layer inside and wearing these outside is not a problem if you want extra warmth in winter.
Yes , I recommend this product
Anatoli
Shrewsbury, MA
Mt Rainier worthy
9 years ago
I bought these pants and went right up Mt Rainier with them. The last 2000' of the climb we were in a blizzard with 40 mph wind and blowing snow. The pants performed well. Just wore an extremely thin pair of long underwear underneath them from Camp Muir to the summit. Versatile, comfortable and durable.
Yes , I recommend this product
nick_a279
St Paul, MN, United States
An Economic Must-Have
8 years ago
I bought these right before a late-May trip to Alaska (i.e. 60s and sun some days, snow and 30s the next, particularly by location). The semi stretchy material allowed for additional thermals to be worn underneath while also giving full range of motion to complex hiking and rock climbing. The material is not fully water proof, but resistant. I was expecting this, so I'm fully satisfied (keep the "resistant" part in mind). The three pockets, though not terribly deep, fit a Samsung Galaxy 7 (fairly large) and a men's tri-fold wallet easily, making hiking and exploring extremely functional. Partial to mostly effective windbreak, but thermals underneath are recommended if it's damp and cold. I highly recommend - you the most out of what you pay for these.
Yes , I recommend this product
akh2oguy
McMinnville, OR, United States
Terrific Travel Pan
9 years ago
Wore them almost everyday for 3 weeks traveling in Europe. They were comfortable in rainy weather, cool weather as well as hot weather. Stain and wrinkle resistant. Zippered pockets provided added pick-pocket protection. Once you get used to the funky belt buckle it isn't a problem. Really a great pair of pants.
Yes , I recommend this product
Azk9Jack
Exactly what I wanted and more
8 years ago
Great product - needed something for rural hiking in cool to cold weather and these have turned out perfect. The wind resistance gives me the warmth I was looking while the breath-ability kept me from sweating up a storm. First use was in Virginia Beach, 42* with a 10-15 mph wind - the pants were perfect. They fit true to size and I'm going to buy a second pair. Leave it to REI to give me what I want/need at an affordable price.
Yes , I recommend this product
Gary
D.C., DC, USA
Pants are OK but I hate the belt system
7 years ago
The pants themselves are ok although the Inseam seems longer than my other 30" Inseam pants. But, I hate the belt system on these pants and either it is too tight or feels loose. Can't adjust it precisely like normal belts. Also, I have to put it on the last (most tightest) loop to feel secure that pants won't slip down. But if I loose even a little bit of weight around the waist, like I do when I am on multi-day backpacking trips, I am afraid that I won't be able to tighten the pants any further and since the belt system can't be taken off and I can't put another belt instead, the pants may be too loose and will slide down!
No, I do not recommend this product
mswertfager
Woodbridge, VA, United States
Perfect pants
9 years ago
When I first saw theses were $100. I thought WOW no way. but then i tried them on and WOW, I love them. Comfortable. Breathable. Great color. I put on events for a National company work 80 plus hours a couple days...so my pants get a beating ALOT. these pants held up and still wanted to go. best buy of the year.
Yes , I recommend this product
13-A
Northern California
Already a favorite
8 years ago
I'm wearing these so often I may need to get a second pair. I wear these regularly while commuting and running errands on my bike. The fabric feels great, stretches easilly to accommodate movement and looks nice enough to wear around town or the office. They will withstand a light rain, but anything heavier soaks through pretty quickly. They dry pretty fast. Fit is perfect. The built in belt is great. I wish they had a second back pocket.
Yes , I recommend this product
1 - 10 of 42 Reviews