Men’s REI Sahara Convertible Pants Review

Bottom Line

The REI Sahara is the image of the classic hiking pant: versatile, durable, and loaded with features. These have long been one of CleverHiker’s top hiking pants and it’s easy to see why. We tested these pants in heavy Alaskan rain and on long sunny hikes and we love using one pair of pants for both outings.

These convertible pants come equipped with vertical lower-leg zips to make changing over to shorts a breeze without taking off your shoes. Color-coded zips match up to the corresponding legs so there is no confusion when going back to pants mode. With six pockets, the Saharas are guaranteed to carry anything needed for a long hike.

While the slightly baggy fit might not be for everyone, and the material is slow to dry, the REI Saharas are a reliable option for those seeking a durable, no-nonsense, workhorse of a pant for their adventures.

Comfort & Mobility

We had to size down in the waist to avoid excess bagginess. The Saharas already come with a slightly baggy fit, and their sizing leans toward the larger end of the spectrum. That being said, once we did size down, we found that the pants fit well through the waist thanks to a stretchable waistband.

The biggest thing that hikers will notice in the Saharas compared to other pants in our lineup is their bagginess through the legs. Those with thicker legs or a preference for a looser cut will enjoy this model while others who want a trimmer leg line might not find that it fits as well. The lower leg material swished and was in contact with the other leg while walking which made us wish for a hem-cinching system to dial in that fit a little more. Despite their bagginess, we did not feel hindered or encumbered while hiking and were able to move around without feeling restricted.

Breathability

The Sahara’s defining characteristic is its versatility to change over from pants to shorts when the temperatures rise. As a result, we give these pants high marks for breathability. We love only bringing one pair of pants on a trip where we would otherwise bring both shorts and pants.

We did find the Saharas  run on the warmer side in full pants mode. Their baggy fit and thicker material traps heat more than other models we’ve tested. While converting to shorts is the most efficient way to increase breathability, the vertical side zips on the lower legs  also  open up to allow increased airflow.

Weather Resistance

In taking these pants out in both heavy rain and sunshine, we were impressed with their resistance to rain and wind. In heavy precipitaiton, the pants beaded moisture for much longer than we expected before wetting through. We noticed the first places to wet through were along the thighs and seams for the shorts zips.

While the Saharas withstood rain longer than expected, they also took longer to dry than we hoped they would. The thicker material held onto moisture for much longer than other pants we tested. In situations where hikers are going from rain to sun, expect these pants to stay wet a little longer once the weather passes.

Durability

Another stalwart feature of the Saharas is their durability. These pants have long been a favorite of hikers needing a heavier duty pant and we can verify that this is still true. While initially concerned with how their multitude of small tooth zippers would hold up, we found that they continue to function as intended even when inhibited by light debris.

We took these pants through their paces, kneeling in mud and gravel, sitting on rough surfaces, and scraping between boulders and they came out the other side strong. With no abrasions or wear, the Saharas are an excellent option for those needing durable and versatile pants for backcountry or trail use.

Features

The REI Saharas have some of the most pockets we’ve seen in a pair of pants. With six (two back, two front, and two thigh cargo) they are sure to fit everything you need. With only the right thigh pocket zippered, we wish that more of the pockets were zippered for a secure closure. When fully loaded, the thigh pockets felt even baggier and would swing when walking. As a nice added touch, the front pockets come with extra reinforcement in the corner for clipping a knife or multitool to the pocket.

The vertical zippers on the lower legs stand out to us as a great feature in convertible pants. These allow hikers to easily change into shorts mode without the unnecessary hassle of removing shoes too. After converting to shorts, the zippers come color-coded to easily be able to match legs when going back to pants. The zippers on this model were comfortable against the skin without any feelings of snagging or rubbing. When kneeling, the zippers are comfortably above the contact point with the ground. The hems of the shorts are just above the knee for an athletic yet comfortable length.

Should You Buy the REI Sahara Convertible Pants?

For hikers looking for function over fashion, the Saharas lean strongly in the direction of function. Their slightly baggy fit and heaps of pockets might not be for everyone, but it’s easy to see why this pant is beloved by so many. We love the versatility of being able to zip off into shorts and the ability to carry extra items in a variety of pockets. Their durability speaks to those working and recreating in circumstances that require the most from their pants. Their budget-friendly price point makes these pants attainable to most and we appreciate the variety of colors and sizes available.

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?

REI Trailmade Review: Another breathable and lightweight option, the REI Trailmade is another option for the budget-conscious hiker.

Janji Transit Tech Pant Review: If breathability is your priority, these pants are among the most breathable we’ve tested.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review: A similarly elastic and breathable pant that offers a lightweight option with full-length coverage.