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REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Review

This comfortable, well-ventilated pair of pants comes with a full complement of features
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REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Review
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Price:  $90 List
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Manufacturer:   REI Co-op
By Jeff Dobronyi and Ben Applebaum-Bauch  ⋅  Nov 5, 2024
67
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 14
  • Comfort and Mobility - 35% 7.0
  • Venting and Breathability - 20% 8.0
  • Weather Resistance - 15% 5.0
  • Features - 15% 7.5
  • Versatility - 15% 5.0

Our Verdict

The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible is a comfortable and breathable pair of pants and is one of our favorite convertible models. The feature that makes them stand out from other pairs of convertibles is the vertical zipper that runs up each leg from the cuff up to the convertible zipper. This feature enables the wearer to remove the lower legs and convert the pants to shorts without having to remove their footwear first. They also have great water resistance. They aren't particularly stylish, but if you are more of a practical-minded outdoors person, this will easily be a pair of hiking pants that you can get behind.
REASONS TO BUY
Good ventilation options
Versatile
Can take off legs over footwear
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to get things out of pockets
Not stylish

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Convertible Option
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Hiking Pants for Men
 Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
 
Price $90 List
$89.95 at REI
$88.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$79.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$70 List
$69.95 at REI
$59.95 at Backcountry
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line These pants offer mobility without skimping on featuresFor comfort and breathability, these pants can’t be beatThis stellar pant surprised us with its high performance at an affordable priceVersatile and comfortable, these thin hiking pants are a bargainThese pants are lightweight, but offer limited mobility and therefore limited versatility
Rating Categories REI Co-op Sahara Co... Outdoor Research Fe... Patagonia Quandary... REI Co-op Trailmade Columbia Silver Rid...
Comfort and Mobility (35%)
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Venting and Breathability (20%)
8.0
8.5
6.5
7.0
8.0
Weather Resistance (15%)
5.0
6.5
7.0
7.0
6.5
Features (15%)
7.5
5.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Versatility (15%)
5.0
7.5
7.5
8.0
5.0
Specs REI Co-op Sahara Co... Outdoor Research Fe... Patagonia Quandary... REI Co-op Trailmade Columbia Silver Rid...
Weight 11.9 oz 12.2 oz 9.7 oz 9.3 oz 10.4 oz
Material 96% recycled nylon, 4% spandex 86% nylon, 14% spandex; 90D stretch woven ripstop 94% nylon (62% recycled), 6% spandex 96% nylon/4% spandex 100% nylon Silver Ridge ripstop
Water Resistance DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish No additional treatment
Sizing (Waist, Length Options) W: 28"- 50"
L: 28" - 34"
W: 28" - 42"
L: 30"- 36"
W: 28" - 40"
L: 30", 32", 34"
W: 28" - 50"
L: 30" - 34"
W: 28"- 44"
L: 28" - 36"
Sun Protection UPF 50 UPF 50 UPF 40+ UPF 50+ UPF 50
Pants/Shorts Convertibility Yes No (but have ankle cinch cord and fully convertible version available) No No Yes
Pockets 2 hand, 2 back, 2 thigh (1 zip, 1 flap) 2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh zip 2 hand, 2 back (1 zip), 1 thigh zip, 1 coin 2 hand, 2 rear, 1 zippered thigh 2 hand, 2 back velcro, 2 thigh (1 zip, 1 velcro)
Waist Strap and Fastener Button and zip fly, elastic across back Button and zip fly Button and zip fly, integrated elastic cord Button and zip fly Button and zip fly, full belt, elastic on hips
Other Features Removable legs with color-coded zippers and vertical zippers, elastic in waist Drawcord cuff closures, side zip pocket Front and back knee articulation, gusseted crotch, slim straight fit Belt loops Gusseted crotch, full belt, elastic waist

Our Analysis and Test Results

These pants performed above average in many of our metrics. We enjoyed wearing them while hiking and backpacking, and they kept us cool in the humid heatwave of late summer in New England. Thoughtful design at a decent price makes them a great choice.

Performance Comparison


rei co-op sahara convertible - the rei co-op sahara convertible are a lightweight and versatile...
The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible are a lightweight and versatile pair of pants for most outdoor adventures.
Credit: Benjamin Applebaum-Bauch

Comfort and Mobility


These pants offer the mobility of a 96% nylon/4% spandex blend that feels light and comfortable against the skin. They advertise a relaxed fit, which we found to be accurate, especially in the front and thighs. Though they are not quite as stretchy as some, especially in the crotch, we found enough freedom of movement for hiking and backpacking.


These pants aren't as well-tailored as some of the more expensive options, but for the price, they have a decent fit. Our main gripe is with the low crotch seam, which adds fabric to the front of the pants and prevents us from taking long strides. We wouldn't take these pants climbing or scrambling where acrobatic movements are needed.

rei co-op sahara convertible - the sahara convertible has a relaxed fit, and is a bit baggy in the...
The Sahara Convertible has a relaxed fit, and is a bit baggy in the seat.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

With these pants, we observed a short inseam length compared to other brands. We also noticed this trend in other pants from REI Co-Op, so at least they are consistent. If you can, size up compared to your normal inseam length with other brands.

rei co-op sahara convertible - this tester normally wears a regular or 32" inseam, but the sahara...
This tester normally wears a regular or 32" inseam, but the Sahara Convertible proved a bit too short for him at the same measurement.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Venting and Breathability


This pair is slightly above average regarding its breathability, but it shines when it comes to ventilation. The stretch-nylon blend kept us cooler on warmer days. When it just got too hot, we took advantage of the convertible feature and removed the lower legs. Most other pairs of convertible pants require the wearer to remove their footwear to get into shorts mode. The massive zippers on the lower legs of the Sahara's make it super easy to slide them off, even over chunky hiking boots. As a result, we were much more likely to actually use the conversion feature.


If even that is too much of a hassle, though, the lower leg side zips function as an in-between option. Each leg has a snap at the ankle to hold the bottom in place so they don't flap around. And though they don't quite seem like they were intentionally designed for it, another option is to fully unzip the lowers, pull up the material above the knee, and secure it with the ankle snap. If you're worried about being able to adapt to changing temperatures, we think these pants are a truly excellent option.

The REI Sahara Convertible has verticle zippers that make it extremely easy to remove the lower legs over shoes.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Weather Resistance


We were pleasantly surprised by how water-resistant this model proved to be. In the first rainstorm we wore them, they kept us completely dry from the waist down. After a few spins through the washing machine, they started to show signs of water absorption. These pants certainly aren't waterproof, but they'll protect you from a few raindrops, at least at first.


One sneaky smart addition REI made to these pants is making the hand warmer pocket interiors from half stretch nylon (against the skin) and half mesh (facing away from the skin). This arrangement provides a modest amount of ventilation while also preventing precipitation from running into the pocket and down your thigh.

rei co-op sahara convertible - the rei co-op sahara convertible repel small amounts of water, but...
The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible repel small amounts of water, but in heavy rain, they aren't waterproof.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Features


The Sahara Convertible is loaded with features. Some could use a small tweak, but for the most part, we were impressed. These pants come with a full complement of pockets: two front hand warmers, two cargo, and two rear. The righthand front and cargo pockets also have smaller inset mesh pockets for change and protein bars, respectively. One of the cargo pockets closes with a zipper and one has a flap over the opening.


We love the depth of the two front pockets. We wish the rear pockets had a zipper (instead of just a flap with no secure closure). We didn't have a huge issue with items falling out, but for traveling in busy areas where wallet security is a consideration, it would bring us peace of mind to be able to close those pockets completely.

rei co-op sahara convertible - color-coded zipper pulls make it really easy to see which leg goes...
Color-coded zipper pulls make it really easy to see which leg goes on which side of the pants.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

As for other features, the conversion zippers glide much more smoothly than those on some other convertible models. For even more user-friendliness, they are right/left color-coded, so it is easy to reattach the legs on the correct side. The vertical zippers help adjust the fit over a variety of mountaineering footwear. The value presented by convertible pants is excellent, meaning you get both a pair of pants and a pair of functional shorts with your purchase.

Elastic in the waist allows for some leeway when selecting the right...
Elastic in the waist allows for some leeway when selecting the right size.
The Sahara includes two front cargo pockets, one with a zipper and...
The Sahara includes two front cargo pockets, one with a zipper and one without, as well as zip-off shorts that also unzip vertically for easy removal over footware.

Versatility


The Sahara pants perform well in a variety of activities. Their multiple ventilation options and durability allow them to adapt nicely to both hot and cooler weather, and their water resistance is great for getting you through a heavy rainstorm relatively unscathed.


We don't think they are particularly stylish. The cargo pockets and conversion zippers aren't our first choice to wear around town, but if practicality is more important than fashion, this pair will suit you well. We don't like to use these pants when we need a wide range of motion, but for most hiking and walking, these pants are versatile enough.

rei co-op sahara convertible - pants and shorts in the same garment? versatility is high here, but...
Pants and shorts in the same garment? Versatility is high here, but we don't like the fit for more acrobatic movements.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Should You Buy the REI Sahara Convertible?


These pants are a solid choice for a variety of outdoor activities. They have a host of useful features that make them a great value for anyone who needs a reliable pair of hiking pants that they can turn to again and again. They are comfortable to wear on the trail, but they also make a good pair of pants for travel due to their breathability and convertibility. And at 11.9 ounces, they pack away nicely in a carry on.

rei co-op sahara convertible - the sahara convertible is a great pair of zip-off hiking pants.
The Sahara Convertible is a great pair of zip-off hiking pants.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?


For another convertible option, the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible is a more affordable choice, and the Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible performs similarly. Our overall favorite hiking pant is the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, and the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant is super stretchy and water resistant for serious backcountry adventures. ThePrana Brion II looks great around town.

Jeff Dobronyi and Ben Applebaum-Bauch