REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible | |||||
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Awards | Best Convertible Option | Best Overall Hiking Pants for Men | 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 | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | These pants offer mobility without skimping on features | For comfort and breathability, these pants can’t be beat | This stellar pant surprised us with its high performance at an affordable price | Versatile and comfortable, these thin hiking pants are a bargain | These 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%) | |||||
Venting and Breathability (20%) | |||||
Weather Resistance (15%) | |||||
Features (15%) | |||||
Versatility (15%) | |||||
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.