REI Co-op Active Pursuits Shorts - Women's Review

The REI Active Pursuits shorts are bluesign-approved and made with fabric that is 86% recycled polyester and 14% spandex. They also include a sewn-in liner made from the same materials. There are quite a few updates with the newest iteration: a waistband redesign, a modification to the zippered accessory pocket, a shorter inseam, and a change to the shape of the hemline. We've been celebrating their hybrid performance between running and hiking, and so far, that remains the case. Though we worry that with too many changes, the shorts might become just another pair of running shorts. Nonetheless, the materials used in constructing the Active Pursuits remain ultralight and thin. The design is flowy with wide-leg openings and is, for the most part, comfortable. The casual style is hard to beat. This type of short is incredibly useful for more than just running or hiking, and it has exceptional construction quality by our standards.

Comfort and Mobility

Mobility is of no concern with such ample legroom. We measured the circumference of the leg openings at about 27.5 inches for the size we tested (small), which is wider than average for hiking shorts. High-stepping, all-day wear, and more strenuous activities are easily done as the fabric feels soft and non-restrictive.

The 4-inch inseam (half an inch shorter than the previous version) doesn't feel too short if you're used to running shorts, but if you enjoyed their length before, you might find this disappointing. While half an inch doesn't sound like much, it is noticeable, and the new scallop-shaped side cuts make them feel even shorter.

The waistband used to be fairly wide and was probably one of the most comfortable waistbands on the market, in our opinion, but this new update unfortunately changed things. It is no longer a wrapped waistband, and while the materials used remain soft, the elastic band is much tighter and narrower. Having worn the shorts for hours on end or beneath a backpack, we could feel the waistband digging into our skin a tad. There is still much to feel comfortable with, however. Aside from the slightly less comfortable waistband design, everything else is quite comfortable in terms of how the fabric feels and flows with you. Plus, the built-in liner increases our coziness and peace of mind.

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It's been interesting to see how pocket designs have evolved with Active Pursuits' updates over the years. The accessory pocket on the right side is still there and still zippered, but the shape and size of the pocket can now accommodate a standard smartphone. The pocket is easy to use, and if you're not carrying your phone, it is large enough to carry essentials like a car key, card, chapstick, and maybe a small trail snack, thanks to the stretchiness of the mesh inside. Pockets are trending larger for phones these days, so while it is no longer unique to have something like this on a minimalist design, the pocket is still a neat blend between what is traditionally deemed a hiker short (with hand pockets or extra cargo pockets) and what is considered ultralight in the running world. The one literal catch we found during testing is that there is a seam that runs too close to the zipper, and thus the zipper gets hung up on it, especially when trying to zip/unzip with just one hand.

Our lead tester is shown sliding her smartphone into the zippered accessory pocket.   Credit: Sara Aranda

A closer look at the one pocket that exists for this pair. The zipper is light and blends in well with the fabric.   Credit: Sara Aranda

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Fabric Performance

When it comes to ventilation, these shorts have a lot going for them. As mentioned above, the wide-leg openings allow ample airflow. While there are no longer laser-cut perforated holes in the sides of the shorts, the scalloped cut to the sides is now what provides more venting (again, a nod to runners). Furthermore, since there isn't any water-resistant treatment, the materials aren't inhibited in their ability to breathe well. The fabric weave allows air to flow through it, and a shorter inseam increases breathability around the thighs and hips. With so much ventilation, the hottest days feel breezy, and the fabric never feels heavy, even when wet.

The shorts provide UPF 50+, which means that less than 2% of available UV radiation makes it through the material. This pair soaked up quite quickly, but that can actually be a welcome attribute when you want to dampen your clothing on hot days. On the flip side, it took 55 minutes for the fabric to dry out after soaking, which honestly was a surprise and could prove problematic if the weather turns cold.

Versatility and Style

For typical summer outdoor adventures, these shorts are great. From water sports to a morning run to a casual hike, these shorts have a lot of potential. In their recent design updates, they've become more like traditional running shorts, so they're great for high-intensity efforts. Having a liner contributes to their utility and coverage. Even though the inseam length is on the shorter side, the way they sit on our hips makes them appear to be longer than 4 inches — at least they did for us.

We love the variety of fun colors and patterns REI offers for the Active Pursuits shorts. Our testers feel they're suitable for running errands or going out to lunch with friends, but they're still active apparel — there's no way you're really dressing these up. They embody a very casual vibe and would fit right in with any mountain or beach town. The one critique we have is that they lack versatility across seasons, as they are quite thin and short. But this is a side note as opposed to an actual detriment.

Construction Quality

On a sustainability note, we appreciate that the fabric is bluesign-approved, which means that throughout the entire manufacturing process, safe and sustainable methods were implemented for the benefit of both workers and the environment. We are also happy to report that this fresh design fared well in our paperclip snag test and when comparing the number of stitching loops per inch along the seams. The fabric and stitching showed little to no marks from dragging the sharp end of an unwound paperclip across it, which means that the likelihood of the shorts catching on twigs and bushes and ripping is pretty low. We highly doubt this type of activewear goes through cat-proofing before hitting the stores, though, and these shorts suffered a snag thanks to our lead tester's cat.

When we took measurements of the stitching loops along an inch of seam, we counted a range between 13 and 15 stitches (the previous version measured 14-19). Even with the lower stitch density, the shorts still seem well made, and we feel the likelihood of the seams fraying or coming apart is low.

There is a seam that affects the efficacy of the zipper, especially when trying to zip with one hand. The zipper catches on the stitching here.   Credit: Sara Aranda

The stitch count per inch for this pair is on the high end.   Credit: Sara Aranda

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Should You Buy the REI Co-op Active Pursuits?

The Active Pursuits Shorts are on the affordable end of the spectrum, yet they're well made and highly functional, creating a high-value final product that you can feel good about purchasing regardless of whether you're looking for hiking shorts, running shorts, or loungewear. They're casual, airy, and comfortable for a variety of activities. The sporty style and updated waistband may not be a favorite for everyone, but if the minimalism and fit work for you, these shorts are sure to become a utilitarian staple in your wardrobe, especially for higher-intensity activities or multi-day pursuits.

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