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

The REI Active Pursuits shorts are bluesign-approved and made with fabric that is comprised of 86% recycled polyester and 14% spandex. There is also a sewn-in liner, which is made with recycled polyester. There are two main updates with the newest iteration: a redesign of the waistband and the addition of a zippered accessory pocket. Aiming for hybridity in performance between running and hiking shorts, the material used in constructing the Active Pursuits is ultralight and thin. The design is flowy and perhaps on the baggy side of the spectrum but remains flattering and 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 now been proven to have exceptional construction quality.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Mobility

Mobility is of no concern with such ample legroom. We measured the circumference of the leg openings to be around 27 inches for the size Small we tested, 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 4.5-inch inseam doesn't feel too short and is still adequate for running. The waistband is fairly wide and no longer thicker than the rest of the shorts, thanks to the recent design update. The material moves well and feels good against our skin. Its simplicity contributes to the comfort, being that there aren't any odd bells and whistles to worry about. The internal drawstring is soft and lays flat. Plus, the built-in liner increases our coziness and peace of mind.

When we first reviewed the Active Pursuits, there were some drawbacks, but with this newer design, we honestly can't find much to critique in this metric anymore. They scored high in all of the aspects we consider: all-day wear, high-stepping, fit, and general comfort. We do look at pocket accessibility in this metric, too, but the redesign added an accessory pocket on the right side. The pocket is easy to use and is large enough to carry a few small essentials, like a car key, card, and chapstick. We were even able to stuff an energy bar in there, thanks to the mesh lining. This is a great improvement from the previous iteration, where there was simply a teeny stash pocket for a key inside the waistband, which may certainly be traditional for ultralight running shorts but not as aligned with current trends in running or hiking shorts, which lean more and more toward larger accessory pockets.

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. There are also laser-cut perforated holes in the sides of the shorts, and since there isn't any water-resistant treatment, the polyester isn't inhibited in its ability to breathe well. The fabric weave allows air to flow through it, and a shorter inseam contributes to increased breathability around the thighs and hips. With so much ventilation, the hottest days feel breezy, and the fabric doesn't ever feel heavy, even when wet.

For this metric, we also noted other general features that increase fabric effectiveness when intended as hiking apparel. The shorts provide UPF 50+, which means that less than 2% of available UV radiation makes it through the material. For testing soaking and quick drying times, we found that this pair soaked up water the fastest out of the testing group, 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 after soaking, which honestly was a surprise and could prove problematic if you are not moving on a particularly warm day. Regardless, they are still considered to be high-performing, just not to the extent of some of the other competitors that may be more likely to serve consistently across varied needs.

Versatility and Style

When considering stereotypical summer activities, we think these shorts are likely to accommodate most. From water sports to a morning run to a casual hike, these shorts have a lot of potential. Since they are nearly traditional running shorts, they are great for high-intensity sports. 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 appears to be longer than 4.5 inches. And having nothing to fiddle with on the waistband, be it buttons or zippers, means they are easily pulled on and slid off.

In recent years, we've noticed an increase in colors and patterns for the Active Pursuits, which is a welcome take on style. Because of this, we feel they are more likely to be worn to run errands or go out to lunch with friends than they ever were in their previous form. Sure, some people still might mind the active apparel look, but 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, given many users are unlikely to lean on shorts for hiking once the weather turns cool.

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.

When we took measurements of the stitching loops along an inch of seam, we counted a range between 14 and 19 stitches. This reflects exceptional quality in our tester's minds since the likelihood of the seams fraying or coming apart is quite limited with so many stitches holding the panels together. Our test team also noted no other pair of shorts in our lineup came close to this number. Our overall assessment of quality for all features and fabrics remained high throughout all test hikes and in-hand assessments. The one differentiation we might call out about this model is the fact that there is only one pocket when many other models offer significantly more carry options. While the wrapped elastic waistband, with its internal drawstring construction, is a welcomed change when it comes to ease, comfort, and durability, there are fewer components to work around to achieve these results. It can be challenging to deliver such high-quality construction when also incorporating ample pockets for hands and phones. Yet, for the purposes of hiking, and especially when taking on long backpacking trips, we also note that a streamlined design can prove more than adequate or even preferable. Having extra pockets beneath a heavy pack might not be necessary or even practical for everyone, particularly when hip belts on backpacks tend to have pockets sized to store a phone or snacks close at hand. We found this pair exemplifies the ideal minimalist design that some hikers are looking for when they are targeting speed or long distances.

Should You Buy the REI Co-op Active Pursuits?

The REI Co-op Active Pursuits Shorts run on the cheaper side relative to the other models we tested. They are also made in Cambodia and come bluesign-approved, demonstrating REI's growing commitment to sustainability practices in manufacturing. The resulting product is both high-quality 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. These hybrid shorts are super casual, airy, and comfortable for a variety of activities. The more baggy, sporty style 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.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?