Bottom Line
REI’s longtime-loved convertible pants offer hikers the sweet relief of not answering the agonizing question, “Pants or shorts today?”
However, easily transitioning from one length to the next isn’t its only trick. The Sahara pants offer abundant features and qualities that make them a solid choice for those looking to take their adventures to new heights and keep their packing list to a minimum.
While backpacking with these pants in the San Juan mountains, we found that they not only repel water well but also dry extremely quickly, a rare trick considering most pants only do one or the other well rather than both. This iteration of the Sahara pants has improved durability, and as always, we love having a variety of pockets that are large enough to use.
See the Sahara Convertible in context with the rest of our tested women’s hiking pants.
How We Tested
Bailey Bremner tested the Sahara during backpacking trips in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and Weminuche Wilderness, including rain over an alpine pass. Side-by-side tests compared mobility, abrasion resistance, pocket function, drying speed, and water repellency.
Quick Specs
REI Sahara Convertible
Best Convertible Hiking Pants
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $90
Measured Weight: 12.7 oz.
Inseam: 29 in.
Fit: Relaxed
Fabric: 96% nylon, 4% spandex
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Breathable
- Many useful pockets
- Easily converts to shorts
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Top and bottom can show uneven signs of wear
- somewhat unflattering as pants and as shorts
Comfort & Mobility
Because the Sahara pants can convert from shorts to pants, the construction isn’t the most comfortable on the market. One thing we noticed when wearing these on a backpacking trip in the Weminuche Wilderness is how the zipper where the upper and lower pants connect makes it harder to walk. This was mainly due to more resistance between the pants and the leg, mostly while hiking uphill.
The pants generally feel more restrictive in that location, even when worn as shorts. The material is less soft on the skin than other models we tried. Overall, these pants are more practical than comfortable, something buyers should keep in mind when deciding the most important features for their needs.
Comfort & Mobility Score: 3.7 / 5.0
Durability
During our tests, we were surprised that the Sahara pants were one of the most durable models we tried. Our experience with older Sahara models was that these pants would tear easily from a fall on the trail, especially at the knee. However, when we put the newest model through our durability tests, which included abrasion trials, they held up well.
When used on several day hikes and backpacking trips, the fabric showed no signs of piling, and we did not find any evidence of loose threads. The fabric used on these pants feels more robust and dependable than past models and other hiking pants, such as joggers. The Sahara pants would be a solid choice for more adventurous outings in the backcountry.
Durability Score: 4.5 / 5.0
Breathability
Those looking for quick drying capabilities need to search no further: the REI Sahara pants wick moisture exceptionally fast. During our side-by-side comparison tests, we dunked the bottom of each pant leg in some water and timed the drying time. The Sahara pants were the quickest to lose moisture. Out in the field, we were impressed with its performance on rainy afternoons.
On one occasion, it rained while hiking over an alpine pass right before setting up camp(ugh). After taking about 15 or 20 minutes to set up the tent during a lull in the storm, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the pants were completely dry when we started to add layers in the tent. Aside from wicking moisture, the REI Sahara’s convertible nature means that natural ventilation can also help with breathability.
We found the pants to be much cooler when worn in shorts mode.
Breathability Score: 4.9 / 5.0
Features
The REI Sahara pants stitches many features together, including multiple usable pockets, the ability to convert to shorts, a waist drawstring, and belt loops. We love that these pants have six pockets large enough to fit a modern smartphone. The hip-level pockets are deep and well-positioned so that objects do not hinder movement. Likewise, the cut and fit of the Sahara pants are such that phones or heavier objects do not swing or move around when placed in the leg pockets.
The rear and left leg pockets have envelope covers to help prevent items from falling out. Our only complaint is that the right leg pocket can be difficult to open due to the envelope cover over the zipper. Sometimes, the zipper catches on the fabric, and you need two hands to work it.
As for other features, zip-off pants offer flexibility on backpacking trips while reducing the amount of clothing items that need to be packed. The zipper tends to catch on the fabric lining when removing the pants bottoms; however, the color-coded zippers make it easy to put them back on later. A side zipper runs up the lower leg for additional ventilation options and makes reattaching the lower leg panels easier while wearing boots. We like that these pants have both a waist tie and belt loops, which means they are adjustable for many situations.
Features Score: 4.8 / 5.0
Weather Resistance
The Sahara pants resist moisture like a champ. Should you get stuck in a storm, moisture beads up and rolls off them far longer than any other pant we tested. On one of our backpacking trips, where it rained, this beading was apparent on the legs of the pants.
When we made it to camp, the lower legs of the pants were hardly wet even though we had been walking through the rain out in the open. The pants’ upper quads and hip area did eventually soak through, but thanks to their quick-drying properties, that problem quickly evaporated.
Weather Resistance Score: 4.6 / 5.0
Should You Buy the REI Sahara Convertible Pants?
There are a variety of pants available on the market that serve many different needs. Some pants are considered more town-to-trail: they are relatively fashionable but typically not as tough. Others are super comfortable and made of softer materials, such as joggers.
The REI Sahara pants do not check those boxes, so buyers who prioritize those qualities may want to look elsewhere. However, what the Sahara lacks in aesthetics and comfort, it makes up for in features, durability, and breathability. These qualities make it an excellent choice for those looking to go on more technical and remote adventures.
The Sahara pants bring a lot to the table with fast drying times, many pockets, features like zip-off pants, and good durability. The cherry on top is a price tag below average compared to other pants on the market.
What Other Pants Should You Consider?
KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up Review: The FreeFlex and Sahara pants have many similar qualities: six usable pockets, good durability, fast-drying fabric, and good value. The biggest tradeoff is whether durability or drying time are more important. The FreeFlex pants are a bit sturdier and more reliable in rugged environments, but the REI Sahara pants resist moisture better and dry faster when they do get wet.
REI Trailmade Review: For a tradeoff in durability, the REI Trailmade pants offer a more comfortable, stylish experience with a smaller price tag. Like the Sahara model, the Trailmade pants dry extremely quickly and are one of the more water-resistant models we tried. The zippered pocket is easy to use, and we enjoyed lounging around in them at home. The fabric is not quite as robust, but they are a great alternative.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review: The Ferrosi shifts the emphasis toward comfort and water repellency. It moves more freely than the Sahara and handles light moisture well, but its thinner fabric is more prone to pilling on brushy routes.
