One Pair, Double Duty: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants Review

One crisp morning near Bozeman, I wore the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Hiking Pants in full-length mode. This was perfect for the cool air and shaded forest. By the time I reached the sun-soaked ridgelines of the Bridgers that afternoon, the temperature had climbed.

In 30 seconds, I unzipped the pant legs without needing to remove my shoes. I stuffed them in my pack’s side pocket and continued uphill, cooler and unencumbered in shorts.

Later, as the sun dipped behind the peaks and the air cooled, I zipped the legs back on. Color-coded zippers made it foolproof, even with tired hands. A fellow hiker even stopped me mid-trail to ask where I got them.

That quick exchange summed up everything I love about the Sahara Convertibles. They’re practical, streamlined, and built to handle whatever the trail throws your way from sunrise climbs to sunset descents.

Convertible hiking pants often bring to mind those bulky, awkward zip-offs I remember from middle school. They were clunky, dorky, and not something you’d want to wear beyond campfire stories.

But after testing these pants around the trails of Bozeman and Crested Butte, I’m here to say: these pants have come a long way. Far from those clunky relics, the Sahara Convertibles are sleek, functional, and, dare I say, somewhat stylish.

In short: The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Hiking Pants($90) are an affordable, versatile option that balances performance and practicality. They transition quickly from pants to shorts with boot-friendly, color-coded zippers. They have quick-drying and breathable fabric and six pockets to stash everything from snacks to your phone. While they’re not the toughest pants, their lightweight build and innovative design make them ideal for day hikes to multiday backpacking.

Compare the REI Co‑op Sahara Convertible Hiking Pants with other picks in our best hiking pants for women and men guides.  

REI Co‑op Sahara Convertible Hiking Pants Review

Performance

The Sahara Convertibles excel in unpredictable weather or varied terrain. I wore them on cool, shaded forest trails near Bozeman and later switched to shorts mode under the blazing sun on the exposed ridgelines. The lightweight, breathable fabric kept me comfortable by wicking sweat and drying quickly, which kept me comfortable during longer days on the trail. 

Zipping the lower legs on and off was surprisingly easy, even mid-hike, with dusty boots and tired hands. The zippers never snagged, and the process was quick enough that I didn’t hesitate to switch modes when the temperature changed. I especially appreciated the color-coded design, which helps you quickly match the correct leg to the right side without second-guessing which piece goes where.

The pants also offer solid sun and bug protection and enough coverage to ward off most scratches from brush, without feeling bulky or restrictive. The rosebush thorns still poked through, sometimes snagging on the fabric. I never found a direct hole, but I saw some leftover scratch marks. 

Pockets & Storage

The pocket setup is one of my favorite features. There are six pockets: two hand pockets, two cargo pockets (one zippered), and two back pockets. The zippered cargo pocket is deep and secure enough to hold essentials like your phone, keys, or trail snacks without fear of losing anything. 

The hand pockets are big enough to hold smaller items, and the back pockets are great for stashing thin gloves or a lightweight buff when you don’t need them. The design strikes a good balance between storage and maintaining a streamlined look. There are no bulky or awkward pockets from my childhood cargo convertible pants here.

Fit

Finding hiking pants that fit can be a challenge, which is why the Sahara Convertible Pants stand out in a big way. Offering a range of inseam options, including standard (31-inch inseam, 7.5-inch shorts), petite (28.5-inch inseam, 6.75-inch shorts), and tall (34-inch inseam, 8.5-inch shorts), these pants go beyond the typical one-size-fits-most approach.

It’s a big deal for hikers who are often stuck with too-long pants legs, awkward fits, or shorts that ride up. With more inclusive sizing, REI makes it easier to hit the trail in gear that works for your body, not just the sample size. 

Durability

Here’s the trade-off for the light, breathable fabric: it’s not built for severe abrasion. After several days of hiking through rocky terrain and occasional brush in Crested Butte, I noticed some minor thigh scuffs. There weren’t tears or holes.

However, if you’re planning on a lot of off-trail bushwhacking, these pants won’t hold up as well as heavier-duty options. If you’re looking for a more technical hiking pants that can withstand a beating, consider the Arc’teryx Gamma Hybrid Pants. But for typical trail use, the Convertibles held up well and stayed comfortable throughout all my adventures. 

They also included reinforced cuffs on the back of the pants legs to resist abrasion from hiking boots. Since I tend to kick my heels when tired, I was happy to see this design. 

Room for Improvement

If I could tweak one thing, it would be adding reinforced panels at the knees and seat for improved abrasion resistance. This would be especially helpful for hikers who find themselves scrambling over rocks or taking quick trailside breaks on rough terrain. While the fabric is durable for general use, those high-wear zones would benefit from extra protection.

Conclusion

Whether hiking through wildflower meadows or tackling rugged ridgelines, these pants adapt seamlessly to changing conditions. That flexibility is a game-changer when covering varied terrain and shifting weather.

At $90, you’re essentially getting two reliable garments for the price of one. This makes the Sahara Convertibles an excellent value.

They’re not the most durable pants we tested, so if your adventures lead you through heavy brush or rocky scrambles, pick something more rugged. But they hit all the right notes for most hikers, trail runners, and backpackers prioritizing comfort, breathability, and easy adaptability.

For unpredictable trail days and adventurous spirits, the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Hiking Pants are a dependable choice that belongs in your pack.