Bottom Line
If you like to carry a lot of gear or snacks then these are the shorts for you. With six pockets, including two zippered cargo pockets, the Sahara Cargo shorts from REI are a classic pair of cargos that make our list of best hiking shorts.
We tested these carrying everything from bags of GORP to notebooks and maps. The side pockets can even fit an entire PB&J sandwich! The zippered side pockets keep items secure and dry. At the same time, the shorts still fit comfortably and are easy to hike in. They are not baggy or heavy like old-school cargo pants often were. If you put a lot of weight in the pockets you will need to wear a belt, which is not built into these shorts. Carrying extra weight in the cargo pockets can also add some friction to the thighs, but as long as that doesn’t slow you down, these are a great option for hiking.
Quick Specs
REI Sahara Cargo
Best Budget Cargo Shorts
Score:
70.5/100
Price:
$60
Weight:
9 oz.
Inseam:
9 in.
Pros
- Lots of storage
- Zippered cargo pockets
- UPF 50+
- Less expensive
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Heavier than some
- Feel bulky when loaded down
- No integrated belt
Comfort
After hiking miles with these, as well as just wearing them around town for several days straight, they are the definition of utilitarian shorts. They worked well in any situation and were comfortable at the same time. The cargo pockets came in handy for carrying everything from sunglasses case to wallets and pocket knives. The biggest benefit of these shorts is the additional cargo pockets for storage. Aside from that they are your basic lightweight hiking shorts.
They do not include a built-in belt, which is a drawback when carrying more weight in the pockets. They can tend to slide down, so wearing a belt was key while testing. The shorts were really comfortable and moved freely with me as I hiked over rocks and larger steps. They also don’t look like overt cargo shorts. The pockets are flush with the material and don’t stand out. They are low-profile and flush with the bottom of the shorts. They never rubbed or felt uncomfortable. In terms of comfort, they are great on and off-trail.
Durability
One of the strengths of these shorts is their durability. The solid coverage with a 9” inseam means that our testing them over rocks, sand, and dirt ensures that they will protect your legs and remain strong. One of the major benefits of a pair of cargo shorts is they are designed to take a beating and hold more weight.
The cargo pockets sit flush with the bottom of the shorts. In addition to creating a more streamlined look, this will help with the long-term durability of the pockets and construction of the hiking shorts.
Features
There are not a ton of features on these shorts. What you see is what you get. The two cargo pockets are the main features. In addition, there are two side pockets and two rear pockets. The 96% recycled nylon with 4% spandex bluesign-approved material is a nice environmental feature that makes the shorts lighter and quicker to dry. These shorts are Climate Neutral Certified, meaning they are lowering the REI’s carbon footprint in producing these shorts.
In addition, the material is rated 50 UPF, which will block some of the sun’s rays, but when wearing shorts this is not as big of a feature since your lower legs are still exposed. There is not a built-in belt or drawstring, however, there is an elastic band across the rear waistband, a feature that improves comfort and flexibility. The crotch of the shorts is gusseted to ensure more range of motion and movement when hiking.
Dry Time
The quick-dry material in these pants is as advertised. After dunking these pants in water and walking around in the summer heat in them they dried in 20 minutes. Also impressive is that the mix of nylon and spandex tends to repel water a bit. When submerged they don’t absorb a lot of water so even when saturated they are still not too bad to hike in.
Weight & Packability
At 9 ounces these shorts are not heavy by any means, but they are not as light or compact as others on the list such as the REI Trailmade Amphib. For cargo shorts, they are lightweight as the composition of 96% recycled nylon with 4% spandex makes them very comfortable to wear. The material is bluesign approved, meaning they meet stringent environmental and safety standards while being made, so you can feel good wearing these.
The weight comes more from filling up the six pockets with snacks and gear. This can be tempting but the shorts themselves are not especially heavy.
Should You Buy the REI Sahara Cargo?
If you like traditional cargo-style hiking shorts that are a bit more bulky and heavy then these are the shorts for you. They are strong, durable, and comfortable. The zippers on the right side cargo pocket are nice as they secure any pocket knives or energy bars you opt to stash in them.
They are not as lightweight or breathable as some other shorts on this list, but what they lack in size they make up in durability. These are a solid pair of shorts that should go the distance in tough terrain while offering plenty of storage options. At their price point, they are a great option for hikers looking to carry more items on them while on the trail.
What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?
prAna Stretch Zion II Review: Like the Saharas, the Stretch Zion II shorts are a great utility option. They offer a ton of secure storage. They are very comfortable, and they have a built-in belt for dialing in the fit on long hikes. They can be worn for pretty much any occasion.
Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts Review: The Columbia cargo shorts are another option for storage. These include a belt and look a bit less streamlined. However, they are similar in function and style to the Saharas.
