I’m a big fan of REI Sahara Convertible Hiking Pants. They’re reasonably priced, and having zip-off legs is very convenient because many of my hikes and backpacking trips occur on well-maintained trails, less popular trails, and bushwhacks. When I hike through dense vegetation or high grass, I zip on the lower legs to avoid ticks, but the rest of the time, I usually hike in shorts because it’s cooler and I perspire less in humid summer weather.
- Weight: 13.6 oz in a men’s 36 x 30, also available in women’s sizes
- Type: Convertible, zip-off
- Pockets: 6, including a zippered right-hand side cargo pocket
- Belt: Not included
- Closure: Button w/zip fly
- Material: 96% recycled nylon/4% spandex
- UPF Rating: 50
- Shorts Inseam: 10″
- Pros: Durable zippers, Cool for Summer use, Lots of Pockets
- Cons: Belt not included
I’ve been using REI Sahara Convertible Pants for at least 10 years, although these cool blue-colored ones are new. I own four pairs, and they never seem to wear out. At this point, I’ve probably washed and dried my older pairs hundreds of times. They never shrink, and the zippers still work after all this time.
They have 6 pockets: two in front, two in the rear, and two side cargo pockets, which is good so I don’t misplace the odds and ends I like to keep handy in camp or when hiking. The two front pockets are cut high, while the side cargo and rear pockets have flaps covering the top so items don’t fall out. I’ve never been a huge fan of cargo pants because I don’t like the bulk of big side pockets. But these pants are lightweight and cool enough for summer use, even when it’s humid.
The Sahara Convertibles also have thigh-high side zippers on the legs, making them easy to take off and pull on without having to take off your shoes first. That’s a must-have feature for any pair of convertible hiking pants.
If you’re a regular reader, you know I am a longtime fan of RailRiders EcoMesh long pants for hiking in tick territory because they’ve been pre-treated with Insect Shield (Permethrin) which kills insects that land on the pants. While the EcoMesh Pants have long mesh vents along the legs, they’ve become too uncomfortable to wear when it’s really hot and humid and have now been largely relegated to fly fishing use when I’m standing in freezing calf-deep water. Maybe my metabolism has changed, or climate change is real, but I run hot most of the time and need thin, highly breathable hiking clothes to avoid perspiring around.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for inexpensive hiking or everyday utility pants that are cool enough for hot weather use, I recommend trying these REI Sahara Convertible Pants. I like buying REI clothing because it’s always high quality and relatively inexpensive compared to more mainstream brands. One trick I use is to buy “unpopular” colors or the ones that REI offers sales pricing on. You can save a substantial amount of money that way.
