REI Co-op Sahara Convertible - Women's Review

The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible consists of a 94% nylon and 6% spandex blend that gives these Best Buy winners a light, stretchy feel. At times we felt that the Nylon blend was a bit too thin, allowing cold breezes to put goosebumps on our legs more than once. One of our favorite and one of the most unique parts about these pants is their wide range of sizing options. The Sahara's are offered in size zero to 16 with a 32--inch inseam and even include plus and petite options. The pants are a bit shorter than other models we tested with an inseam of 7 inches in shorts mode as compared to our Editors' Choice Award, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi's which had a 9--inch inseam short.

Performance Comparison

The Sahara did well in the rough desert terrain. After carrying a heavy pack over cross-country terrain, there was no chaffing at the waistbelt.

Comfort & Mobility

The photos on REI's website don't do these pants justice. From the get-go, we felt that these pants would feel a bit frumpy, but we were pleasantly surprised when we put them on. The legs are slightly baggy, but not as bulky and baggy as The North Face Paramount. There is still a sleeker look to them. The baggier fit means that more body types will be suited for these pants, unlike other models in our review, where the legs felt a bit tight. If you're looking for a pant that is a bit more form-fitting, check out our Editors' Choice Winner, The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible.

From a mobility standpoint, we were highly impressed. The knee is articulated slightly, giving you plenty of range of motion for scrambly hikes or even at the crag. We didn't encounter any problems in the canyons of southern Utah when wearing the Sahara. Although the waistband doesn't have fancy features like an inner felt lining that you see on some of the pricier models such as the Ferrosi and Marmot Lobo's, we didn't have any chaffing or comfort issues when wearing these pants for extended periods or with a heavy pack.

Lastly, there's nothing worse than wearing hiking pants, only to find that it stretches out after a mile or so. A lot of the newer fabrics tend to allow for plenty of movement, but they also stretch over time. The Sahara's maintained their shape mile after mile unlike some of the troubles we had with The North Face Paramount and Marmot Lobo's, both of which needed a belt after about 30 minutes of wear.

The Sahara pants aren't tight or loose, allowing you to move when you need to.

Versatility

Convertible pants automatically get high marks for versatility, simply because you can wear them so many ways. However, the Sahara went above and beyond by providing a few nifty extras that most other pants didn't. As shorts, the Sahara's are a bit shorter in length, with a 7-inch inseam. We still felt covered despite the shorter length and the shorts didn't sit tight around our thighs. We had plenty of movement and appreciated the more feminine look, while still providing the function you need to hit the trail.

What made the Sahara's stand apart are the zippers at the bottom of the pant. This feature allows you to remove the lower part of the pant while keeping your boots on. Although while wearing hiking shoes we could accomplish the same results with our other convertible models, we couldn't get any other model we tested to slip over boots. This feature doubles up as a way to unzip the bottoms a little and catch a breeze, however, if you unzip them too much, the extra flopping fabric becomes cumbersome and gets in the way.

If you just need a little extra air, undo the bottom zipper of the Sahara just a bit.

We also liked the fact that these pants offered a bit more versatility than just existing as hiking pants. With excellent water rappelling technology, the Sahara's would be a superb buy for a kayaking trip or activities around the water. Their exceptional mobility also lends them to be useful at the crag, although we aren't sure how the thinner fabric would hold up to abrasive surfaces over time.

We love that the Saharas are offered in a range of sizes from petite to plus sizes. As shorts, the Sahara's still fit well, providing enough coverage and room to hit the toughest trails.

Durability

Overall we didn't experience any durability issues while we tested the pants. However, the button front doesn't exactly scream "robust" and having the button pop off is certainly a possibility, and something about which a lot of online reviewers complained. REI does give you a spare, though. Also, we didn't have any trouble with climbing on both granite and sandstone for several days while testing these pants. However, it's important to note that the material of the Sahara's is on the thinner end of the spectrum, so we did raise an eyebrow to the possibility that these pants may not hold up for years.

Weather Resistance

When it comes to moisture, the Sahara's came in at the top of the pack. The water-repellent finish didn't allow for any water to penetrate the pant, it just pooled and beaded, shedding water quickly and easily. The only area that absorbed water was the tiny strap for the built-in belt.

We knocked the pant down a touch for wind resistance, since we felt the thin material didn't cut the wind quite as well as the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. After sitting at the top of a breezy multi-pitch belay station, our legs were quite cold, and we had to bounce around to stay warm. Fortunately, the looser fit means adding a base layer under the Sahara's on a cold day isn't going to be a problem, but the pants could have performed a bit better here. Lastly, these pants boast UPF 50+ protection from the sun, which is pretty much standard with newer pants these days, but worth noting.

The Sahara's make quick work of water with their excellent repelling action.

Features

Our favorite part about the Sahara's and one of the biggest reasons we feel the pants are worth the few extra bucks when compared to more pared-down, budget models is the fact that REI did not skimp on features. You get quite a lot for your dollar, which is why these win the Best Buy Award, despite not being the cheapest pant.

We've already talked about how much we love the zippered bottoms that allow you to transition the pants into shorts without removing boots, but the features don't stop there. Each pant leg has color-coded zippers, so you can quickly re-assemble the pants without having to guess which side is which.

It's all about the little things and the Sahara has two distinct zipper colors so pants are easy to convert from shorts back to pant mode.

All of the pockets with these pants were exceptionally well thought out. First, the hand pockets fit your entire hand, unlike the Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch. The two cargo pockets zip can hold most phones, and one even has a separate compartment to store keys or lip balm. Lastly, these pants also have a built-in belt, which is super handy if you plan on backpacking or wearing a heavy pack. There are belt loops too, but they aren't necessary.

We love the Sahara's pockets! There is even an extra storage pocket for keys or lip balm within the cargo pocket.

Breathability

Although we appreciate the fact that these pants let through breezes, we felt the did this almost too well. There were a few times during testing where our legs would get cold, or the pants wouldn't keep us as warm as we would have liked. If you're primarily hiking in hot climates, then you've got nothing to worry about.

Best Applications

The REI Co-Op Sahara can handle almost anything you throw their way. They are an excellent option for hiking in a multitude of different climates. Their lightweight, easy-to-convert features also make them a worthy companion on a backpacking trip. We even took these pants to the crag and had a great time. They do everything well at a reasonable price.

The Saharas are an extremely versatile, comfortable pant offered in a wide range of sizes at a reasonable price.

Value

These pants retail for $70. Although this isn't the cheapest pant in our lineup, the Sahara's out-perform most of the other models in this review. Their full range of features, comfortable fit, and superb mobility make them worth the few extra dollars and then some. Despite not being the cheapest pant, they sure are a feature-loaded bargain.

Conclusion

The Sahara's wide range of features and excellent comfort and mobility scores give you everything you could ask for in a reasonably priced pant, which is why this pant gets our thumbs up and Best Buy Award.