[Expired]REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pant

As an outdoor enthusiast in North America, who doesn't have a pair of convertible pants? Previous pairs I've bought either looked like potato sacks when worn as pants or made my legs look short as shorts... But REI's Sahara pants surprisingly work well in both forms without looking too "programmer-like"!

🛡️ Weather Protection: Excellent Sun Protection

As the name suggests, Sahara is designed for dry, hot weather. The UPF 50+ fabric offers superior sun protection - during hikes under intense sunlight, my skin wasn't sunburned or tanned at all, providing complete peace of mind.

The fabric has water-repellent treatment, so light rain beads off, though heavy rain will soak through. However, it dries very quickly and provides good wind resistance. One drawback is the lack of drawstrings at the ankles, which allows some wind to enter on breezy days. 

Breathability and Ventilation: Zipper Issues

When it gets hot, you can convert to shorts! But the conversion zipper buttons are frustratingly small, difficult to fasten if your fingers aren't nimble, which definitely hurts the user experience. When worn as pants, you can open the vertical side zippers for ventilation.

The fabric itself isn't exceptionally breathable, but it wicks moisture well, preventing that stuffy, sticky feeling even in hot environments.

✅ Features and Details

• Core Feature: Quick conversion between pants and shorts.
• Pocket Paradise: 6 pockets total! Including two cargo pockets large enough for big iPhones (one with a zipper).
• Waist Design: Standard button and zipper fly with internal drawstring adjustment.

Comfort: Relaxed Casual Fit

With only 4% spandex, stretchability is limited - don't expect the same hugging feel as leggings. However, the relaxed fit allows plenty of freedom during hiking and climbing activities.

📏 Sizing and Fit: Extensive Options but Runs Large

The highlight: An impressive range of sizes! The women's version comes in 32 different sizes, from petite to tall, standard to plus sizes (18-26), making them very inclusive.

But they run large! It's recommended to try them on or size down. When tightening the drawstring, the front waist area might bunch up. The fabric also loosens after washing.

⚙️ Construction and Durability: Zipper Concerns

The zippers are the biggest worry. Not only are they small and difficult to operate, but sometimes they don't align properly with the track. This could be problematic for multi-day hikers who depend on them.

The fabric itself and seams seem sturdy so far, but the water-repellent coating wears off relatively quickly.

📊 Comparison: Are They Worth It?

🛒 Buying Advice & What to Watch Out For

✅ Who Should Buy:

• Beginner/intermediate hikers looking for good value with the "two-in-one" functionality.
• Those who need extensive sizing options.
• People primarily hiking in warm, dry daytime conditions.

❌ Consider Carefully If:

• You're a multi-day backpacker with high demands for zipper smoothness and durability.
• You prioritize extreme breathability or stretchy, body-hugging fit.
• You're looking for stylish pants that transition from trail to town.

In summary: At $90, you're getting a solid pair of functional pants with excellent sun protection and inclusive sizing. Just don't set your expectations too high for the zippers or style factor!