REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Short Review

These lightweight and breathable shorts performed well on both day-long and distance hikes. We took them on some hot and humid summer trips on the Pinhoti Trail and some cooler, wetter climbs on the Oregon coast. We also wore them in Utah's mountains and the Italian Alps. They lack the technical aesthetic of some more expensive pairs, but they are ultimately practical.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Mobility

These shorts are comfortable. The fabric is surprisingly thin, and the crotch is gusseted. The elastic waist also accommodates a range of sizes if you are between two of the advertised short sizes. For some of our testers, this adds up to a pair that gives you enough room to high-step, scramble, and stretch on the trail. With a 9-inch inseam, they are just about average in length of the models we tested, but they were a little shorter on some of our six-foot testers.

With all that in mind, we noticed that the nylon fabric is fairly static relative to other hiking shorts. Despite the blend of nylon (96%) and spandex (4%) mix, we felt the Sahara Cargo Short had noticeably less stretch and mobility than others we examined. Consequently, they do bunch up when sitting down, especially if you partially lean on a log during a water break.

These shorts have the same ventilation benefits as most other pairs in this review due to front pockets that are partially mesh-lined. However, it was the fabric itself that kept us cool on hot days. When you hold it up to the light, the reason for its breathability becomes evident in the amount of light that passes through the fabric. This pair is one of the lighter-weight models in the bunch. Their UPF rating (50+) will protect you from the sun, while the fabric's breathability allows sweat to evaporate quickly. Though the legs don't have any stretch to them, they fit loosely enough (without being baggy) that air circulates freely. Another minor issue we experienced is that the fly doesn't quite go down low enough to be optimally useful.

Fabric Performance

Quick-drying fabrics, tons of decent pockets, and the ability to hand-wash and line dry earned the Sahara Cargo Short above-average scores in this metric. Above all, we loved its convenient cargo pockets.

This pair comes with traditional belt loops and an elastic swatch across the back of the waist (it doesn't extend all the way around). The Sahara Cargo also comes with a traditional front plastic button sewn into place instead of a riveted metal snap or button. We didn't have any issues during initial testing, but we could imagine that the thread will wear over time, making this a point of weakness. These are a good option for traveling because they pack down small, have plentiful pockets, and can easily be hand-washed and line-dried. The fabric is also Bluesign approved, meaning that these shorts have been manufactured in a way that considers their environmental and human impact.

Because of the thinness of the fabric, we expected precipitation to seep through fairly quickly. However, testing showed that these shorts have an effective DWR (durable water repellent) treatment that resists water well. More importantly, they also quick-dry. They were among the faster drying shorts we tested (18.5 min). This is a great feature, especially if you're on the trail for several days where you may be exposed to the elements, waterways, or plan to take an occasional dip in an alpine lake. They also come with a UPF rating of 50+ to keep you protected in the sunshine.

The features of these shorts center around their pockets. They have two front handwarmers, two rear handwarmers, and two cargo pockets. The cargo pockets have small gussets at the bottom and pleats on the sides to expand volume. The right one also has a zipper closure for a little added security. The rear and cargo pockets have flaps to prevent items from falling out. However, they also make it decisively more difficult to reach into each pocket. The right rear and left cargo pockets also have zippers and flaps. All of them are large enough to hold a large smartphone.

Versatility and Style

The Sahara Cargo is versatile but not overly stylish. This pair is good for day hikes, traveling, and any time you may need to keep a lot of stuff close at hand but don't necessarily have a pack with you. Their low weight also makes them a decent choice for longer backpacking trips.

The primary downside of these shorts is that they are just kind of goofy looking, making them less of a choice for casual dress for picnics, cafes, or barbecues. We wouldn't opt to wear them when style is a consideration, but if you are a hiker or a traveler who is all about functionality, these shorts won't let you down. In terms of versatility, we'd place them in the 'good overall outdoor shorts' lane, but we do feel that their lack of stretch limits their performance and comfortability scores for activities like climbing, yoga, biking, or any other sport that requires large movements.

Construction Quality

Great stitching, tough fabrics, and attention to detail are among the design features we've grown to expect from REI. This combination earned the Sahara Cargo Shorts solid marks in this metric — an impressive feat considering its appealing price tag.

We liked the roomy, gusseted crotch on these shorts and felt it added to their overall comfort. We also loved that every single inch of the Sahara is double stitched with quality thread, including the bottom hems (something that some of our top performers didn't even have). Additionally, we used a paper clip to simulate sharp rocks or tree branches and were pleased at the resilience of the Sahara's fabrics, despite being fairly thin. Lastly, we counted the stitches per inch and found them on par with other top clothing (12 stitches per inch). Our only complaint is that the belt loops are a little too narrow for many belts.

Should You Buy the REI Sahara Cargo?

The REI Co-Op Sahara Cargo shorts are lightweight and breathable. With an elastic waistband, they offer good comfort, and their dry time and breathability are among the best performers we've covered in testing. These shorts are great for hot weather and are tough enough to hold up to several days in the backcountry. They aren't the first pair we would choose to wear- we prefer ones with a little more stretch and style- but we think they are one of the best for the money. This is a great pair to consider if high functionality and low price are key purchase drivers.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

For those who like pockets but want a little more stretch in the fabric, the Fjallraven Abisko Short, Prana Stretch Zion II Short, and Kuhl Renegade Short are our top choices for all things pockets. We also loved the pocket options the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Cargo offers, and its price tag is even lower.