Backside Line
When you like to hold numerous gear or snacks then these are the shorts for you. With six pockets, together with two zippered cargo pockets, the Sahara Cargo shorts from REI are a basic pair of cargos that make our record of greatest mountaineering shorts.
We examined these carrying all the things from baggage of GORP to notebooks and maps. The facet pockets may even match a complete PB&J sandwich! The zippered facet pockets hold gadgets safe and dry. On the similar time, the shorts nonetheless match comfortably and are simple to hike in. They aren’t dishevelled or heavy like old-school cargo pants typically had been. When you put numerous weight within the pockets you will have to put on a belt, which isn’t constructed into these shorts. Carrying further weight within the cargo pockets can even add some friction to the thighs, however so long as that doesn’t gradual you down, these are an awesome possibility for mountaineering.
Fast Specs
Males’s REI Sahara Cargo Shorts
Finest Finances Cargo Shorts
Rating:
70.5/100
Value:
$60
Weight:
9 oz.
Inseam:
9 in.
Professionals
- A lot of storage
- Zippered cargo pockets
- UPF 50+
- Inexpensive
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Heavier than some
- Really feel cumbersome when loaded down
- No built-in belt
Consolation
After mountaineering miles with these, in addition to simply carrying them round city for a number of days straight, they’re the definition of utilitarian shorts. They labored properly in any state of affairs and had been snug on the similar time. The cargo pockets got here in useful for carrying all the things from sun shades case to wallets and pocket knives. The most important profit of those shorts is the extra cargo pockets for storage. Other than that they’re your fundamental light-weight mountaineering shorts.
They don’t embody a built-in belt, which is a disadvantage when carrying extra weight within the pockets. They’ll have a tendency to slip down, so carrying a belt was key whereas testing. The shorts had been actually snug and moved freely with me as I hiked over rocks and bigger steps. In addition they don’t appear to be overt cargo shorts. The pockets are flush with the fabric and don’t stand out. They’re low-profile and flush with the underside of the shorts. They by no means rubbed or felt uncomfortable. When it comes to consolation, they’re nice on and off-trail.
Sturdiness
One of many strengths of those shorts is their sturdiness. The strong protection with a 9” inseam signifies that our testing them over rocks, sand, and dust ensures that they’ll shield your legs and stay sturdy. One of many main advantages of a pair of cargo shorts is they’re designed to take a beating and maintain extra weight.
The cargo pockets sit flush with the underside of the shorts. Along with making a extra streamlined look, it will assist with the long-term sturdiness of the pockets and building of the mountaineering shorts.
Options
There usually are not a ton of options on these shorts. What you see is what you get. The 2 cargo pockets are the primary options. As well as, there are two facet pockets and two rear pockets. The 96% recycled nylon with 4% spandex bluesign-approved materials is a pleasant environmental function that makes the shorts lighter and faster to dry. These shorts are Local weather Impartial Licensed, which means they’re reducing the REI’s carbon footprint in producing these shorts.
As well as, the fabric is rated 50 UPF, which is able to block a number of the solar’s rays, however when carrying shorts this isn’t as huge of a function since your decrease legs are nonetheless uncovered. There’s not a built-in belt or drawstring, nonetheless, there’s an elastic band throughout the rear waistband, a function that improves consolation and suppleness. The crotch of the shorts is gusseted to make sure extra vary of movement and motion when mountaineering.
Dry Time
The fast-dry materials in these pants is as marketed. After dunking these pants in water and strolling round in the summertime warmth in them they dried in 20 minutes. Additionally spectacular is that the combo of nylon and spandex tends to repel water a bit. When submerged they don’t take up numerous water so even when saturated they’re nonetheless not too dangerous to hike in.
Weight & Packability
At 9 ounces these shorts usually are not heavy by any means, however they don’t seem to be as gentle or compact as others on the record such because the REI Trailmade Amphib. For cargo shorts, they’re light-weight because the composition of 96% recycled nylon with 4% spandex makes them very snug to put on. The fabric is bluesign permitted, which means they meet stringent environmental and security requirements whereas being made, so you possibly can really feel good carrying these.
The load comes extra from filling up the six pockets with snacks and equipment. This may be tempting however the shorts themselves usually are not particularly heavy.
Ought to You Purchase the REI Sahara Cargo?
When you like conventional cargo-style mountaineering shorts which are a bit extra cumbersome and heavy then these are the shorts for you. They’re sturdy, sturdy, and cozy. The zippers on the suitable facet cargo pocket are good as they safe any pocket knives or vitality bars you choose to stash in them.
They aren’t as light-weight or breathable as another shorts on this record, however what they lack in dimension they make up in sturdiness. These are a strong pair of shorts that ought to go the space in powerful terrain whereas providing loads of storage choices. At their value level, they’re an awesome possibility for hikers seeking to carry extra gadgets on them whereas on the path.
What Different Mountaineering Shorts Ought to You Contemplate?
prAna Stretch Zion II Overview: Just like the Saharas, the Stretch Zion II shorts are an awesome utility possibility. They provide a ton of safe storage. They’re very snug, and so they have a built-in belt for dialing within the match on lengthy hikes. They are often worn for just about any event.
Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts Overview: The Columbia cargo shorts are another choice for storage. These embody a belt and look a bit much less streamlined. Nevertheless, they’re related in perform and magnificence to the Saharas.