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These Controversial Travel Pants Are the Only Pair You’ll Need for Spring, According to a Gear Outfitter

I refuse to travel without them.

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Published on March 30, 2024 05:00AM EDT

Gear Expert Functional Zip Off Pants Tout — Photo:
Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

I’ll admit it: I’ve never been a huge fan of zip-off pants. I love the idea conceptually — I’m a big advocate of clothing that can be adjusted on the fly as the weather changes over the course of the day. Plus, they’re two pairs of pants in one, making them perfect for backpacking or traveling when weight and space are concerns. However, despite years of searching for the perfect pair in my role as a professional gear outfitter, I've been let down by too many awkward-fitting options (we can all agree that they're not the most stylish pants on the market). Eventually, I gave up my convertible pants hunt — that is, until recently.

After a hike in Wyoming’s gorgeous Snowy Range, I asked my partner’s mother where she got her sleek zip-off pants. She pointed me toward the REI Co-op Sahara Guide Convertible Pants, and having now tried them myself, I’m sold on the controversial style. I’ve been spending tons of time on the road lately, and whenever I do, these are my pants of choice. The waistband is wide and comfortable, and the woven nylon has plenty of stretch to let you settle in for long travel days.

REI Co-op Women's Sahara Guide Convertible Pants

REI Co-op Sahara Guide Convertible Pants - Women's — REI

$90 at REI

I never thought that I’d say this about zip-off pants, but the REI Co-op Sahara Guide Convertible Pants are super cute, too. Whether or not I’m a boundary-pushing fashion innovator is definitely up for debate, but these travel pants are easily the most modish convertible style that I’ve ever worn. Cinchable ankle cords give these pants a sporty jogger look, and when you unzip the legs, the resulting shorts have a flattering, movement-friendly 4-inch inseam. These features alone were enough to sell me on these pants; they already checked many of my boxes by being versatile travel- and hike-friendly bottoms — but they have even more to offer.

Let me start by saying that I can’t praise the shorts-mode on this pair enough. They succeed where many zip-offs fail by actually looking like shorts instead of weird knee-length capris. The zippers are easy to use, and they’re color-coded so you never have to guess which leg goes where when you reattach them (an underrated perk when you're on the go). Plus, in a particularly clever design move, the pants legs zip together when they’re removed to keep you from losing track of them. To simply put it, the shorts fit and look great, and don't create a hassle when you need an outfit change.

Zip Off Pants Writer Image — Travel + Leisure / Alice Bennett

But rest assured, the Sahara Guide Convertible Pants still excel when the legs are zipped on. I may or may not win my case with the fashion police, but either way, I’m going to keep rocking these functional, comfy pants well through the spring (and even the summer and fall). I wear them on everything from long hikes to quick trips to the grocery store, as well as on long travel days in the car or on a plane. And every time, I’m impressed by the stretchy, super comfortable woven nylon fabric. It’s great for both moving and lounging, and because it’s designed for the rigors of the trail, it’s also amazingly durable.

REI Co-op Women's Sahara Guide Convertible Pants

$90 at REI

A powerful UPF 50+ sun protection and a water-repellant, stain-resistant finish mean that these pants are up for truly anything, and I really do use mine for anything. They also dry remarkably fast, making them a great pick for backpackers and globetrotters who may find themselves doing laundry on the go.

The REI Co-op Sahara Guide Convertible Pants don’t come cheap, but they’re packed with features and details that make them well worth their $90 price tag (you can get them in the orangey nutmeg color for up to 30 percent off, but they're selling out fast). Five deep pockets, including one zippered pocket on the thigh, provide plenty of space to securely stow travel and hiking essentials. Drawstrings in the waist and ankles let you customize the fit to your preferences — personally, I like to cinch the ankles to wear mine as joggers. Though it might be a small detail, the little carabiner loop on the waistband might just be the standout feature for me; I’ve gotten tons of use out of it and it's the perfect spot to stash my keys when I’m having an active day.

I'm a little biased, but I think that these pants will quickly become a favorite for any avid traveler and outdoors lover. Hop on the zip-off pants trend once and for all with the REI Co-op Sahara Guide Convertible Pants, and make sure to keep scrolling so you can check out other popular two-in-one travel pants from across the web.