REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5" Shorts - Women's
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Strong and stretchy, cool and comfortable, the women's REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5 in. shorts always feel right—whether you're tracking daily steps or logging miles on your morning run.
Shop newer version- Made with recycled polyester/spandex fabric that's wicking, quick-drying, breathable and cool
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Built-in brief liner made of recycled polyester wicks moisture and has 4-way stretch for added comfort
- Elasticized waistband ensures all-day comfort; internal drawcord lets you fine-tune the fit
- Laser-cut perforations on sides for extra ventilation
- Secure zip pocket holds your card, key and chapstick
- Sewn with flat seams for smooth comfort for miles
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Active Pursuits Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Running ShortsBest Use | Fitness Running |
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Fabric | 86% recycled polyester/14% spandex (bluesign approved) |
Lining Fabric | Recycled polyester (bluesign approved) |
Inner Liner | Yes |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Pants Rise | Mid |
Inseam (in.) | 4.5 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | Unavailable |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | 26W | |
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Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18 | 20-22 | 24-26 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
Bust | 31 | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41-42.5 | 43-45 | 47-49 | 51-53 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 |
Waist | 24.5 | 25.5-26.5 | 27.5-28.5 | 29.5-30.5 | 32-33.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 37.5-39.5 | 40.5-42.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
Hip | 34 | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 41.5-43 | 44-46 | 47-49 | 50-52 | 54-56 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements. Some women's pants are available in petite and tall sizes. Typically petite sizes fit women 4'11" to 5'3". Regular sizes fit women 5'4" to 5'8". Tall sizes fit women 5'9" to 5'11".
PETITE: Generally, as compared to regular sizes, petite sizes are 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 1 inch shorter in body length, 1.25 inches shorter in sleeve length and ¾ inch shorter in total rise.
TALL: tall sizes are 3 inches longer in inseam, 2 inches longer in body length, 2.5 inches longer in sleeve length and 1.25 inches longer in total rise.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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Great for girls with big thighs/hips!
As a girl who can never find shorts to fit her body (smaller waist, much larger inner thighs/hips/saddlebags), these are IT. The only shorts that don’t really move when I walk around. My thighs rub together with each step and these minimally ride up and can be fixed easily if they do. I truly truly recommend these to anyone. I wear them all the time and have five pairs!
Excellent go-to shorts
I bought these on sale, on a whim, not expecting too much except maybe a nice pair of lounge shorts to wear post-workout. Joke's on me, because I love them! Super comfortable, soft material, good waistband. I've worn them on walks, runs, and for recovery. I'm not positive why people expect to put their big ol phone in the pocket -- they're clearly pictured holding a running gel, and in another photo, a key. That's about all you can get in there! If your phone did fit, can't imagine it'd be comfortable flopping around in these shorts. They don't have the structure to support that kind of weight. Anyway, love em, going to buy more. Get yourself a pair.
Fantastic!
Fantastic shorts. I purchased for hiking and they’re so comfortable and flattering. I’m usually between an xs and small in bottoms and ended up with the small in these- they’re still flattering but a little looser for comfort in the legs and booty. So I’d say they run pretty tts. I’m on the fence about the liner/underwear. For camping and backpacking it’s kind of annoying, but they’re not uncomfortable with another pair of undies layered underneath. Also, the pocket is for a key. I don’t know who would want to fit a phone in these shorts- they are so lightweight the weight of a phone would pull them off your body. No need for a larger pocket IMO
The running shorts I didn’t know I needed :)
These shorts are the bomb! I love the length (no thigh chafing!) and I’ve stayed nice and dry during long runs on even the hottest, most humid days this summer. The little zipper pocket is perfect for securely stashing a credit card and a house key. I usually have a love/hate relationship with built in underwear but these are perfect- stretchy and soo comfy :) I reach for these whenever they’re clean and will be buying another pair soon! For reference, I’m 5’2” ~110 lbs and bought an XS. They’re a little large on me but I like the feel of the relaxed fit.
Great multi-use shorts
These shorts are almost perfect! Overall, I really like them and will likely buy more. The feel of the fabric and the length are both really nice. They’re great for hiking, running, etc., and I really like that they don’t ride up. The one thing I hope they fix is the liner. It sits on the middle of the booty cheek instead of going all the way around (the way the REI Swiftland shorts liner is). This causes the liner to sometimes ride up, and it’s visible and looks like a panty line, which is what I’d want to avoid with a liner.
Survived the AT and STILL thriving
Wore two pairs of these during my thru-hike of the AT (had to swap midway due to weight loss). These shorts were PERFECT. Dry quickly, no thigh/butt chafing, keep you warm, have just enough storage space for quick needs. I also practically butt-scooted my entire way across New Hampshire and Maine on sheer granite faces and they are still useable - no snags or tears. Buy these shorts. They're workhorses and incredible.
My thighs don't gobble these up.
These shorts are great for those who struggle with fabric riding up your inner thigh. I don't need to constantly pull these out of the between the legs area during a run! I've worn these on two or three 90+ degree (Fahrenheit) runs and had no issues with them being too warm. I didn't give a full 5 stars because there is only one zippered pocket that really only fits my keys and maybe a gel - if this had one or two drop in pockets in the waistband I'd have given them 5 stars. Since there aren't as many pockets I have to plan to bring something else to carry nutrition during my run. For reference, I'm 5ft, 1in and 124 pounds and bought the size Small. The Small felt a little too loose when I tried them on, but I have had no issues with them falling down during a run, they fit perfectly.
The most comfortable shorts I’ve ever owned
I must admit I turned my nose up to these upon receiving them. They looked baggy and unflattering. I usually prefer more form fitting clothing. However upon putting them on they allowed me so much freedom of movement with no restriction, the material was very comfortable. Usually I hate built in underwear since it digs in but these do not at all. The most important part was that these are breathable. I have worn them around the house for a week now and will be ordering another pair. I ordered size small and couldve maybe ordered an XS but the cinch on the inside makes the pants fully adjustable. Just wish the pockets were bigger. I will definitely be wearing these hiking and camping and as lounge pants!
Why such small pockets??
The fit and feel of these shorts are wonderful, however, I’ll be returning these shorts because the pocket (yes, just one pocket) is foolishly small. Why in 2022 is women's clothing still being designed with uselessly small pockets. I have the smallest iPhone 12 and that can’t even fit.
Nearly identical to Lulu Track That 5"
Fell in love with Lululemon Track That 5" shorts, did not fall in love with the price. When I saw these shorts online I noticed immediate similarities between the two so I decided to purchase a pair. I held up both pairs to my wife and she could not distinguish between the two. Differences between the two: Rei has a drawstring/Lulu has a single pull, rei has zipper pocket on right/Lulu on the left, Rei seems to wrinkle easier/Lulu material seems a bit more substantial. To sum it up after trying on the REI pair I immediately purchases another pair of black shorts as well as the orange and blue/periwinkle color. I hope REI extends the color and pattern selection on these shorts. All I have to say is get these shorts while you can because they wont last long once word gets out about them being a nearly identical dupe ro Lulu. *I am 5'5" 170lbs(slight PCOS midsection), I ordered a large and it fits perfectly. not too snug, not too loose around my midsection. I also wear a large in the Lulu Track That shorts