REASONS TO BUY
Very affordable
Feels soft against skin
Versatile aesthetic
Quality for a budget layer
REASONS TO AVOID
Not great for shedding heat
Hard to layer a jacket overtop
REI Co-op Trailmade Review
A fleece jacket that’s affordable and comfy to wear for casual adventures
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Fleece Jackets for Men
Our Verdict
The REI Co-op Trailmade is a fantastic choice for those seeking a casual fleece jacket for some warmth around the house, for town walks, or outdoors days that aren't too sweaty. This layer is made for all-day comfort, with a soft and inviting polyester construction, and Lycra spandex at the hem and cuffs. The relaxed cut made it easy to fit layers underneath, though we needed our overlayers to be a bit larger to accommodate the extra fabric. The biggest setback with this fleece is breathability - for higher heart rate hikes and warmer days, this isn't a particularly breathable fleece. Overall, this is a great option that offers warmth, comfort, and layerability for a good price.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We logged two seasons with the REI Co-op Trailmade and wore it in a wide variety of settings, from lapping resort ski runs to enjoying a cool evening on the back deck. This is a great fleece for budget shoppers and those simply wanting a casual-use layer that won't break the bank.
From dog walks to casual backpacking trips, the Trailmade provides great value. Credit: Zach Lovell
Warmth
We found the REI Co-op Trailmade to offer more warmth than some fleeces that cost double the price. As a midweight layer scored above average in warmth in our lineup and is a nice companion for chillier temperatures.
REI made the Trailmade with a thicker polyester build that kept us cozy for spring and fall days, though it doesn't have a hood. The spandex cuffs helped reduce heat loss at the wrists, but the looser fit at the hem didn't trap heat quite as much. The Trailmade was able to fend off some of the wind, though if you're camping or hiking on a windy ridgeline, it would be good to throw a shell jacket over it.
Despite lacking a hood, this jacket offers decent warmth, especially considering its price. Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort
The REI Co-op Trailmade has a brushed finish that was comfy even if only wearing a t-shirt underneath.
The Trailmade uses a classic polyester construction that's been around for years. Polyester fleece layers are classic for a reason, and this is a key example of why: the against-skin feel is softer than many other jacket classes. The Trailmade also has a more relaxed fit, which affords great mobility and is easy to wear all day long. The excess fabric didn't cause much bunching, even when sitting down, but if you're more comfortable in a slim-fit fleece, this might be a little boxy for your taste.
We were big fans of the soft next-to-skin feel of the Trailmade. Credit: Zach Lovell
We were also impressed with the coverage of the REI Co-op Trailmade, even with hands overhead. Whether moving boxes around in the garage or hanging up a bear bag for summer backpacking, this jacket is a fleece that will move however you need it and shouldn't leave too much skin exposed.
While there is some lift at the hem, the coverage of the Trailmade is decent. Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability
As a thicker fleece with an older design, we weren't surprised by the relatively sweaty performance of the REI Co-op Trailmade. This layer is best for cooler temperatures and/or lower output excursions.
The REI Co-op Trailmade is a midweight fleece that favors warmth over breathability. The polyester doesn't have anywhere for body heat to easily escape besides airflow from the cuffs, zipper, and hem. We had to slow our hiking down if trying to avoid sweating, though the Trailmade did much better here on cooler days. We wore this layer for backcountry skiing in the depths of winter and didn't have nearly as much of an issue getting wet from the inside out.
On milder temperature ski days, we didn't get too sweaty in the Trailmade, but we'd suggest a more sport-focused fleece if breathability is a priority. Credit: Zach Lovell
Layering Ability
Overall, we found the REI Co-op Trailmade to be fairly friendly to layer, but if you want a fleece jacket that can accept clothing over or underneath it, we'd steer you elsewhere.
The REI Co-op Trailmade has a relaxed cut, and fitting layers underneath was no problem. However, when trying to layer jackets over the Trailmade, there was a bit more bunching at the stomach and around the armpit to waist areas if the overlayer had a tighter cut. Ultimately, we were happy with the Trailmade in a variety of layering systems, but we'd suggest pairing this fleece with looser-fitting clothes if needing to add a big puffy or hardshell jacket over it.
The Trailmade fit layers underneath it quite well, but you'll want a bit baggier fit if putting jackets over it. Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
The latest version of the Trailmade weighs slightly more than previous iterations, coming in at 13 ounces.
REI didn't skimp on durability with the midweight Trailmade, and we appreciated the robust zippers, which held up flawlessly throughout testing. When carrying this in our pack, it wasn't the easiest to squeeze into tight spaces, but it's less bulky than some of the heavier-weight competition.
Overall, the REI Trailmade is a relatively lightweight fleece, though it isn't as packable as some of its competition. Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the REI Co-Op Trailmade?
This jacket excels in outdoor and urban settings where ventilation and breathability aren't as necessary. There are more technical fleece jackets out there that'll shed your body heat more easily, but they likely will cost you more and might not be as warm. The REI Co-op Trailmade is designed to be a standalone midweight layer, and it excels at that task. It's a great casual-use fleece, and can also work well in colder temperatures for backpacking, skiing, or even climbing.
What Other Fleece Jackets Should You Consider?
If you're looking for a lighter-weight fleece but still need to keep costs down, consider the Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover, which is impressively low-weight and offers better breathability than the Trailmade. If you're thinking about investing in a higher-performance layer, the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody is one of our favorites for versatility as a stylish yet highly functional fleece.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Co-op Trailmade versus top competing products:
| Awards |  Best Fleece for Everyday Wear |
|---|---|
| Price | $70 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A fleece jacket that’s affordable and comfy to wear for casual adventures |
| Pros | Very affordable, feels soft against skin, versatile aesthetic, quality for a budget layer |
| Cons | Not great for shedding heat, hard to layer a jacket overtop |
| Rating Categories | REI Co-op Trailmade |
| Warmth (30%) | |
| Comfort (25%) | |
| Breathability (20%) | |
| Layering Ability (15%) | |
| Weight (10%) | |
| Specifications | REI Co-op Trailmade |
| Type | Midweight |
| Main Material | Body: 100% nylon Accents: LYCRA spandex |
| Number of Pockets | 4 |
| Features | Spandex binding along hem, cuff, and collar; double-layer collar |
| Measured Weight | 13.0 oz (Size M) |
| Hood Option | No |
—Zach Lovell
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