REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Comfortable
Breathable
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Short inseam
REI Co-op Trailmade Review
Fantastic hiking pants at an affordable price
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 5, 2024
RELATED: The Best Hiking Pants of 2025
Our Verdict
The REI Co-op Trailmade performs well across the board, making it one of the best hiking pants for users on a budget. They are well-tailored and comfortable, thanks to their thin and breathable fabric. They also look good enough to wear in both wilderness and front-country situations. Weather resistance is minimal, but a decent DWR treatment keep water beading off the fabric for a short time after purchase. They have enough pockets to get the job done, but they aren't the most heavily featured pant. Overall, we reach for these pants time and time again for their versatility and breathable comfort, and we recommend them for their affordability.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We tried to find a weak point in these pants, but they are rock solid across the board. Thin, breathable, and comfortable, these pants are a joy to wear. They don't have the bells and whistles other pants provide, but they are good enough for most outdoor uses.
The REI Trailmade pants are perfect for late summer hikes when it's cool enough for pants, but not too cold.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Comfort and Mobility
The REI Co-op Trailmade is tailored with an athletic cut that isn't too slim nor too loose. The crotch and seat allow plenty of leg motion, and they don't restrict the user when making dynamic movements. The fabric is 96% nylon and 4% spandex, and we don't notice any stretch in the material, but it is thin enough that we never felt it restrict our mobility. We took these pants hiking, running, mountain biking, and rock climbing, and never felt like these pants were holding us back.
Our major gripe with the fit is that the sizing feels off. Compared to other major manufacturers, REI seems to have a shorter inseam, and the pants were too short out of the box for our lead tester. The waist also felt a bit snug compared to the same size in other brands. We recommend sizing up by two inches in the inseam and one inch in the waist from your normal size with other brands.
The REI Trailmade has an athletic fit that isn't too snug, nor too baggy. It's a great fit for most activities.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Venting and Breathability
The Trailmade doesn't have vents, but the main fabric is thin enough that air passes through with relative ease. In chilly winds, we found this to be a problem, but in warm weather, we loved how well these pants breathed. The pockets are made of mesh, which adds a small amount of venting. These pants are built to withstand the heat and are perfect for use in hot weather.
Other pants include features to help roll up the lower legs, turning them into quasi-shorts for summertime adventures. There are no cinch cords or cuff buttons on the Trailmade, so they can't be rolled up and turned into shorts. While this omission is notable for users who spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer, it also helps keep the price down.
Mesh pockets help add some venting to the already breathable main fabric.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Weather Resistance
Thanks to a good factory DWR treatment, the REI Trailmade Co-op resists water absorption fairly well out of the box. In light rain, we noticed that the material didn't absorb water unless we rubbed it into the fabric. Heavy rain and soaking water will get through, and the pants aren't waterproof, but they are weather-resistant enough to help keep you dry in light rain and while walking through dew-covered vegetation.
These pants aren't waterproof, and they don't claim to be. The DWR treatment wears off after a handful of cycles through the laundry, and after a month of use, we didn't see much water resistance remaining. However, this is normal for nylon hiking pants, and we always carry rain pants when the weather is threatening in the backcountry.
We went for a bike ride in light rain, and noticed that the REI Trailmade fabric beads water nicely, at least for a while after purchase.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Features
These pants are light on features, but we don't think they are missing anything crucial. They have two ergonomically placed front-hand pockets and a thigh pocket on the right leg that closes with a robust zipper. There are two open rear pockets as well.
The waist closes with a normal fly and button closure, and there is an internal drawstring to help get a snug fit when you don't want to wear a belt through the belt loops. Noticeably absent is any kind of lower leg cuff cinch cords or buttons, so you can't roll up or tighten the ankles. The thigh pocket zipper pull is high-profile compared to other options on the market.
There is a front pocket and rear pocket on each side of the REI Trailmade pants, as well as a zippered thigh pocket on the right leg.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Versatility
The Trailmade stands out for its versatility. With a light, flexible material and athletic cut, these pants can handle any aerobic activity, as long as the temperatures are on the warmer side. We took them day hiking, overnight backpacking, running, mountain biking, and multi-pitch rock climbing, and they performed admirably in all cases. We even took them on a rafting trip down the Grand Canyon as our only pair of pants, and we never wished we had a different pair.
These pants lack the refinement to be considered a specialty piece, but considering their low price, they offer a remarkable value. We reach for these pants for our outdoor pursuits most days of the spring and fall, and even during the summer when we don't want to wear shorts. Other pants perform certain activities better, but these pants are a versatile workhorse at a great price.
The REI Trailmade pants are perfect for mountain biking in cooler weather, among their many uses.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Should You Buy the REI Co-op Trailmade?
We think these pants represent a fantastic value. They are less expensive than most other hiking pants on the market and perform nearly as well as the best pants for a fraction of the price. If you have an unlimited budget, there are better options out there, but if price is important to you, these pants are a solid investment. We reach for these pants whenever packing light for long trips, which is a great indicator of their value.
We like the REI Trailmade, especially considering the low price tag.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are remarkably similar to the REI Co-Op Trailmade, but they are a bit more refined and have a stretchier material, making them our overall top choice. The Arc'teryx Gamma Pant offers even more refinement and weather resistance, but comes at a premium price. The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible offers an excellent value with zip-off lower legs, transforming into shorts.
A fall hike in the comfortable REI Trailmade.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Co-op Trailmade versus top competing products:
—Jeff Dobronyi
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