REI Co-op Trailmade Review

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.

Performance Comparison

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.