REI Co-op Trailmade Review

The REI Co-op Trailmade is a simple pair of shorts with few frills. It excels at being comfortable, wet or dry, making it a great option for water. We also think its minimal design will appeal to ounce-counters looking to save on weight.

Comfort and Mobility

Soft fabrics were the strongest components of our score for this metric. The shorter inseam on the Trailmade also allows them to breathe well, but they have a slimmer fit and tend to ride up the legs and hips when squatting, sitting, or lunging.

We logged summer and winter hikes in these shorts, and overall, we enjoyed their fit and feel and liked the placement of their pockets. Although the stretch-nylon fabric of the Trailmade shares roughly the same makeup of other shorts in our lineup (94% nylon, 6% spandex), strangely, they don't seem to flex as well as we'd expect. The fabric has a soft cotton texture, so it rides comfortably against the skin (even when completely soaked); however, when bending, high-stepping, or squatting, the lack of stretch can feel constricting.

On the contrary, the waistband on these shorts does have a lot of give — something we really liked. They can be worn with a belt, but our favorite way of cinching up this pair was with the built-in bungee drawstring.

Fabric Performance

The one thing we loved about these shorts was their ability to breathe and stay cool, earning them solid marks for this metric. They excel in heat, humidity, and every other temp or climate. They also dry super fast, which is perfect for being in and out of water.

The Trailmade excels at drying, especially in hot, dry climates, making them a perfect choice for everything from wading through a slot canyon or river to taking a much-needed bath in an alpine lake. During our at-home tests, we soaked the bottom half of these shorts in water until they reached total saturation and then hung them in front of a hair dryer (air setting only, no heat) to record their drying time. The Trailmade boasted one of the top drying times among the group (16.5 min). Another thing we liked about the Trailmade shorts was their pockets. For being relatively small, these shorts really maximize their overall real estate (five total pockets, including a thigh zip).

The Trailmade shorts not only dry quickly, but they also fight off moisture very well. The fabric, combined with its nonfluorinated DWR water repellent, is a formidable defense against rain. It also did a great job of keeping water at bay during river crossings, allowing our shorts to emerge less drenched and ready to dry even more quickly than other models we tested. In fact, during our at-home dunk tests, the Trailmade required a longer time than most to become completely saturated (4 min 31 sec).

Versatility and Style

We probably wouldn't wear them to the local cafe or outdoor concert, and they don't fit the bill for every outdoor activity, so we decided to go light on our scores for this metric. These shorts are pretty basic, but they do excel in the lane they're in.

After hiking in these over several months, we feel their niche is quick-drying while on the go. We drenched the Trailmade several times while swimming in lakes or crossing rivers, and we loved the freedom to hit the trail immediately, knowing our shorts would start to dry within very little time and without discomfort or chafing. However, these shorts aren't just about water use. They are also a legitimate option for day hikes, backpacking, or thru-hiking, especially if you lean more toward shorter lengths.

These shorts are simple, but they do manage to eke out a few added features. We loved using the waistband cord loop to attach keys, sunglasses, or hand sanitizer temporarily. We often took advantage of the zippered security pocket to hang onto cash, maps, or route cards. We learned not to overload the pockets, especially when going beltless. These shorts are lightweight, so heavier loads will cause them to hang low off of the waist. As for overall versatility, we think these shorts could work well for rafting, climbing, swimming, or even yoga (in a pinch).

Construction Quality

Solid double-stitching and stronger-than-expected nylon fabric earned these shorts some of their best scores in this metric. Additionally, although their design is minimal, we feel they are well-engineered.

One construction quality we look for in every pair of shorts we test is stitching. Nearly all the sewing on the Trailmade is double stitched, even the hems (many brands opt for single-stitched ones). Moreover, REI used 12 stitches per inch over the entire product. This means there are more stitch loops per inch on the Trailmade than on more cheaply sewn clothing, so the overall garment is reinforced and seams are less likely to split or tear open.

Despite being lighter, these shorts hold up just as well as heavier models. We never hesitated to push them to the max.

Should You Buy the REI Co-op Trailmade?

If you like your shorts to ride higher on the thigh and need a pair that can be worn for days and handle water, the REI Co-op Trailmade shorts are a solid choice. They dry fast, wear well, and are reasonably tough. They are a great option for day hiking, backpacking, or even thru-hiking, but they don't capture much attention for style or features.

What Other Men's Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

If you want something even more minimalistic than the Trailmade shorts, we suggest the Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts. They are very basic, have a built-in liner (so no need for underwear), and are tough enough to handle weeks or months on the trail. The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo shorts are another quick-drying option that would be great for hot weather. If short-shorts aren't your thing, you should stick with our Editor's Choice, the Patagonia Quandary Short.