REI Co-op Microtrek Hoodie Review

Name: REI Co-op Microtrek Hoodie
Brand: REI Co-op

A no-frills jacket for REI fans wanting a midweight insulation layer

Credit: Kory Markel

Price: $179 List

Manufacturer: REI Co-op

By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 4, 2026

OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#11 of 14

Warmth - 25% 6.8
Comfort - 25% 7.0
Weather Resistance - 20% 6.8
Breathability - 15% 7.0
Everyday Versatility - 15% 7.5

List Price: $179

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Our Verdict

The REI Co-op Microtrek Hoodie is a fairly durable jacket that further affirms REI's reputation as a cost-effective gear maker. While many of our testers concluded the Microtrek is an average jacket, it'll work well for a wide variety of hikers, backpackers, or shoppers just wanting a layer for winter in town. The Microtrek is heavy relative to its level of insulation, coming in at nearly a pound, but similar jackets are sometimes double the price. If you want to climb or backpack with the Microtrek, it stuffs into its own pocket and can be clipped to a harness or hip belt. Yes, this may ultimately be an average layer, but it's more affordable than much of its fancy competition.

REASONS TO BUY

Drawstrings can be used with gloves

Useful external chest pocket

Stows into pocket

REASONS TO AVOID

Average breathability and warmth

Relatively heavy for its insulation

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)

	This Product REI Co-op Microtrek Hoodie	Cotopaxi Pacaya 2.0 Hooded	REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie	Rab Cirrus Flex Hooded	Amazon Essentials Lightweight Puffer Hooded
Awards		Best for Breathable Comfort	Warmest Jacket on a Budget
Price	$179 List Check REI (on sale!)	$245 List Check Price at REI	$119 List Check Price at REI	$200 List Check Price at Backcountry	$53 List Check Price at Amazon
Overall Score	70	77	75	75	53
Star Rating	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5
Bottom Line	A simple jacket best for REI fans seeking a midweight insulating layer	Put this on your finals list if you need a lightweight layer and put breathability over warmth	Cold weather layers like this prove you don’t have to drain your bank account to stay warm next winter	A solid choice if you want a classic down jacket that’ll keep its loft when wet	An uninspiring insulated jacket at a great low price
Rating Categories	REI Co-op Microtrek...	Cotopaxi Pacaya 2.0...	REI Co-op Trailmade...	Rab Cirrus Flex Hooded	Amazon Essentials Li...
Warmth (25%)	6.8	6.7	8.1	7.6	5.0
Comfort (25%)	7.0	9.1	8.5	8.5	5.0
Weather Resistance (20%)	6.8	6.0	7.0	7.0	5.5
Breathability (15%)	7.0	8.7	5.8	7.0	5.0
Everyday Versatility (15%)	7.5	8.2	7.0	6.8	6.2
Specifications	REI Co-op Microtrek...	Cotopaxi Pacaya 2.0...	REI Co-op Trailmade...	Rab Cirrus Flex Hooded	Amazon Essentials Li...
Best Use	Casual/everyday, hiking, backpacking	Casual/everyday, hiking, backpacking, high-output aerobic	Casual/everyday, hiking	Hiking, backpacking, high-output aerobic	Casual/everyday
Built-In Stow Pocket	Yes: hand	Yes: chest	No	Yes: drop-in	No; included stuff sack
Insulation	60g PrimaLoft 100% recycled polyester	Imbotex Millefiori 40% recycled wool, 60% recycled low-melting polyester	100g polyester (98% recycled)	100% recycled PrimaLoft Silver RISE	100% polyester
Outer Fabric	100% recycled ripstop polyester with PFAS-free DWR	100% recycled nylon with C0 DWR 70/20 finish	100% polyester with PFAS-free DWR	20D Recycled Pertex Quantum with PFAS-free DWR	100% nylon
Measured Weight (size S/M)	15.7 oz	11.6 oz	19.3 oz	15.7 oz	14.85 oz
Lining	Polyester	100% recycled nylon	100% polyester	20D Recycled Pertex Quantum with PFAS-free DWR	100% polyester
Number of Pockets	2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 2 internal drop-in	2 zippered hand, 1 internal zippered chest	2 zippered hand, 2 internal drop in	2 zippered hand, 1 internal drop-in, 1 internal zippered chest	2 zippered hand 2 internal drop in
Fit	Regular	Regular	Baggier fit	Regular, slightly baggier	Regular
Hem Type	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	elastic
Cuff Construction	Elastic	Elastic	Elastic	Elastic	Elastic

Our Analysis and Test Results

rei co-op microtrek hoodie - the microtrek can be used for a wide variety of outdoor recreation... — The Microtrek can be used for a wide variety of outdoor recreation, though it isn't the lightest nor warmest layer. Credit: Dr. Kory Markel

Likes

We're not gonna lie, the price point is probably our favorite part about this jacket. It's more affordable than most midweight layer alternatives, but there are a few other perks. Its stowable design was handy when we wanted quickdraw access, and when we wore it on a climb, we found that the exterior fabric was relatively abrasion-resistant.

While there may not be any stretch with the REI Co-op Microtrek Hoodie, it's loose enough that it's decently easy to fit over or under other jackets. Its range of motion also kept our crew happy across the gamut of adventure sports.

rei co-op microtrek hoodie - the microtrek is baggy enough to fit layers underneath, but can also... — The Microtrek is baggy enough to fit layers underneath, but can also accommodate bigger jackets over it without too much bunching. Credit: Kory Markel

Dislikes

Our biggest qualm with the Microtrek was its weight-to-warmth ratio. For a layer that doesn't have a ton of insulation, it still comes in at nearly a pound.

This layer also doesn't have a drawstring at the hood. While there were a few others we tested with the same lack of adjustability, the Microtrek has a looser fit, making its bagginess more problematic in high winds or on cold days. The breeze creeps right in.

rei co-op microtrek hoodie - without a drawstring, the loose-fitting hood could easily get blown... — Without a drawstring, the loose-fitting hood could easily get blown off in a stiff breeze. Credit: Kory Markel

Should You Buy the REI Co-Op Microtrek Hoodie?

We wouldn't really recommend this jacket. It's very average, and while we appreciate the lowere price, it's still not enough for us to want to buy it. There are more affordable jackets that are warmer and more comfortable to wear. It's fairly durable, and could be good for anyone who is extra hard on their gear. Still while it won't let you down, it won't necessarily propel you on either.

rei co-op microtrek hoodie - this is a more average jacket, with some semi-standard features like... — This is a more average jacket, with some semi-standard features like an external chest pocket being one of our favorite aspects. Credit: Kory Markel

What Other Insulated Jackets Should You Consider?

If you want a true budget jacket, REI nailed the design and price point of the REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie. It is heavier, but it's warmer and over 30% less expensive than the Microtrek. For just a bit more money, you can upgrade to the Rab Cirrus Flex Hooded for a comfier and more insulated layer, though it isn't quite as packable.

—Zach Lovell