You’re standing in the middle of a massive REI flagship store. It’s loud, smells like cedar and expensive rubber, and you’re staring at a wall of pants. Specifically, you’re looking at the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants. They’re cheaper than the Saharas. They look simpler than the high-tech softshells from Arc'teryx. And honestly, they kind of look like something you’d wear to a casual Friday at the office if your boss didn't care about "professionalism."
But are they actually good? Or are they just "budget gear" that’ll rip the first time you sit on a granite slab?
I’ve spent a lot of time looking into these, and the reality is more nuanced than the "best budget pick" labels usually suggest. People often mistake "simple" for "weak." That's a mistake. The Trailmade line was actually born from a massive collaboration between REI and several outdoor affinity groups like Unlikely Hikers and Latino Outdoors. The goal wasn't just to make something cheap; it was to make something that fits bodies that the outdoor industry usually ignores.
The "Budget" Myth and the Real Specs
Let’s talk about the fabric first. It’s a blend of 94% nylon and 6% spandex (sometimes 96/4 depending on the specific production run). On paper, that sounds standard. In reality, it’s noticeably thinner than the classic REI Sahara.
Thin is a double-edged sword.
If you’re trekking through the Wind River Range in July, thin is your best friend. These things breathe. They dry so fast it's almost weird. One reviewer noted they dried out almost instantly after a creek crossing even without direct sun. That's a huge win. But—and there's always a but—this isn't the fabric you want for bushwhacking through Alaskan alder. One stray branch can, and sometimes will, snag.
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What's actually in the box?
- Weight: Around 8.1 oz for women’s and 9.8 oz for men’s.
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+ (which is basically armor against UV).
- Storage: You get two front hand pockets, two back drop-ins, and one secure zip pocket on the thigh.
- The Waistband: This is the "love it or hate it" part. It has an internal drawcord and a back elastic section.
Honestly, the internal drawcord is a lifesaver if you’re between sizes or lose a little "trail weight" on a long trip. You don't even need a belt. But if you do want a belt, be warned: the loops are small. If you have one of those thick, 1.5-inch tactical belts, it’s going to be a struggle to thread it through.
The Sizing Quirk Everyone Complains About
If you buy your normal size in the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants without trying them on, you might be annoyed.
The consensus among gear testers at places like Outdoor Gear Lab and Switchback Travel is that these run short and a bit snug in the waist. Most people recommend sizing up. If you usually wear a 32-inch inseam, you might actually need the 34. If your waist is a 33, go for the 34.
Why the weird fit? It’s an "athletic" cut. It’s tapered. It doesn't have that 1990s baggy cargo pant look. This is great for climbing or biking because you don't have a bunch of extra fabric flapping around your ankles, but if you have muscular thighs, it can feel a bit like you’re wearing leggings made of nylon.
Trail to Town: The Aesthetic Gap
Most hiking pants scream "I AM GOING HIKING." They have zippers everywhere, weird contrast stitching, and enough pockets to hide a small raccoon.
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The Trailmade pants are different.
They’re sleek. Because the thigh pocket is low-profile and the fabric has a matte finish, you can genuinely wear these to a brewery or a casual dinner without looking like you just crawled out of a tent. It's a "lifestyle" win. REI designer Amy Marks mentioned that the collection was meant to feel intuitive and "self-expressive." They come in colors like Birch Brown and various teals that actually look good, not just "utilitarian grey."
Where They Fail (and Why It Matters)
Let’s be real for a second. These are $70 pants (often less on sale). They are not "bombproof."
- Wind Resistance: Basically non-existent. If a cold gust hits you on a ridgeline, you’re going to feel it. The fabric is too porous to block high winds.
- The "Pajama" Factor: Some people find the elastic back waistband looks a bit "frumpy" if they aren't wearing a pack or a long shirt.
- No Ankle Cinches: Unlike more technical pants, you can’t easily cuff these up and lock them in place. If it gets hot, you're just rolling them up and hoping they stay.
Who Are These Actually For?
If you’re a thru-hiker looking for one pair of pants to last 2,000 miles of the PCT, maybe skip these and go for the Fjallraven Vidda Pro or the Sahara. The durability just isn't quite there for sustained, high-abrasion abuse.
However, if you are:
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- A weekend warrior doing 5-10 mile day hikes.
- A climber who wants a tapered leg that won't get caught in a cam.
- Someone who finds traditional hiking pants too "manly" or "boxy."
- A traveler who needs one pair of pants that can do a city tour and a volcano hike.
Then these are probably the best value on the market. They don't try to be "technical marvels." They try to be comfortable, inclusive, and affordable.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
If you’re sold on the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants, don't just click "buy" on your usual size.
First, grab a measuring tape. Measure your actual waist and your favorite pair of pants' inseam. If you’re at a 32-inch inseam normally, seriously consider the "Long" version.
Second, check the REI Outlet or wait for one of their seasonal sales. These pants are frequently discounted to the $45–$55 range, and at that price, they are an absolute steal.
Third, when you wash them, skip the fabric softener. Softener kills the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating and ruins the breathability of the nylon. Wash them cold, tumble dry low, and they’ll keep beading light rain for at least a few months of heavy use.
Ultimately, the Trailmade line is about lowering the barrier to entry. You don't need $200 trousers to enjoy the woods. You just need something that doesn't chafe, dries fast, and fits your body. These do exactly that.