Introduction

Brief Overview

The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants are designed specifically for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who seek both functionality and comfort on the trails. These hiking pants promise to deliver a versatile and durable option for various outdoor activities, ranging from day hikes to multi-day treks. Built with REI Co-op’s commitment to quality and sustainability, the Trailmade Pants aim to be a reliable companion for any adventurer looking to explore the great outdoors.

Initial Impressions and Context of Testing

Upon receiving the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants, the first thing that stands out is their sleek, minimalist design coupled with a rugged feel. The pants are lightweight, yet they exude a sense of durability that suggests they can withstand the rigors of challenging terrains. The material feels soft to the touch, hinting at a comfortable wear experience.

For the purpose of this review, I tested the Trailmade Pants on a variety of trails in different weather conditions. From the humid forests of the Pacific Northwest to the arid deserts of the Southwest, these pants faced it all. This range of environments provided a comprehensive understanding of the pants’ performance in different settings. My initial impression is one of cautious optimism, as the pants seem to balance technical features with comfort, a combination that is essential for any serious hiker.

Overall, the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants set a promising stage with their thoughtful design and material choice, suggesting they could be a strong contender in the market for outdoor gear.

Technical Specifications

Key Features and Technology

• Durable Fabric: The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants are constructed with a blend of nylon and spandex, offering durability and stretch for unrestricted movement on the trail. This fabric combination ensures resilience against abrasions and tears, making the pants suitable for rugged terrain.
• DWR Finish: The pants are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, providing water resistance to keep you dry during light rain showers or dewy mornings on the trail. This feature enhances versatility, allowing you to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions.
• Articulated Knees: Designed with articulated knees, the Trailmade Pants offer increased mobility and freedom of movement. This ergonomic design feature allows for natural bending and flexing of the knees, ensuring comfort during dynamic activities such as hiking and climbing.
• Integrated Belt: Equipped with an integrated belt, these pants offer customizable fit and security. The belt allows for easy adjustment, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit without the need for additional accessories.

Design and Materials

• Gusseted Crotch: The Trailmade Pants feature a gusseted crotch design, enhancing durability and comfort during high-intensity activities. This feature minimizes stress points and prevents seam abrasion, allowing for unrestricted movement and comfort.
• Zippered Pockets: With multiple zippered pockets, including a secure thigh pocket and back pockets, these pants provide ample storage for essentials such as keys, phone, or snacks. The zippered closures ensure secure storage, even during vigorous movement.
• UPF Protection: Constructed with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric, the Trailmade Pants offer added sun protection during prolonged outdoor exposure. This feature shields your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
• Reinforced Hem: The hem of the Trailmade Pants is reinforced for added durability, minimizing wear and tear in high-friction areas. This ensures longevity and extends the lifespan of the pants, making them a reliable investment for frequent outdoor enthusiasts.

Performance-enhancing Technologies

• Moisture-wicking Properties: The fabric of the Trailmade Pants incorporates moisture-wicking properties, efficiently pulling sweat away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable during active pursuits. This feature helps regulate body temperature and prevents moisture buildup, enhancing overall comfort.
• Quick-drying Fabric: Designed with quick-drying fabric, these pants facilitate rapid moisture evaporation, allowing for faster drying times after exposure to water or sweat. This feature is particularly beneficial for multi-day hikes or adventures where quick turnaround times are essential.
• Stretch Fabric: The inclusion of spandex in the fabric composition provides stretch and flexibility, allowing for unrestricted movement and comfort during dynamic activities. This stretchability enhances agility and performance on the trail, accommodating a wide range of motions without restriction.
• Breathable Construction: The Trailmade Pants feature a breathable construction that promotes airflow and ventilation, preventing overheating during strenuous activities. This breathability enhances comfort, allowing you to stay cool and comfortable in warm weather conditions.

Conclusion

The technical specifications of the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants highlight their innovative design and performance-enhancing features, making them a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking comfort, durability, and versatility on the trails. With a focus on functionality and practicality, these pants are well-suited for a wide range of outdoor activities, from day hikes to extended backpacking trips.

Performance Evaluation

Fabric Performance

• Breathability: The nylon-spandex blend fabric of the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants exhibits excellent breathability, allowing for efficient moisture management during strenuous activities. Even on warm days or during intense hikes, the fabric effectively wicks away sweat, keeping you cool and comfortable.
• Durability: The durable construction of the pants withstands abrasions and encounters with rough terrain without showing signs of wear. Throughout testing, the fabric maintains its integrity, proving resilient against snags and tears commonly encountered on the trail.

Weather Resistance

• Water Resistance: The DWR finish on the Trailmade Pants provides reliable water resistance, shedding light rain and moisture to keep you dry. While not fully waterproof, the pants offer sufficient protection against drizzles and splashes, ensuring comfort in damp conditions.

Practical Features

• Pockets: The Trailmade Pants feature strategically placed pockets that enhance convenience on the trail. The zippered thigh pocket offers secure storage for essentials such as a trail map or small gear items, while the back pockets provide additional storage options for items like a wallet or keys.
• Articulated Knees: The articulated knees allow for unrestricted movement and flexibility, facilitating comfortable strides and ascents on uneven terrain. This feature enhances agility and performance, minimizing restrictions during dynamic movements.
• Gusseted Crotch: The gusseted crotch design improves overall mobility and comfort, particularly during activities that require extensive leg movement. It prevents constriction and chafing, ensuring a comfortable fit even during long hikes or climbs.

Overall Performance

The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants deliver commendable performance across various metrics crucial for hiking apparel. From their breathable and durable fabric to practical design features tailored for outdoor adventures, these pants excel in providing comfort, functionality, and reliability on the trail. Whether navigating rugged terrain or braving changing weather conditions, the Trailmade Pants prove to be a versatile and dependable choice for hikers seeking performance-driven apparel.

Fit and Comfort

Sizing and Fit

The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants are available in a range of sizes, catering to diverse body types and preferences. During testing, the sizing proved to be true to size, with a comfortable fit that accommodates various body shapes without feeling restrictive. The pants offer options for regular and petite sizes, ensuring a tailored fit for individuals of different heights and proportions.

Comfort During Various Activities

The Trailmade Pants prioritize comfort without compromising on performance, making them suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities. The lightweight and breathable fabric ensures comfort during extended wear, allowing for unrestricted movement and ventilation during strenuous hikes or climbs. Even during prolonged periods of activity, the pants remain comfortable against the skin, thanks to their soft and smooth texture.

Waistband and Adjustability

The waistband of the Trailmade Pants features an integrated belt, offering customizable fit and security. This allows for easy adjustments to achieve the perfect fit, ensuring the pants stay in place during dynamic movements on the trail. The waistband sits comfortably against the body without digging in or causing discomfort, enhancing overall wearability.

Freedom of Movement

Designed with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, the Trailmade Pants provide ample room for movement, allowing for natural bending and flexing without restriction. This ergonomic design feature ensures freedom of movement during activities such as hiking, climbing, or scrambling over rocks and obstacles. Whether navigating steep inclines or traversing rugged terrain, the pants move with you, providing comfort and confidence with every step.

Moisture Management

In addition to comfort, the Trailmade Pants excel in moisture management, keeping you dry and comfortable even during intense physical activity. The fabric’s moisture-wicking properties efficiently pull sweat away from the skin, preventing moisture buildup and discomfort. This ensures that you stay cool and dry, whether you’re trekking under the hot sun or facing unexpected rain showers on the trail.

Conclusion

The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants combine a comfortable fit with performance-driven features, offering an exceptional level of comfort and functionality for outdoor enthusiasts. With thoughtful design elements and attention to detail, these pants prioritize wearer comfort without compromising on durability or performance, making them an ideal choice for extended adventures in the great outdoors.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Durable Construction: The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants are built to last, with a rugged nylon-spandex blend fabric that withstands abrasions and tears, ensuring longevity and durability on the trail.
• Comfortable Fit: With a true-to-size fit and thoughtful design features such as articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, these pants offer exceptional comfort and freedom of movement during outdoor activities.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for a variety of outdoor adventures, from day hikes to multi-day treks, the Trailmade Pants adapt to different environments and weather conditions with ease.
• Practical Features: The pants boast practical design elements such as zippered pockets for secure storage, an integrated belt for customizable fit, and a DWR finish for water resistance, enhancing convenience and functionality on the trail.
• Moisture Management: Featuring moisture-wicking properties, the fabric efficiently pulls sweat away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable during intense physical activity.

Drawbacks

• Limited Color Options: While the Trailmade Pants offer versatile performance, the available color options are somewhat limited, with predominantly earthy tones that may not suit every individual’s style preferences.
• Price Point: While the quality and performance justify the price, some may find the Trailmade Pants relatively expensive compared to other hiking pants on the market. However, the investment in quality outdoor gear is often worthwhile for avid outdoor enthusiasts.
• Water Resistance: While the DWR finish provides adequate water resistance for light rain and moisture, the pants may not be fully waterproof, limiting their suitability for prolonged exposure to heavy rain or wet conditions.
• Lack of Ventilation: Despite the breathable fabric construction, some users may find that the Trailmade Pants lack sufficient ventilation in hot and humid climates, leading to discomfort during extended wear.

Conclusion

Overall, the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants offer a compelling blend of durability, comfort, and functionality, making them a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable performance on the trails. While they may have minor drawbacks such as limited color options and price considerations, the pros outweigh the cons, positioning these pants as a versatile and dependable option for various outdoor activities.

Comparative Analysis

In comparing the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants to the Prana Stretch Zion II Pants and the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant, several key distinctions emerge. The Trailmade Pants stand out for their balance of durability, comfort, and affordability, making them a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts. While the Prana Stretch Zion II Pants offer similar durability and comfort, they are known for their stretchy fabric and streamlined design, ideal for climbers and adventurers seeking maximum mobility. On the other hand, the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant is revered for its technical features and precision fit, making it a top choice for alpine pursuits and rugged terrain.

Where the Trailmade Pants excel is in their practical design elements, such as zippered pockets and an integrated belt, offering added convenience on the trail. Additionally, their moisture-wicking properties and water-resistant finish make them suitable for a variety of weather conditions. While the Prana and Arc’teryx options may offer superior technical performance in specific environments, the Trailmade Pants provide a well-rounded and budget-friendly choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable performance in diverse settings.

Verdict

The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants emerge as a commendable choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable performance and comfort on the trails. With their durable construction, comfortable fit, and practical design features, these pants offer exceptional value for their price point. While they may not boast the technical precision of some higher-end options, the Trailmade Pants excel in versatility and affordability, making them accessible to a wide range of outdoor adventurers. Whether embarking on day hikes, multi-day treks, or rugged climbs, these pants prove to be a dependable companion, capable of withstanding the rigors of challenging terrain and changing weather conditions. Overall, the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants deliver on their promise of durability, comfort, and functionality, earning them a solid recommendation for anyone in search of reliable outdoor gear.