Backside Line
REI’s Trailmade line is designed to offer gear that will get folks outdoors with out breaking the financial institution. So the REI Trailmade Fleece (males’s / girls’s) is an easy jacket with minimal add-ons and options. The result’s that it’s priced at a fraction of its rivals. Even nonetheless, it provides first rate sturdiness, breathability, and packability for the path—all at a low weight.
Whereas this fleece is marketed as midweight heat, we discovered it to be on the lighter finish of the spectrum. Total, this can be a nice worth choose for backpackers and hikers in search of a easy fleece so as to add to their layering system.
Our gear analyst examined the consolation, match, and performance of the Trailmade by occurring native hikes in Sonoma County, CA, with and with out a daypack, strapping the fleece onto the surface of her pack, and bringing it alongside to quite a lot of terrain and outside hangs.
If you need to check the Trailmade to the opposite top-performing fleece jackets we reviewed, take a look at our full checklist of suggestions in our gear information.
How We Examined
Our gear analyst subject examined the REI Trailmade Fleece on forested hikes in Sonoma County, CA. She examined its consolation and match, each with and with out a backpack, in addition to its insulating properties whereas mountaineering on chilly mornings. Whereas traversing quite a lot of terrain, she was additionally capable of touch upon the fleece’s sturdiness, packability and options.
Fast Specs
REI Trailmade Fleece
Finest Go-To Light-weight Fleece for Layering
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Worth:
$60
Measured Weight:
10.9 oz.(Males’s M)
Execs
- Zippered hand pockets
- Relaxed match
- Layers effectively
- Packable
- Worth
Cons
- Not as heat as advirtised
- Runs massive and lengthy
- Lacks options
Heat
Though the Trailmade fleece is marketed as having an insulating midweight heat, our gear analyst discovered it to be extra of a light-weight layer.
It traps much less heat than many different fleece jackets in our lineup. Whereas this is usually a profit when it comes to higher airflow, our gear analyst felt that the heat was inadequate for prolonged breaks on the path or for colder temperatures. The Trailmade labored nice in chilly temps when in movement; nevertheless, as quickly as our gear analyst stopped mountaineering, the chilly crept in.
Since this fleece is thinner and lacks woven overlays, wind simply penetrates the fabric, stealing away some heat. As a result of this, having an outer shell in inclement climate could be essential with this fleece. So it really works effectively if it’s a part of a layering system.
Nonetheless, our gear analyst was disillusioned that the fleece jacket didn’t present the midweight heat as marketed. Nonetheless, she nonetheless finds it a precious wardrobe addition for shoulder-season adventures and winter layering.
Consolation
With its smooth recycled polyester fleece, the REI Trailmade feels cozy towards the pores and skin. Though the jacket runs a bit massive and lengthy within the torso, it doesn’t really feel cumbersome when carrying it.
Our gear analyst examined the consolation stage of this fleece jacket by doing quite a lot of actions apart from mountaineering and hanging out, like lifting and elevating the arms, and located no motion restrictions within the shoulders.
The thinner materials of this fleece additionally allowed for higher breathability on the path, making it a go-to choose for hitting the path. Because of the light-weight heat of the Trailmade, this may be a superb mountaineering companion for shoulder seasons like spring and fall or for layering in colder winter months.
When mountaineering with a daypack over the Trailmade fleece, our gear analyst was glad with the efficiency. The fleece match simply beneath the shoulder straps and didn’t restrict any vary of movement. We’d positively advocate this as a superb, easy, cozy, and budget-friendly layer for the path.
Sturdiness
The fabric of this fleece feels decently sturdy, although the thinner materials will probably be extra susceptible to put on and tear over time. The jacket held up all through testing and requires no particular care or particular washing directions. As one of many strategies for testing sturdiness within the subject, our gear analyst strapped the fleece to the surface of her daypack, whereas mountaineering by way of bushy terrain.
Even after brushing up towards branches, rocks, and vegetation, the fleece confirmed no fast indicators of damage. Whereas there was some particles cling, it was not as noticeable as different high-pile fleece jackets and was simply eliminated.
As a result of Trailmade’s mixture of sturdiness, light-weight design, breathability, and packability, this may be a superb layer to think about taking within the backcountry.
Weight
At beneath 11 oz, the REI Trailmade is a comparatively light-weight and compressible fleece. Though the fleece runs a bit massive, our gear analyst was happy with the general slimmer design and thinner cloth, which eliminates further weight and bulk.
When on the path, we had been capable of simply stow this fleece, both by stuffing it into our pack or strapping it to the surface of our daypack. Needless to say the fleece’s decrease weight is mirrored within the lack of options and decrease heat.
Options
This fleece could be very easy with its essential options being two zippered hand pockets, two inside aspect mesh pockets, and materials manufactured from Bluesign-approved recycled polyester. There is no such thing as a hood, thumb loops, hidden pockets, pit zips, or woven overlays for added sturdiness. Because of the barely bigger match and longer torso of this fleece, we might have favored an adjustable bungee on the waist to higher customise the match.
The simplicity of this fleece is mirrored in its lower cost level, which can or is probably not a disadvantage for potential patrons. We weren’t awed by this fleece, however we had been glad with its efficiency as a no-frills go-to light-weight jacket.
Ought to You Purchase The REI Trailmade Fleece Jacket?
The REI Trailmade is a wonderful go-to fleece for shoulder season hikes, layering in winter, and even for backcountry adventures. With its light-weight heat, low weight, packability, ample breathability, and movement-friendly design, it pairs effectively with a backpack for outside adventures. We advocate this fleece as a high quality, budget-friendly choose for these in search of a easy layering system. Hikers searching for a hotter, mid-weight layer will possible be unhappy with the heat of the Trailmade by itself.
The primary gripe most will expertise with the Trailmade is its lack of options, equivalent to an adjustable bungee on the waist, chest pocket, thumb holes, pit zips, or a hood. Nonetheless, should you want a no-frills jacket, then this fleece from a well-regarded model within the outside business is value consideration.
What Different Fleeces Ought to You Take into account?
Need extra heat and options than the REI Trailmade? We advise that you just discover our greatest fleece jackets gear information for our different high picks..
Patagonia Higher Sweater Overview: Though a lot pricier, this fleece is hotter and thicker than the Trailmade and in addition boasts a further zippered pocket. Nonetheless, the trade-off is a heavier weight and bulkier materials.
Out of doors Analysis Vigor Overview: At a excessive worth level for a light-weight fleece, this jacket boasts a hood and a zippered chest pocket. It’s extra breathable and quick-drying than the Trailmade, but additionally barely heavier.
Columbia Steens 2.0 Overview: This fleece is much more budget-friendly than the Trailmade and is a cushty and easy possibility for the path. Nonetheless, it’s a lot heavier, bulkier and never fairly as sturdy.
