REI Trailmade Rain Pants Overview

Backside Line

The REI Trailmade (males’s / girls’s) is a superb selection for the price-conscious hiker on the lookout for light-weight rain pants. It is among the least costly climbing pants on our information to the most effective rain pants, however it is usually one of many lightest, so we’re impressed with its worth.

These rain pants are available a big selection of colours and sizes, so there’s an choice for everybody. We love how accessible these pants are to numerous tastes, budgets, and physique sizes. A gusseted crotch, quick-dry supplies, and considerate options exhibit high quality not often seen in budget-friendly pants. 

The Trailmades are sensible, moderately light-weight, and pack-friendly. They provide stable safety from rain, snow, and wind at an reasonably priced worth, although they fall wanting higher-end choices in just a few key areas. The principle drawbacks are the brief 11-inch ankle zips, which make them difficult to placed on and take off over boots. Moreover, their breathability is restricted, inflicting them to really feel clammy throughout extended use. 

Nevertheless, these rain pants are a dependable selection for budget-conscious adventurers or those that solely want them often and may dwell with out premium options.

How We Examined

We have been like toddlers testing these, turning into mud magnets, puddle jumpers, and rain dancers. We took these pants by Colorado’s entrance nation and the Nice Western Path for subject testing and carried out lab check hose-downs and dry-time trials. We even showered with them (properly, the pants not less than) to check how lengthy earlier than they’d give up and moist out.

Consolation & Mobility

With a barely tapered leg, the Trailmades mix an athletic and relaxed match that’s fairly darn snug. Considerate design components like a gusseted crotch and articulated knees improve mobility and contribute to an total well-tailored really feel.

Throughout off-trail testing—navigating over logs, scrambling round boulders, and pushing by dense brush on entrance nation slopes—we observed the Trailmades lacked the additional diploma of flexibility present in some opponents. At instances, they felt stretched to their restrict throughout the crotch and thighs, and the material itself didn’t have as a lot elasticity as different choices we’ve examined.

That mentioned, the Trailmades carry out admirably in most climbing eventualities. Whether or not out on the path or again on the town, they proved to be a flexible and comfy selection, excelling in subject and informal settings.

Climate Resistance

The Trailmades are fairly primary in the case of climate resistance. We wouldn’t belief our lives with them however would depend on them for forecasts which have a “likelihood of rain,” not the cats-and-dogs type of rain.

Fortunately, they’re quick-drying in non-humid circumstances, however we nonetheless have to say their restricted climate resistance.

Our tester observed some soaking by on a very wet afternoon. The material additionally wetted out whereas strolling by damp grass, changing into clingy and uncomfortable. These pants merely aren’t constructed for outings the place extended publicity to moisture is a given.

Whereas their quick drying time helps mitigate a few of these drawbacks, they’re removed from our first selection for lengthy, moist days on the path.

Air flow

The Trailmades are reasonably breathable and quick-drying. They aren’t the most effective in sizzling and humid eventualities.

Throughout common exertion testing, we have been impressed by how properly these pants allowed warmth and moisture to flee regardless of a scarcity of aspect vents or entrance pockets. The material is delicate, nearly cotton-like, but breathes successfully.

The Trailmades felt sticky after intense sweating, particularly in hotter temperatures. Warmth administration was suboptimal, and we felt sizzling after a excessive output. Throughout stop-and-go actions at a slower tempo, although, they effectively depraved away sweat however remained heat and comfy throughout relaxation intervals.

All instructed, these pants generally is a dependable companion for hikers who alternate between average climbing and leisure intervals, maintaining them dry and relaxed all through the day.

Weight

Light-weight and reasonably priced don’t all the time go collectively in rain pants, nevertheless it’s a actuality with the Trailmade. At 7.8 ounces (undecided why the ladies’s are WAY heavier at 13 oz.), these are a number of the lightest pants on our listing and a number of the most reasonably priced.

For packing, these received’t value you a lot various protein bars when it comes to area. We favored the minimalist design and skinny shell materials for simple transport, particularly on day journeys or brief outings when the sky is threatening.

The ankle zippers will accommodate regular-sized sneakers or light-weight, small-profile boots, however something bigger would require eradicating your footwear.

Sturdiness

The REI Trailmade is a light-weight selection for traditional path use and average climbing. The polyester material does have a DWR coating, however due to its skinny development, it received’t maintain as much as excessive climate (and it doesn’t declare to take action).

If you’d like higher safety, spend your cash on Gore-tex, which received’t “moist out” like we discovered strolling by tall, moist grass. The skinny material didn’t fare properly in opposition to the shell in bramble wooded sections both. 

However, in case your hikes are shorter and the moist climate isn’t steady or harsh, think about these finances pants when you knock out a lap across the lake or take the pooch to run within the rain on the native canine park. For a low value, you’ll be able to shield your legs and pocketbook whereas grabbing your Mom Nature repair.

Ought to You Purchase the REI Trailmade Rain Pants?

The REI Trailmade is a superb selection for hikers in search of light-weight rain pants at a budget-friendly worth.

Whereas they don’t ship top-tier climate resistance or stretch, they’re greater than succesful for many path adventures. What units the Trailmades aside is their wide selection of dimension choices, making them a superb match for hikers of all physique varieties.

What Different Rain Pants Ought to You Take into account?

You may also be fascinated with these different prime rain pants from our greatest rain pants gear information in case you’re contemplating the REI Trailmade Rain Pants.

REI Rainier Overview: The REI Rainiers are a step up in options and climate safety however not an excessive amount of extra in worth.

Columbia Insurgent Roamer / Storm Surge Overview: These pants are additionally budget-friendly and no-nonsense designed however took longer to moist by than the Trailmades.

Marmot Precip Eco Overview: That is one other stable choice, nevertheless it’s a bit spendy. These ought to last more and maintain you drier than the Trailmades in case you want them for moist outings.