Bottom Line
The REI Trailmade hiking pants offer an affordable option for “traditional” hiking pants. While using these pants on several backpacking trips in the San Juan mountains, we found they are comfortable, have great pockets, and dry quickly. More specifically, they are one of our go-to hiking pants to wear all day because we found them to be less restrictive while still offering the features we needed to thrive on trail.
The biggest downside we found was lower-quality durability. They can be prone to developing holes if poked or rubbed by a sharp object. That said, the reasonable price tag makes them our top choice for beginner backpackers who are just starting out or those on a strict budget.
For more budget and all-around options, see our complete guide to the best hiking pants for women.
How We Tested
Bailey Bremner wore the Trailmade on several backpacking trips in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and compared them with the rest of the lineup for mobility, abrasion, pocket usability, drying speed, and water resistance.
Quick Specs
REI Trailmade
Best Budget Hiking Pants
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $80
Measured Weight: 8.1 oz.
Inseam: 29.25 in.
Fit: Relaxed
Fabric: 94% nylon, 6% spandex
Pros
- Affordable
- Stylish
- Articulated knees make them easy to move in
- Highly breathable
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Trades some durability for low weight
Comfort & Mobility
While they may not be as comfortable as some of the lounge-worthy jogger hiking pants we tried, the Trailmade pants are our go-to choice for comfort when choosing between more technical pants. Some qualities that make these pants more comfortable include the looser fit and softer material. Lifting the leg while hiking uphill is easier because they are just the slightest bit baggy rather than skin-tight. This quality, paired with the slightly softer material, also makes them more comfortable to hang around in, and the cut makes them feel stylish to wear (for a pair of hiking pants, anyway), which adds to feeling better while wearing them.
Comfort & Mobility Score: 4.4 / 5.0
Durability
So many things make the REI Trailmade pants great, but we were disappointed that they do not have the durability to match. While using these pants in the field, we primarily hiked well-traveled trails with a full backpack. We hiked one trail with many overgrown willows that scraped and grabbed at the pants. Afterward, the only sign of wear was one joint seam starting to unravel.
To compare durability, we rubbed the pants on multiple abrasive surfaces during our side-by-side testing. The Trailmade pants did well in most of our testing, but a hole began to form in the fabric when the pants were rubbed against the end of a small branch. The fabric of these pants is noticeably thinner than some of the others we tried, including the REI Sahara model. All in all, there are better choices for adventures on more rugged trails.
Durability Score: 3.8 / 5.0
Breathability
We absolutely love the Trailmade pants for their stellar, quick-drying qualities. During our side-by-side comparison tests, these pants were one of the fastest to dry, right behind the REI Sahara pants. In the field, we wore them while hiking through bushes that were wet with recent rain.
The pants dried quickly, even without much sun. We also noticed that they did not feel as hot to hike in, thanks to the more casual fit in combination with the quick-drying fabric. We would gladly choose these pants for trips with many water crossings or lots of moisture.
Breathability Score: 4.9 / 5.0
Features
One of the main features we look for when evaluating a pair of pants is pockets. The Trailmade has five. When testing, we ensure the pockets are usable by seeing if a modern smartphone fits comfortably inside and testing how well the phone stays there. The hip pockets on the Trailmade pants are deep enough to comfortably hike in with a phone, even while wearing a backpack.
Likewise, the rear pockets are snug enough that a phone will not easily slip out while walking or jumping. The leg pocket has a very easy-to-use, robust zipper. Our biggest gripe with that specific pocket is that the loose fit of the pants causes heavier items, such as phones, to swing back and forth a bit while walking.
However, it was less noticeable and annoying than similar leg zipper pocket pants we tested.
In addition to pockets, the Trailmade pants have a drawstring at the waist and belt loops. We also like the ankle cinches, which can be used to keep out snow, debris, or creepy crawlies.
Features Score: 4.7 / 5.0
Weather Resistance
The REI Trailmade pants have slightly more weather resistance than the average hiking pants but won’t replace a good pair of softshell or rain pants. They resisted water absorption in the field for a few minutes when hiking through wet bushes but did soak through relatively quickly. During our side-by-side tests, it took a few squirts to cause the pants to wet out, and the water ran down the pant leg rather than soaking in at first.
However, once they get wet, the fabric clings to the legs, making hiking awkward. The flip side is that they are swift to dry, so this could be an acceptable trade-off for some buyers to consider.
Weather Resistance Score: 4.3 / 5.0
Should You Buy the REI TrailMade Pants?
There are many different styles of hiking pants available, and choosing the best pair can be overwhelming. We like to consider what type of hikes the pants will be used on, how important style and comfort are, and if budget or features are a deal breaker. In the case of the Trailmade pants, because they are not as durable, they would not be the best choice for adventurers looking to spend significant amounts of time on poor-quality trails or off-trail altogether.
They are more than adequate for the average hiker on a moderate trail and would make an excellent choice for beginners just starting on a budget. Overall, we love these pants for any fair-weather hike on a well-trodden trail.
Our only wish is that they were more durable and last longer before needing to buy a new pair, but overall, they provide a lot of quality for the price. If you aren’t thrashing through alder-brush and devil’s club, they’ll last plenty long.
What Other Pants Should You Consider?
REI Sahara Convertible Review: The Sahara pants have a more “traditional” feel similar to the Trailmade model. While a bit less comfortable or fashionable, they do have increased durability and weather resistance, making them a great option for more serious adventurers.
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Review: The Aphrodite has many of the same pros as the Trailmade pants: a more relaxed fit, relative comfort, and an affordable price tag. They don’t have as many pockets and are slightly less breathable, but they offer an excellent alternative for buyers on a budget.
KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up Review: For those able to spend slightly more for a more serious pair of pants, the FreeFlex Rollups offer increased durability and more pockets. They fill a similar niche in that they have the more “traditional” hiking pants look and can withstand the rigors of a more challenging hike.
