Bottom Line
The REI Trailmade is an excellent choice for the price-conscious hiker looking for lightweight pants. The Trailmade is one of the lightest and least expensive hiking pants we’ve tested.
With a wide array of colors and sizes, the REI Trailmade can appeal to a variety of tastes, budgets, and body sizes. A gusseted crotch, quick-dry materials, and thoughtful features exhibit a level of quality not usually seen in budget-friendly pants.
This pant’s slightly stiffer fabric, moderate breathability, and lack of weather resistance leave something to be desired. Still found the REI Trailmade pants fine for most trail applications.
How We Tested
We put these pants to the test during backcountry biological fieldwork in Alaska. This let us learn where they excel – and where they leave us wanting more.
Quick Specs
Men’s REI Trailmade Pants
Best Budget Hiking Pants
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $80
Weight: 11.6 oz.
Fit: Standard, straight-leg
Fabric: 96% nylon, 4% spandex
Pros
- Less expensive
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Good color options
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Not as resilient in harsh conditions
Comfort & Mobility
With a slightly tapered leg profile, the Trailmade pant is a well-fitting and comfortable option for those looking for slightly athletic yet relaxed cut pants. A gusseted crotch and articulated knees increase the pant’s mobility.
Crawling over logs, around boulders, and through the brush, we found that the Trailmade didn’t move with us as well as some pants did. They often felt stretched to capacity across the crotch and thighs. Plus, the material is not as elastic as others we tested.
Overall though, we felt comfortable wearing the REI Trailmade pants from the field to the front country.
Breathability
Trailmade’s material feels almost cottony to the touch but breathes almost as well as any other on the market. Tested during heavy exertion, they felt slightly clammy but not too uncomfortable. During stop-and-go activity, the pants quickly wicked sweat and released heat. At rest, they felt warm and dry.
The pants also dried much quicker than expected. We like them for activities when you move in and out of precipitation.
Weather Resistance
The Trailmade pant’s ability to dry quickly comes with a tradeoff: limited weather resistance. Our pair wet through almost instantly, becoming wet and clingy in light rain and while walking through grass.
This lack of weather protection is somewhat offset by how quickly they dry. However, we won’t be reaching for these pants when we expect moisture. This lightweight pant is better for warm-weather and for sun protection.
Durability
We found the REI Trailmade surprisingly resilient for lightweight and budget-friendly pants. After putting them to the test off-trail and through thick brush, they show no obvious signs of wear. The material of the pants is quite thin, but they’ve held up throughout our testing.
The cuffs of the Trailmades are specifically designed to resist abrasion with double-layer fabric at the back of the ankles. We thought that was an excellent touch for added durability. Overall, though, these are not our go-to option for heavy or tactical use.
Features
The REI Trailmade pants come with some nice details, such as external belt loops and an internal drawstring to dial in the fit. Our pair fit fine, but hikers in between sizes may appreciate the drawstring or belt to improve fit in the waist.
With five pockets (two front, two back, and one thigh), the Trailmades come with a variety of storage options. The back pockets were too small to store items securely. The zippered thigh pocket is functional, but the large-tooth zipper and zipper pull stick out visually.
Should You Buy the REI Trailmade Pants?
The REI Trailmade works for hikers looking for a lightweight and durable product at an affordable price. Even though these pants don’t offer the best weather resistance, breathability, and stretch, they are suitable for most trail uses. We love the Trailmades for their range of color and size options, which cater to hikers of various styles and body types.
What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?
Check out our full gear guide to see all of our favorites.
Rab Incline Light Review: A similarly lightweight pant, the Rab Incline Light is another great lightweight option with a relaxed fit.
REI Sahara Convertible Review: Another attainably priced option from REI with a more breathable, convertible style.
Mammut Runbold Review: A lightweight, high stretch, and durable option for those seeking a slightly higher priced pant.
