REI Trailmade Rain Pants Review

Bottom Line

The REI Trailmade (men’s / women’s) is an excellent choice for the price-conscious hiker looking for lightweight rain pants. It is one of the least expensive hiking pants on our guide to the best rain pants, but it is also one of the lightest, so we are impressed with its value.

These rain pants come in a wide array of colors and sizes, so there is an option for everyone. We love how accessible these pants are to various tastes, budgets, and body sizes. A gusseted crotch, quick-dry materials, and thoughtful features exhibit quality not usually seen in budget-friendly pants. 

The Trailmades are practical, reasonably lightweight, and pack-friendly. They offer solid protection from rain, snow, and wind at an affordable price, though they fall short of higher-end options in a few key areas. The main drawbacks are the short 11-inch ankle zips, which make them tricky to put on and take off over boots. Additionally, their breathability is limited, causing them to feel clammy during prolonged use. 

However, these rain pants are a reliable choice for budget-conscious adventurers or those who only need them occasionally and can live without premium features.

How We Tested

We were like toddlers testing these, turning into mud magnets, puddle jumpers, and rain dancers. We took these pants through Colorado’s front country and the Great Western Trail for field testing and performed lab test hose-downs and dry-time trials. We even showered with them (well, the pants at least) to test how long before they’d surrender and wet out.

Comfort & Mobility

With a slightly tapered leg, the Trailmades blend an athletic and relaxed fit that’s pretty darn comfortable. Thoughtful design elements like a gusseted crotch and articulated knees enhance mobility and contribute to an overall well-tailored feel.

During off-trail testing—navigating over logs, scrambling around boulders, and pushing through dense brush on front country slopes—we noticed the Trailmades lacked the extra degree of flexibility found in some competitors. At times, they felt stretched to their limit across the crotch and thighs, and the fabric itself didn’t have as much elasticity as other options we’ve tested.

That said, the Trailmades perform admirably in most hiking scenarios. Whether out on the trail or back in town, they proved to be a versatile and comfortable choice, excelling in field and casual settings.

Weather Resistance

The Trailmades are pretty basic when it comes to weather resistance. We wouldn’t trust our lives with them but would rely on them for forecasts that have a “chance of rain,” not the cats-and-dogs kind of rain.

Thankfully, they are quick-drying in non-humid conditions, but we still have to mention their limited weather resistance.

Our tester noticed some soaking through on a particularly rainy afternoon. The fabric also wetted out while walking through damp grass, becoming clingy and uncomfortable. These pants simply aren’t built for outings where prolonged exposure to moisture is a given.

While their fast drying time helps mitigate some of these drawbacks, they’re far from our first choice for long, wet days on the trail.

Ventilation

The Trailmades are moderately breathable and quick-drying. They aren’t the best in hot and humid scenarios.

During regular exertion testing, we were impressed by how well these pants allowed heat and moisture to escape despite a lack of side vents or front pockets. The fabric is soft, almost cotton-like, yet breathes effectively.

The Trailmades felt sticky after intense sweating, especially in warmer temperatures. Heat management was suboptimal, and we felt hot after a high output. During stop-and-go activities at a slower pace, though, they efficiently wicked away sweat but remained warm and comfortable during rest periods.

All told, these pants can be a reliable companion for hikers who alternate between moderate hiking and relaxation periods, keeping them dry and relaxed throughout the day.

Weight

Lightweight and affordable don’t always go together in rain pants, but it’s a reality with the Trailmade. At 7.8 ounces (not sure why the women’s are WAY heavier at 13 oz.), these are some of the lightest pants on our list and some of the most affordable.

For packing, these won’t cost you much more than a few protein bars in terms of space. We liked the minimalist design and thin shell material for easy transport, especially on day trips or short outings when the sky is threatening.

The ankle zippers will accommodate regular-sized sneakers or lightweight, small-profile boots, but anything larger will require removing your footwear.

Durability

The REI Trailmade is a lightweight choice for standard trail use and moderate hiking. The polyester fabric does have a DWR coating, but because of its thin construction, it won’t hold up to extreme weather (and it doesn’t claim to do so).

If you want better protection, spend your money on Gore-tex, which won’t “wet out” like we found walking through tall, wet grass. The thin fabric didn’t fare well against the shell in bramble wooded sections either. 

On the other hand, if your hikes are shorter and the wet weather isn’t continuous or harsh, consider these budget pants while you knock out a lap around the lake or take the pooch to run in the rain at the local dog park. For a low cost, you can protect your legs and pocketbook while grabbing your Mother Nature fix.

Should You Buy the REI Trailmade Rain Pants?

The REI Trailmade is an excellent choice for hikers seeking lightweight rain pants at a budget-friendly price.

While they don’t deliver top-tier weather resistance or stretch, they’re more than capable for most trail adventures. What sets the Trailmades apart is their wide range of size options, making them an excellent fit for hikers of all body types.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?

You might also be interested in these other top rain pants from our best rain pants gear guide if you’re considering the REI Trailmade Rain Pants.

REI Rainier Review: The REI Rainiers are a step up in features and weather protection but not too much more in price.

Columbia Rebel Roamer / Storm Surge Review: These pants are also budget-friendly and no-nonsense designed but took longer to wet through than the Trailmades.

Marmot Precip Eco Review: This is another solid option, but it’s a little spendy. These should last longer and keep you drier than the Trailmades if you need them for wet outings.