REI Co-op Trailmade Pants Review

Many years ago, during a high-angle rescue course, I was introduced to the KISS principle: “Keep It Simple, Stupid.” The idea is that systems tend to function best when they’re kept simple rather than made unnecessarily complex. It’s a design philosophy rooted in practicality, and it applies surprisingly well to gear.

The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants ($70) are a great example of simplicity done right. They don’t have many flashy features, but they do exactly what a solid hiking pant should: fit well, hold up to wear, and stay comfortable in motion. For this reason, the REI Co-op Trailmade pants have long been our best budget pick for both men and women.

In short: If you’re looking for affordable, well-fitting hiking pants that transition easily from trail to town, the REI Trailmade Pants are a standout choice. They don’t come with technical extras like boot hooks or venting zips, but for fair-weather hikes or everyday wear, they’re one of the most versatile and budget-friendly options.

Compare the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants with others tested in our guides to the best hiking pants for men and women.

REI Co-op Trailmade Pants Review

First Impressions

The first thing I noticed when these arrived over a year ago was the excellent fit. I’m 6 feet tall, 155 pounds, with a slim build, and these felt tailor-made. The tapered leg adds a more streamlined look, and unlike many hiking pants, they don’t bunch awkwardly around the ankle or boot.

That clean cut also makes them an excellent choice for climbing. As such, they’re already my go-to pants for trips to my hometown crags in Colorado. Bonus: They’re sharp enough to wear to work with a flannel or button-down. That said, the fit might be a little snug if you’ve got more muscular thighs. They’re ideal for medium to slender builds.

What Stands Out

Price Tag

At $70, these are the most affordable pants reviewed in our Best Hiking Pants for Men and Best Hiking Pants for Women roundups. Often, that means compromising on durability or fit, but not here. After a year of heavy use, they’ve held up shockingly well. These are simply great hiking pants at an even better price.

Durability

These pants have seen everything: high-altitude summits in Colorado, months of hiking in Baja, and daily wear through the hedgerows and brambles of England and Wales. I’ve scraped through wild berry bushes, climbed barbed wire fences, and dealt with persistent stinging nettles. And still, no holes, no snags, and no loose threads.

They may not look bombproof, but after a full year of abuse, they’ve exceeded expectations. I’m optimistic they’ll still be going strong in another few years.

Comfort in Warm Weather

I’d wear shorts 95% of the time if I could. Growing up in San Diego will do that to you. But Colorado’s weather often calls for more coverage. What I appreciate most about the Trailmade Pants is the breathable, lightweight fabric. Even on warmer days, I never felt clammy or regretful about not choosing shorts.

Internal Drawcord

The internal drawcord is a small but welcome touch. It’s great for fine-tuning the fit and often allows me to skip a belt, a bonus on backpacking trips. Just note: the cord only works well for minor adjustments. Go too tight, and you’ll get some bunching. Fortunately, REI offers both even and odd waist sizes, making it easier to dial in your fit.

Sunglass Loop

This is a minor feature, but one I appreciated. I’m constantly pulling my sunglasses off to read maps or check guidebooks, and the sewn-in loop on the waistband gave me a reliable spot to hang them. It also works well for clipping a mini-carabiner or keyring.

Room for Improvement

Water Repellency

REI claims these repel water, and they do, to a point. But in anything more than light rain, they soak through pretty quickly. They dry fast, which helps, but if you hike regularly in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest, you’ll want something more weather-resistant like the Outdoor Research Ferossi or the Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants.  

Fit and Length

One sizing quirk: I wear a 31/32 x 32 in nearly every pair of pants, but the 32-inch inseam in the Trailmade Pants was too short. I ended up going with the 34-inch length, which fit perfectly. If you’re in between sizes or right on the edge, try before you buy.

Belt Loops

This is a minor gripe, but worth noting: the belt loops are just a little too tight. Getting my favorite flat hiking belt through them took way too much time. Slightly larger loops would make a noticeable difference.

Conclusion

If your top priorities are affordability, comfort, and a clean fit, and you don’t need technical extras like reinforced knees or water resistance, the REI Trailmade Pants are tough to beat. They’ve handled everything I’ve thrown at them and still look good enough to wear out to lunch. These quality pants work best for hikers who value simplicity, durability, and style without the premium price tag.