One of the myths about hiking and spending time outdoors is that it has to require special gear, knowledge, skills and an appetite for epic endurance challenges.
The reality is quite the opposite, the outdoors should be enjoyed by everyone, in their way – and no, you don’t have to be chasing Type 2 fun or wearing just rugged black and khaki gear while you’re out there (although you can, of course, if you want to!).
REI’s Trailmade collection, launched in 2023, is their line of versatile hiking, backpacking and camping gear for men and women, an XS-3X collection that has been designed with REI members and focuses on welcoming more new hikers to the trail.
Standout features of the Trailmade collection are its:
- Trailmade apparel and backpacks are available in inclusive sizing to fit all shapes and sizes, including XS to 3X, tall and petite options, and receiving rave reviews from members appreciating the versatile fit options on offer
- The apparel and gear is not only colorful but also designed to be highly comfortable, and full of technical features to help create enjoyable hiking and backpacking experiences
- Straightforward instructions for use and sizing adjustment on backpacks and tents, so you no longer need to be a backpack or tent expert to get the right fit or set your tent up easily.
We are so excited about this product range which is already providing to be hugely popular, together with REI’s Swiftland Collection, which is their trail running collection designed with a similar ethos.
View the entire range on the Trailmade page of REI’s website.
REI Co-Op Trailmade Apparel & Backpacking Gear Picks
Here are some of our top picks from the Trailmade range:
Trailmade 60 Men’s and Women’s Backpacks ($149)
The REI Co-Op Trailmade 60 pack is a 60-liter hiking backpack that’s suitable for carrying plenty of gear for an all-day hike as well as all your gear for backpacking trips.
It comes in both men’s and women’s fits, with regular and extended waist belts. These backpacks are also easily adjustable to fit your torso, so you can dial in that perfect, comfortable fit.
Thoughtful details include packing instructions on the inside of the top pocket, and easy load-fitting adjustment straps, without superfluous bells and whistles such as those rather niche ice-axe loops you’ll find on other packs out there, giving it a sleek and tidy silhouette, too.
When it’s easy to spend more than $200 on a hiking backpack of this size, the Trailmade 60 pack also represents great value for money – especially as REI members get an annual 10% member dividend on everything they spend at REI Co-Op during the year!
REI Co-Op Trailmade Shorts ($50)
Perfect for any summer activity, these hiking-friendly shorts are made with lightweight, stretchy, quick-drying fabric, have an adjustable stretchy waistband and plenty of pockets for your small essentials – 6, to be precise.
In addition to being stretchy and quick-drying, the Bluesign-approved recycled polyester fabric used to create these shorts also provides UPF 50 sun protection and the shorts are available in several different colors for both men and women.
these versatile shorts are available in sizes XS (size 0) through 3X (24-26) for women and S (28″ waist) through XXXL (48-50 inch waist) for men.
Trailmade Rain Jacket ($70)
A quality, lightweight rain jacket is essential for hiking, wherever you are in the world, especially if you’re somewhere with changeable weather, such as the mountains or enjoying the outdoors in Spring or Fall.
REI’s Trailmade rain jacket is a great investment in your outdoor-ready gear wardrobe as you don’t have to reserve it for those delightful weekend hikes, it’s just as useful for those day-to-day activities such as a walk in the park, your commute, or simply getting groceries on a wet day.
It features a 2-layer, soft, breathable waterproof shell, adjustable hood and hem, zippered hand pockets and weighs only 14.1oz.
Like the other apparel in this collection, the Co-Op Trailmade rain jackets come in a wide range of men’s and women’s sizes and color options to choose from, and a competitive price of $70.
REI Co-Op Trailmade Pants ($70)
Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying and tear/snag-resistant, these REI Trailmade pants are great not just for hiking and backpacking but other activities such as rock climbing.
These pants come with three length inseams: 30, 32 and 34 inches for men’s sizes, and 28, 30.5 and 33.5 inches for the women’s sizes (pictured) to cater for petite and tall members as well as those who wear regular sizing, plus, of course, a variety of color options.
REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Backpacking Bundle ($349)
If you’re planning to head out for a camping trip (or festival!) and need to gear up with a tent, sleeping bag and self-inflating sleeping pad, then this bundle has you covered!
The REI Co-Op Trailmade 2 backpacking bundle is a great value deal:
- The Trailmade 2 tent is a lightweight, 3-season tent for two that sets up easily and features 2 doors, each with its own vestibule. Plus, it comes with a footprint, rainfly, stuff sack, stakes and guylines with tighteners
- The sleeping pad has an R-value of 5.5, which means it will provide a high level of insulation from the ground temperature, helping you stay comfortable when sleeping even in extreme cold conditions
- The Trailmade 20 sleeping bag has a comfortable mummy shape and offers a great blend of comfort and thermal efficiency with synthetic, recycled polyester fill.
We love that the bundle can be customized so you can choose between three different sleeping bag sizes, Short, Regular and Long Wide, to suit your body shape and size the best.
All three essential camping items pack down into one compact storage bag that weighs just over 11lb in total.
About REI Co-Op
REI Co-Op is one of our favorite places to shop for outdoor gear, both online on their website and in-store.
They don’t only stock the latest and greatest in outdoor gear for activities such as hiking, camping, trail running, snowsports and cycling, but they proudly have super helpful, knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service.
To maximize the benefits from shopping at REI, it pays to become a member, which costs only $30 for a lifetime membership. Learn more about the benefits of REI membership.
