Bottom Line
The REI Trailmade hiking pants offer an affordable alternative to “traditional” hiking pants. We wore these pants for several backpacking trips in the San Juan mountains and weren’t itching to get out of them in camp. Not just comfortable, we loved their functional pockets and how quickly they dried when they got. More specifically, they are one of our go-to hiking pants to wear all day because they are less restrictive while still offering the essential features for moving through wild places on and off-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 of our tested favorite trousers, tights, and pants, see our best hiking pants for women’s gear guide.
Quick Specs
Women’s REI Trailmade
Best Budget Hiking Pants
Price: $70
Weight: 8.1 oz.
Inseam: 29.25
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 the most comfortable of our favorite 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.
Durability
So many things make the REI Trailmade pants great, but their affordability compromised its performance in the durability department. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Should You Buy the REI TrailMade?
The REI Trailmade pants are for everyone. Great for those on a budget and anyone looking to add a solid pair of hiking pants to their gear. Not only are they one of the best-priced hiking pants, but they also have many great features: five usable pockets, fabric that dries very fast, and a comfortable feel. You won’t think twice about wearing them all day long. 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.
In the case of the Trailmade pants, because they are not as durable as others, 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 day hike on a well-trodden trail.
What Other Hiking 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 are more durable and weather-resistant, 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.
Kühl FreeFlex Rollup 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.
