Backside Line
Carrying on REI’s lengthy custom of creating the outside extra inexpensive and accessible, the Trailmade (males’s / ladies’s) is a reasonable jacket excellent for the entry-level hiker or anybody seeking to save on their subsequent piece of drugs. We prefer it for brief excursions and low-exertion hikes, and we deliver it as a just-in-case layer after we know the rain received’t be full-on. The Trailmade is an efficient match for round city or fast outings on native trails.
Surprisingly comfy, the Trailmade options two supplies on the inside: a mesh high and a taffeta backside. Whereas comfy, this lining additionally added bulk and decreased breathability. This barely heavy (15.5 ozmen’s / 13.1 ozladies’s) and ponderous jacket was hotter than others in our lineup, making it higher fitted to lower-intensity actions or shoulder-season temperatures.
As a result of it isn’t constructed with GORE-TEX or different waterproof materials, the DWR-coated polyester liner was solely efficient towards mild rain for temporary intervals. It dampens in heavier downpours or any rain lasting greater than an hour, making it much less fitted to extreme climate and prolonged backcountry journeys when your temper and life rely upon staying dry.
Whereas not our first selection in our information to the very best rain jackets for rugged backcountry adventures, the Trailmade supplies simply sufficient efficiency for entrance nation outings and shorter adventures. Anybody in search of a extremely inexpensive rain jacket will discover a worthy companion within the REI Trailmade.
How We Examined
We examined the REI Trailmade in Alaska’s notoriously moist and windy climate. From soggy path runs to wet and sleeting hikes in chilly fall climate, the Trailmade was examined in heavy precipitation. With testing carried out by Gear Analyst Miles Knotek, relaxation assured that each side of this jacket’s efficiency has been totally evaluated.
Fast Specs
REI Trailmade
Least Costly Rain Jacket
CleverHiker Score:
4.0/5.0
Worth:
$70
Listed Weight:
15.5 oz. / 13.1 oz.(males’s / ladies’s)
# of Vents:
0
Execs
- Worth
- Many sizes
- Number of colorways
- Snug lining
Cons
- Weight
- Sizzling
- Not spectacular water resistance
Consolation & Mobility
For a finances rain jacket, the Trailmade stunned us with its consolation. The inside lining has two parts: a taffeta decrease half and a mesh higher half. This eradicated the plastic feeling present in different jackets and was surprisingly comfy with a t-shirt or base layer beneath.
Like many different REI merchandise, the Trailmade runs a bit of giant, so we propose sizing down out of your ordinary dimension, except you intend to put on thicker layers beneath. The jacket has a relaxed, barely dishevelled, boxy reduce.
The wrists should not have velcro tabs to tighten the surplus materials; as a substitute, they use partially elasticized cuffs. This doesn’t present the extent of match customization we want, and the bungee hem on the jacket didn’t pull in as a lot materials as we hoped. Whereas comfy, the Trailmade is a barely outsized match for extra informal outings.
Climate Resistance
Testing this jacket within the heavy rain of a coastal Alaska fall, we discovered that it falls quick for long-term climate resistance. Adequate for an informal outing or for round city, don’t depend on this jacket to maintain you dry for prolonged journeys.
With a few of the fastest-wearing off-DWR of any jacket we’ve examined, the Trailmade must be refreshed frequently to remain considerably waterproof. The 2-layer polyester material doesn’t maintain a candle to wind resistance, however on dry, blustery days, it blocks wind decently.
The Trailmade has a few design weaknesses that additional compromise its climate resistance. The hood was a very weak level for retaining the climate out. The elastic toggles don’t tighten it down in addition to we want, leaving it weak to wind and rain. The primary zipper additionally lacks any velcro on the storm flap, leaving it to be pushed open in heavy wind.
For outings with solely intermittent rain or round city, the Trailmade gives sufficient safety. Nonetheless, this isn’t one we select for downpours lasting greater than an hour or for backcountry journeys the place we depend on strong climate resistance to maintain us secure and heat.
Air flow
The Trailmade noticeably lacks in breathability and air flow. To check its air flow, we wore this jacket on a five-mile run in chilly fall rain in coastal Alaska. Inside twenty minutes, the within was laden with perspiration, and we’d have been simply as moist with out sporting the jacket. For temperatures hotter than the mid-fifties, this jacket is stuffy and scorching.
The shortage of pit zips severely limits this jacket’s air flow, and the 2-layer development traps extra warmth. That is removed from our first selection for high-output adventures, but it surely supplies simply sufficient air flow for decrease depth walks and hikes.
Sturdiness
Whereas cheap and sturdy don’t typically coincide, they accomplish that within the Trailmade. The polyester shell is thick and withstood all scratches and abrasions. The fabric is tender and versatile, missing the crunch present in dearer jackets, and stunned us with its longevity. The massive-tooth middle zipper is a good addition to assist enhance sturdiness.
Nonetheless, its climate resistance was notably missing in sturdiness. After a number of outings, it was clear that the DWR coating was sporting off, and the little climate resistance this jacket had was quickly depleted. For the worth, the Trailmade gives cheap sturdiness, but it surely isn’t one that we are going to depend on for years of heavy use.
Weight
At 15.5 ounces, the Trailmade is the heaviest jacket in our lineup. Thrice heavier than our lightest choice, this isn’t our best choice for lengthy backcountry adventures or for anybody who’s a stickler for pack weight.
Along with its heavy weight, it doesn’t include the power to zip into its personal pocket. This implies it takes up a big quantity in your backpack and struggles to compress right into a small house. Whereas inexpensive, this jacket is cumbersome and heavy and finest fitted to front-country outings.
Ought to You Purchase the REI Trailmade Rain Jacket?
If value is your primary consideration in shopping for a rain jacket, it’s laborious to beat the REI Trailmade. The most affordable jacket in our lineup, it’s excellent for the entry-level fanatic or for anybody seeking to save their cash.
Whereas cheap, this jacket makes some severe sacrifices in its efficiency. It doesn’t have as robust a climate resistance and is clammy from sweat throughout excessive exertion. Adequate for brief excursions or variable climate, the Trailmade is an efficient entry-level jacket, however we hesitate to deliver it out in stormy climate or for backcountry journeys.
What Different Rain Jackets Ought to You Think about?
Try our full gear information for extra of our different favorites for wet climate.
REI XeroCloud 3L Evaluate: One other nice choice from REI, the XeroCloud gives higher climate resistance with its three-layer development.
Arc’teryx Beta SL Evaluate: On the reverse finish of the worth spectrum, the Beta SL has supreme climate resistance and construct high quality.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Evaluate: With extra mobility and stronger climate resistance, the FineLine Stretch is a excessive performer whereas nonetheless being beneath $200.
