REI Co-op Trailmade Rain Jacket Review
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2-layer
Weight
15.5 oz.
Fabric
Polyester
Vents
None
Packable
No
Pros
Cons
REI Co-op Trailmade
For this season's top shells, see our guide to the Best Rain Jackets.
At just $70, the REI Co-op Trailmade doesn’t compete with high-end shells in terms of waterproofing, but it holds its own for everyday wear and light, short-term use. Like many rain jackets under $100, it features a 2-layer construction with a DWR coating and partial seam taping. The shell fabric is soft and pliable, but it wets out quickly—during moderate rain lasting about 15 minutes, the face fabric started absorbing water at the shoulders and arms, though none leaked through. It’s noticeably less robust than something like Patagonia’s 3-layer Torrentshell, which remains drier longer under sustained rainfall.
Wind resistance, on the other hand, is a strong point. The 2-layer build and hanging liner provide a bit of insulation and do a nice job sealing out gusts, making the jacket feel more like a wind shell with water resistance than a full waterproof shell.
The hood adjusts at two points at the front and seals decently over a ball cap, and the hem cinch helps keep out drafts. However, the jacket has some vulnerabilities: the center zipper flap doesn’t secure with Velcro and can gape open in the wind, the cuffs are non-adjustable elastic, and there’s no rear hood adjustment. For city use, summer storms, or casual outings where you're not expecting a downpour, the REI Co-op Trailmade offers just enough protection—but it’s not built for extended exposure or serious backcountry conditions.
Comfort was one of the more pleasant surprises with the REI Co-op Trailmade. Instead of the plasticky interior typical of many 2.5-layer rain jackets—which can feel clammy and stick to bare skin—the Trailmade uses a soft hanging liner that adds noticeable next-to-skin comfort. The jacket slides on easily, and the flexible polyester shell avoids the stiffness or crinkle you often find in rainwear.
Inside, the upper portion is lined with mesh, while the lower half and sleeves use a smooth taffeta fabric. The taffeta doesn’t wick moisture particularly well (a drawback covered in the breathability section), but it feels higher quality than expected for the price. You won’t find premium touches like stretch fabric or a soft patch at the collar or zipper garage, but the overall experience is solid. It’s easy to wear, moves well on the trail, and isn’t overly swishy or noisy—a notable achievement at this price point.
The main tradeoff to the Trailmade’s cozy 2-layer construction is poor breathability. The thicker build adds a touch of warmth—great for chilly days around town—but it quickly traps heat and moisture when you start moving. On a spring hike in Washington’s Enchantments, with temps in the low 40s to mid-50s, I could only keep the jacket on for short stretches during moderate climbs. I’d throw it on during active rain, then peel it off as soon as the weather eased.
The lack of pit zips is especially limiting. Without them, there’s no real way to dump heat, and the solid taffeta lining doesn't help airflow. Combined with its lower level of weather protection, the REI Co-op Trailmade isn’t suited for sustained output in demanding backcountry conditions—it’s better for stop-and-go use or more casual outings where breathability isn’t a significant concern.
REI lists the men’s Trailmade at 15.5 ounces, and my size small weighed in at 13.7 ounces on my scale. It doesn’t come with a stuff sack or feature a two-sided zipper to pack into a pocket, but it does roll neatly into its own hood—compressing down to roughly the size of a small cantaloupe. That’s fairly average in the rain jacket category and compact enough for tossing in a daypack, travel bag, or commuter kit.
For comparison, REI’s own Rainier jacket (a 2.5-layer design) is more backcountry-ready at 11.3 ounces and stuffs into a hand pocket, while the more rugged Patagonia Torrentshell 3L weighs 14.1 ounces and also packs smaller. The Trailmade’s weight and compressibility aren’t standout features, but they’re in line with its intended use: casual hiking, travel, and everyday protection.
Durability with the REI Co-op Trailmade is a mixed bag. On the plus side, the build quality exceeded expectations for the price. The materials have a soft, flexible feel, and the large-tooth YKK center zipper is a nice premium touch. And unlike 2.5-layer jackets with thin coatings, the Trailmade’s 2-layer construction better protects its waterproof membrane behind a hanging liner.
That said, long-term weather protection is a concern. Despite consistent care, I’ve noticed a dip in waterproof performance after about a year of use. The outer fabric is also on the thin side and lacks ripstop reinforcement—it’s soft to the touch, but vulnerable. I picked up a small tear brushing against a chain-link fence, which highlights the need for caution around abrasive surfaces. Overall, this isn’t a rain jacket built for heavy, frequent use. But for occasional wear and budget-conscious buyers, the durability is reasonable—just don’t expect it to be a long-haul workhorse.
Select icon to view details:
Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Hood
The Trailmade’s hood is basic but serviceable. It cinches at the front with two plastic toggles, but lacks rear adjustment—common on more premium shells—which can make the fit feel a bit loose or awkward on a bare head. That said, it works well over a ball cap and stays in place during moderate winds. The seams along the top are taped and didn’t leak during testing. For the price, the design does what it needs to, though it’s not ideal for dialing in a snug, storm-ready fit.
Storage
Pocket layout is similarly simple, with two hand pockets protected by fabric zipper flaps. Small webbing tabs make opening and closing the zippers easier, even with light gloves. There’s no chest pocket, which limits secure storage for items like a phone or headphones, but the hand pockets are roomy and lined with soft mesh that feels comfortable against the skin. The thicker overall build of the jacket also adds a touch of warmth when your hands are tucked inside—another small plus in casual use.
I’m often between a small and medium in rain shells and chose to size down with the REI Co-op Trailmade—just as I did with REI’s Rainier—and it was the right call. The fit is slightly boxy but not overly baggy in the torso, and I had no issues layering a light fleece underneath. If you plan to wear a puffy or thicker midlayer, bumping up to the medium might make more sense, but the small gave me a closer fit that’s more comfortable for everyday use or pairing with just a t-shirt. Length is average, offering a few inches of coverage below the waist without feeling long.
Columbia Hikebound II ($90): A Slightly Different Budget Package
The REI Trailmade and Columbia Hikebound II go head-to-head in the budget rain jacket department. They feature very similar constructions overall, but the Hikebound offers a slightly longer inseam (29 vs. 28.5 in.) and adds a chest pocket and adjustable cuffs. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two jackets is the makeup of the liner: The Trailmade uses a hanging taffeta lining on the arms and below the chest, while the Hikebound’s liner is mesh throughout. We much prefer the plush feel of taffeta, but this won’t matter as much if you’re wearing long sleeves. For $20 less, we give the edge to the Trailmade, but the Hikebound II is still a decent budget pick.
REI Co-op Rainier ($100): REI’s Budget Hiking Rain Jacket
If you’re in the market for an affordable rain jacket that’s breathable enough for hiking and lightweight enough for backcountry use, check out the REI Co-op Rainier. For $30 more than the Trailmade, the Rainier is over 4 ounces lighter and packs into its own pocket. Its 2.5-layer construction boosts breathability by eliminating the bulky hanging liner, and pit zips further help to dump heat. You also get hook-and-loop cuffs, rear and front hood adjustments, and two internal dump pockets (in addition to the two hand pockets). Of course, the Rainier has its fair share of compromises given its budget build—the plasticky interior isn’t particularly comfortable and it lacks the durability of a 2 or 3-layer design. The waterproofing also falls short of pricier jackets, but for $100 it offers much more performance than the Trailmade. For more, read our review of the REI Rainier.
REI's lowest-priced rain jacket for occasional use around town, the Trailmade will keep out light rain or short showers. Its hanging liner is more comfortable than the plasticky interior of a 2.5-layer jacket. However, we don’t recommend it for active use given its heavy, bulky design and lack of breathability.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
REI’s budget rain jacket is a functional option for occasional hiking and daily use, with a lightweight build, pit zips, and a number of adjustable features. However, it will wet out in sustained moisture and the 2.5-layer construction is prone to delamination.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
The Fineline is an extra-comfortable and easy-moving rain jacket, thanks to a stretch-woven shell and underarm gussets. With a low weight and packable design, it’s suitable for backcountry use. However, it isn’t our first choice as a daily driver due to its trim fit and relatively thin shell fabric.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the REI Trailmade for You?
The REI Co-op Trailmade is a solid choice for casual users who want basic rain protection without spending a lot. It’s best for everyday use, travel, and light hikes when the forecast calls for passing showers—not heavy or all-day storms. Breathability and long-term durability are limited, but the soft liner, low weight, and included features like hand pockets and an adjustable hood make it a comfortable, no-frills rain shell for lighter-duty use. If you don’t need full backcountry performance, the Trailmade covers the essentials at a very approachable price.
get outside
Hiking Gear Guides
Gear Guide
Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Down Jackets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Hiking Pants of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Hiking Boots of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Hiking Shoes of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Fleece Jackets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Trekking Poles of 2026
curated for you