If you’ve ever settled for an ill-fitting backpack or pair of hiking pants, read on. The REI Co-op Trailmade collection of apparel and gear aims to approach outdoor sizing and accessibility in a new way.
The apparel is meant to fit comfortably, with more flattering silhouettes, including a size range from XS to 3XL, with short and tall options. It also comes in bright colors as a break from the usual earth tones on the market.
The gear comes in several sizes too. For instance, Trailmade sleeping bags have six sizes, and a backpack that fits up to size 4X can be extended to 6X with an add-on hipbelt.
REI Co-op members have early access to the Trailmade collection through May 1. Below, we explain the crowdsourced design process behind the collection and then highlight some of the collection’s standouts.
Explore the REI Co-op Trailmade Collection
Cooperative Design
All of the Trailmade apparel was designed with input from members and hiking leaders who focus on guiding adults on their first backpacking and hiking trips. After all, comfortable hikers are more likely to come back for more.
To learn more about hurdles to feeling welcome and comfortable outdoors, REI listened to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ backpacking leaders. Two of the most common obstacles were the fit of apparel and gear as well as feeling intimidated by complicated gear.
To address these, the Trailmade collection includes several sizes with short and tall options. The emphasis on fit also means some pieces are shaped to drape and provide a roomier feel. You’ll notice a brighter color palette, too. REI found demand for more colors in its research, saying, “People who wear sizes above a 14 want more options than black leggings.”
To help with the intimidation aspect, Trailmade gear borrows some design cues and instructions you’d find on REI’s tents. For instance, the Trailmade 60 pack includes a panel with a printed fit guide to get the highest performance out of it. And there are color-coded touchpoints to make some of its features more intuitive.
And because these are made by REI, you’ll see plenty of Bluesign-approved materials throughout the collection.
Trailmade Apparel & Gear
Here are a few of the pieces available in the Trailmade collection. Other options include rain pants, fleece jackets, and trekking poles. There’s even a $349 bundle that includes the Trailmade tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad available. The sleep set comes in Short, Regular, or Long Wide.
Trailmade Shorts
The Trailmade Shorts are made with a mix of nylon with spandex fabrics for stretch and breathability out on the trail. They have a DWR coating designed to shed light rain and provide a UPF 50-plus rating of sun protection. The elastic waistband has a bungee adjustment to dial the fit. The Trailmade Shorts are available in sizes XS-XXXL.
With a similar build as the shorts, the Trailmade Pants have articulated knees, hand pockets, and a zip pocket for storage.
Amphib Shorts
Testers hiked and fished all over the U.S. to give these shorts a workout. The Amphib Shorts are made from a ripstop nylon-polyester blend to dry quickly and avoid the dreaded swampiness. They have a pull-on design, with a fake fly, yet have an adjustable elastic waistband.
20 Sleeping Bag
REI went with gender-free body mapping to create its bag in six sizes: Short, Regular, Long Plus, Short Wide, Regular Wide, and Long Wide. The recycled synthetic fill is rated for comfort down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in field testing.
The mummy bag is shaped to allow extra room for moving around inside while its offset quilt construction aims for coverage without cold spots. Similarly, there’s a face muffler and full draft tube to protect from cooler air from getting in.
The Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag is sized to fit inside the dedicated sleeping bag compartment of the Trailmade 60 Pack.
Mummy Bag Pillow
REI designed this pillow to fit inside the hood of the Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag, and it fits inside other mummy bags as well. According to the brand, the foam-filled pillow expands on its own and can pack down to one-fifth of its expanded size. It’s machine washable, too.
Trailmade Self-Inflating Pad
Separate, color-coded valves for inflation and deflation should help expedite camp setup and breakdown. The pad’s plush stretch-top surface has some give while the polyester bottom emphasizes durability. The pad has an R-value of 5.5, which sits just inside the range of cold-weather camping. This sleeping pad comes in Short, Regular, Short Wide, and Regular Wide.
Trailmade 60 Pack — Men’s & Women’s
REI gave this pack a padded back, shoulder straps, and a contoured hipbelt. Again, comfort is a big part of this collection’s intent. For organization, the Trailmade 60 has a top-loading main compartment, a dedicated sleeping bag compartment, and six other pockets for personalized storage.
The outside of the pack has front-reach water bottle pockets, with stash pockets on the back and hipbelt for everything from smartphones to additional layers.
The Trailmade 60’s frame is adjustable for waist sizes up to 4X. Beyond that, sizes up to 6X can use the Packmod Hipbelt Extender.
Trailmade Tent & Footprint
REI went with an X-pole configuration to give the Trailmade tent an intuitive setup and more vertical space inside. The shape includes twin stake-out vestibules for stashing gear out of the elements. Similarly, internal pockets should help keep things organized off the tent floor.
Rainfly doors roll up over the roof for ventilation — and a better view of the sky.
The Trailmade Tent comes with a footprint, stuff sack, stakes, and guylines with tighteners. It’s available as a one-person, one-door build or a two-person, two-door build.
REI Trailmade Collection
If you’ve felt left out when it comes to the sizing of outdoor apparel, REI’s Trailmade collection may be your salvation.
More sizes, different fits, and color options — you have more choices now.
Whether you’re gearing up for new adventures this summer or you just want a fresh start, check out the rest of the collection and see for yourself.
Explore the REI Co-op Trailmade Collection
This article is sponsored by REI Co-op. Explore the new Trailmade collection for apparel and gear in sizes made to fit more.
