REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie Review

The REI Co-op Trailmade Hoodie is a three-season insulated jacket meant to keep you moving when the temperatures start to drop. REI combines synthetic insulation with a recycled polyester shell to keep you warm and dry. An adjustable hem, elastic cuffs, and three-panel hood help keep the warmth in when the wind kicks up, and two external and one internal pockets provide storage.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The REI Co-op Trailmade Hoodie strikes a nice middle ground of insulated warmth and comfort. The Trailmade Hoodie uses 80 grams of recycled synthetic insulation throughout the body, arms, and hood and provides enough warmth in cooler weather but won't overheat. The sleeves have enough length to prevent riding up with extension, but the rear hem isn't long enough to keep your butt covered.

The Trailmade Hoodie zips high enough to cover the mouth and chin, and the elastic on the hood keeps it fairly snug. Unfortunately, the cuff and hood only have thin elastic cuffs and no cinch adjustment feature. The two zippered hand pockets keep your hands close to the torso, and the insulation on the outside helps to keep the wind from chilling your fingers. The soft outer shell is smooth and slick, making this a great mid-layer jacket for colder days.
 

Comfort

The Trailmade Hoodie feels great to wear and was one of the more comfortable options during the testing process. The synthetic insulation adds a light puff to the jacket, just enough to keep the warm air in without being bulky. The polyester shell and lining material are very soft against the skin, and the cuffs and hood have enough elastic tension to stay tight without being uncomfortable. A single adjustment hem allows for tension changes when you need ventilation or freedom for activities. When the temperature starts to drop, this jacket easily layers over a fleece or hoodie and works great as a mid-layer when the temps hit single digits. The main zipper has an insulated baffle to keep the wind and cold away, but unfortunately, it is only one way and doesn't open at the bottom for a harness or ventilation.

The Trailmade Hoodie is listed to have a regular fit, and while we normally wear a size medium, we had to size up due to how tight it was. Moving to a men's large allowed enough room in the torso and arms to be comfortable. We noticed a tightness in the armpits when extended, but nothing that impeded movement with activities. The Trailmade Hoodie feels light and flexible with use and was a favorite for milder temps because of its comfort. If you are considering this jacket, we recommend either sizing up or trying it on before you make a purchase.

Weather Resistance

Designed to be a three-season jacket, the Trailmade Hoodie does a decent job of providing protection from the elements. REI uses recycled polyester taffeta for the outer fabric and lining, which helps to stop cold winds from cutting through to the body. The cuffs and hood only have a thin elastic band to keep them close to the skin and prevent wind entrance. Although we prefer a cinch-type adjustment, they do a good job of keeping the warmth in and the wind out.

The outer shell has a DWR treatment, which helps light water to bead off the surface, but it will eventually soak into the insulation after some time. However, we were pleased to find that moisture does not reach the inner lining. The main zipper remained dry during testing, and the pockets kept the contents dry and safe. We also noticed water easily absorbed into the waist, and the stitching near the collar was a weak spot as well. If heavy rain is in the forecast, a waterproof layer is a must with this jacket.

Portability

The REI Trailmade Hoodie we tested weighed in at 17 ounces for a men's large. This is about average for the group we tested and feels very light and portable.

This jacket does not contain its own internal storage pocket or stuff sack like some of the others we encountered. It still packs down easily and remains light enough to toss in your daypack or carry on a harness.  

Breathability

The REI Trailmade Insulated Hoodie is meant to be a three-season jacket that can be used for hiking, climbing, and many other outdoor activities in mild winter temps. This jacket provided good breathability with activities, and we didn't find ourselves becoming overheated or sweating into our base layers.

The Trailmade Hoodie doesn't have some of the advanced features like more expensive jackets but still provides a comfortable, even temperature with use. The lower hem has a single cinch adjustment that helps to keep out the wind or raise the bottom for better ventilation. The elastic cuffs allow the sleeves to be pushed up the arm but can be restrictive due to limited stretch. The jacket feels evenly weighted and can be worn unzipped without sliding off. The hood isn't so cumbersome it pulls the jacket down. Since this jacket is made for cooler temperatures, it breathes rather well and doesn't lead to sweaty clothes and overheating with activities.

Should You Buy the REI Trailmade Insulated Hoodie?

The REI Trailmade Insulated Hoodie is an insulated jacket that provides a solid value for cooler temperatures when things haven't gone below freezing. There are no extravagant features on this jacket, but it provides solid warmth and weather protection in a very comfortable design. We liked this jacket as a mid-layer when things turned quite cold, or as a single outer layer when running errands and around the yard. The outer shell repels light water but is not designed to be a waterproof shell for rainy climates. With an insulated hood, two zippered pockets, and an adjustable hem, it gives you just enough features and function without raising the price tag.

What Other Insulated Jackets Should You Consider?

The REI Trailmade Insulated Hoodie has been one of our favorite jackets to use throughout the season for milder temps and as a mid-layer. This jacket saw action when commuting, running errands, on the slopes for warmer days, and beneath a Gore-Tex shell for the frigid fronts. If you are looking for a stand-alone jacket for colder days, the Rab Nebula Pro is one of the warmest we have tested and comfortable as well. If you are searching for an even more budget-friendly option, the Amazon Essentials Lightweight Puffer provides insulated warmth at a more than fair price.