REI Trailmade Rain Jacket Review

The REI Trailmade Rain Jacket is a well-made and affordable 2 layer waterproof/breathable rain jacket suitable for year round use. It’s a hip-length jacket with an dual adjustable hood, stretch wrist cuffs and hem adjustment with soft and quiet exterior fabric that comfortable to wear. The upper body is lined with breathable polyester mesh while the lower body and sleeves are lined with smooth nylon taffeta for easy layering.

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• Weight: 16.4 oz
• Gender: men’s (size large) women’s also available
• Type: 2 layer, waterproof/breathable
• Seam-taped: Yes
• Pockets: 2 zippered hand warmer
• Hood: Under helmet
• Length: Hip length
• Back length: 28.5 inches
• Fit: Very roomy, good for layering
• PFAS-free: yes
• Price: $70

I’ve been using the Trailmade Rain Jacket for most of the year in a variety of weather conditions including rain and snow and it’s proven to be a great multi-sport jacket that’s good for everything from hiking, snowshoeing, and dog walking to running errands around town. It has a human-sized hood with dual neck adjustment which I think is the most important feature on a rain jacket so you can prevent rain and wind from blowing into the hood and chilling you.

The Trailmade is a 2 layer waterproof/breathable jacket which is the most budget-friendly type of waterproof/breathable jacket made. This means two things in comparison to more expensive 2.5 or 3 layer waterproof/breathable rain jackets

• the breathable membrane vents water vapor more slowly
• the jacket is lined with a mesh liner (usually), and will be warmer and a bit heavier

These differences make the Trailmade less suitable for highly aerobic activities or use in high heat but can prove a bonus in winter or cooler weather, especially when you’re struggling to stay warm in cold rain. For a detailed explanation of the differences between 2, 2.5, and 3 layer jackets see our FAQ, Rain Jacket Layers Demystified.

While most 2 layer jackets have a mesh liner to protect the waterproof/breathable membrane, the upper portion of the Trailmade rain jacket, including the chest and back, is lined with breathable polyester mesh, while the lower body and sleeves are lined with smooth nylon taffeta. The mesh is positioned like this to enhance the jacket’s breathability since most of the water vapor your body generates when you perspire is along your back, chest, and the sides of your torso under the arms. The nylon taffeta is positioned around the waist for enhanced durability because this is the area that sees the most abrasion and wear and tear on the interior.

Fitwise, the Trailmade Rain Jacket is very roomy. I wear a size large, and it feels large on me, even when I wear warm mid layers. The exterior of the jacket is a soft and quiet fabric, unlike some crinkly hard shells, and is pleasant to wear.

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Recommendation

The REI Trailmade Rain Jacket is a low-cost but high-quality 2-layer waterproof/breathable jacket suitable for hiking, backpacking, and casual wear around town. My first waterproof/breathable rain jacket some 20 years ago was a 2-layer jacket, and it served me well when I was hiking and backpacking in the forests and mountains of New York and Vermont. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose rain jacket with good features but don’t want to spend a lot of money for one, I consider the Trailmade Rain Jacket to be a best buy. It’s well made and will last a long time.

Disclosure: REI donated a jacket for review.