REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie Review
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 1.3 oz.
Insulation
80g polyester
Fabric
Not available
Packable
No
Pros
Cons
REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets.
For the price, the REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie delivers an impressive amount of warmth. Featuring 80-gram synthetic insulation—where most lightweight synthetic jackets typically use 60 or 65-gram fill—this jacket offers solid protection for most cool-weather days. I’ve worn it over a long-sleeve quarter-zip during low-effort activities like around-town errands and car camping in temperatures dipping into the high 40s Fahrenheit without any discomfort.
The REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie does a good job of sealing in heat. A cinchable hem helps retain warmth, the shell effectively blocks light wind, and the smooth, mostly seamless lining traps heat well. That efficiency comes with tradeoffs—it’s easy to overheat during even moderate activity, which we touch on in the “Breathability” section below—but purely from an insulating standpoint, the Trailmade is quite strong. It holds its own against more expensive designs like Patagonia’s Nano Puff and The North Face’s ThermoBall—impressive, considering it costs less than half as much.
Comfort is one of the key tradeoffs with the budget-minded Trailmade. The inner liner has a slick, plasticky feel—not uncomfortable, but noticeably cheaper than the soft, premium fabrics found on higher-end jackets. It slides easily over layers, but lacks the cozy next-to-skin feel we’d hope for in an insulated piece.
There are a few thoughtful touches: a fabric “garage” at the top of the zipper protects your chin (and facial hair) from snags, and the hand pockets are lined with a soft material on the inside panel, adding a welcome bit of warmth and texture. Unfortunately, that comfort doesn’t extend throughout the jacket. There’s no stretch in the shell or lining, so mobility is limited—especially if the fit is snug in the shoulders or back. That said, the boxy cut leaves room for layering and works fine for casual use. Just don’t expect it to shine in more technical or dynamic settings.
Of all the synthetic jackets we’ve tested, the Trailmade Insulated Hoodie is one of the least breathable. That’s a plus for everyday use or situations where retaining warmth is the priority—it traps heat effectively. But if you plan to move at even a moderate pace, expect to overheat quickly. Hiking over rolling terrain in temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the low 40s Fahrenheit with just a base layer underneath, I constantly found myself unzipping the front to dump excess heat.
The slick interior lining doesn’t help: it turned clammy and sticky along the arms after only a short stint of activity, reminiscent of an entry-level 2.5-layer rain shell. Simply put, this isn’t a performance piece—nor is it trying to be. It’s best for throwing on during breaks or slow-paced activities in cool weather. Just be ready to stash it away the moment your effort level climbs.
REI lists the men’s Trailmade Insulated Hoodie at 1 pound 1.3 ounces, and my size small clocked in right at 1 pound on my scale. That’s on the heavier side for synthetic jackets and several ounces more than most performance-oriented competitors—Patagonia’s Nano Puff Hoody, for example, weighs just 12.8 ounces. That said, the weight is totally reasonable for casual use or tossing into a travel bag, and it doesn’t feel burdensome when worn.
Packing it down is where it shows its budget roots. It’s not especially compressible and lacks a stuff sack or cinch system. You can roll it into its hood, but it ends up about the size of a cantaloupe—hardly streamlined for backcountry use. I found it fit fine stuffed in a daypack for short outings, but when covering real distance or trying to minimize pack bulk, I reached for a more technical alternative.
The REI Trailmade Insulated Hoodie features a DWR coating, but its performance in wet conditions is below average. Few synthetic jackets excel in sustained rain, but the Trailmade gave in to light drizzle more quickly than expected—enough that I reached for a rain shell after just a few minutes of exposure. On the flip side, wind protection is surprisingly solid. The sturdy face fabric and thick interior lining block moderate gusts effectively, with no noticeable drafts. Overall, it’s a middling result for the category: perfectly fine in dry, chilly weather but not a jacket to rely on in even modest rain.
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Longevity
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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.
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.
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
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Resale and/or Recycling Services
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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
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Durability is a bit of a mixed bag with the Trailmade Hoodie. On the plus side, the shell fabric is moderately thick and has held up well to casual use and light outdoor wear, and the stitching is clean with no obvious weak points. With average care, this jacket should last a while. However, there are two clear drawbacks. First, the main zipper proved frustratingly unreliable, frequently snagging on the internal flap or shell fabric. It became notable when it didn’t catch. Second, the shell seems to attract and retain stains easily. REI has even acknowledged this issue in customer feedback and mentioned considering a fabric update in the future.
The REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated comes only in a hooded version, and the hood offers solid coverage—fitting easily over a ball cap—but its utility is limited. With no cinch cord or adjustment, the loose fit means it easily blows off in wind, limiting its effectiveness in stormy or gusty conditions. A scuba-style design or basic drawcord would drastically improve performance (of course, price would then go up). Storage is minimal: two standard zippered hand pockets do the job, but there’s no chest pocket or internal drop-in compartments. For the price, that’s not a dealbreaker, but it does underscore the jacket’s pared-down design. A hem cinch on the right side is a smart, functional addition that helps retain warmth and improve fit.
Tester size: 5’10” 155 lb.; 38" chest; 31" waist
Size tested: Men’s small
I’m often between small and medium in synthetic jackets, but since REI tends to run large, I sized down to a small in the Trailmade Hoodie—and that was the right move. The overall fit is boxy, so going down a size gave me a trimmer cut. That said, the shorter length was noticeable: the hem hit right at my hips, which was just enough coverage, but barely. If you plan to layer heavily underneath or prefer a looser fit, I’d recommend sticking with your standard size. REI offers a broad and inclusive size range—men’s S to XXXL and women’s XS to 3X—which is a welcome detail.
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody ($299): A More Refined but Pricier Synthetic
The Patagonia Nano Puff and REI Trailmade Insulated Hoodie both fall into the lightweight synthetic jacket category, but the Nano Puff is the more premium piece. It’s noticeably lighter, more compressible, and uses softer, higher-quality fabrics that elevate comfort and overall wearability. That said, the Trailmade delivers similar warmth while costing less than half as much. If you want a refined, packable layer for technical use or travel, go Nano Puff. But for budget-conscious buyers focused on around-town warmth, the Trailmade is a solid value. For a deeper dive, read our review of the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody.
Cotopaxi Capa Insulated Hoodie ($250): Better Shell, Weaker Fit
Cotopaxi’s Capa Hoodie costs $150 more than the Trailmade but does bring notable upgrades: a more robust outer fabric that better resists abrasion, and a closer-fitting scuba-style hood that stays in place even in wind. However, it falls short in other ways. The Capa’s insulation doesn’t feel as lofty or warm as its 80-gram fill suggests, its mobility is lacking, and the shiny, crinkly face fabric doesn’t feel great against skin. If style and weather resistance are your top priorities, the Capa may earn its price. But in terms of comfort, warmth, and value, the Trailmade holds firm. For more, read our Cotopaxi Capa review.
The Trailmade Insulated costs less than half as much as a typical synthetic hoody without sacrificing warmth. Unfortunately, it’s let down by a finicky zipper, slippery and uncomfortable interior, and poor breathability.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
The much-loved Nano Puff fits the bill for both casual and light backcountry use, with clean styling, a versatile fit and feature set (great as a midlayer or standalone piece), and refined mobility. However, its warmth isn’t particularly competitive for the weight.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
It’s always easy to spot a Cotopaxi jacket in a crowd, thanks to the brand’s signature color blocking. While the Capa looks great around town and holds its own on casual backcountry outings, it falls short of the performance features we expect from a truly technical synthetic jacket.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Is the Trailmade Insulated for You?
The REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie is a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable synthetic puffy for casual wear, car camping, or shoulder-season outings that don’t demand high-output performance. It offers impressive warmth for the price, decent wind protection, and simple but useful features (provided the main zipper works better than ours did). However, breathability and mobility are limited, and the jacket’s bulk and mediocre packability make it less appealing for serious backcountry use. Still, if warmth-per-dollar is your priority and your adventures are more relaxed than rugged, the Trailmade delivers good value in a no-frills package.
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