{"id":186514,"date":"2024-04-01T10:44:42","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T17:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=186514"},"modified":"2025-02-06T12:14:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T20:14:13","slug":"new-rei-hiking-backpacking-gear-trailmade-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/new-rei-hiking-backpacking-gear-trailmade-collection","title":{"rendered":"First Look: REI Co-op Trailmade Collection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Editor’s note: This story was originally published on March 23, 2023 and has been updated to reflect new products.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In decades past, suffering for the fun of it seemed integral to the mainstream definition of \u201coutdoorsy.\u201d To wear the moniker, one was expected to carry heavy packs in extreme conditions, or head into the wilderness alone to flirt with life-and-death scenarios. The “outdoorsy” breed climbed thousands of feet, hiked hundreds of miles and biked across whole continents.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going outside\u2014at least the way shows like Man vs. Wild<\/em> and other extreme sports media portrayed it\u2014was supposedly just for hard-core folks hell-bent on Type 2 fun<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that hard-core version was never the be-all, end-all, despite its popularity on TV and in adventure magazines: For many, there has always been an emphasis on the sheer fun of getting outside. One positive side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was that more and more people felt inspired to escape their four walls with a seemingly simple neighborhood walk, seeking a respite of joy and peace. We traded house parties for group hikes, and many of us shared meals outside and tried sleeping on the dirt for the first time. Data from the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) reported that 53% of Americans over age 6 participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2020<\/a>, and it’s still climbing annually, surpassing the previous highest participation rate on record. That same OIA report<\/a> notes that outdoor recreation is \u201csticky,\u201d meaning that \u201conce someone begins to participate, they are likely to continue to participate.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe the pandemic highlighted something we intuitively knew all along: Going outside\u2014whether it\u2019s for a stroll around the block, a hike on local trails or a backpacking trip 2 miles (or 20) past the trailhead\u2014is fun. And guess what: The outdoors wants everybody<\/em> to participate.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere’s been a really big\u2014what we called an explosion, really\u2014of new outdoor affinity groups that have been increasing outdoor participation and interest,\u201d notes Amy Marks, a designer for REI Co-op. Groups are coming together based on their shared location, body type, gender identity, race or ethnicity and shared love of an activity. They spur each other to get outside to \u201cenjoy themselves and what they can do together.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Collection for All<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The design teams at REI believe <\/em>that a life outdoors is a life well-lived, and that everyone<\/em> belongs outside. That means dreaming up gear and apparel accordingly, recognizing that newcomers and experienced adventurers alike need outdoor products to be intuitive, inclusive, accessible, self-expressive\u2014and fun. That\u2019s exactly what the brand-new Trailmade collection<\/a> is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nate Borne, REI director of product strategy, understands the difficulty of getting involved in a new outdoor activity. Everything from how a pack fits to how a jacket works for you may seem to require mastery of a new skill, he points out. That\u2019s intimidating for new users\u2014and even more experienced users may be frustrated by the rigmarole.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take backpacks, for example. \u201cNew backpackers are very turned off and intimidated by a lot of straps and folds and pockets and features that they don\u2019t know how to use right off the bat,\u201d says Marks. \u201cIt can actually make them feel like they\u2019re on the outside of some sort of club or not let in on a certain secret.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The REI design team listened to feedback and inputs from co-op members in order to make meaningful choices so the Trailmade collection can become an instant favorite to more outdoor adventurers. For example, they removed superfluous straps from the men’s<\/a> and women’s<\/a> Trailmade 60 pack (bye-bye, ice axe\u2013carrying loops) and used color to guide pack use, so all critical fit-adjustment straps are the same distinct hue. Instructions are printed under the backpack\u2019s top lid, offering advice about how to pack and arrange common items, noting the order to adjust the harness straps and featuring a QR code that directs users to Expert Advice backpacking tutorials<\/a> for more information.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPretty much everyone who\u2019s learning a new skill needs some kind of guidance,\u201d Marks says. \u201cWe were trying to think about ways that the gear itself could help be that guide.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And of course, making more accessible and approachable designs for some can also result in better products for all. \u201cWhile we were really inspired by new backpackers, we\u2019re creating durable products that an experienced backpacker would love,\u201d Borne says. \u201cThe tents, the gear, the backpacks, the sleeping bags, the trekking poles \u2026 are worthy of experienced backpackers we believe will give positive reviews and really like these products.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure that the collection was hitting its marks, it underwent vigorous testing in the field. The Trailmade rain jacket (men’s<\/a>, women’s<\/a>), for example, saw three weeks of time in action during the design phase. \u201cSits well on my body and not too tight around the hips, which many women\u2019s jackets tend to be,\u201d one tester from Oregon reported. \u201cThe fit is great. I have full range of movement,\u201d confirmed another, from Vermont.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members are also noticing the collection’s performance and versatility when they hit the trails. “Put this jacket<\/a> to the test in three hours of cold mountain rain at Grandfather Mountain \u2026 ,” reports one member in North Carolina. “With a warm layer underneath, it stood up to fog, mist, steady rain and 30 mph wind gusts in 30-degree wind chill.” A Wyoming-based member says that the Trailmade shorts<\/a> are “perfect. They are high waisted and lightweight while still being sturdy. And they have great pockets! They don\u2019t ride up when I walk which is rare for me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two
These hikers are wearing REI Co-op Trailmade Amphib women’s <\/a>and men’s<\/a> shorts. ($49.95)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beyond creating a line for all outdoor experience levels, the Trailmade team also designed the collection with a diverse range of bodies in mind. Historically, there hasn\u2019t been a lot of gear available in extended sizes that fits correctly and safely and feels comfortable, says Marks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, every single piece in the Trailmade collection\u2014both apparel and gear\u2014is available in a broader range of sizes. The unisex Trailmade 20 sleeping bag<\/a> comes in short, short wide, regular, regular wide, long and long wide versions. The pack comes in an extended 2X to 4X size that fits waist and hip measurements of 42 to 58 inches and is compatible with the Packmod hipbelt extender<\/a>. The apparel is also available in a wide range of sizes: Trailmade fleece pants, for example, are available up to men’s<\/a> XXXL and women’s<\/a> 3X.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And not only does the gear fit a range of body types, it fits a variety of aesthetic preferences too (not just those partial to khaki). Many items are available both in classic blues, greens and teals as well as bold, statement-making oranges and vivid, leafy prints. \u201cWe wanted to make sure we had the right kind of styling and colors,\u201d says senior product manager Tim Brown, highlighting the line\u2019s mix-and-match capability so people \u201ccan express themselves through this collection.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the Trailmade products have to meet performance and sustainability standards too. The team incorporated tried-and-true technologies like the simple-yet-effective X-pole setup system in the Trailmade 2 tent with footprint<\/a>. The Trailmade men’s shirt<\/a> <\/strong>and Trailmade women’s pullover<\/a> both feature UPF 50 sun protection and tear-resistant stretch fabric. Nearly all items in the collection feature bluesign\u00ae-approved materials, and many also include recycled components and repurposed scrap material<\/a>. The Trailmade fleece jacket<\/a>, for example, is made with recycled content.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even with all of these performance and sustainability features packed in, items in the Trailmade collection still come in at an approachable price point.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey\u2019re products we\u2019re really proud of,\u201d Borne adds. They’re affordable, conscious, intentionally designed, inclusive and exciting. The Trailmade collection is an invitation for everyone to join us outdoors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No suffering necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Shop the REI Co-op Trailmade Collection<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 pack<\/a> is loaded with features like front-reach water bottle pockets, back and hipbelt stash pockets, a sleeping-bag compartment with its own zipper for easy access and packing instructions under the top lid.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Editor’s note: This story was originally published on March 23, 2023 and has been updated to reflect new products. In decades past, suffering for the fun of it seemed integral to the mainstream definition of \u201coutdoorsy.\u201d To wear the moniker, one was expected to carry heavy packs in extreme conditions, or head into the wilderness […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30740,"featured_media":196028,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,387],"tags":[1686,588,1812,2120,724,8,707,1866,1538],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-186514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camp","category-hike","tag-camp","tag-camping","tag-co-op-brands","tag-first-look","tag-gear","tag-hike","tag-hiking","tag-inclusion","tag-new-products"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/hike\/new-rei-hiking-backpacking-gear-trailmade-collection","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"First Look: REI Co-op Trailmade Collection","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/new-rei-hiking-backpacking-gear-trailmade-collection","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/new-rei-hiking-backpacking-gear-trailmade-collection"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/Kingman20240223_1540.jpeg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/Kingman20240223_1540.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1708"},"articleSection":"Camp","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Ever Meister"}],"creator":["Ever Meister"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["camp","camping","co-op brands","first look","gear","hike","hiking","inclusion","new products"],"dateCreated":"2024-04-01T17:44:42Z","datePublished":"2024-04-01T17:44:42Z","dateModified":"2025-02-06T20:14:13Z"},"rendered":"