REI Co-op Microtrek Insulated Hoodie Review
A packable yet warm insulated layer for trail and town
April 3rd, 2026
Home > Gear Reviews > Apparel
Our verdict
Chilly mornings and cold evenings call for an insulating layer that can keep us warm on the move without compromising on space in our packs. The REI Co-Op Microtrek is a synthetic insulated hoodie for those looking to do it all, from day hikers to backpackers and everyday commuters. The Microtrek jacket provides warmth without the bulk at a lower price than many of its competitors.
We found the Microtrek to be warmer than we’d expected for such a light layer, making it ideal for shoulder seasons, chilly summer nights at higher elevations, and for running errands around town. We tested the Microtrek in women’s and men’s versions in a variety of conditions both in town and on the trail, wearing the hoodie in temperatures ranging from 18°-50°.
The REI Microtrek Hoodie is not designed for warmth in extreme temperatures nor for those seeking expedition-grade gear, but it is made for the majority of day hikers, shorter trip backpackers, and those looking for a dependable and affordable jacket for daily use.
The Microtrek is an affordable jacket for easy layering on trail or in town with lots of color options, and better sustainability and inclusive sizing than many outdoor brands out there.
REI Co-Op Microtrek Insulated Hoodie
men's
Women's
Find more of our favorite insulated outer layers in our Best Insulated Jackets guide.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
REI Co-op Microtrek Insulated Hoodie Specifications
Price: $179
Weight: 1 lb 1 oz (men’s), 13.4 oz (women’s)
Insulation type: Synthetic
Shell material: 100% recycled ripstop polyester (bluesign approved)
Lining material: Polyester
Fill weight: 60g
Fit: Regular
Hood: Yes
Pockets: 4
Sustainability notes: Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria; contains recycled materials; from a Climate Label Certified brand
Available sizes: S-3XL, M-XXL Tall (men’s), XS-3X (women’s)
Best for
Day hiking
Summer evenings in cooler temperatures
Shoulder-season layering
Everyday outdoor wear
Travel
Budget-conscious buyers
Newer outdoor adventurers looking for a reliable and entry level jacket
Comparison table
| JACKET | MSRP* | WEIGHT | INSULATION TYPE | HOOD | SIZING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Microtrek Insulated Hoodie Women's Men's |
$179 | 13.4 oz (women’s), 1 lb 1 oz (men’s) | Synthetic | Yes | XS-3X (women’s), S-3XL, M-XXL Tall (men’s) |
| L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket Women's Men's |
$200 | 12.4 oz (women's), 14 oz (men's) | PrimaLoft Cross Core; PrimaLoft Gold+NASA Aerogel 60g | Yes; hoodless available | XXS-3X regular and petite (wonen's); S -3XL regular and tall (men's) |
| Carhartt Rain Defender Insulated Jacket Women's Men's |
$109 | 17.6 oz | Quilted nylon with 100g polyester insulation | Yes; hoodless available | S-3XL, L-2X in Tall |
| Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Women's Men's |
$345 | 9.0 oz (women), 10.5 oz (men) | PlumaFill 65g 100% recycled | Yes; hoodless available | XXS-XL (women’s), XS-XXL (men’s) |
| REI 650 Down Jacket Women's Men's |
$129 | 10.2 oz (women's), 10.9 oz (men's) | 650-fill-power down (bluesign approved) | No | XS-3X (women's); S-3XL regular and tall (men's) |
What we liked
Affordable price
Comfortable synthetic insulation
Versatile everyday design
Easy layering fit
Inclusive sizing
Water resistant
Packs into pocket
What could be better
Limited weather resistance (not waterproof)
Limited adjustability of hood
Fewer technical features, such as vents and cinches
Not ideal for high-alpine use
How we tested
We tested the REI Microtrek Hoodie for women’s and men’s in near daily use for four months. We wore the Microtrek on errands in town and on dog walks in our rural community, and during trips to Eastern Wyoming, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, City of Rocks National Reserve, and in Grand Teton National Park.
In Southern Idaho, where the majority of our testing was located, temperatures in late winter ranged from the 20°s to mid 50°s, with our strong wind season of 10-25 mph daily winds picking up during our testing period (wind chills were in the 5°-20° range).
We also took the REI Microtrek on four major outings in both front and backcountry conditions: two trips ranging from a 3 mile walk to an 8 mile trek in City of Rocks National Reserve, both on sunny days with highs in the 30°s. We also snowshoed Taggart Lake in Grand Teton National Park on a cold, low 20°s day with 20-25 mph winds, and hiked/snowshoed in Caribou-Targhee National Forest on a day with medium snowfall and 30° temperatures that eventually warmed as the snowfall stopped and the sun came out. We also wore the Microtrek’s around town during a trip to Jackson, WY, walking the dog in local parks and sitting outdoors at cafes and breweries in 20-25° temperatures.
We walked and hiked, threw the Microtrek over our wet swimsuits while walking back from hot springs, stuffed the hoodies into our backpacks, a medium-sized crescent Baggu bag, and generally used them heavily in daily use.
Performance in the field
Warmth
The REI Microtrek Insulated Hoodie offers decent warmth and weather resistance for a variety of outdoor activities and weather conditions, especially for its light weight. This jacket is designed for versatility when layered properly, easily going from a hike up a mountain trail on a windy day to casual wear in town.
Like most similar jackets, the Microtrek Insulated Hoodie is water resistant (but not waterproof) and holds up well even in damp conditions, but under more extreme conditions, such as heavy rain, a waterproof outer layer would still be necessary. Our testers hiked for at least half an hour while in moderate snow without a waterproof layer and remained largely dry underneath.
In breezy conditions, the hoodie kept out testers warm enough. However, while hiking in stiff 20-25 mph winds with temperatures in the low twenties, we found a good quality fleece layer underneath was necessary to stay comfortable.
Fit and comfort
This hoodie is light and comfortable, cut with good proportions that promote easy movement. The men’s cut has slightly longer arms and a more square profile, while the women’s is slightly shorter in the backlength (26.5 inches compared to the men’s 28.5 inches or 30.5 inches for the tall versions) and arms, but has wider hips and a slight hourglass shape.
Our testers found the Microtrek easy to wear and comfortable in every application. However, they wished it was slightly longer, particularly in the front. The hood could have fit much better if it had cinches, particularly over a hat.
The Microtrek Hoodie is also size inclusive up to a women’s 3X and a men’s XXXL, making it comfortable but slightly snug when layered with a thicker fleece layer underneath. We tend to find that REI’s sizing runs small in the XXL-XXXL for men’s and 1X-3X sizes, with a design that could still use more workshopping to achieve a perfect fit. We found similar insulated synthetic layers, like the Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie or the Cotopaxi Capa to be comparable but at a generally higher price point, making the Microtrek an affordable option.
Online reviewers shared that the Microtrek fit them comfortably and with room to layer, but our testers found that the XXXL men’s and 3X women’s sizes ran slightly small, especially at points that hikers in bigger bodies tend to find issues with fit: at the stomach in the men’s size where it ran too small, at the shoulders and upper arms in the men’s where there was additional room, and at the stomach in the women’s size. We have found that many of REI Co-Op’s extended sizes run small, and the Microtrek is no exception.
Users who are sizes 22/3X in women’s or 3X/XXXL in men’s may find the Microtrek to be tight, depending where they carry their weight. Users sizes XS-XL will likely not experience these challenges, and will be able to comfortably layer most mid and base layers beneath the Microtrek.
Breathability
The REI Microtrek Insulated Hoodie doesn’t have some of the features that some more expensive (and technical) jackets of this type have, specifically around breathability. Without armpit vents or another type of ventilation, the jacket can feel almost too warm during times of high exertion, especially when there is a lack of wind or other weather. Other similar hoodies such as the Patagonia Nanopuff also lack these vents, so this isn’t a design flaw, but rather a feature we wish they had as they would vastly improve their performance under more strenuous conditions.
In City of Rocks the temperatures were well below freezing, but after frequent ups and downs in elevation we eventually were unzipping our Microtrek Hoodies to prevent heat buildup. When the hem adjusters at the base of the jacket are loosened there is a degree of ventilation that occurs as air passes through the bottom of the hoodie, but when tightened it is easy to seal in warmth and risk overheating (though we did not experience this in our testing).
We hiked back from our snowshoe trek in Grand Teton in conditions that were tiring, but with the correct lighter-weight fleece layered beneath we were able to prevent overheating, so while the hoodie lacks the ventilation features we prefer to see in an insulated layer, the risk of overheating is minimal when correct layers are worn underneath.
Weather resistance
We found the Microtrek’s wind resistance to be adequate, with room for improvement. Our testers live in the high desert and frequent the higher elevations of the Mountain West, locations where wind is known to be consistently strong. The strongest winds the Microtrek took on were around 25 mph, and although we could feel a slight chill through the jacket (our testers were also wearing mid and base layers), we found the Microtrek to perform well overall. While we would not characterize the hoodie to be wind proof, it is wind resistant, and the hoodie stayed on us for most of the time, which is impressive considering that it isn’t cinchable or adjustable.
The Microtrek is also not waterproof, but water resistant, and we were thankful for the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) made without PFAS that kept us about 95% dry while hiking in medium-heavy snowfall in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. When the snow stopped and we peeled our jackets off, only a few damp spots on our shoulders were present and the hoodies dried relatively quickly.
While we would not wear these in a downpour or replace a waterproof layer with this hoodie, we do find its weather resistance to be durable for most use cases. We even dropped (accidentally, of course) one of our Microtrek hoodies on the soaking wet and freezing floor of a vault toilet, draped the hoodie over a backpack to dry in a car, and found it to be dry and wearable only an hour-ish later (we do not recommend wearing clothes from the vault toilet!).
Packability
The Microtrek stands out for its lightness and packability, packing down to the size of one of our hiking boots and is generally the size of a smaller toiletry bag when packed into its own left pocket. Many jackets with this feature are $50-$100 more expensive than the Microtrek, making this an affordable option for those who need a durable and warm jacket that can be tossed in a bag or purse.
One of our testers travels frequently for work, and the Microtrek will fit easily in their travel bag. On hikes, the hoodie can fit in the smaller pockets of many of our day packs or can be clipped to the exterior of a bag with a carabiner.
Durability
The 100% recycled polyester shell is ripstop and buttery soft to the touch. It has scraped against rough rocks and sharp branches, and our testers even took a few falls on icy trails—all without the Microtrek showing any wear or tear.
REI Co-op makes durable apparel, and the Microtrek shows no indication of being an exception. We would hesitate to wear it in conditions where heavy bushwacking is required, but for the majority of hikers and users, the exterior of the Microtrek provides more than enough durability. The stitching seems to be high quality and tightly woven, showing no pulling or stretching during use. The zipper pull is long and easy to open and close without catching or snagging even when the jacket is being zipped quickly.
Features
Synthetic insulation
The 60g PrimaLoft fill is 100% recycled polyester and provides enough warmth for many activities and some weather conditions when properly layered. However, it can become too hot in milder conditions or more strenuous activities. The synthetic insulation also makes for better water resistance, with the synthetic insulation drying out more quickly than down insulation.
Insulated hood
The Microtrek Hoodie sports a hood that is not adjustable and rather large, so wearing a beanie or hat underneath to fill volume and reduce space for cold air can be helpful.
The Microtrek’s hood lacks adjustable cinches at the back and chin, but still provides plenty of warmth in its insulated hood with LYCRA spandex binding for added protection. The hood fits fairly large but not large enough for a helmet. We found it to fit best when wearing a beanie or hat underneath, and users with small head sizes who don’t wear an additional hat or hood to fill up the space may feel cold.
Front zipper closure
A heavy duty zipper securely closes with a full-length wind and close-fitting chin guard for extra wind resistance. The zipper pull is long, with a comfortable feel in hand. The zippers don’t catch during use and are smooth to pull up and down.
Elastic cuffs
The Microtrek’s elastic bindings at the wrists are excellent at sealing in warmth. The elastic fit wasn’t too tight against the wrists either, making the warmth retention even more impressive.
Zip hand pockets
Zippered hand pockets are an important feature to prevent losing small items stashed while moving both on the trail and in town. The pockets are easy to close and don’t snag or catch. They comfortably fit a large smartphone, keys, and chapstick even when fully zipped.
Interior pocket
The interior drop pockets, made without zippers, are large and easy to access without fully removing or unzipping the hoodie. We could fit a pair of glasses, a beanie, and a phone among both interior pockets.
Recycled materials
REI Co-Op is a leader in creating gear made with sustainability in mind, and the Microtrek Hoodie is no exception, made from a 100% recycled ripstop polyester shell that doesn’t compromise on comfort. The materials are also bluesign certified, and the REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label, meaning they fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across their business and support climate projects around the world.
Regular fit cut
The Microtrek is cut to fit regular, meaning it isn’t slim fit and doesn’t sit close to the body, nor is it overly baggy. In the extended and plus sizes, users may find the fit to run slightly smaller and may want to size up or try in store if possible.
Lightweight shell fabric
The Microtrek’s shell is light in both feel and actual weight.This hoodie is less than a pound in the women’s sizes and just over a pound in the men’s. While lightweight and made from 100% recycled polyester, testers still found it to be tough and ripstop in all but extreme conditions.
Men’s vs women’s differences
The differences between the men’s and women’s fits are easily apparent when comparing them next to each other. The men’s jacket is two inches longer in the back than the women’s version (28.5 inches in the regular men’s fit compared to 26.5 inches in the women’s fit), as well as in the arms and is also straighter in the torso, not flaring out slightly for the hips and chest as the women’s version does.
The men’s fit is also available in more sizes than the women’s, specifically coming in extra-long “Tall” sizes in each of its corresponding regular sizes between Medium and XXL—a rare thing to find. WIth the difference in proportions comes a slight difference in weight as well, with the men’s being 1 lb 1 oz to the women’s 13.4 oz. Both are available in the same four colors: Black, Stone Blue, REI Red, and Echo Grey.
Should you buy the REI Co-op Microtrek insulated hoodie?
Buy if:
You want an affordable insulated hiking layer
You frequent the outdoors in temperate and shoulder-season weather
You need a versatile everyday jacket
You prefer synthetic insulation
You need a durable and weather resistant synthetic hoodie
You want solid performance without premium pricing
Skip if:
You need a windproof layer
Your adventures require the use of a helmet
You need expedition-level insulation and warmth
You want maximum breathability
You want premium technical features
Where to buy the REI Co-op Microtrek Insulated Hoodie
The REI Co-cop Microtrek Insulated Hoodie is only available at REI.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Similar insulated jackets
L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket
Price: $200
Shell material: 100% recycled polyester
Total weight: 12.4 oz (women’s), 14 oz (men’s)
Fill type: PrimaLoft Cross Core; PrimaLoft Gold+NASA Aerogel 60g
Number of Pockets: 4; 2 hand, one chest, one internal media w audio port
Hoodless jacket version: Yes (men’s and women’s)
Vest version: Yes (men’s and women’s)
Sizes available: Women’s XXS to 3X (also available in petite); men’s S to XXXL (also available in tall)
Warranty: 100% satisfaction within 1 year and manufacturers defects after 1 year
The L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket is another versatile jacket that can be packed into its own pocket, making it easy for use on the trail and while traveling. We like the 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation, and find the jacket to be warm on the trail in shoulder-season conditions and usable in colder temperatures when paired with a midweight layer. The jacket is also water resistant and windproof, and the shell and lining are 100% recycled polyester.
L.L. Bean has been making women’s gear that goes up to 3X in many of their pieces for a long time, and we appreciate that the women’s size can be accessible to more users. While the men’s size goes up to an XXXL, we hope to see a true big and tall size line from L.L. Bean eventually so that even more people can use their gear. The L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket was listed as Treeline Review’s “Best Affordable Insulated Jacket,” in our guide of Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2026.
L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket
men's
Women's
Carhartt Rain Defender Insulated Jacket
Price: $109
Shell material: 100% nylon CORDURA
DWR treatment? Yes
Total weight: 17.6 oz
Fill type: Quilted nylon with 100g polyester insulation
Number of Pockets: 5
Hoodless jacket version: Yes and hooded version
Vest version: Yes
Sizes available: S-3XL, L-2X in Tall
Men’s big and tall users who don’t mind the extra ounces can also turn to Carhartt’s Rain Defender Insulated jacket, made from a 100% nylon CORDURA shell that is treated with DWR (Durable Water Resistance). The 100g polyester insulation is warm, and can run too warm when worn during periods of high movement as the jacket lacks ventilation features. The jacket itself performs exceptionally well in heavy winds and heavy rains, keeping users bone dry beneath the jacket.
It is most ideal for use in town, or on hikes that are less strenuous where overheating is less of a risk. In alignment with most of Carhartt’s gear and its legacy of creating durable and reliable products, the Rain Defender is tough, and has held up when brushed against barbed wire fencing and other sharp corners around our testers’ rural home. We also like the price, which is much lower than other insulated synthetic jackets on the market. More about the Rain Defender can be read in Treeline Review’s Best Outdoor Clothing for Big and Tall Adventurers.
Carhartt Rain Defender Insulated Jacket
men's
Women's
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Price: $345
Shell material: 10D ripstop nylon Netplus
Total weight: 9.0 oz (women), 10.5 oz (men)
Fill type: PlumaFill 65g 100% recycled
Number of Pockets: 2 zippered hand, 2 internal
Hoodless jacket version: Yes (men’s and women’s)
Vest version: No (discontinued)
Sizes: XS-XXL (men’s), XXS-XL (women’s)
Warranty: Ironclad Guarantee, they will repair, refund, or exchange any item, for any reason.
The Patagonia Micro Puff is a synthetic insulated jacket that is popular and seen among hikers, backpackers, and other outdoor athletes, and for good reason. It was awarded Best Overall Synthetic Insulated Jacket in our Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets guide, chosen because of its low volume, durability, and excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
While it is situated at a higher price than the Microtrek from REI, the Patagonia Micro Puff is an ideal choice for users who want a dependable and warm synthetic layer. We also have an in-depth, long term single-product review of the Patagonia Micro Puff, a testament to the quality of the jacket.
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the author
Both Gabi Reyes-Acosta and Clayne Zollinger are avid car campers, day hikers, occasional backpackers, former outdoor educators, and frequent paddlers in the warm months. We hike throughout the Mountain West, namely Southern and Central Idaho, Southern Montana, and Western Wyoming nearly every weekend when conditions allow, relying on our layers to keep us safe, dry, and warm across a variety of weather conditions, from dry days in the high-desert to surprise snow storms in the higher elevations.
We believe in testing gear as the majority of consumers use it, in higher elevation conditions that are more difficult/time intensive to reach and in every day, shorter hikes. Our values are in finding and using gear that is reliable, sustainably made, and keeps us going in the outdoors.
You can find more of our reviews on our Treeline Review author pages for Gabi Reyes-Acosta and Clayne Zollinger.
