REI Swiftland running gear list: 4 items you can't miss
April 27th, 2026
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While running apparel and gear have become increasingly technical, at the end of the day, a simple, lightweight gear system will keep you comfortable for miles. The flashy, high-tech gear can be fun, but realistically, whether you’re just getting into running or are clocking mileage every day, you’ll want some basic running staples in your closet. That’s where the REI Co-op Swiftland collection comes in.
Running gear should not only be lightweight and comfortable, but also breathable, moisture wicking, and appropriate for the weather conditions. The REI Co-op Swiftland collection features running tanks and shirts, shorts, tights, jackets, pullovers, hydration vests, and more—all made from moisture-wicking, breathable materials and available in a wide range of sizes.
REI's Swiftland collection is more affordable and offers more sizing options than most similar gear from other running brands. REI Co-op apparel and gear is also certified to The Climate Label, funding efforts to reduce carbon emissions and supporting climate projects, and uses recycled materials that meet bluesign criteria. REI Swiftland items offer quality materials and designs at a more budget-friendly price and are backed by REI's warranty. And the cherry on top? This collection features trendy styles and colors, so you’ll actually want to wear them.
Three of our running experts tested 10 Swiftland items alongside tried-and-true apparel from other brands, compared the specs, performance, and cost, and determined which Swiftland items hold their own and which to skip.
These are the four items that stood out for their balance of performance, comfort, and value.
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6 REI Co-op Swiftland items you can't miss
REI Co-op Swiftland Grid Running Shirt
Price: $49.95
Material: 73% recycled nylon, 27% spandex grid fabric
Fit: Cropped, boxy fit (women's), standard (men's)
Sizes: XS to 3X
Weight: 2.8 ounces
Features: Chafe-free seams, Inset shoulder panels (for comfort under pack straps), Reflective elements
Sustainability features: Contains materials that meet bluesign criteria, and the REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label
Best for
Running in hot weather
Runners who prefer the style of a cropped, boxy shirt
Trail, road, track, or gym workouts
Both our men’s and women’s running shirt writers tested the Grid Running Shirt and both of them loved it. It’s comfortable, lightweight, airy, and stylish. The women’s Grid has a mildly cropped high hem, which some runners may not like. However, our women’s tester loved this fit for its ventilation and temperature regulation, and found she preferred the Grid over similar running shirts (including her beloved Oiselle Flyout Boxy Short Sleeve) on hot days.
REI Co-op Swiftland Grid Running Shirt
REI Co-op Swiftland 5” Running Shorts (men's)
Price: $50
Material: 73% recycled nylon, 27% spandex
Fit: Athletic fit
Sizes: S to 3X (regular and tall)
Weight: 3.5 ounces
Features: Chafe-free seams, Inset shoulder panels (for comfort under pack straps), Underarm gussets for comfort and mobility, Reflective elements
Sustainability features: Contains materials that meet bluesign criteria, and the REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label
Best for
Running in warm weather
Road, trail, track, and gym workouts
The 5” running shorts were our men’s tester’s favorite Swiftland item he tested. They are super breathable, comfortable, surprisingly durable, and have great pockets. He wore them for his entire 1,200-mile thru-hike of the Pacific Northwest Trail, which involved a lot of bushwacking, and they’re still going strong.
The Swiftland’s rear zipper pocket is just large enough for a 6.3” smartphone. It also has a small carabiner on a piece of webbing in the right pocket to prevent you from losing your key while still using all that pocket space to carry gels.
The REI Swiftland shorts have the thinnest and most breathable fabric of any men's trail running shorts we’ve tested. Overall, we find these shorts very comfortable and great for long runs in hot weather.
REI Co-op Swiftland 5” Running Shorts
We had no chafing issues with the brief-style liner that comes in those shorts. Eventually, we cut out those liners, as we always do with running shorts, because we prefer running in our favorite mesh underwear. But if you prefer wearing your shorts with a liner, we recommend the 5” version over the 7”.
While our women’s testers haven’t tried the women’s version, we appreciate the pockets, size inclusivity, and color options available. The shorts are a good deal, especially considering how durable they are.
REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest
Price: $110
Weight: 9 - 10 ounces (depending on size)
Included water reservoir: Removable 1.5L HydraPak Elite hydration reservoir with leakproof Slide-Seal top opening and high-flow bite valve (a $38 value!)
Capacity: 5 L of gear capacity
Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL/XXXL
Pockets: Large rear zippered pocket and interior organization panel with key clip, Rear outer stuff pocket, Two front pockets for gear or soft flasks (not included), Front zippered pocket
Features: Reflective detailing, Cord loops for attaching gear (like running poles)
Sustainability features: Contains materials that meet bluesign criteria, and the REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label
Machine washable
Best for
Long runs, especially if you’ll need to carry water and fuel
Shorter runs in hot weather
Ultramarathons or long days on the trail
Stowing layers for weather or temperature changes
Runners looking for a more size-inclusive option, with sizing ranging from S/M to 2X/3X
Because it offers so many features, is highly adjustable, and is available in a wider size range than many other brands, the REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest makes our Swiftland collection top three. We think this hydration vest is a great option for beginner trail runners and anyone gearing up on a budget. You’ll get everything you need in a hydration vest—including 5 L of gear capacity, a 1.5L hydration reservoir, plenty of pockets, adjustable webbing straps, and gear loops—at a fair price.
REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest
The REI Swiftland 5 pack is feature rich, especially for its $110 price, with plenty of storage space and pockets, a removable 1.5L reservoir, and cord loops for attaching gear. The front pockets are plenty spacious for items you want quick access to, like hydration flasks, a phone, sunglasses, or fuel. You can also stuff a running jacket or other layers in the vest, even with the hydration reservoir there. Our men’s tester found the Swiftland 5 hydration vest to fit and perform well on his runs, from 2-30 miles, road to trail.
Our men’s tester tested this vest alongside vests from other brands, and found the Swiftland 5 to hold its own, especially considering the features, sizing options, and price.Our women’s tester also found this hydration vest to fit and perform well on her runs. As stated above, this pack is feature rich, with plenty of storage space and pockets, a removable 1.5L water reservoir, and cord loops for attaching gear. The front pockets are spacious enough for items you want quick access to, like hydration flasks, a phone, sunglasses, or fuel. The wide size range and adjustable webbing straps also allow for a more customizable fit than most brands offer.
Our testers compared the men’s and women’s hydration vests and found little difference between them, other than sizing options. Typically, we’d see this as a “shrink it and pink it” approach to women’s apparel, but our hunch is that REI has done the opposite, starting with a better fit for women and building the men’s from that. The webbing straps that attach the front and back under the arms allow the vest to adjust to a wider range of body types, rather than the stretchy material we see on some other brands’ hydration vests.
The only gripe our women’s tester had with this hydration pack was how difficult the buckles were to use, especially while running. But considering the vest's capacity, features, and adjustability for its price, the difficult buckles are a small drawback.
Price: $75
Weight: Not stated
Available sizes: XS-3X (including petite and tall options)
Fit: High-rise, wide waistband stays put
Closure: internal waist drawcord
Pockets: Drop-in compression phone pocket at center-back (pro tip: angle your phone in diagonally to help it fit), Drop-in pocket on each thigh offers an alternate phone-carry option, or a place to store keys, a card or a snack, 2 smaller stash pockets along waistband fit nutrition or energy gels
Features: Chafe-free seams, Inseam gusset, Reflective elements on front and back
Sustainability features: Contains materials that meet bluesign criteria, and the REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label
Machine washable
Best for
Running in the cold
Runners looking for a size-inclusive running tight
A budget alternative to Janji tights
Our women’s tester, Treeline writer Stasia Stockwell, who has spent the past 6 years testing women's winter running tights, was impressed with how well the Swiftland 7/8 Running Tights performed. The Swiftland tights have three pockets, each which can fit a phone. We also appreciate that it has reflective elements on the front and back for running in low light conditions. We find this essential for cooler weather tights, as you will often be wearing them during the fall and winter when daylight hours are scarce.
REI Swiftland ⅞ Running Tights
After having tested the REI Co-op Active Pursuits 7/8 Tights, she found the Swiftland tights to be “leaps and bounds” better, with softer fabric, better pockets, and a better fit. The waistband is snug and comfortable, with an internal tie for adjustability. The only potential concern she noted was the thigh pockets are made of a mesh material that may not hold up well in the long term, though she has had no issues so far.
Who the REI Swiftland collection is best for
The REI Co-op Swiftland collection is best for any runner—from roads to trails—looking to build a wardrobe/gear closet of quality staples at a fair price. Whether you’re a running newbie looking for comfortable running apparel or a long-time runner who knows not every outfit can realistically include the latest high-tech, expensive gear, the Swiftland collection has something for you.
In addition to being a generally good value, the Swiftland collection is more size inclusive than most outdoor brands, with sizes typically ranging from S-4XL in men’s and XS-3XL in women’s. That said, our men’s tester noted that the smallest men’s sizes barely fit him, and he’s not that small. So if you typically wear men’s size small, you may want to try things on first (though, fortunately, REI also has an easy return policy).
We also appreciate that all items in the Swiftland collection, like all REI Co-op gear and apparel, are certified to The Climate Label, which funds efforts to reduce carbon emissions and support climate projects around the world. The collection also uses recycled and bluesign-approved materials.
The clothing and gear in the Swiftland line is versatile, allowing for layering in just about any weather. If you’re looking to build a lightweight, comfortable running kit for any conditions, at a relatively reasonable price, the Swiftland collection is a great place to start.
What we look for in good running apparel
Breathability and moisture management
Running apparel should be breathable and moisture wicking to help with temperature regulation and overall comfort. Breathable materials help prevent you from overheating while you’re working out, and moisture management allows sweat to escape. Otherwise, not only will you feel like an uncomfortable swamp creature, but you are at a greater risk for blisters, chafing, and even hypothermia.
Lightweight construction
Lightweight clothing is generally more comfortable while running, particularly over long distances or for extended periods. Clothes or gear that feels heavy, especially when it gets wet, can cause you to fatigue faster and be less effective at regulating temperature. Lighter gear and apparel also help you feel more mobile and agile while running, which can greatly improve your experience.
Comfort, fit, and Freedom of movement
Other factors besides weight contribute to mobility and comfort while running, like fabric stretch, the fit of the apparel or gear, and seam placement.
Most running apparel is made from a blend of materials, like nylon, polyester, and elastane (spandex). While the nylon and polyester aid in breathability and moisture management, elastane adds stretch. Stretchier fabrics allow for more freedom of movement while you’re running.
Running clothes can fit tight to the body, have an athletic or women’s-specific fit that may be a little more relaxed but still fitted, or have a boxy, loose fit. The best fit for you comes down to personal preference—after all, if you find the clothing comfortable and stylish, you’re more likely to wear it. The author, for example, prefers boxier, looser crop tops because she finds them more cooling (and stylish!), but tighter (i.e., spandex) shorts because she finds them more supportive (and, again, stylish!).
Seam placement also contributes to freedom of movement and general comfort, as poor placement can cause chafing, especially in the underarms. Seams should be configured to allow you to move more easily—this may be particularly important for running tights, which typically have gussets for better movement (and breathability).
Weather adaptability
If you’ll be running outside, chances are high you’ll encounter a range of weather conditions. Having running apparel and gear designed for the range of weather you’ll encounter helps keep you safe and comfortable. Layering (e.g., wearing a running jacket over a base layer shirt) also helps you adapt to mid-run weather changes.
How we tested
Three Treeline Review writers spent three months testing ten items from REI Co-op's Swiftland Running Gear collection alongside running apparel and running gear from other brands. One of our writers also spent a summer thru-hiking the Pacific Northwest Trail in one of the items, testing for long-term durability in bushwhacking conditions.
One of our testers ran on road, gravel paths, and urban trails in Colorado's Front Range. One tester tested on snowy and cold trail runs in Colorado's high country. The other tester ran on trails and gravel in the Arizona and New Mexico. We tested the men's and women's versions of these items and then sat down and discussed our favorites from the collection.
We looked for breathability and moisture-wicking material in all the running gear we tested. Comfort, fit, and freedom of movement were incredibly important. As we tested the REI Swiftland Running collection in everything from snow to 90F degree desert heat, we also tested for weather adaptability.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Becca ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification for coaching running and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!). After notching a few small FKTs under her belt in 2020, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, and running when her hip allows it.
You can read more of Becca's work at her website or on her author page. You can follow her on Instagram at @beccad___.
