Kate Agathon

When I first moved to the mountains last summer, I noticed that women of all ages wore overalls. Much like the ubiquitous athleisure joggers in the city, overalls enjoy a certain type of popularity in small mountain towns. I saw them being worn at the grocery store, at brunch, at hikes on the mountain, etc.

Therefore, I jumped at the recent opportunity to try REI Co-op Trailsmith overalls. Constructed from the same soft and durable canvas-type fabric as my favorite REI Co-op Trailsmith Jogger pants, the REI Co-op Trailsmith overalls are perfect for mud season.

 

Not as heavy as denim, but just as durable, I appreciate how soft the fabric is. Constructed from cotton/recycled polyester/spandex, the overalls aren’t restrictive at all.

 

Unsurprisingly, the relaxed fit REI Co-op Trailsmith overalls have pockets galore. They come with a utility chest pocket, coin, and super deep hand and back pockets (which I love!) where you can stow just about anything.

 

Other details include antique bronze buttons, reinforced knees and thighs to protect from wear and tear, and adjustable elastic shoulder straps that do not chafe.

 

Although the overalls looked dubiously too large and too long hanging on the rack, as soon as I put them on, they fit like a glove. I couldn’t believe how nice they looked and how comfortable they felt! I had initially thought they’d be too baggy, but this was not at all the case (the lesson learned here is try them on, even if you’re unsure based on how they look on the clothes hanger).

 

Clearly, I have been missing out.

 

Super comfortable, I wear these nearly every day. I like not having to worry about chafing or tightness from waistbands due to my fluctuating weight. And, they’re just fun to wear- something different from the usual jogger pants or leggings.

 

Typically, when I take naps, I switch to comfy pants. However, the REI Co-op Trailsmith overalls are so comfortable that I don’t have the need to swap them out when I sneak in a quick cat nap.

 

Side note: the last time that I wore overalls was in 1997 when I had a pair of denim overalls from the Gap. They were restrictive, scratchy and uncomfortable. Clearly, overalls have come a long way since then- I cannot overstate how comfortable they are! It’s as close as you can get to wearing your comfiest pajamas.

 

Finally, unclipping one shoulder strap and unbuttoning one side button is such a quick process, that having to stop for a bathroom break isn’t inconvenient at all.

 

The REI Co-op Trailsmith overalls are the wardrobe item I didn’t know I needed. In fact, I had no idea how quickly I’d adapt to the comfort of wearing overalls, or how much I’d embrace their fun, casual style. It really is a cute look!

 

In my experience, REI Co-op sizes vary. I wear a 6 Petite in their Sahara and Trailsmith joggers, but a 4 Petite in the Trailsmith overalls. Definitely try on a few pairs and don’t look solely on size.

 

Designed with a variety of body sizes in mind, the REI Co-op Trailsmith overalls are available in four colors (Undyed, Olive Green, Pirate Black, and Washed Blue) and extended sizes (petite, regular, tall, and wide).

---

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.