REASONS TO BUY
Good value
Pit zips dump heat quickly
Handles light to moderate rain well
Easy to fine-tune fit
REASONS TO AVOID
Slightly clammy against bare skin
Average weight
Liner not as tough
REI Co-op Rainier Review
An affordable all-arounder with thoughtful features and steady weather performance
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Rain Jackets for Men
Our Verdict
The REI Co-Op Rainier is an affordable rain jacket that earned relatively high scores across the board in our tests. If you're a casual adventurer who sometimes braves the rain, you can rely on this jacket without spending a fortune. It's got the basic features we like in a rain jacket — pit vents, a comfortable fit, good pockets, and totally decent weather protection. Though not the lightest jacket in our lineup, and the rubber interior isn't the most comfortable against bare skin, the Rainier does offer great range of motion and works well as a versatile rain layer for day hikes, summit scrambles, or camping.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We tested the REI Co-Op Rainier across a variety of climates and ultimately found it to be a great budget jacket with well-rounded results. This is not the right choice if you plan to venture into massive storms, nor is it our top recommendation for going ultralight, but if price is one of your top priorities, the Rainier is one of the best for value.
This mobile and feature-rich jacket punches above its price point. Credit: Zach Lovell
Water Resistance
The REI Co-Op Rainier offers decent water resistance relative to its price point. We ultimately put the Rainier in the middle of the pack.
The REI Co-Op Rainier is made with a 2.5-layer fabric construction and uses 100% ripstop nylon. The half layer is a rubbery interior liner, and this build isn't quite as protective as 3-layer construction. Throughout testing, we found the taped seams to hold up well, and with proper care, the DWR consistently kept beading water.
Overall, we were happy with the consistent beading of the Rainier's DWR. Credit: Zach Lovell
We stayed dry during short, intense thunderstorms, and the Rainier also performed well in prolonged light rain. However, heavy and sustained precipitation caused moisture to seep in around the shoulders, neck, and zipper. This jacket wouldn't be our top recommendation for multiple days of heavy and sustained precipitation when you're far from civilization and relying on it to stay dry and warm.
The Rainier relies on a storm flap over the zipper for waterproofing, but once water worked its way underneath that cover, some moisture seeped through. Credit: Zach Lovell
We think most casual outdoor enthusiasts will be happy with this low-priced jacket, with a reliable hood also forming a decent seal, but if you're the type of person who goes on that weeklong backpacking trip rain or shine, you might want something a bit tougher.
Depending on the intensity of the precipitation and wind, you can either leave the hood more relaxed for breathability, or cinch it down with the drawstring system. Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability
Overall, the REI Co-Op Rainier offers decent breathability. Some of the other models in this price range were on the heavier side and lacked pit zips, but the Rainier allowed us to shed heat fairly easily via the pit zips and mesh-lined pockets.
The HydroWall membrane of the REI Co-Op Rainier offers some limited breathability, but the pit zips are what really helped keep us from getting too sweaty. The rubbery liner definitely got clammy for prolonged uphills, though the mesh pockets could be left open for added airflow.
For lower output hikes, town strolls, or backpacking, the Rainier is likely to keep you from getting too hot. Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort and Mobility
The REI Co-Op Rainier is a mobile jacket, but the against-skin feel wasn't our favorite. It was about average in our comfort rankings.
Almost all of the 2.5-layer jackets we tested had subpar next-to-skin comfort because the liner didn't offer as soft a feel. These half-layer liners tend to be a bit grabby/sticky, and the REI Co-Op Rainier is no different. However, the articulated elbows helped offer great mobility, and the relaxed fit provides space for layers underneath.
While it's a bit nitpicky, we found the liner to not be quite as comfortable against the skin as 2 or 3 layer options. Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
The REI Co-Op Rainier isn't our top recommendation for gram-counting thru-hikers or people who need an ultralight, portable jacket. However, if you're just heading to your local trail or for a dog walk, this likely won't be a big concern.
A men's medium weighed 12 ounces on our scale. While we've seen some budget options that boasted lower weight, the REI Co-Op Rainier fits quite easily into a backpack or travel luggage and isn't going to slow you down too much.
This isn't the lightest rain jacket out there, but for casual use, this isn't an issue. Credit: Zach Lovell
Construction Quality
The REI Co-Op Rainier's face fabric and the taped seams held up fairly well, but we have some mixed feelings about the potential longevity of the painted liner.
The REI Co-Op Rainier is fairly well-made for a budget jacket, but there are other options we'd steer you towards if you want something that can handle a long and rough outdoors life. The main issue you might run into is the durability of the liner. This is a very thin liner, and we saw some wear after just a few short sessions. According to online user reviews, other owners of this jacket have had some similar experiences. Overall, though, we were big fans of the design of this affordable layer, with well-functioning adjustability systems at the hem, hood, and cuffs.
We saw the liner show wear early in the testing process. Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the REI Co-Op Rainier?
If you want a well-rounded rain jacket but can't swing a premium price, put the REI Co-op Rainier in your shopping cart. For weekend camping trips, summertime backpacking, or casual, sporadic wear around town, the Rainier is likely all many folks will need. If you live in the Pacific Northwest or another very rainy climate, we might recommend something a little more robust.
What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?
If you're looking for better durability and weather protection, consider the well-priced Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, which offers more water resistance and a 3-layer construction. If you're looking for something a bit lighter weight but still affordable, check out the Helly Hansen Loke.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Co-op Rainier versus top competing products:
| Awards |  Best Bang for the Buck |
|---|---|
| Price | $100 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | An affordable all-arounder with thoughtful features and steady weather performance |
| Pros | Good value, pit zips dump heat quickly, handles light to moderate rain well, easy to fine-tune fit |
| Cons | Slightly clammy against bare skin, average weight, liner not as tough |
| Rating Categories | REI Co-op Rainier |
| Water Resistance (45%) | |
| Breathability (20%) | |
| Comfort and Mobility (15%) | |
| Weight (10%) | |
| Construction Quality (10%) | |
| Specifications | REI Co-op Rainier |
| Number of Fabric Layers | 2.5 |
| Material and Waterproof Membrane | 2.5-layer HydroWall recycled ripstop nylon with non-PFC DWR finish |
| Measured Weight | 12 oz |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand, 2 interior drop-in |
| Pit Zips | Yes |
| Pit Zip Length | 11.0" |
| Stows Into Pocket | Yes |
| Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket | Yes |
| Helmet Compatible Hood (Per Testing) | Yes, but snug fit with partial coverage |
| Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets | No |
| Additional Features | Adjustable hood with visor, adjustable Velcro cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem, windproof up to 60 mph, articulated elbows |
—Zach Lovell
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