REASONS TO BUY
Great performance for its price
Full-length side zippers
Ankles cinch down
Mobile
REASONS TO AVOID
Side zippers can snag
Liner not the most durable
REI Co-op Rainier Review
A decent pair of rain pants that’ll spare your wallet and are easy to slide into when a storm comes in unexpectedly
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 13, 2025
RELATED: The Best Rain Pants of 2025
Our Verdict
The REI Co-op Rainier is a well-performing option that'll save you money for other gear needs. REI nailed the cut of these pants, finding a great balance between mobility and reducing bunching, and we loved how easily we could backpack in these when the clouds got dark. The Rainier uses a 2.5-layer construction that repels rain well, though it isn't our first choice for repeated, prolonged downpours. The full-length side zippers and easy-to-use velcro made these noticeably faster to put on than much of the competition, and the ankle adjustability was fantastic for dialing in the fit. While there are lighter options on the market, the Rainier offers all-around performance, and its price point is accessible.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Rain pants like the REI Co-op Rainier are great for the discerning shopper who needs quality weather protection but can't quite swing premium prices commonly associated with high-end rain gear. While we had a few qualms, this is a great addition to your hiking and backpacking kit that can handle some decently sour weather.
These well-priced rain pants kept us dry in some pretty sizable storms, and we loved how quick they were to put on when the clouds rolled in.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Water Resistance
REI has done a great job finding ways to keep waterproof gear from getting too pricey. In the Rainier, they've utilized a 2.5-layer nylon build with a HydroWall membrane that provides decent protection against precipitation. It'll work well for a variety of rainstorms and might be all you need.
We stayed dry in the REI Co-op Rainier for small to medium-sized storms, which met most of our testers' needs. However, we got wet in the particularly nasty rains that were measured in hours rather than minutes. Fortunately, these sideways storms aren't the typical conditions any of our team goes out in, and if you do get caught by surprise in such a storm, the Rainier will still work in a pinch. We wish REI had sealed the side zippers, but they opted for zipper covers instead, which did get the job done, but the zippers more easily snagged.
These 2.5 layer pants repelled water well throughout testing, and the DWR treatment beaded water like this consistently.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort and Mobility
The REI Co-op Rainier is a comfortable and unencumbering rain pant that won't slow you down. While there are a few models that are stretchier and easier to wear for prolonged periods, the Rainier held its own in the review's lineup.
With a relaxed fit that's not too baggy, the Rainier didn't restrict any leg movement and allowed us to easily go about our outdoor adventures. The ankle adjustability was a particularly standout aspect, allowing us to keep excess fabric away from our feet, reducing the likelihood of a trip. Several pants we tested lacked this drawstring capability at the foot openings, which created a tripping hazard in the baggier pants. The Rainier's membrane was also decently comfortable against the skin when wearing the pants over a pair of shorts.
These offer a great cut that's baggy enough to fit over your hiking pants without too much bunching.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability
This is a relatively breathable option when considering they're still rain pants. They're on the heavier side, but the HydroWall membrane helped keep body-generated moisture at least one layer away throughout our testing process.
For extended uphill hikes, any pair of rain pants is going to start getting hot. Fortunately, these have full-length side zips that greatly improved airflow and allowed us to keep wearing them during light rains. In heavier rains, of course, the side zippers needed to remain shut, though we simply kept a slower pace to alleviate overheating.
The rubbery liner of the Rainier made these less breathable for high output days, but they still worked well in chillier temperatures.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
The REI Co-op Rainier landed on the heavier side of the review's lineup. If you're closely watching every gram that goes inside your backpack, these might not be for you, but when considering they're half the price of the top-scoring pants, the Rainier might still be worth the weight.
We measured the REI Co-op Rainier at 11.3 ounces in a men's small. This was one of the heavier pants in the lineup, though when considering its price point and its overall score, many shoppers might not have an issue with its weight.
These aren't the lightest pants in the review, but considering they have a full-length zipper, REI made these fairly weight-friendly.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Durability
These are fairly durable and can handle some rough days on the trail. However, if you're historically rough on your rain gear, we suggest looking at something heavier-duty than the REI Co-op Rainier.
The 2.5-layer nylon construction of the REI Co-op Rainier is fairly standard in the world of rain pants. We were able to hike through sharp brush and take breaks on boulders or logs without the shell fabric cutting, though the water resistance wasn't as consistent. The DWR treatment didn't last as long as some of the competition, though we were simply able to re-activate it with washing and running through the dryer on low heat, and even bought a DWR spray to bring the pants back to life. The drawstring attachments at the ankle, despite being lightweight, held up well throughout testing. There have been some reports of the liner flaking off over time, which is common with these sorts of spray liners.
The lining held up throughout our testing, but some have reported it flaking off after longer periods.
Should You Buy the REI Co-op Rainier?
The REI Co-op Rainier finds a happy medium between a dirt-cheap budget model and a top-shelf rain pant, making them a great option for a modest budget that still offers decent performance across the board. They are undoubtedly comfortable, and the in-house membrane helped with breathability. The full-length zippers and the velcro tops made for a great combo, helping us slide these on over boots or hiking shoes quickly. If you're wanting something more weather resistant or lighter on the scale, we'd steer you elsewhere, but the Rainier is hard to beat for its price.
What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?
For the best weather protection, check out the Outdoor Research Foray 3L. It's twice the price and weighs more, but it'll handle those prolonged rains with ease. If you want to go even cheaper than the REI Co-op Rainier, the 33,000ft Regular Fit is great for occasional light rains. It's a fraction of the price of the Rainier, but we wouldn't recommend braving any intense precipitation events in the 33,000.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Co-op Rainier versus top competing products:
—Zach Lovell
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