The REI Co-op Rainier features 2.5-layer Hydrowall protection along with a DWR treatment to keep you dry in moderate showers and thunderstorms. The pit vents and mesh pockets increase breathability, while also making it easy to stow your trail essentials. We also like that it uses Bluesign-approved material and is Fair Trade-certified.
Our testing team was more than satisfied with the affordable 2.5-layer performance of the Rainier's latest iteration. Taped seams and a Hydrowall membrane help improve water resistance, while the adjustable hood and visor keep your face dry without limiting peripheral vision. We appreciate that REI uses a PFC-free DWR treatment, and we found it to work well at beading water away from the jacket, but it performed best in moderate rainstorms. Any showers that were heavy or sustained, and the fabric was prone to “wetting out,” allowing water to penetrate through.
The design performed nicely during our objective water resistance tests, effectively resisting water through the fabric during our pour tests, yet failing at the zipper, even with the storm flap covering it. The adjustable Velcro cuffs are nice when the wind picks up, and the internal drop-in zippers help keep our essentials dry. While not the most water-resistant in our rain jacket review, the Rainier provides adequate performance in exchange for a more affordable price. For short hikes in the rain or for running errands in a drizzle, the Rainier gets the job done.
The Rainier design doesn't breathe super well when all the zippers are closed and the hood is cinched; however, when temperatures were warm, our testers noted decent airflow within the 2.5-layer construction. The pit vents measure 10 inches but don't feature two-way zippers to help direct airflow exactly where you want it. Although the pit vents helped offset some body heat during our objective tests, we still found ourselves opening up the main zipper a bit to increase airflow.
While we love the internal mesh lining for the zippered pockets that increases airflow, it's not always ideal to open up pockets when it's actually storming. And while the pit vents also aim to increase airflow, the internal plasticky fabric still stuck to our skin when temperatures really heated up.
The updated Rainier includes fabric that is less rigid and softer to the touch than previous iterations. It has a tiny bit of stretch included in the construction, as well as articulated elbows for better range of motion. The fit is slimmer than other jackets that we've tested. We could still stretch comfortably in it, but it's a little tight in the shoulders, according to some of our more athletic testers. We appreciate the longer hemline that covers our bum, as well as the hood with a larger brim that doesn't take away our peripheral vision.
The interior of the jacket has that plasticky feeling that rain jackets sometimes have. It can stick to your bare skin in warm and humid conditions, which we don't love. The interface at the chin is also a bit scratchy and causes discomfort, especially when wearing the jacket for extended periods of time. And while the latest fabric iteration is softer than previous models, it's not as soft and stretchy as other top performers in the lineup.
The Rainier design weighs in at 11.2 ounces for a women's size small, around average in our lineup. The internal mesh pockets, storm flap, extra brim on the hood, and zippered hand pockets definitely increase the weight of the design, but we can certainly appreciate these features when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
We love that this affordable construction also includes a stow pocket for better packability. When packed into its own zippered hand pocket, it measures only 8.5" x 6" x 3", so it's quite packable and compact.
For an affordable design, we were surprised how well the Rainier held up after frequent use. The water-resistant fabric and taped seams appear to be durable and perfect for moderate rain, while YKK zippers inspire confidence in function and longevity.
The hook and loop closures on the wrist cuffs are thinner than most jacket designs that we tested, and even thinner on the storm flap that covers the main zipper. While these thinner strips make us question their quality, they didn't fail during our testing period. The Rainier includes a lot of features that help it outperform its lower price tag.
Not everybody needs the latest and greatest Gore-Tex rain jacket design that's built to last and keep you dry in all conditions, and the Rainier offers some technical features without breaking the bank. It's an affordable 2.5-layer construction with PFC-free DWR treatment that performs best in moderate rain conditions. The updated design is softer and more comfortable to wear than previous models, just know that the fit is still slim and can run a little tight in the shoulders. We love that it includes pit vents, mesh pockets, fun color options, and inclusive sizing.
If you're curious what other affordable designs are out there, we also recommend checking out the Rab Downpour and the Marmot PreCip Eco, which are both quality jackets that cost just a bit more. Our favorite rain jacket is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L for its top-notch performance without the hefty price tag (though it costs more than the Rainier). If you don't mind the stiffer fabric, it features 3-layer performance that's tough to beat. Our favorite design for gnarly weather conditions is the Arc'teryx Beta SL, which features a Gore-Tex outer shell that inspires the most confidence in backcountry performance when it counts.
| Awards |  Best Value for Active Use |
|---|---|
| Price | $100 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A simple and affordable 2.5-layer water-resistant shell with pit vents and an inclusive size range |
| Pros | Super affordable, articulated elbows for better range of motion, stows easily into pocket, two internal drop-in mesh pockets, pit vents, inclusive sizing up to 3x, great color options |
| Cons | Interior fabric feels like plastic against bare skin, limited breathability, lacking water resistance |
| 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 with non-PFC DWR finish |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 10.2 oz |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand, 2 interior drop-in |
| Pit Zips | Yes |
| Pit Zip Length | 10 in |
| Stows into Pocket | Yes |
| Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket | No |
| Helmet Compatible Hood | No |
| Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets | No |
| Additional Features | Adjustable hood, adjustable Velcro cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem, brushed collar lining |
