 This Product
REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  Best Overall Rain Jacket |  Best Bang for the Buck | Budget Pick for Active Use | ||
| Price | $189 List Check REI (on sale!) | $189 List Check Price at REI | $140 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $135 List Check Price at Backcountry | $100 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This reasonably priced design shines when it comes to comfort and mobility within a relatively lightweight and packable construction | A quality rain jacket offering exceptional water resistance and performance that will hold up to the wildest weather | An affordable jacket that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, yet provides enough technical performance features for active pursuits during moderate precipitation | A reliable rain jacket that offers great value and solid performance at a reasonable price | Although affordable, this jacket still includes pit vents for better airflow along with the ability to stow into its own pocket for increased packability |
| Rating Categories | REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L | Patagonia Torrentshe... | Rab Downpour | Marmot PreCip Eco | REI Co-op Rainier |
| Water Resistance (45%) | |||||
| Breathability (20%) | |||||
| Comfort and Mobility (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L | Patagonia Torrentshe... | Rab Downpour | Marmot PreCip Eco | REI Co-op Rainier |
| Material and Waterproof Membrane | 3-layer HydroWall waterproof, 72% recycled nylon/28% recycled polyester (bluesign approved) with jersey backer | 3-layer 50D H2No Performance Standard ECONYL with a PFC-free DWR finish | 2.5-layer 50D Pertex Shield Revolve with a PFC-free DWR finish | 2.5-layer PFC-free NanoPro | 2.5-layer HydroWall with non-PFC DWR finish |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 11.5 oz | 11.8 oz | 12 oz | 9.0 oz | 10.2 oz |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand, 1 chest | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand, 2 interior drop-in |
| Pit Zips | Yes, 11 inches | Yes, 11 inches | Yes, 14 inches | Yes, 10 inches | Yes, 10 inches |
| Helmet Compatible Hood | No | No | No | No | No |
| Stows into Pocket | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Additional Features | Fully seam sealed, adjustable hood, adjustable velcro wrist cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem, zippered pockets | Dual adjustable and stowable hood, microfleece-lined neck, external and internal zipper storm flaps, chin zipper guard, adjustable Velcro cuffs, drawcord hem, carabiner clip-in loop | Dual adjustable hood, brushed tricot chin guard, zipper storm guards, adjustable Velcro cuffs, drawcord hem | Adjustable stowable hood, DriClime-lined chin guard, adjustable Velcro cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem | Adjustable hood, adjustable Velcro cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem, brushed collar lining |
The mesh-lined pockets increase breathability in this jacket. If we were on a fast-paced hike or run, we could simply open them up and create a ton of airflow. The pit vents measure 11 inches for even more airflow, while the central zipper can be opened as well.
Like most of the stretchy rain jackets, the XeroCloud is comfortable. It fits well, true to size, with enough length and the arms and torso to fully prevent your arms and waist from getting soaked during unexpected weather — that is, until the fabric wets out. There's a ton of stretch in the design that makes it feel as versatile as a wind layer, but with enough structure to keep moisture at bay.
Overall, we were pretty disappointed in the XeroCloud 3L's waterproofing, especially since the fabric began to wet out after 30 minutes of consistent rain. Although a 3-layer design that includes a 72% recycled nylon and 28% recycled polyester blend along with HydroWall waterproofing, it just doesn't perform like a 3-layer construction in overall water resistance. We only recommend this jacket for those seeking protection in light to moderate rain conditions but wouldn't pack it into the mountains for protection when it matters.
Unfortunately, we don't feel confident in the longevity of the XeroCloud 3L's construction. The adjustable velcro in the wrists is thinner and prone to tearing away from the sleeve, while the DWR coating failed almost instantly in our first day of testing. Maybe applying another DWR treatment could make it more effective.
If you are after a reasonably priced rain jacket design that excels in comfort and mobility, the XeroCloud may be worth considering. While we think it lacks construction quality and water resistance for a 3-layer construction, it would be just fine for a little extra protection during your afternoon walk or trail run, we just wouldn't count on it as reliable protection in the mountains.
The XeroCloud 3L is a relatively lightweight, packable, and breathable rain jacket that excels in comfort and mobility thanks to its stretchy fabric. The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch is a better choice for those seeking a highly mobile design with great water resistance, and it weighs a lot less than the XeroCloud. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L isn't as stretchy but it provides way better water resistance than the XeroCloud in the same price range.
