REI Rainier - Women's Review

The REI Rainier offers exceptional value with a low price point and excellent functionality, good breathability, and water resistance that is up to scratch with many jackets with a higher price point. The 2.5-layer bluesign approved recycled nylon ripstop fabric offers ample protection in moderate rain and provides decent breathability while on the move. We also appreciate that this jacket is manufactured in a Fair Trade certified factory.

Performance Comparison

Water Resistance

The Rainier offers satisfactory water resistance for outdoor activities in moderate precipitation. The 2.5-layer nylon fabric held up decently well in all of our lab tests as well as field tests. The center and pocket zippers offered adequate protection from the elements in order to keep the wearer and pocket contents dry. The hood's visor provides disappointing coverage, offering minimal protection from the rain for the wearer's face.

Breathability

The 2.5-layer fabric of the Rainier breathed pretty well while hiking, allowing the tiny molecules of sweat to escape while still keeping the outside precipitation at bay. This jacket is on the warmer side, and we found that we had to open the vents sooner when the temperature was balmy. Fortunately, the pit vents of the Rainier rapidly dump heat to prevent overheating and keep the wearer comfortable.

Comfort and Mobility

The cut of the Rainier is generous in the length of the body and sleeves, offering excellent coverage for those on the taller side. It provides a full range of motion and is easy to move in. The mesh lining of the pockets, as well as the fabric around the neck and chin, were soft, feeling pleasant against the skin. However, the inner fabric of the rest of the jacket felt plasticky against bare skin, which wasn't super comfortable. The hood was comfortable when up loosely, but when cinched down, we found it forced the head down, which was uncomfortable over an extended period of time.

Weight

The Rainier weighs in at 11.4 ounces, on the slightly higher end of the spectrum of jackets tested. While this is not a dealbreaker if weight is not an issue, it may be on the heavy side for those looking to keep packs as light as possible.

The garment stows away in a hand pocket. Once stowed, the size is fairly compact, measuring 9" x 5" x 3". The zipper ends about two inches from the edge of the pocket, so to get it to fit the user has to fill that corner first. Because of this, it can take a bit of practice to quickly and efficiently pack it away.

Durability

The Rainier held up well over months of testing and frequent use. The fabric and seams are durable and well constructed. The snap at the bottom of the storm flap was sub-par and hard to snap shut. The soft mesh pocket lining also occasionally got stuck in the zipper, which was annoying.

Should You Buy the REI Co-op Rainier?

The REI Rainier is a steal with its functionality and performance out-scoring a few other jackets in its price range. We think it is a great choice for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a budget rain jacket that performs well in a wide range of conditions. The water resistance and breathability may be up to snuff with the very top competitors, but many of those are more than twice the price.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

The Marmot PreCip Eco is another rain jacket that offers exceptional value at a low price, with a bit better performance in most fields, and is worth considering for a budget rain jacket that performs well. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is another good value rain jacket with very water-resistant fabric, if you don't mind the stiffer material.