The Drypoint GTX is offered in some updated colors since our test period, but nothing technical about the jacket has changed. See the current color choice above.
November 2019The REI Co-op Drypoint GTX is REI's decade-long return to the GORE-TEX family, having used eVent fabric for numerous years in the past for their waterproof gear. The DryPoint comes equipped with a 3-layer membrane, which helps keep the wind out and provides excellent protection from the rain. It also features two hand pockets and a helmet-compatible hood.
The Drypoint GTX showcases a return to the GORE-TEX family after almost a decade-long absence. It holds true to its name; with its fully equipped 3-layer GORE-TEX Active laminate fabric, it kept us dry under the most severe weather conditions. The DWR coating did wear out a bit quicker than many others, though. In fact, it needed to be recoated just one month into our testing process. However, with an adequate DWR coating, even if it means re-applying, the Drypoint GTX excels in this metric.
The Drypoint has a slim fit that offers a more flattering look than some other jackets in this review. If you are planning on layering anything besides a tight-fitting base layer, we recommend you size up, as the chest area is a bit tight over a puffy or a thick sweater. The all-around crunchy sound of the shell is also a little on the noisy side when moving around. This model has a tall collar for more coverage, but it sometimes feels like too much material around your neck, especially when the rain subsides, and you have your jacket unzipped.
The Drypoint boasts a GORE-TEX active laminate fabric. While it keeps us dry, over time, and with persistent high impact exercise, the Drypoint was a bit clammy on the inside. Without the added benefit of pit vents, there is no way to prevent the buildup of perspiration accumulated during more intense activities. The pockets have a mesh liner that you can open and use as ventilation when you really start to sweat, but it just isn't quite on par with the competition.
The Drypoint is outfitted with a nylon ripstop fabric that holds its own against some fairly abrasive adventuring. The zippers were a bit sticky and difficult to pull up and down and lacked the effortless glide of others in the review. Even after spending a considerable amount of time in the Drypoint, the zippers never eased up for ys. However, we do appreciate the fact that the zippers are all waterproof, and we don't need that extra flap of fabric to cover them from the elements.
We are impressed with how light this jacket is considering the heavier feel of its fabric. Weighing in at just 9.0 ounces, the Drypoint manages to keep the weight off and still deliver an overall decent rain jacket. One feature that is worth noting is the minimalist hook-and-loop cuff tabs, which help keep the rain out without adding as much weight as velcro. This jacket is also one of very few we tested that doesn't stow into its own pocket. It does fold nicely into its hood, but it takes up more space than we would like at the bottom of our packs.
This is one of the more expensive rain jackets we put to the test. Though the minimal features keep this jacket lightweight without sacrificing protection from the elements, we're just not sure if the high price point and a lack of certain features (like pit zips) are worth it. We think there are several options out there that perform just as well, if not better, for a more worthwhile cost.
The REI Drypoint is a lightweight GTX option that will keep you dry and safe from the downpours you may encounter in your outdoor pursuits. While it manages to bring some great protection and durability to a fairly minimal jacket, it's up against some stiff competition that it just can't quite measure up to.
