REI Rainier Rain Jacket Assessment

Backside Line

The REI Rainier is one in every of our high picks for rain jackets and it comes with a extra affordable price ticket. In a market flooded with jackets of various high quality and value, this one stands out for its efficiency and affordability. REI’s Rainier is unbeatably priced for a jacket with 2.5-layer building and considerate options.

The Rainier impressed us with its consolation and mobility. Nicely-designed arms didn’t pull on the physique when prolonged, and Velcro cuffs saved the wrists safe and dry. Nevertheless, the physique match ran massive, and we needed to measurement right down to get an correct match. Whereas the arms stayed the identical size between a males’s medium and small, the torso was a lot bigger in a medium. This made for a giant and awkward match, nevertheless it was shortly remedied by sizing down.

With its 2.5-layer building, the Rainier presents higher climate resistance than anticipated for the value. Whereas it blocked rain effectively for the primary couple of hours of testing, we discovered that it wetted by way of in heavy rain after a few hours of publicity. Whereas this jacket may not be the one to herald the heaviest rains for a protracted interval, the Rainier works nice for going out and in of sunshine to average precipitation.

Consolation & Mobility

The REI Rainier is designed with a match that appeals to a variety of our bodies however might run too massive for slender our bodies. This resulted in a barely boxy and overly roomy feeling with numerous extra materials. Whereas this wasn’t essentially the most snug slot in our preliminary testing, we determined to go down a measurement, leading to a a lot better match. These with bigger torsos might be extra snug with this selection.

We by no means felt stretched, tight, or restricted in our actions when sporting this shell. The REI Rainier is effectively thought out, with consolation and mobility often present in costlier choices. We appreciated a velcro tab on the again of the hood and twin cinches on the entrance once we wanted to hunker down and retain physique warmth on cool days. A brushed cowl over the zipper on the chin retains the zipper from snagging and is snug on the pores and skin.

Climate Resistance

At such an inexpensive value level, we went into our testing with dampened expectations however have been pleasantly stunned with how effectively it carried out underneath gentle to average precipitation ranges. For the primary couple of hours, it repelled water excellently. The hood, specifically, offered glorious safety with a structured brim. Nevertheless, it shortly turned obvious that this jacket met its limits in all-day downpours.

Wetting out after a few hours of testing in a gentle rain, it was shortly evident that this was not the best choice for all-day climate safety. One wetted out, the Rainier absorbed water across the cuffs and entrance seams, holding onto moisture and drying slowly. This jacket is finest used to supply fast safety from average rain for brief quantities of time.

Air flow

Whereas the REI Rainier comes geared up with two pit zips, we nonetheless discovered ourselves wanting extra for air flow. Nevertheless, we have been completely satisfied that the pit zips have lengthy zipper pulls for simple attain, particularly when sporting a backpack. 

When testing the Rainier, we regularly needed to hike with it unzipped to air out perspiration and physique warmth. REI’s proprietary materials used on this mannequin doesn’t breathe in addition to Gore-Tex. Specifically, extra sweat constructed up alongside the again, shoulders, and armpits that no quantity of unzipping may vent out whereas mountain climbing. This will not be essentially the most ventilated choice, however it’s enough for lower-exertion actions or shorter outings.

Sturdiness

The sturdiness of the Rainier left us questioning its long-term worth. After initially wetting it out, we seen that subsequent rains extra simply penetrated the fabric. The interior lamination confirmed some gentle indicators of wear and tear alongside high-friction areas just like the shoulder and waist. The big mesh pockets on the within are a standard characteristic of price range jackets, and the Rainier gives an identical building that’s simply snagged and pulled. The Rainier is a good choice for light-duty adventures however not one that we’ll anticipate to maintain utilizing in heavy situations 12 months after 12 months.

Weight

The REI Rainier just isn’t your best option for these trying to find the lightest rainshell. That mentioned, this jacket fell solidly in the course of the street and didn’t really feel like a hindrance when being worn or stowed in a pack. We appreciated that it zips into its personal pocket, packing down smaller than a water bottle. This made it straightforward to retailer in a day pack or shoved right into a nook of an in a single day pack. For a price range jacket, the Rainier is a strong choice for many who don’t thoughts a couple of additional ounces of their pack.

Ought to You Purchase the REI Rainier?

With regards to worth, it’s robust to beat the Rainier. It’s arduous to discover a cheaper jacket that also gives enough safety. Balancing affordability and high quality, the Rainier delicately walks that line. The jacket carried out effectively in gentle to average use however struggled to maintain up throughout all-day rain. The REI Ranier gives some options of costlier jackets, like a brimmed hood, tightening cinches, and the power to pack into its personal pocket. Offering average breathability however a snug and cell match, we suggest this jacket for these occurring gentle adventures and needing to dam the rain for a shorter outing.

What Different Rain Jackets Ought to You Take into account?

Marmot Precip Eco Assessment: Equally low price, the Precip Eco is one other of our picks for finest worth.

Out of doors Analysis Foray II Assessment: When you’re after extra air flow with larger vents, then take a look at the Foray II for top-of-the-line air flow.