REI Rainier Rain Pants Assessment

Backside Line

When fancy pants collect within the wild, they communicate in hushed, jealous tones in regards to the REI Rainier Rain Pant (males’s / girls’s) as a result of it performs at a excessive degree however goes simple on the pockets. These dependable and inexpensive path companions supply trendy options often discovered solely in premium manufacturers.

Key options embrace leg-length zippers that accommodate bigger mountaineering boots, ankle cinches to maintain out the moist, an elastic waist with Velcro changes, and a drawcord that helps it keep put. The roomy handwarmer pockets are good for conserving your fingers toasty or stashing a snack.

The Rainiers run massive, so contemplate sizing down, however REI’s beneficiant one-year return coverage has your again in the event you get it mistaken. REI has upgraded to a “quieter materials” on this iteration, addressing earlier noise considerations. Whereas heavier than pricier choices (making them much less best for multi-day hikes), the Rainiers excel at conserving your legs dry and your pocketbook comfortable. See how they stack in opposition to our favourite rain pants gear information.

How We Examined

We examined for 3 months of variable mountain climbing in finicky climate in northern Wisconsin and the Colorado Rockies. We skilled loads of drizzle days and quite a lot of on the colder facet. We additionally carried out some water spray exams at house, together with full-force hose-downs to check dry instances.

Consolation & Mobility

Although many have to dimension down, the Rainiers have an athletic match that’s relaxed sufficient to hike with out feeling cumbersome. On scrambles, the pants really feel barely restrictive however don’t actually impede operate. The within layering is easy in opposition to the pores and skin, and getting out and in is a breeze, even with bigger mountaineering boots, because of the full-length zippers. 

The articulated knees help motion, and an elastic waist and drawstring wire maintain the pants agency on the hips; there isn’t a fly. The adjustable cuffs on the legs are a deal with; they use a rubber clasp that cinches the pants tight across the ankle. 

The entrance pockets function a storm flap, are massive sufficient, and have a handwarmer materials that makes the colder days palatable. There are not any again pockets.

General, the pants match nicely and look nice. The professionals at this value level far outweigh the trade-offs, reminding us why we prefer to maintain a pair of Rainiers useful as a trusty workhorse.

Climate Resistance

The Rainier provides strong safety in opposition to all the pieces from drizzles to regular downpours. Water beads successfully, and we’re impressed with REI’s Hydrowall Waterproofing know-how, which mixes​​ a 2.5-layer stretch polyester shell with a breathable, waterproof, and windproof membrane. 

Often, we get a slight dampness across the knees and seat, however for probably the most half, we keep dry on the within. Throughout increased intensities, moisture vapor switch is ample with out utilizing the facet vents. Opening the vents from the highest zipper helps evacuate any extra moisture rapidly in the event you’re going at a powerful tempo.

The seams held up nicely in our hose-down check, which included a barrage of water in 30-minute cycles. General, the shell dried adequately. We soaked down the pants on a dry however chilly day and headed for the path. We had been delighted to remain heat and dry because the wind kicked up, and we coated the miles again to the automobile in file time.

Air flow

Seasoned hikers know that variable climate forces you to control your sweaty efforts beneath sunny skies whereas conserving one eye open for incoming clouds and the inevitable impromptu squall. The Rainiers excel in these situations, with leg-length zippers providing a straightforward and fast air flow answer for each situations. 

On one hike, we stored the Velcro clasps in place on the hips and easily dropped the highest zipper down six inches or so to dump physique warmth. By controlling the scale of the opening, we had a useful thermostat on board. Provided that many choices at this value (and better) don’t have full-length leg zips, we stay in gush mode in regards to the massive bang for the buck.

When temperatures dropped, we zipped up and located the Hydrowall’s breathability to be as much as expectations. Due to an improve by REI, the inner cloth is smoother and quieter than in earlier fashions.

Weight

The Rainier is a moderate-weight pant that weighs 12 ounces and is simple to pack. These aren’t the lightest pants in our assessment, however they pack a number of options into the mid-weight and mid-price class, making them interesting to a broad inhabitants of hikers.

They’re nice for typical path use and have a shell with taped seams that carry out nicely in gentle brush and scrub. There are 2.5 layers of a ripstop nylon shell with a Hyrdowall membrane that’s waterproof but breathable.

The design of the full-length outseam zippers makes for simple change-ups on the path and doubles as a venting mechanism. The cinch-down cuffs on the ankles assist maintain the moist out. On the waist, we just like the large elastic band with a drawcord that allows you to alter the pants on the hips. 

We favored the internal layer and the way silky it felt in opposition to the pores and skin after we had been on the path. Though they wouldn’t make the listing for many who have to shave each gram, the Rainiers carry out “good” for almost all.

Sturdiness

On high-altitude days, we encountered loads of abrasive challenges to emphasize check the Rainiers: sharp rocks, harsh alpine scrub, and felled timber that pressured us to stand up near bark and branches. The Rainiers simply resisted these gentle to average abrasions, and we discovered them sturdy sufficient for the value. 

The Rainier’s building is strong however can’t compete with three-layer shells with particular reinforcements within the high-wear areas. After a while, as with many pants, the scrapes and put on of the material will denude the DWR, forcing an aftermarket repellent software. These sprays will be simply discovered at REI and on-line and are a traditional a part of upkeep when the manufacturing unit stuff wears off.

Touchdown in the course of rain pant choices for sturdiness, the REI Rainier is a savvy use of your gear finances. It provides high quality rain safety and a bevy of undervalued options.

Ought to You Purchase the REI Rainier Rain Pants?

For those who can’t already inform, we consider the Rainier is ideally fitted to the Goldilocks purchaser.

These will probably be a strong alternative in the event you need high quality and worth within the mid-price level vary. The pants serve the on a regular basis hiker who doesn’t nerd out on weight or pack-down considerations. The Rainiers constantly shine within the finances purchaser class as a result of they ship higher-end options at an awesome value. 

Keep in mind sizing when buying. The pants might really feel roomy in your customary dimension, so contemplate going one tier down to match. If sized appropriately, they’re a slim match. Our tester is 6’ 2” with a 34” waist and located the “Medium Tall” good.

What Different Rain Pants Ought to You Contemplate?

When contemplating the REI Rainier pants, another prime picks from our information to one of the best rain pants would possibly attraction to you as nicely.

Columbia Insurgent Roamer Assessment: We just like the Columbia Insurgent Roamer II or the Storm Surge as finances buys. They supply important rain safety and maintain you dry for brief outings and even sledding within the yard. These are fabulous, nothin-but-the-basics decisions for pocketbook-conscious hikers.

REI Trailmade Assessment: REI has an awesome various to the Rainier: The Trailmade Pant is a snug, no-frills, fundamental pant that does a superb job for the cash. With an athletic lower and thinner materials, these work for all sorts of adventures however are a greater performer in hotter climate.

Marmot PreCip Eco Assessment: The PreCip Eco is a good lighter-weight ankle-zip possibility in comparison with the Rainiers however you’ll should be extra cautious with snags and abrasions due to its lighter weight.