REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review

Bottom Line

The REI XeroCloud 3L (men’s / women’s) combines stretch, weather resistance, and room for insulating layers in a moderately priced shell. It is a practical pick for hikers who want more substantial protection and mobility without moving into the premium price tier.

The tradeoffs are packed size and weight: it is not among the most compact jackets in this lineup. That distinction matters on a long backpacking trip more than on a wet day hike.

For more options, see our Best Rain Jackets guide.

How We TEsted

Miles Knotek tested the XeroCloud 3L in coastal Alaska, including driving rain and wind reaching about 60 mph. He hiked steep, wet trails to check breathability, assessed fit over different layers, and examined its fabric after encounters with thorns and brush. He also evaluated wetting out, drying speed, and bulk when stuffed into its pocket.

Comfort & Mobility

The jersey-backed HydroWall material is quiet and soft against a T-shirt, avoiding the stiff rustle of many rain shells. Stretch allowed Miles to scramble and climb without feeling restricted. The relaxed cut leaves plenty of room for insulating layers but feels baggy over a base layer, so buyers seeking a tailored fit may prefer something else.

The jersey lining also made extended wear less irritating than a noisy, crisp shell, especially with the hood up. The generously sized torso gave our tester room for insulation but looked oversized over just a base layer. Buyers choosing between a fitted fastpacking jacket and this one should prioritize whether they regularly layer in cold rain.

Comfort & Mobility Score: 4.3/5.0

Weather Resistance

In Alaska’s driving rain and roughly 60-mph winds, the XeroCloud kept Miles protected. The sealed front zipper was especially reassuring at this price, and HydroWall resisted saturation longer than expected. In prolonged rain, wetting out began at the shoulders and arms once the PFAS-free water-repellent finish was overwhelmed. This makes it a capable backcountry shell with documented limits, rather than an untested three-layer design.

The XeroCloud’s wetting-out points were the shoulders and arms after prolonged saturation, rather than an immediate leak through the center zipper. This distinction helps explain its usefulness in severe wind and rain while acknowledging that its water-repellent treatment has limits. Hikers in persistently stormy climates should factor in maintenance of that finish.

Weather Resistance Score: 4.3/5.0

Ventilation

On steep, rainy climbs, Miles noticed surprisingly little clamminess inside the XeroCloud. Two pit zips and mesh-lined pockets let heat escape, and the jacket dried rapidly indoors after becoming soaked. The roomy fit adds warmth and weight, but these openings help regulate exertion.

Opening the pit zips while moving uphill helped prevent uncomfortable heat buildup. The mesh-backed pockets offered another way to release warmth, and the fabric dried rapidly after testing. Those details support selecting it for wet, active hiking rather than viewing its ventilation score as an abstract number.

Ventilation Score: 4.3/5.0

Durability

Although the material feels softer and thinner than many rugged jackets, it emerged without scratches or tears after testing through thorny brush. Stretch helps it move past snags without catching. Repeated abrasion against rock still warrants caution, but this is real evidence for typical trail durability.

It is important not to mistake the softer fabric for weak construction. The tested jacket emerged from thorny brush without visible abrasion, and stretch reduced snagging as our tester moved through vegetation. Climbers expecting repeated rock friction might still prefer a reinforced technical shell.

Durability Score: 4.3/5.0

Weight

At 13.4 ounces for the men’s model, the XeroCloud has a substantial feel and build. The jacket packs into its left pocket, but the resulting bundle is bulky—almost twice the volume of a one-liter bottle in CleverHiker’s comparison. It rides comfortably in a backpack but is not suited to ultralight ounce counters.

The left-pocket stuff sack kept it self-contained, though the packed jacket was substantially bulkier than ultralight shells. That volume is unimportant on most day hikes but matters in a minimal long-distance kit. The extra fabric accommodates insulating layers and the adjustments useful during sustained rain.

Weight Score: 4.2/5.0

Should You Buy the REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket?

Choose the XeroCloud 3L if you want a moderately priced rain jacket that accommodates insulation and offers more of a full-shell feel than a stripped-down emergency layer. Its ventilation and fit make sense for regular hiking.

Alaska testing showed the XeroCloud keeping our tester protected in driving rain and high wind, although its shoulders and arms eventually wetted out after prolonged saturation. Its soft, stretchy construction is a compelling advantage, but the bulky packed size is a drawback for ultralight travelers. The Torrentshell remains worth comparing if long-term durability and a more established extended-use record matter most.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

Check out our full gear guide to see all our favorite rain jackets.

REI Rainier Review: The Rainier costs less and has an adjustable hood and pit zips. It is more limited in prolonged rain, but offers an economical alternative for occasional hikes.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Review: The Ozonic costs more but its soft, quiet stretch fabric has been tested over hundreds of hikes. Pick it when comfort and mobility outweigh the XeroCloud’s price advantage.

Montbell Versalite Review: The Versalite is far lighter and easier to pack for long-distance backpacking. It is a better fit for ounce counters willing to trade away some of the XeroCloud’s substantial feel.