REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review

Bottom Line

The REI Rainier is one of our top picks for rain jackets and it comes with a more reasonable price tag. In a market flooded with jackets of varying quality and price, this one stands out for its performance and affordability. REI’s Rainier is unbeatably priced for a jacket with 2.5-layer construction and thoughtful features.

The Rainier impressed us with its comfort and mobility. Well-designed arms didn’t pull at the body when extended, and Velcro cuffs kept the wrists secure and dry. However, the body fit ran large, and we had to size down to get an accurate fit. While the arms stayed the same length between a men’s medium and small, the torso was much larger in a medium. This made for a big and awkward fit, but it was quickly remedied by sizing down.

With its 2.5-layer construction, the Rainier offers better weather resistance than expected for the price. While it blocked rain well for the first couple of hours of testing, we found that it wetted through in heavy rain after a couple of hours of exposure. While this jacket might not be the one to bring in the heaviest rains for a long period, the Rainier works great for going in and out of light to moderate precipitation.

Comfort & Mobility

The REI Rainier is designed with a fit that appeals to a wide range of bodies but may run too large for slender bodies. This resulted in a slightly boxy and overly roomy feeling with lots of excess material. While this wasn’t the most comfortable fit in our initial testing, we decided to go down a size, resulting in a much better fit. Those with larger torsos will be more comfortable with this option.

We never felt stretched, tight, or restricted in our movements when wearing this shell. The REI Rainier is well thought out, with comfort and mobility usually found in more expensive options. We appreciated a velcro tab on the back of the hood and dual cinches on the front when we needed to hunker down and retain body heat on cool days. A brushed cover over the zipper at the chin keeps the zipper from snagging and is comfortable on the skin.

Weather Resistance

At such a reasonable price point, we went into our testing with dampened expectations but were pleasantly surprised with how well it performed under light to moderate precipitation levels. For the first couple of hours, it repelled water excellently. The hood, in particular, provided excellent protection with a structured brim. However, it quickly became apparent that this jacket met its limits in all-day downpours.

Wetting out after a couple of hours of testing in a steady rain, it was quickly evident that this was not the top choice for all-day weather protection. One wetted out, the Rainier absorbed water around the cuffs and front seams, holding onto moisture and drying slowly. This jacket is best used to provide quick protection from moderate rain for short amounts of time.

Ventilation

While the REI Rainier comes equipped with two pit zips, we still found ourselves wanting more for ventilation. However, we were happy that the pit zips have long zipper pulls for easy reach, especially when wearing a backpack. 

When testing the Rainier, we often had to hike with it unzipped to air out perspiration and body heat. REI’s proprietary material used on this model does not breathe as well as Gore-Tex. In particular, excess sweat built up along the back, shoulders, and armpits that no amount of unzipping could vent out while hiking. This may not be the most ventilated option, but it is adequate for lower-exertion activities or shorter outings.

Durability

The durability of the Rainier left us questioning its long-term value. After initially wetting it out, we noticed that subsequent rains more easily penetrated the material. The internal lamination showed some light signs of wear along high-friction areas like the shoulder and waist. The large mesh pockets on the inside are a common feature of budget jackets, and the Rainier provides a similar construction that is easily snagged and pulled. The Rainier is a great option for light-duty adventures but not one that we will expect to keep using in heavy conditions year after year.

Weight

The REI Rainier is not the best choice for those searching for the lightest rainshell. That said, this jacket fell solidly in the middle of the road and did not feel like a hindrance when being worn or stowed in a pack. We appreciated that it zips into its own pocket, packing down smaller than a water bottle. This made it easy to store in a day pack or shoved into a nook of an overnight pack. For a budget jacket, the Rainier is a solid option for those who do not mind a few extra ounces in their pack.

Should You Buy the REI Rainier?

When it comes to value, it’s tough to beat the Rainier. It’s hard to find a cheaper jacket that still provides adequate protection. Balancing affordability and quality, the Rainier delicately walks that line. The jacket performed well in light to moderate use but struggled to keep up during all-day rain. The REI Ranier provides some features of more expensive jackets, like a brimmed hood, tightening cinches, and the ability to pack into its own pocket. Providing moderate breathability but a comfortable and mobile fit, we recommend this jacket for those going on light adventures and needing to block the rain for a shorter outing.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

Marmot Precip Eco Review: Similarly low cost, the Precip Eco is another of our picks for best value.

Outdoor Research Foray II Review: If you’re after more ventilation with bigger vents, then check out the Foray II for top-of-the-line ventilation.