Bottom Line
In REI’s line of branded rain jackets, the REI XeroCloud 3L (men’s / women’s) deserves a star next to its name. It strikes a solid balance between performance and affordability, making it a great pick for hikers and backpackers who want dependable waterproofing without breaking the bank. Its attainable price belies its performance, giving it excellent value and making it one of our favorite rain jackets.
Built with a 3-layer construction, the XeroCloud offers serious weather protection and better breathability than many jackets in its price range. The fit is roomy enough for layering, and details like pit zips and an adjustable hood add functional value. We tested this shell in Alaska’s driving rain and gale-force winds and were impressed with its durability and weather resistance. The HydroWall material is tough yet flexible and protects us well in sustained rain and wind.
Even so, the XeroCloud does retain some elements of a more budget-priced jacket. Its slightly larger fit can feel baggy without layers underneath, making it less packable than other jackets we tested. However, for someone looking to balance performance with budget, the XeroCloud is an excellent choice for delivering solid performance across many conditions.
Quick Specs
REI XeroCloud 3L
Best Durable & Stretchy Rain Jacket
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $189
Listed Weight: 13.4 oz. / 11.3 oz.(men’s / women’s)
Pros
- Great weather resistance
- Can layer underneath
- Waterproof zipper
- Stretch material
Cons
- Weight
- Not the most packable
Comfort & Mobility
The XeroCloud eschews the typical crinkle and cookie-cutter feeling of traditional rain jackets with its soft and supple material. The nylon/polyester blend fabric is soft to the touch, making it comfortable to wear just a T-shirt underneath. The jersey backer is a nice added touch to increase next-to-skin comfort. The soft material is also quiet; we could hear much better while wearing the hood than in other stiffer jackets on the market.
The 3-layer HydroWall material is stretchy and elastic, allowing for a great range of motion while hiking or scrambling up a steep climb. Like REI’s other rain jackets, the fit is roomy and slightly baggy. This allows for layers to be easily worn underneath, but can feel baggy with just a base layer under it. While not a performance cut, the XeroCloud is still a very comfortable jacket that allows for a wide range of mobility.
Weather Resistance
As far as non-GORE-TEX materials go, we’ve been impressed with the XeroCloud’s weather resistance. REI’s HydroWall delivers solid wet weather performance, and the XeroCloud resists wetting through for much longer than we anticipated. Thanks to its three-layer construction, this jacket kept us dry and protected even on a day with rain and sixty-mile-an-hour winds. We particularly appreciate the sealed zipper, a feature not often found on cheaper jackets.
The XeroCloud is constructed with a nylon and polyester blend that, while solid enough for most weather conditions, doesn’t quite provide the weather resistance of a 100% nylon jacket. REI’s PFAS-free DWR does an excellent job of beading moisture, but it eventually succumbs to heavy rain.
When the coat begins to absorb water, we notice it first in the shoulders and arms. For a value-priced jacket, we were pleasantly surprised by the weather resistance of the XeroCloud, and it is one we won’t hesitate to bring out in the backcountry on our next trip.
Ventilation
Hiking up a steep section of trail on a rainy day, we were impressed with the XeroCloud’s breathability. The three-layer construction boosts both weather resistance and breathability, and we never noticed any clamminess. In fact, it has better breathability than even some windbreakers we’ve tested. Two pit zips further enhance the material’s breathability, an essential for any rain jacket.
After thoroughly soaking the jacket in heavy rain, we found that it dries extremely quickly, even at room temperature without direct sunlight. This is great for drying out on the trail or in between rainstorms. The excess material of the XeroCloud’s relaxed fit adds to its overall weight and, in turn, warmth of the jacket. However, it is very easy to dump that warmth by unzipping the pit zips or even opening the mesh-lined pockets.
Durability
Compared to thinner jackets made with 2 or 2.5 layers, the XeroCloud’s three-layer construction enhances its durability. By feel, the material does not feel as thick as others in our lineup. However, we experienced no issues with tearing or scrapes after taking this jacket through thick brush and thorns.
The soft, thinner material may not be your first choice if you plan on encountering brush and scraping rocks often. The material’s stretch helps it pass through snags unscathed, and so far, we have been satisfied with the level of durability offered by the XeroCloud.
Weight
At 13.4 ounces, the XeroCloud is heavier than other jackets in our lineup. This is likely due to its more relaxed fit. The jacket packs into the left pocket but is still quite bulky, almost twice the size of a one-liter bottle.
While not ultralight, the XeroCloud never felt like a wet blanket and easily fit in our packs. If you’re looking for a featherweight shell, there are other options, but the XeroCloud’s balance of affordable price and good weather resistance is well worth the minor weight penalty.
Should You Buy the REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket?
The REI XeroCloud is one of REI’s highest-performance branded rain jackets. However, they still stay true to their mission of making outdoor gear accessible by pricing it well below comparable shells from other brands. This makes it great for entry-level enthusiasts wanting a slightly more expensive option, or seasoned veterans after a value-priced jacket.
With high-performance elements like strong weather resistance and a highly mobile material, the XeroCloud is an excellent performance option at a budget price. It retains some elements of a more casual jacket with flaps over zippers and a slightly heavier weight, but still packs enough performance for rugged backcountry adventures.
What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?
Check out our full gear guide to see all our favorite rain jackets.
REI Rainier Review: The most affordable option from REI, the Rainier balances performance with an attainable price point.
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Review: If you loved the elastic and soft-to-the-touch feeling of the XeroCloud, the Stretch Ozonic is made of a similar material but is even lighter.
Montbell Versalite Review: If the packability of the XeroCloud left you wanting more, the Versalite is our lightest and most packable jacket for those dedicated ultralight enthusiasts.
