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 reasonably priced path companions supply trendy options normally 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 excellent for holding your palms toasty or stashing a snack.

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

How We Examined

We examined for 3 months of variable mountaineering 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 residence, together with full-force hose-downs to check dry instances.

Consolation & Mobility

Although many must measurement 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 really impede perform. 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, due to the full-length zippers. 

The articulated knees help motion, and an elastic waist and drawstring wire hold the pants agency on the hips; there isn’t any 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 characteristic a storm flap, are giant sufficient, and have a handwarmer materials that makes the colder days palatable. There aren’t any again pockets.

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

Climate Resistance

The Rainier presents stable 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 larger 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 case you’re going at a powerful tempo.

The seams held up effectively in our hose-down check, which included a barrage of water in 30-minute cycles. Total, the shell dried adequately. We soaked down the pants on a dry however chilly day and headed for the path. We have 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 below sunny skies whereas holding one eye open for incoming clouds and the inevitable impromptu squall. The Rainiers excel in these circumstances, with leg-length zippers providing a simple and fast air flow answer for each situations. 

On one hike, we saved 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 helpful thermostat on board. On condition that many choices at this value (and better) don’t have full-length leg zips, we stay in gush mode in regards to the large 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 straightforward 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 effectively 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 straightforward change-ups on the path and doubles as a venting mechanism. The cinch-down cuffs on the ankles assist hold the moist out. On the waist, we just like the huge elastic band with a drawcord that allows you to modify the pants on the hips. 

We preferred the internal layer and the way silky it felt in opposition to the pores and skin after we have been on the path. Though they wouldn’t make the checklist for individuals who must 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 bushes 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 development is stable 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 utility. These sprays might be simply discovered at REI and on-line and are a standard a part of upkeep when the manufacturing unit stuff wears off.

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

Ought to You Purchase the REI Rainier Rain Pants?

In case you can’t already inform, we imagine the Rainier is ideally suited to the Goldilocks purchaser.

These can be a stable alternative in case 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 issues. The Rainiers constantly shine within the funds purchaser class as a result of they ship higher-end options at a terrific value. 

Keep in mind sizing when buying. The pants might really feel roomy in your commonplace measurement, so contemplate going one tier down to match. If sized accurately, 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 high picks from our information to one of the best rain pants may attraction to you as effectively.

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

REI Trailmade Assessment: REI has a terrific different to the Rainier: The Trailmade Pant is a snug, no-frills, primary pant that does a wonderful 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 superb 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.