REI Rainier Rain Pants Overview

Backside Line

When fancy pants collect within the wild, they converse in hushed, jealous tones in regards to the REI Rainier Rain Pant (males’s / ladies’s) as a result of it performs at a excessive degree however goes straightforward on the pockets. These dependable and reasonably priced path companions supply fashionable 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 excellent for maintaining your arms toasty or stashing a snack.

The Rainiers run huge, so think about sizing down, however REI’s beneficiant one-year return coverage has your again if you happen to get it flawed. REI has upgraded to a “quieter materials” on this iteration, addressing earlier noise considerations. Whereas heavier than pricier choices (making them much less supreme for multi-day hikes), the Rainiers excel at maintaining 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 mountaineering in finicky climate in northern Wisconsin and the Colorado Rockies. We skilled loads of drizzle days and various on the colder facet. We additionally carried out some water spray assessments at house, together with full-force hose-downs to check dry occasions.

Consolation & Mobility

Although many have to 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 clean 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 characteristic a storm flap, are giant sufficient, and have a handwarmer materials that makes the colder days palatable. There aren’t 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 gives strong safety in opposition to every part from drizzles to regular downpours. Water beads successfully, and we’re impressed with REI’s Hydrowall Waterproofing expertise, 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 greater intensities, moisture vapor switch is sufficient with out utilizing the facet vents. Opening the vents from the highest zipper helps evacuate any extra moisture shortly if you happen to’re going at a robust tempo.

The seams held up nicely in our hose-down take a look at, 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 have been delighted to remain heat and dry because the wind kicked up, and we coated the miles again to the automotive in report time.

Air flow

Seasoned hikers know that variable climate forces you to manage your sweaty efforts below sunny skies whereas maintaining 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 eventualities. 

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 dimensions 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 huge 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 material 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 overview, 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 mild 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 maintain the moist out. On the waist, we just like the broad elastic band with a drawcord that permits you to alter the pants on the hips. 

We preferred the interior layer and the way silky it felt in opposition to the pores and skin once we have 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 take a look at the Rainiers: sharp rocks, harsh alpine scrub, and felled timber that compelled us to rise up near bark and branches. The Rainiers simply resisted these mild to average abrasions, and we discovered them sturdy sufficient for the worth. 

The Rainier’s development 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 utility. These sprays will 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 gives high quality rain safety and a bevy of undervalued options.

Ought to You Purchase the REI Rainier Rain Pants?

If you happen to can’t already inform, we imagine the Rainier is ideally fitted to the Goldilocks purchaser.

These will probably be a strong selection if you happen to want 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 persistently shine within the funds purchaser class as a result of they ship higher-end options at an important value. 

Keep in mind sizing when buying. The pants might really feel roomy in your commonplace measurement, so think about 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 Think about?

When contemplating the REI Rainier pants, another high picks from our information to the most effective rain pants may attraction to you as nicely.

Columbia Insurgent Roamer Overview: We just like the Columbia Insurgent Roamer II or the Storm Surge as funds 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 selections for pocketbook-conscious hikers.

REI Trailmade Overview: REI has an important different to the Rainier: The Trailmade Pant is a snug, no-frills, fundamental pant that does a superb job for the cash. With an athletic minimize and thinner materials, these work for every type of adventures however are a greater performer in hotter climate.

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