REI Rainier Rain Pants Review

Bottom Line

When fancy pants gather in the wild, they speak in hushed, jealous tones about the REI Rainier Rain Pant (men’s / women’s) because it performs at a high level but goes easy on the wallet. These reliable and affordable trail companions offer modern features usually found only in premium brands.

Key features include leg-length zippers that accommodate larger mountaineering boots, ankle cinches to keep out the wet, an elastic waist with Velcro adjustments, and a drawcord that helps it stay put. The roomy handwarmer pockets are perfect for keeping your hands toasty or stashing a snack.

The Rainiers run big, so consider sizing down, but REI’s generous one-year return policy has your back if you get it wrong. REI has upgraded to a “quieter material” in this iteration, addressing previous noise concerns. While heavier than pricier options (making them less ideal for multi-day hikes), the Rainiers excel at keeping your legs dry and your pocketbook happy. See how they stack against our favorite rain pants gear guide.

How We Tested

We tested for three months of variable hiking in finicky weather in northern Wisconsin and the Colorado Rockies. We experienced plenty of drizzle days and more than a few on the colder side. We also performed some water spray tests at home, including full-force hose-downs to test dry times.

Comfort & Mobility

Though many need to size down, the Rainiers have an athletic fit that is relaxed enough to hike without feeling bulky. On scrambles, the pants feel slightly restrictive but don’t truly impede function. The inside layering is smooth against the skin, and getting in and out is a breeze, even with larger mountaineering boots, thanks to the full-length zippers. 

The articulated knees assist movement, and an elastic waist and drawstring cord keep the pants firm on the hips; there is no fly. The adjustable cuffs on the legs are a treat; they use a rubber clasp that cinches the pants tight around the ankle. 

The front pockets feature a storm flap, are large enough, and have a handwarmer material that makes the colder days palatable. There are no back pockets.

Overall, the pants fit well and look great. The pros at this price point far outweigh the trade-offs, reminding us why we like to keep a pair of Rainiers handy as a trusty workhorse.

Weather Resistance

The Rainier offers solid protection against everything from drizzles to steady downpours. Water beads effectively, and we are impressed with REI’s Hydrowall Waterproofing technology, which combines​​ a 2.5-layer stretch polyester shell with a breathable, waterproof, and windproof membrane. 

Occasionally, we get a slight dampness around the knees and seat, but for the most part, we stay dry on the inside. During higher intensities, moisture vapor transfer is adequate without using the side vents. Opening the vents from the top zipper helps evacuate any excess moisture quickly if you’re going at a strong pace.

The seams held up well in our hose-down test, which included a barrage of water in 30-minute cycles. Overall, the shell dried adequately. We soaked down the pants on a dry but cold day and headed for the trail. We were delighted to stay warm and dry as the wind kicked up, and we covered the miles back to the car in record time.

Ventilation

Seasoned hikers know that variable weather forces you to regulate your sweaty efforts under sunny skies while keeping one eye open for incoming clouds and the inevitable impromptu squall. The Rainiers excel in these conditions, with leg-length zippers offering an easy and quick ventilation solution for both scenarios. 

On one hike, we kept the Velcro clasps in place on the hips and simply dropped the top zipper down six inches or so to dump body heat. By controlling the size of the opening, we had a handy thermostat on board. Given that many options at this price (and higher) don’t have full-length leg zips, we remain in gush mode about the big bang for the buck.

When temperatures dropped, we zipped up and found the Hydrowall’s breathability to be up to expectations. Thanks to an upgrade by REI, the internal fabric is smoother and quieter than in previous models.

Weight

The Rainier is a moderate-weight pant that weighs 12 ounces and is easy to pack. These aren’t the lightest pants in our review, but they pack several features into the mid-weight and mid-price category, making them appealing to a broad population of hikers.

They are great for typical trail use and have a shell with taped seams that perform well in light brush and scrub. There are 2.5 layers of a ripstop nylon shell with a Hyrdowall membrane that is waterproof yet breathable.

The design of the full-length outseam zippers makes for easy change-ups on the trail and doubles as a venting mechanism. The cinch-down cuffs on the ankles help keep the wet out. On the waist, we like the wide elastic band with a drawcord that lets you adjust the pants on the hips. 

We liked the inner layer and how silky it felt against the skin when we were on the trail. Although they wouldn’t make the list for those who need to shave every gram, the Rainiers perform “just right” for the majority.

Durability

On high-altitude days, we encountered plenty of abrasive challenges to stress test the Rainiers: sharp rocks, harsh alpine scrub, and felled trees that forced us to get up close to bark and branches. The Rainiers easily resisted these light to moderate abrasions, and we found them durable enough for the price. 

The Rainier’s construction is solid but can’t compete with three-layer shells with specific reinforcements in the high-wear areas. After some time, as with many pants, the scrapes and wear of the fabric will denude the DWR, forcing an aftermarket repellent application. These sprays can be easily found at REI and online and are a normal part of maintenance when the factory stuff wears off.

Landing in the middle of rain pant options for durability, the REI Rainier is a savvy use of your gear budget. It offers quality rain protection and a bevy of undervalued features.

Should You Buy the REI Rainier Rain Pants?

If you can’t already tell, we believe the Rainier is ideally suited for the Goldilocks buyer.

These will be a solid choice if you desire quality and value in the mid-price point range. The pants serve the everyday hiker who doesn’t nerd out on weight or pack-down concerns. The Rainiers consistently shine in the budget buyer category because they deliver higher-end features at a great price. 

Remember sizing when purchasing. The pants may feel roomy in your standard size, so consider going one tier down to compare. If sized correctly, they are a slim fit. Our tester is 6’ 2” with a 34” waist and found the “Medium Tall” just right.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?

When considering the REI Rainier pants, some other top picks from our guide to the best rain pants might appeal to you as well.

Columbia Rebel Roamer Review: We like the Columbia Rebel Roamer II or the Storm Surge as budget buys. They provide essential rain protection and keep you dry for short outings or even sledding in the yard. These are fabulous, nothin-but-the-basics choices for pocketbook-conscious hikers.

REI Trailmade Review: REI has a great alternative to the Rainier: The Trailmade Pant is a comfortable, no-frills, basic pant that does an excellent job for the money. With an athletic cut and thinner material, these work for all types of adventures but are a better performer in warmer weather.

Marmot PreCip Eco Review: The PreCip Eco is a great lighter-weight ankle-zip option compared to the Rainiers but you’ll have to be more cautious with snags and abrasions because of its lighter weight.