REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket - Men's review

The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket - Men's in this review is current-category product 227570. The item number keeps it distinct from the women's standard Rainier, the women's Long Line Rainier and older Rainier editions. REI's listing positions it as a 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable shell with underarm pit zips and a named left-pocket stow route. This is a source-based assessment of those product details, not a wear test.

Shell construction and rain plan

REI lists a 2.5-layer HydroWall membrane with fully sealed seams and a 100% recycled ripstop nylon face. The page describes the jacket as waterproof, breathable and windproof up to 60 mph. Those are the manufacturer's descriptions; it provides no numeric waterproof-pressure or breathability value on this product page, and this review has no independent lab result. The layer label is useful for identifying the construction but should not be treated as a rank against three-layer or coated two-layer jackets.

The Rainier is a shell, not an insulated jacket. The listed configuration is worn over clothing selected by the wearer; REI names no separate insulating garment. If you expect to add a fleece or another warm layer, use the exact men's sizing chart and check the chosen size with that layer. The page lists both regular and Tall lengths and gives a 31-inch back length for size M and 33 inches for size M Tall. REI's listed weight is 11.3 ounces. These are product specifications, not measurements of a sample or a prediction of individual fit.

Venting and pack-away

Two capabilities are stated clearly. REI lists pit zips for opening under the arms as exertion changes, and says the jacket packs into its own left-hand pocket: turn the pocket inside out, stuff the jacket into it, then zip it closed. That answers the yes/no questions about documented underarm openings and a pocket-stow route. It does not quantify how much air the vents move or how small the stowed bundle becomes. No pit-zip length or packed dimensions are provided.

The remaining listed details include an adjustable hood with visor, articulated elbows, hook-and-loop cuffs and a drawcord hem. The front zipper is described as weatherproof with a stormflap, and the collar has brushed polyester lining. REI lists two zippered hand pockets and two inside drop-in pockets. Helmet compatibility is not stated, so a helmet requirement needs a separate check rather than inference from an adjustable hood.

Separating Rainier from Trailmade and XeroCloud

REI's men's Trailmade C06749 is a different shell: a two-layer polyester design with upper mesh and lower/sleeve nylon-taffeta lining. Its product page calls the fit relaxed for layering, but does not list pit zips or pocket-stow. The 227570 Rainier instead documents both features and a recycled-ripstop-nylon face. Men's XeroCloud 3L 242158 is another distinct option with three-layer construction and its own documented pit-zip and stow details. All three are shells in the men's block, but their lining, layer count and feature evidence differ; the shared category is not evidence that they fit or perform alike.

REI says the Rainier DWR finish is made without PFAS. Keep that wording scoped to the finish; it does not establish that every component is PFAS-free or provide residual-content testing. The page also says the jacket contains bluepass-certified material and is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. These specific statements do not replace a rain-performance comparison.

Care and purchase checks

The product page instructs cold machine washing, avoiding bleach and fabric softeners, and tumble drying low. REI advises cleaning and drying rainwear and renewing DWR if the fabric begins wetting out. Follow the label on the selected item rather than treating general care language as a substitute for its instructions.

Before selecting a size, confirm the offer is men's Rainier 227570 and determine whether regular or Tall length is appropriate; compare the chart with your body and intended layers. If you need documented pit zips and an own-pocket stow route, both are listed on this exact page. If you need a numeric membrane rating, helmet compatibility, measured airflow or packed volume, those details are not established here. The maker's listed weight and length are not author measurements, and no personal fit, weather exposure or laboratory test is claimed.