Best Budget Alternative
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
$100The best rain jacket under $100, full stop. It matches the Torrentshell's perfect score in REI's testing at nearly half the price, with pit zips and full adjustability that most budget jackets skip.
what experts say
- >“The Rainier has good water resistance and features found on higher-end models, such as pit zips and full adjustability at the hood, collar, and hem.”— OutdoorGearLab
- >“No matter what you're getting up to outdoors, the budget-friendly and best-selling Rainier Rain Jacket from REI Co-op has you covered—literally—from all angles.”— REI Expert Advice
- >“Laborious gardening work requires a lot of stretch and flexibility, and it's held up wonderfully over the past year and a half of regular use.”— REI Co-op Member tester (Christine Connelly, 1.5 years of use)
- >“The REI Co-op Rainier is perfect for anyone after a rain jacket design that strikes a great balance between value and function.”— OutdoorGearLab (Women's)
pros & cons
[+] what's great
- +100% recycled ripstop nylon with 2.5-layer HydroWall membrane — solid everyday waterproofing
- +Pit zips for ventilation — rare at this price point
- +Full hood, collar, and hem adjustability matching higher-end models
- +Packs into its own pocket; available up to 3X in inclusive sizing
- +Softer, quieter fabric than many competitors
[-] what's not
- -2.5-layer construction can wet out in sustained heavy downpours
- -Interior fabric can feel slightly clammy against bare skin
- -Liner durability not as robust as the Torrentshell's 50D shell
- -Storm flap Velcro strips are small and could be larger
