REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket review

By Diane Spicer

Hiking For Her presents for your consideration this REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket review.

Why is it important to read a thorough review of this hiking jacket?

Because if you're looking for a good rain jacket, you need all the facts before you choose your important outer hiking layer.

You can also benefit from the experience of hikers who share all the details with you.

You want to stay warm and dry, and know that you've purchased the right rain jacket at the right price point for your hiking plans, right?

So come along as Hiking For Her trail tests this three layered rain jacket.

Disclosures in this REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket review

HFH has been a member of the REI Co-op for decades, enjoying the technical innovations and solid gear provided by this famous gear company.

HFH is an REI affiliate for exactly those reasons. Your purchase from REI through the links on this website sends a modest commission to HFH, used to support its existence.

HFH received a rain jacket to test on dayhikes and hiking trips. This review is an honest, unpaid and fair assessment of this rain jacket, just like every other review you will find on this website.

All photos are courtesy of REI. All comments and opinions belong to Hiking For Her and are written to give you the facts.

What's being reviewed by Hiking For Her

Your hiking layering system dictates that your outer rain jacket must protect all the layers beneath it.

The goal: to keep your skin dry through wet conditions, block wind, guard your core temperature and provide a sense of comfort.

That's a tall task for a few thin layers of fabric!

Will this jacket do the job?

Let's find out!

Technical specifications:
REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket review

As always, we start by examining what has gone into the design and construction of this hiking rain jacket.

This jacket is constructed of an interesting three layered (thus the 3L in the name) stretchy fabric, called HydroWall™. 

It has multiple claims to fame: windproof, waterproof, breathable, and without the scratchy rustling noisiness some hiking jackets are known for (I have two of them myself).

We want to see a durable water repellent fabric (DWR), which this jacket provides. We have a good way to test this claim: when we see water beading up on the surface of the jacket. That's why we test, right?

This is a shell jacket, meant to be lightweight and thin but also durable in the face of every trail challenge.

The weight is stated as around 11.3 ounces (size dependent), not likely to be noticeable when you're wearing it.

This jacket has a recycled nylon/polyester face, with a jersey backer to provide softness against your other layers and skin. Nylon is known for durability. The fact that it is recycled is a nice plus.

You want a seam sealed rain jacket, and this jacket is fully seam-sealed to prevent leaks in a downpour or a day long rain event.

A rain jacket without a hood is practically useless, so you'll be glad to see an adjustable hood on this jacket and a generous laminated visor.

And here's an important feature to call out in this REI Xerocloud 3L rain jacket review:

• There are zippers in the armpit area (pit zips), super important when you're generating heat but don't want to open up your chest zipper due to precipitation or wind.
  

Usability features built into this hiking rain jacket

Now that we have the technical specs out of the way and know the design of this jacket can stand up to moisture on the trail, let's look at what I call usability features: how it feels, how useful it is to you as a hard working hiker.

You want a rain jacket that feels good, right?

This jacket has a soft lining, which I noticed right away because my other shell rain jackets feel cold and clammy against my midlayer by comparison.

We've noted that the hood and pit zips give you lots of options to adjust the jacket to hiking conditions.

But let's look a little closer for more adjustment opportunities that contribute to the usefulness of the jacket.

Cuff and hem adjustments on the REI Xerocloud 3L rain jacket

You can adjust the fit of the cuffs to accommodate more or fewer layers, using the traditional hook-and-loop system. The cuffs taper a bit, giving some additional protection against moisture and allowing it to drain off your arms.

The hem's drawcord allows you to tighten or loosen the jacket, creating a tighter seal when it's wet or allowing for air flow when you want it.

Now let's talk pockets in this REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket review

"This jacket has too many pockets", said no hiker ever.

There is a small zippered chest pocket on the left hand side where you can stow small essentials: lip balm, snacks.

There are 2 zippered hand pockets, as you would expect. They are generously sized to hold keys, snacks, a bandanna - even your hands!

The jacket packs down into its own left-hand pocket, and I'll have more to say about that feature in a moment.

Size and fit of the REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket

You want to be able to swing your arms, bend over and hoist your backpack, and reach for that tempting ripe huckleberry without being restricted by your jacket.

Sometimes you want to do the hokey pokey (but only on formal occasions).

This jacket's stretchy fabric and generous raglan sleeves (more room at the shoulder) will give you the room you need.

The elbows are articulated: when you've got several layers on underneath the jacket, your arms are still freely moveable.

The hip length of the jacket means that your backpack will cover the entire length of the jacket. This prevents it from riding up or bunching under your backpack's hipbelt.

Performance in this REI  Xerocloud 3L rain jacket review

Now we come to the heart of the matter.

How did this rain jacket stand up to rain on a hiking trail?

Luckily there was A LOT of rain when this jacket arrived, so I can answer that question in detail.

The first thing I always focus on with a rain jacket is breathability. Does it keep the rain off my skin, only to make it rain inside the jacket from my sweat?

This three layered jacket is designed to allow moisture within to evaporate, and it did. In the several hikes, plus two trips to town during downpours, I did notice that I was not dripping from my own condensation.

Visibility is also a big thing for me. I wear glasses, and when it's wet outside it's a challenge to see through the lenses. I want a hood that is adjustable and versatile, working well with my hat, ponytail and glasses while blocking moisture.

This jacket's hood is adjustable with a toggle at the back. I was able to cinch it down to allow the wide brim/visor to do the job of keeping as much rain off my face (and glasses) as possible.

I encountered a bit of a rain squall with some wind gusts during one of my hikes, and usually all bets are off during those. Surprisingly, I came out of it able to see clearly, thanks to the hood.

The gusty wind didn't rip the hood off my head, either.

Here's the final thing I noticed right away: this jacket is quiet. The fabric doesn't crinkle or creak. Nice!

Oh, one more thing: pit zips were pressed into service throughout my hikes, sometimes open and sometimes closed. Never buy a rain jacket without them!!

Taking good care of your jacket

You could stuff this jacket down into the left side pocket for packability.

But Hiking For Her frowns upon that habit.

A quality hiking jacket should be able to breathe, should be stored both dry and clean, and must have its very own hanger in your gear closet.

So let's go over a few rules for taking good care of this jacket, shall we?

To clean the jacket, use warm water in a washing machine along with mild soap. You don't want to expose this jacket to bleach or fabric softeners, as they will break down the fabric.

Also avoid high heat when drying the jacket. Tumble dry on low if you must, but hanging it out of direct sunlight to dry is the way I go whenever possible.

You expect a good rain jacket like this to last and last. To restore the DWR finish to its original condition after several seasons of wear, you should apply a new coat of a wash-in DWR product such as this NikWax option.

There are also spray-on versions, although I find the application to be a bit uneven due to (my own) operator error.

How will you know when it's time for a DWR treatment?

• When you don't see the water beading up.
• Or the fabric wets through quickly.

REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket review:
What I liked about this rain jacket

I've had dozens of rain jackets over my decades of hiking and have enjoyed watching the evolution of fabric from heavy, scratchy wool and waxed cotton to modern, lightweight, waterproof materials.

There are some little things about this jacket that really won me over. They might seem picky to you, but please remember that little irritations add up to a miserable time on the trail, something I don't want to happen to you!

First up: The cuff adjustments.

Have you ever had a jacket where the adjustment tabs have to be pulled over so far that a flap of material just hangs out there in space and smacks your nose every time you reach up to adjust your glasses or hood?

Yeah, that's one of the things I always look for: How far do I have to pull the adjustment tabs in order to get a tight fit at the cuffs?

This rain jacket gave me just enough material to work with, with no overhangs. It's one of the reasons women should always look for women's hiking jackets, as they are tailored to our sizing.

Here's another bugaboo that may or may not matter to you, but is important to note: the ability to pull the pit zip with one hand without taking off my gloves or backpack.

This jacket gives a nice pull tab and the zipper slides easily, making for quick adjustments (zip up, zip down) while hiking.

The price point of this jacket

The price tag ($189, pre-tariffs at the time of this writing) will generate one of two reactions:

• Wow, that's a lot of money for a jacket!
• Huh, that's not bad for a technical rain jacket.

First, the wow, which a beginner or newbie hiker may have exclaimed.

Yes, it's going to cost some money to create a solid layering system that can take you beyond a few blue sky day hikes.

Consider that money an investment in your hiking comfort, but more important to note, an investment in your safety as a hiker.

Cheap becomes expensive on a hiking trail when you're hit with an unexpected downpour in marginal temperatures and your jacket is a sodden mess.

Save money elsewhere on your gear list, always invest in top notch protective outer layers.

As for the "huh", you're a hiker who has been around plenty of price tags and understands that the way to size up the price is to consider the technical features. In other words, read this review and then decide if the price of this jacket matches the technical specs and features it provides.

My take on it?

It's a fair price for the good trail performance I experienced when wearing the jacket on several dayhikes.

I don't see anything to prohibit this jacket from performing well for backpacking.

I'll take it on a few more hikes before it comes along with me into the backcountry for weeks long trips, and will update this review as needed.

Environmental considerations in this REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket review

Our planet is our most important resource as humans. I feel it's important to use your purchasing power as a hiker to support companies that pay attention to the environmental costs of making and distributing hiking clothing and outdoor gear.

One of the many reasons I support REI Co-op is because they have been paying attention to the environment, and are at the forefront of this issue.

They are Climate Neutral Certified, meaning they measure annual carbon emissions and purchase an equivalent amount of verified carbon credits.

This jacket is made with materials that meet the bluesign® criteria and is created in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.

You can read REI's impact report for more details.

Caveats in this REI Xerocloud 3L rain jacket review

This shell jacket is not insulated for cold weather usage, making it suitable for three season hiking when you've got the versatility of layers with you to modify it for changing trail conditions.

Could you use it for winter hiking? With smart layering, probably, but bulky layers might compromise the fit.

If you're a petite hiker, you'll want to pay attention to the lengths of the sleeves and inseams. I'm 5'3" and a size medium was a bit roomy but that's what I need to accommodate my layering system. Because the hem, cuffs and hood can cinch down, I'm happy with the extra room.

One thing I'm going to monitor carefully is the chest zipper. It's seam sealed, but will it allow water to seep in over time on a long hike or soggy hiking trip? I'll report back after I've taken this jacket through all four seasons.

The zippered pocket on the chest is rather small. I tried to fit my phone into it, to keep it handy, and it was a tight squeeze.

Technical rain jacket? Yup!

Now let me quote REI for a moment:

"Meet the most technical REI Co-op backpacking shell yet: our XeroCloud 3L women's rain jacket."

In other words, compare this jacket to other gear companies known for their technical backcountry gear.

And I will!

Only time will tell how this jacket performs compared to the technical rain jackets that usually accompany me on remote backcountry adventures. I'll be sure to let you know with updates to this review.

But it's now my first choice for dayhiking and short overnight trips.

REI Co-op gives you more rain jacket options
beyond the XeroCloud 3L

If you're just starting out as a hiker, you may not need all the technical features discussed in this review.

Here is a great option for a lower cost jacket with lots of features: the REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket.

It is waterproof, uses the HydroWall recycled membrane in 2.5 layers (less breathable but just as durable). It weighs under 10 ounces and has some of the great features (like must-have pit zips) noted in this review of the XeroCloud 3L jacket.

Or you might consider something even more affordable as you begin your hiking career: the REI Trailmade jacket. The basics, well designed and able to keep you dry on a day hike.

Final thoughts in this REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket review

It's always hard to find exactly the right women's hiking clothes. Size, color, price point are where you might be tempted to start.

But I urge you to look through the technical specifications first (materials, features, fit) and then focus on the other things.

This REI rain jacket for women is designed to give you lots of range of motion, solid three layered protection from moisture, plenty of adjustability features, and a comfortable fit.

On hiking trails in rainy conditions, it did just that for me. I'm going to wear it a few more times before I take it into the backcountry, but that's just me being a cautious hiker ;)

Give it a close look for your upcoming day hiking plans, backpacking trips, or gaps in your gear list.

Remember that REI stands behind its products, and gives you an annual rebate as a member. If you purchase this jacket, you'd receive $18.90 in rewards to spend on more hiking gerar!

• Read all the benefits of REI Co-op membership.

Thanks for coming along on my trail testing of this rain jacket!

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REI XeroCloud 3L rain jacket review from Hiking For Her