Evaluation of REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Women's Rain Jacket

Evaluation of REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Women's Rain Jacket

The REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket has made a splash in the outdoor apparel market with its blend of performance, sustainability, and style. This lightweight, packable, and durable rain jacket is perfect for hikers, kayakers, and anyone seeking reliable protection from the elements.

The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket boasts a good amount of stretch to the fabric, ensuring unrestricted mobility during even the most demanding activities. Its sleek and good-looking design, available in various colourways for both men and women, has garnered several compliments, particularly for the Blue Shale colourway.

Measuring approximately the size of an American football when stuffed into the left hand pocket, the XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket is highly packable, making it an ideal choice for multi-day trips. Made with 72% recycled nylon and 28% recycled polyester, this jacket features a nonfluorinated DWR coating, making it not only environmentally friendly but also water-repellent.

REI's 3-layer HydroWall waterproof membrane, a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, and full seam sealing provide solid water and wind protection. The jacket also includes practical features such as pit zips for dumping excess heat, a single hem drawcord for cinching the waist, and a toggle at the back of the hood for securing it in storms or high winds.

The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket is bluesign-approved and made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, ensuring ethical production standards. For those seeking additional coverage, the XeroCloud 3L Long Rain Jacket offers extended coverage, largely similar to the standard jacket.

When it comes to competition, the Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket, Harrier Exmoor, The North Face Papsura, and Patagonia Torrentshell are top contenders for performance and value in 2025. Each offers a unique balance of durability, weight, waterproofness, and cost, catering to a range of preferences and budgets.

The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's jersey backer is noticeably soft and supple against bare skin, allowing the wearer to comfortably wear the jacket over a hiking t-shirt without any stickiness or clamminess when working up a sweat. However, the hood is a bit shallow, which may result in moisture dripping into the tester's eyes while hiking. It's recommended to pair the hood with a ballcap, especially in driving rain.

In terms of weight, the XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket is not the lightest rain shell available, but it went largely unnoticed in testing. Its fit is layering-friendly without looking or feeling overly bulky with just a lightweight baselayer underneath. The cuffs feature hook-and-loop adjustments, making them easy to secure over liner gloves when hiking or under waterproof paddling gloves when kayaking.

The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket also offers practical storage solutions, with two hand pockets and one exterior chest pocket, all of which are zippered and protected by fabric flaps from moisture. REI Co-op is also certified to The Climate Label, demonstrating their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting climate-focused initiatives around the globe.

In conclusion, the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket offers a versatile and sustainable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its blend of performance, style, and sustainability makes it a standout option for those seeking reliable protection from the elements while minimizing their environmental impact.

1. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket is suitable for travel, particularly for hiking trips and adventures in the rain.
2. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's stretch fabric ensures comfort during intense sports activities like football or mixed-martial-arts.
3. For fashion-conscious individuals, the XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's sleek design fits well with the latest lifestyle trends.
4. While hiking, the XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket can be paired with a ballcap to prevent moisture from entering the eyes.
5. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's recycled materials align with the growing focus on sustainable fashion-and-beauty choices.
6. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket is a smart addition to any tech-savvy outdoor enthusiast's smart-home-devices, providing protection from the elements during sports.
7. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's water-repellent property can also be useful for weather forecasting and sports-analysis, keeping tech gadgets dry during outdoor activities.
8. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's packable size makes it ideal for multi-day backpacking trips.
9. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's weather protection is beneficial for various sports, including golf, baseball, and hockey, where precipitation can disrupt play.
10. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's durable construction and waterproof membrane make it an excellent choice for sports-betting events, keeping punters dry and comfortable during long stays at the racecourse or stadium.
11. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's water resistance can also benefit food-and-drink connoisseurs during outdoor picnics or cooking sessions.
12. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's long version offers extended coverage, ideal for tall individuals or those seeking additional protection in the home-and-garden setting.
13. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket competes with other high-performance rain jackets like the Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket, The North Face Papsura, and Patagonia Torrentshell.
14. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's jersey backer material is soft against the skin, offering comfort during extended periods of sports activity.
15. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's full seam sealing and hood toggle make it adaptable to various weather conditions, from light showers to heavy storms.
16. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's waterproofness extends to auto-racing events, protecting racing drivers from unexpected rain on the track.
17. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's commitment to reducing carbon emissions mirrors broader trends in technology and the NFL, WNBA, NHL, and NBA, which are increasingly focusing on sustainability initiatives.
18. The XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket's protection from the elements makes it a valuable addition for tennis players, shielding them from rain during matches and preventing the premature wear of their equipment.

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