REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants Review
January 6th, 2026
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Our verdict
After months of testing the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L rain pants through spring and summer while working on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia and Maine, and the winter hiking in New York, the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants have proven themselves effective rain gear for many expeditions, including walking around town in a downpour, a drizzly hike on a day off, or on a backpacking trip with a forecast that threatens rain.
The REI Co-op XeroCloud rain pants are relatively breathable in humid conditions compared to other 3L rain pants. With stretchier fabric and a sufficiently roomy cut, there’s ample room for clambering over rocks and logs and for layering in the cold.
They’re effective at keeping rain out in most conditions, but showed signs of wetting out after about an hour in a wind-driven downpour. They’re environmentally friendly with a PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR), and bluesign-approved recycled nylon and polyester fabric.
Also, a favorite feature of mine is the ankle cinch drawcord, allowing you to more effectively keep dirt and debris that splashes up in the rain out of your shoes. Some rain pants, like the Marmot PreCip Eco pants, have this feature or an internal gaiter like the Arc’teryx Beta rain pants, but others don’t (the Outdoor Research Foray pants, for example) and it’s a noticeable deficit. Though there’s no back pocket on the XeroClouds, the side pockets are spacious, zippered, and effective at keeping their contents dry.
I found the XeroCloud pants to be true to size. I’m 5’9” and usually wear a men’s medium, which fits well, though I prefer rain pants baggier to accommodate layering in cold conditions. That said, there is room for layering insulation underneath these in my usual size.
Weighing 9.9 ounces, the REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants are a lightweight choice for those who still want the rain protection offered by a 3L rain pant without having the bulkiest option out there.
Learn about more of our favorite rain pants in our Best Rain Pants guide.
men's
Women's
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REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Men's Rain Pants Specifications
Price: $159
Weight (men’s/women’s if available): 9.9 ounces (men’s)//9.2 ounces (women’s)
Fabric (e.g., 2-layer, 2.5-layer, or 3-layer laminate): 3-layer HydroWall waterproof/breathable laminate
Waterproof rating: n/a
Breathability rating: n/a
Face fabric denier: n/a
DWR treatment (PFAS-free or not): Yes, made with a PFAS-free DWR Durable Water Repellent)
Fit type (regular/athletic/relaxed): Regular fit
Adjustments (cuffs, waistband, drawcord): Cordlock hem adjustments on ankle cuffs, elastic drawcord adjustable waistband
Leg zips (ankle/¾/full-length): 12-inch ankle zippers
Pockets: Zippered hand pockets
Ventilation features: n/a
Packability: Packable into left hand pocket
Sizes and inseam options: S-XXXL/28.5, 31, and 34 inch inseams available
Gender-specific versions (men’s & women’s): Yes, women’s version available
Comparison table
| RAIN PANTS | MSRP* | WEIGHT | WATERPROOFING | PFC / PFAS- FREE | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Men's Women's |
$159 | 9.9 oz (men's), 9.2 oz (women's) | 3-layer HydroWall waterproof/breathable laminate | Yes | S-3XL (men's short, regular, tall) XS-3XL (women's petite, regular, tall) |
| Outdoor Research Foray/Aspire 3L Pants Men's Women's |
$199 | 13.6 oz (men's), 13.2 (women's) | bluesign-approved AscentShell Dry 3L; Direct.Dry DWR | Yes | S - XXXL (men's), XXS Short - 4X (women's) |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Men's Women's |
$129 | 11.8 oz (men's), 10.9 (women's) | Waterproof/breathable H2No Performance Standard 3L fabric | Yes | XS - XXL short, regular (men's), XS - XXL regular, short (women's) |
| Marmot PreCip Eco Pants Men's Women's |
$100 | 8 oz (men's), 7 oz (women's) | NanoPro | Yes | S - XXL (men's), XS - XL (women's) |
| Outdoor Research Helium Men's Women's |
$130 | 11.3 oz (men's), 10.23 oz (women's) | bluesign-approved Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L | No | XS - XXXL short, regular, tall (men's), XXS - XXL regular, short (women's) |
Best for
Hikers and travelers looking for rain pants that’ll keep them warm and dry in cool-to-cold weather and potentially drizzly hiking, or walking trips
Anyone looking for a lightweight and packable pair of environmentally friendly rain pants that are functional enough to work for most people in most situations, equally at home on a rainy hike as a brisk walk through a city on a misty day
Those who want general-purpose rain pants that’ll work for hiking and around town as well
What we liked
Stretchier and more breathable than comparable environmentally friendly (PFAS-free, recycled nylon) 3L rain pants (like the Outdoor Research Foray/Aspire and the Patagonia Torrentshell) and better for all-season use
Lightweight, easily packable, and stylistically casual, the XeroCloud rain pants are a good pick for travel and day hiking
Comfortable enough for all-day use in intermittent mild-to-moderate precipitation any time of year
Adjustable cordlock pant hems help keep out mud, snow, and splashing from puddles
What could be better
Face fabric is thinner and less durable-feeling than other 3L rain pants, so you have to be more watchful for thorns and brambles that could snag on the pants
Short ankle zippers and no upper/thigh-level ventilation
Wets out after over an hour in consistent, wind-driven downpour, which makes them not an ideal pick for intense precipitation
How we tested
We tested the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L rain pants while living and working on and around the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, New York, and Maine for tk. The XeroCloud pants were primarily used for day hiking and backpacking in conditions ranging from warm mist to freezing rain and cold, snowy days. They were once worn while moving boxes in an uninsulated space on a sub-freezing day and were welcome then, too.
We also tested them alongside other similar rain pants we’ve tested, like the Outdoor Research Foray 3L rain pants and the Marmot PreCip Eco rain pants.
Performance in the field
Waterproofing
The REI XeroCloud 3L rain pants offer reliable protection from precipitation without sacrificing breathability– a feat for a 3-layer laminate with PFAS-free waterproofing which is known for being less breathable than its forever-chemical-laden predecessor. In extended rain, they’re steadily waterproof for hours at a stretch but had some seepage during extended downpours in windy ridgeline conditions.
Breathability and ventilation
For a 3-layer rain pant, the XeroCloud is quite breathable, which is good, since its ventilation zippers are confined to the ankle area alone. Useful for on/off with boots on, but if you’re generating a lot of surplus heat in high-output activity like backpacking or intense hiking, these zippers are sometimes insufficient for increasing ventilation.
Comfort and fit
There’s enough give in the cut of the pants and stretch to the fabric that you get a full range of motion and room for layering, leaving you free to do rainy-day camp yoga, climb rock scrambles, or whatever you want, really. The rise is high enough to easily stay under your rain jacket of choice, and the waistband is comfortable enough for hours of wear without becoming annoyed with it.
Kneeling in the snow in the XeroCloud pants to steer the dog away from the non-frozen pond.
Durability
Though the REI Co-op XeroCloud rain pants are resistant enough to abrasion for nearly all-purpose use, the lightweight and stretchy nature of the pants also makes them less durable than heavier weight pants like the Outdoor Research Foray pants. On rougher surfaces like butt-sliding on granite or for any sort of bushwhacking or thorny brambles, the XeroClouds would not be likely to fare well. With greater care and/or gentler conditions, they’ll last a long time– they’re not lightweight to the point of any flimsiness and are still a 3-layer pant.
Weight and packability
The REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L rain pants, weighing 9.9 ounces, are a couple of ounces lighter than comparable models, like the Outdoor Research Foray 3L and Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. While not ultralight like a rain kilt or the ~7-oz Outdoor Research Helium rain pants, they’re extremely lightweight for a 3L rain pant and far more protective from the elements than either a rain kilt or a much lighter set of rain pants would be. Plus, they pack down into their side pocket with ease, forming an item that disappears (in a good way) in a travel bag or day hiking pack.
Ease of use
The XeroCloud pants are easy to put on and take off over boots because of their foot-high ankle zippers and snap closure– even with chilly fingers and gloves on! Similarly, the cuff and waistband adjustment system is easy to operate with gloves on and doable one-handed as well. The zipper still flows smoothly after a couple months of use and being splattered with some mud, and the pockets are accessible with most packs and jackets on (unless they fall exceptionally low on the body).
Elliot is demonstrating his innate ability to pose normally for photographs in the REI Co-op XeroCloud rain pants.
Features
Articulated knees
The REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L rain pants feature articulated knees, meaning they have sewn-in panels around the knee which allow for a greater range of motion with less pulling of fabric while bending, such as while climbing or hiking. For active-use cold-weather hiking that might see steep terrain and wet weather, the XeroCloud pants are an excellent choice in large part due to the range of motion they offer.
The REI Co-op XeroCloud rain pants feature articulated knee panels for a full range of motion, which can be seen here at close glance.
Adjustable ankle cuffs
It’s been said before but I feel compelled to say it again–adjustable hems are one of the most useful features in any rain pants. A few perks of the adjustable hems on the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L rain pants: they keep snow and rain from splashing up the wearer’s ankles, debris from the trail such as mud, dirt, or gravel from getting in shoes, and help secure the pants around boots.
Pocket pack
The XeroCloud pants are extremely easy to pack down into the stretchy left-hand side zippered pocket and clip onto the outside of a pack or tuck away to squish down into almost nothing for later use.
Sustainability
In line with REI Co-op’s broader sustainability initiatives such as its carbon neutrality, zero waste, and renewable energy goals, the XeroCloud rain pants feature a 72% recycled nylon shell fabric, a nonfluorinated Durable Water Repellent finish, bluesign® approved materials with minimized environmental impact– and are produced in Fair Trade Certified factories with fair wages and safe conditions.
Inclusive sizing
The REI Co-op XeroCloud men’s rain pants are offered in a range of sizes from small to 3XL and with different inseam lengths (28.5, 31, and 34 inches). This, plus their roomy fit and stretchier fabric than typical for comparable rain pants such as the Outdoor Research Foray or Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain pants, the REI Co-op XeroCloud rain pants are an ideal choice for a wide variety of body types.
The REI Co-op XeroCloud rain pants feature a drawcord-adjustable waistband.
REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants vs. other rain pants
Relative to other 3L rain pants like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and Outdoor Research Foray 3L rain pants, the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L rain pants are a noticeably more breathable and lightweight choice and more suitable for all-season use, while the Torrentshell and Foray are preferable in cool to cold weather.
Compared to thinner and more breathable rain pants like the Outdoor Research Helium or Marmot Precip Eco rain pants, the REI Co-op XeroCloud pants are the better pick for cool weather where more of a wind break is desired without sacrificing breathability.
Should I buy the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Men's Rain Pants?
Buy if you’re looking for a versatile, breathable, and lightweight pair of rain pants for hiking, travel, commuting, or general use in all-season outdoor activities where mild to moderate precipitation is in the forecast
Skip if you’re looking for something robust. While the breathability aspect of these pants is beneficial for general use, if you’re expecting to see consistent downpours, freezing temperatures, and/or strong winds, these will not provide adequate protection. On the other end of the spectrum, skip if you’re looking for something ultralight for summer rainshowers–these will likely be too stifling unless you run really cold
Where to buy
The REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants are only available at REI.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Similar products
Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Pants
Sizes: S - XXL (men's), XS - XL (women's)
Weight: 8 oz (men's), 7 oz (women's)
Waterproof fabric: NanoPro
PFAS free waterproofing: Yes, PFC-free recycled nylon
Face fabric: 100% Pre-Consumer Recycled Nylon, Ripstop
The Marmot PreCip Eco rain pants are an even more lightweight, affordable option for hikers seeking breathable rain pants with adjustable hems. Also made with PFAS-free waterproofing and recycled nylon, the Precip Eco pants are a sustainable pick as well. While slightly lighter and much more breathable, the PreCips don’t offer as solid protection from wind and harsher precipitation such as freezing rain or sleet since they’re not as thick as the XeroCloud pants and are thus a better choice for warmer weather precipitation.
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Outdoor Research Foray/Aspire 3L Rain Pants
Sizes: S - XXXL (men's), XXS Short - 4X (women's)
Weight: 13.6 oz (men's), 13.2 (women's)
Waterproof fabric: bluesign-approved AscentShell Dry 3L
Face fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester 50D Plain Weave
PFAS free waterproofing: Yes, for the Spring 2024 model
The Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Pants are a burlier pair of rain pants that I spent the majority of this year testing while living and working along the Appalachian Trail. They’re a heavier-duty pick for similar pursuits, with less breathable fabric yet a fantastic ventilation zipper to make up for it. They lack adjustable hems, unfortunately. They, along with the women’s Aspire version, are the Best Overall winner in our Best Rain Pants guide. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket.
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Why you should trust us / About the author
Elliot Koeppel graduated from Tufts University with a B.A. in History in 2023. He began his six-month thru-hike (and first-ever backpacking trip!) of the Appalachian Trail the next week, where he experienced some of the wettest days of his life in one of the rainiest years the Northeast has seen. Since then, he’s hiked the Colorado Trail, worked in trail hospitality, and was the ridgerunner in the Bigelow Mountain section of the Appalachian Trail during the 2025 season.
Koeppel has been testing a range of thru-hiking apparel and rain gear for Treeline Review since 2023. In his free time, you can find him hiking, rockhounding, making jewelry, or listening to Van Halen.
