REI Co-op Activator Soft-Shell Hoodie - Men's
Need weather protection during high-exertion adventures? The men's REI Co-op Activator soft-shell hoodie breathes exceptionally well—ideal for hiking, backpacking, climbing or cross-country skiing.
- Durable double-weave soft-shell fabric is wind-resistant, water-repellent and highly breathable—and has a cozy, brushed back for a bit of warmth
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish made without PFAS helps moisture bead up on the surface of the fabric
- 4-way stretch in fabric allows ease of movement
- Fully adjustable hood with laminated brim offers complete weather protection
- Zippered chest pocket secures your trail essentials
- Zippered hand pockets are lined with recycled polyester mesh
- Shoulder seams are rolled forward to prevent chafing under pack straps
- Hook-and-loop cuff tabs seal in warmth and hold sleeves in place during activity
- Hem drawcord lets you fine-tune the fit and seal out weather
- Locker loop
- Machine wash cold; do not bleach; tumble dry low
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Activator Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Soft-Shell Jackets| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 63% nylon/26% polyester/11% spandex (bluesign approved) |
| Hood | Yes |
| Back Length | Hip-length |
| Back Length (in.) | 29.5 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 1 lb. 1.9 oz. |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria From a Climate Label Certified brand |
| XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
| Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
| Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
| Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


Write a Review
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Customer Images
Exactly what I needed: stretch/wind/rain resistant
I was not sure about the size, but Im 5’9” and 155 lbs. The models in the ad for this were 6’2” and 175 lbs. wearing a Men's medium, so I went with the small. It’s just right, fairly snug, but not tight. The materials and workmanship in this hoddie are excellent, and the stretch material is comfortable and quiet when you walk. We shall see how well it sheds water, but is clearly will shield me from wind. The hood is easy to adjust and is also easy to get out of the way. I got this on sale, and it is a very good value for the price I paid. Finally, a stretch rain jacket that is substantial yet still fairly light weight.
UPDATE: Exchanged my size small for a medium
Earlier, I ordered on line this softshell hoodie in a men’s size Small (previously reviewed here) and was very pleased with the fit, even thought it was snug across my chest. When I tried to wear it with a sweater underneath I realized it was a little too tight. Since there is an REI store in our town, I checked online to see if it had a men’s Medium in stock in the same color, and it did. I was pleasantly surprised when I found that the medium fit with enough room for layering and yet wasn’t too big or long in the sleeves. The employees cheerfully facilitated the exchange and honored the sale price, too, and I’m very pleased with the outcome. The hoodie is very well-made.
Worth 4x the Cost
I compare the Activator directly to the Arcteryx Gamma LT or Lightweight versions. Although, I consider the Activator to be better better in a few ways. I prefer the face and backing fabric. It feels more robust and durable. It also affords just a little more warmth over the Gamma LT, but only when you need it. Overall, it functions better in more conditions. I would put it right in between the Gamma LT and MX, function wise, but quality is 100% as good if not better than what Arc has become. The only thing that I would add to the jacket is a pull adjuster for the hood diameter (around your head) so the hood moves with you as you turn yiur head. Without that adjustment, the hood invades your line of sight quite a bit. I will be adding that feature to my Activator as soon as I get back to a sewing machine. I will more than likely buy a second Activator just to make sure I always have one.
Solid jacket
Really nice jacket, lightweight and well fitting for my size. Love how the pockets are up high so I can still use them when wearing a pack. The hood pull strings are kind of flimsy but I don't really use them so nbd
Not as windproof or warm as I expected
As someone who has soft shells from several different manufacturers. I was disappointed in the lack of wind resistance, or perceived warmth.
Fav Jacket
This has become my go to jacket for hiking and walking. Keeps me warm and dry. The stretch facilitates any kind of movement needed.
Nice lightweight Softshell
Comfortable lightweight hooded jacket. It is not very water resistant in my opinion as it seemed to absorb raindrops almost immediately (only reason I am giving it four stars). I like the wrist cuffs and the jackets length. Some people mentioned the pockets are too high but I felt they were fine and would likely allow access when wearing a backpack with a waist strap.
Perfect except for strangely high pockets
Exactly what I was looking for to replace a much loved soft-shell...except for the pockets! Who designed this so the pockets are 6 inches above the hemline? I want to keep this but every time I put it on I want to put my hands in the pockets, then ind myself shrugging my shoulders because my hands are awkwardly high.
A bit on the thin side for insulation
I would have made it with more insulation to truly be a soft shell. It's very windy where I go and I'll have to wear another solid layer underneath. Maybe it's good to fifty degrees F.
not very warm!
compared to my previous wind stopper shell this one lacks insulation making it not as useful when the temps drop below fifty.

