How to Choose Rainwear

This product is not available.
The ultimate breathable waterproof shell for backpackers, our Men's Rhyolite Jacket features eVent® DValpine™ fabric and a design that draws on decades of trail experience.
Shop similar productsImported.
Best Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Fabric | Nylon |
Windproof | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | 3-layer eVent waterproof breathable membrane |
Hood | Yes |
Ventilation | Core Vents |
Back Length | Waist-length |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 12 ounces |
Sustainability | 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 |
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.
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.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Fabrics: This fabric breaths awesome and has a great "hand" to it. The liner is perfect, not clamy like a 2 layer fabric. Tends to soften a bit over use. A little more stretch would be ideal but the trim fit keeps a decent range of motion. Fit: Im a tall thin guy (6'-1" 175lbs) with an athletic build. The medium fits perfect in all aspects except sleeve length (about an inch shorter than I'd like). The large was HUGE on me though. I ended up buying both online and returning the large in store. Durability: All seams are welded and all stitching is tight and backtracked where visible. Looks to be built really well.
Was glad to see that REI has started making their own line of eVent jackets - I believe this is the second model. Purchased before a winter camping trip that ultimately had all of the weathers (rain, slush, snow). The breathability of this jacket is better than anything I've had before, and the DWR coating (at least when new) is epic. Cut/fit is pretty reasonable -- like other REI branded gear, it's a slightly awkward cut when reaching or stretching -- but is close enough for the price. Any Arcteryx pieces I've owned, for example, are cut PERFECTLY. Anyway, for the price, I'm quite pleased. Build is simple with minimal pockets, drawcords, and the like. No pit zips. But I prefer simple/light/cheap, so am perfectly satisfied.
TL;DR - This jacket is amazing for the price. Pro's - Great ventilation. First time hiking with it, it was 60F and pouring. No excessive sweating or wetting out, even after getting a little muddy. No water seeped through open vents, either - Water resistance: Spent 3 hours hiking in the rain, completely dry. Works as expected. -Fantastic DWR. I didn't do the shower test, because I'm in CA and that's a bit wasteful. First time out, everything just rolled off. Second time, the same even after a little mud -Great athletic cut -Price Cons -It sounds like you're wearing a tarp. Very crinkle-y sounding -I prefer the hood to be able to be tightened around the face as well as the back, this didn't have the front area. Didn't let any water in, just not my personal preference
Really wanted to like this jacket. The eVent material is supposed to be good and the price is pretty good. Unfortunately wearing it twice with a harness on it developed two matching holes on each side of the front. It is apparently flimsy and not made to last. Disappointed with REI for this.
I recently read a very positive online review of this jacket (top two in its class), and I agreed. I own it. I probably tried 8 jackets before I settled on this one. I'm simply unimpressed by 2 "1/2" layer jackets. They tend to "wet out", and once that happens, they no longer breathe. This jacket is 3 layer eVent, and it breathes well, nor does it "wet out". I only have two complaints; no pit zips, and odd fit. This jacket like one other REI product I purchased is unusually tight in the hips. I'm usually a Medium verging on a Large. I went with the Large particularly because of the hip fit. The Large was probably a better choice anyway. It leaves more room for layering, and more room to breathe.
I have a many year old version of this from another maker. eVent is fantastic and in my experience is far superior to gortex for breathability (and obviously strength). After all these years only one thorn hole, which was easily patched. Washed many times. Fantastic in hot (tropical Miami rains) or cold as a shell (mountains above Innsbruck). My eVent jacket is my favorite piece of clothing. My only complaint was on my jacket, pockets were right under backpack waist strap, and REI positioned perfectly above so that is not a problem. Well done REI.
This is a comfortable and well-made jacket. No questions there. There were two issues for me, that ultimately led to a return and exchange for another jacket. As other reviewers have noted, the fabric is noisy. I also found the lack of flexibility when it comes to adjusting the hood (the only adjustment is from the back) a deal breaker. For me, there simply was no way to make the hood work comfortably in wind and rain. Otherwise, I think most people would like this jacket.
So I purchased this jacket and then several weeks later i took it on a four day backing trip and I loved it, it repelled water very well and was comfortable to wear while on the trail. After I had returned home I was reading the cleaning instructions on the tag inside of the jacket and I washed it and dried it. The tag said that to restore the DWR coating that it should be ironed. When I ironed it the fabric completely melted in several spots. I feel that a product should be able to withstand the recommended washing procedures, especially at this price point, so I would not recommend this product to anyone who doesn't want to throw their money away.
I went to REI expecting to spend a lot of money on a good rain jacket. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this great jacket for an awesome price. The final selling point was the placement of the pockets. I love hiking and hate having to move everything when I put on the waist belt. The jacket is lightweight, breathable, with clean and comfortable lines. I love my new jacket!
Overall: I'm new to this jacket but the highlight is that its a very light, decently packable, bombproof, 3 layer eVent hard shell for next to nothing relative to other GoreTex/eVent jackets. eVent material on a 13oz-14oz jacket (large) is the highlight here. eVent is the only competitor that uses the same material as Gore-Tex (ePTFE), except eVent is more breathable (see testing online) yet needs to be washed a bit more than Gore-Tex (both need to be cleaned FYI or the pores get plugged). Both materials are completely Windproof and Waterproof and extremely durable. Its notable that eVent breaths more and hence it will cool by convection slightly more than GoreTex. That's a good thing as moisture kills. Also, I like this Jacket better than Arctryx Alpha FL as its nearly as light but also has dual handwarmers and eVent. At this price its ludicrously valuable. Since its new, not sure I'd trust it for Alpine Expedition compared to Arcteryx jackets but maybe at somepoint. FYI, Arcteryx isn't what it used to be since they moved to more lifestyle clothing and stopped manufacturing in Canada (china now). I don't know the other big brands as well, though these light weight jackets rely on simplicity so not many features...its really all about the construction and material. eVent is the best in my opinion. (see online testing). To note, REI branded stuff is typically a great value with solid performance but not "top tier"...this jacket, due to the great third party materials is top tier. The price for this is unreal, especially with easy gearmail discount. Competitive jackets are 400$-500$. Water/Wind Proof: eVent is excellent in this regard. All zippers are waterproof YKK and have a wind flap on the back as well. I haven't tested the DWR in shower but I'm sure its fine, plus you will need to reapply this every once in a while to any jacket to keep it breathable. Construction: Seems great though I'm new to the jacket. I'll know more after a season or two. Material seems more supply than Gore-Tex Pro (Alpha FL denier) and a lot more supple than the Beta AR (which has extra heavy denier). Fit: Large is great on a 6-4 thin guy. It has enough room to layer a bit but is very mobile which was important to me as I want to use this for winter fly fishing (waving a stick in the air). I really like how the jacket is made as it just doesn't give a tall lanky guy "wings" when I stick my arms out. Not boxy but not slim cut either. This is ALWAYS a problem for me, especially with Patagonia/Mountain Hardware products but not here. Jacket is quite comfortable. Style: Not bad, I only liked the black color though. Not as cool looking as Arcteryx. Pack-ability: Way better than I thought. Slightly more bulky pack down than a Marmot PreCip, which is great with me. Side note, it actually packs into the hand pocket which was a nice surprise. Hood: Seems great, I liked the adjustment as it allowed me to have peripheral vision and mobility once it was cinched down. Has a semi-solid visor. Not as a good as Arcteryx I think, they have the "Hood" thing down. Seems like it'd work with helmet though I haven't tested. Features: Handwarmers are slightly raised to accommodate backpack straps yet still very comfortable to use around town without looking stupid. hardwarmers also marketed as "CoreVents" to cool you core via ventilation (mesh liner). This seems to be true as the zipper is long and goes up a bit. Seamless shoulder design is great, I use backpack often with rain jacket. Microfleece around the face zipper and rear of the hood are nice-to-haves for sure for comfort. Velcro wrist straps are good too. The waist cinch down worked well and there is one for each side. The additional features here really make this stand above the Alpha FL in some regard, though the jacket is an ounce or so heavier than it. I too often need the handwarmers for stuff as I'll be in the rain for hours at times here in PNW. This is why I wanted a GoreTex or eVent level jacket, its not an emergency rain shower and I need the breathability of the top materials. Oh jacket also has a media port hole in handwarmer liner, pretty cool. All these features in 13oz-14oz is pretty dang nice. Weight: Who knew it was only 13oz (size large)? Its listed at 16oz (which i didn't like) but when i weighed it, it came out at 13 which is just excellent for this solid of a jacket with these features (Alpha FL and Marmot PreCip are 12oz...though Alpha doesn't have handwarmers which I need). I thought my scale was off so I weighed other stuff (food, Ghost Whisperer jacket) that had known weights and sure enough, 13oz + or - was a valid weight.