Raincoat Opinions

I just bought this and love it. I used it for the first time this month in New York, Hudson River Valley. We had a fair amount of rain for August and some very heavy. It poured when we were at the Wild Center on a troll hunt. It is a little longer than my last rain jacket so it makes it less likely I will have to struggle with rainpants. Oh, and I did wear my small cross-body bag under it.

If REI is discontinuing this style, does that mean something better is about to be released?

Maybe. I bought an REI rain jacket where the color was discontinued but otherwise the jacket continues to be offered and it looks to be the same.

FWIW, I have the less expensive REI Rainier rain jacket and like it a lot. The XeroCloud looks very similar in style but has a 3 layer ”hydrowall” vs 2.5 layer on the Rainier. REI says ” 3-layer: best protection, best protection and breathability, highest price”

I also have the Rainier, and it's very good (also on sale). If you're looking for any every day rain jacket, either is a fine choice. If you don't want to spend that kind of money, Sierra has a number of Eddie Bauer rain jackets, including the popular Girl on the Go Trench, for a lot less. https://www.sierra.com/womens-rain-and-wind-jackets~d~599/

Katiecem
Thanks. Yes, long enough to cover the backside is one of my criteria. A couple more inches to make it long enough to sit on would be even better.

Laura
I also tried on the Rainier when I tried on the XeroCloud. I like that it is a little longer, but it seemed more fitted and didn't have a zippered chest pocket. I also liked the lavender color.

G3rryCee
I have an Eddie Bauer long rain coat. I think it is a different style than the Girl on the Go. The lining is a thick satin and the outer fabric is stiffer, so not really for warm weather. And it would take a lot of room if packed. Love that it has an inside zippered pocket. Thanks for the reminder about Sierra. I'll take a look. Definitely not looking to spend $200-$400. That's why I'm tempted to take advantage of the sale.

Thank you all for the feedback.

I also tried on the Rainier when I tried on the XeroCloud. I like that it is a little longer, but it seemed more fitted and didn't have a zippered chest pocket. I also liked the lavender color.

The XeroCloud looks to be a higher quality coat than the Rainier so I agree that it would be a good choice. I do like that zippered chest pocket.

I do like my Girl on the Go. It has proved its waterproofness. And it’s long enough that when I sit down, it covers my seat. It’s not lined so it’s not heavy.

I bought the Eddie Bauer Girl on the Go trench at Sierra for $50 (!!!) in March 2026. After one trip with it, I realized I should have bought the next size up in order to have room for my crossbody bag. I tried it on in the store with my bag, but I neglected to have ALL my trip-related stuff in the bag. During the trip, I had to wear my bag on the outside of the jacket and shield it from rain with a mini umbrella.

After the trip, I went back and bought the next size up ... in a different color. Yes, now I have two jackets. At that price I could justify the purchase! I also second the advice of a forum member (Mardee? Jean? Pam?) who recommended wearing a ball cap with a stiff brim so the hood doesn't fall over the eyes.

I like the Girl on the Go jacket, but I think it's too warm if the temperature is above the mid-60s. And it does take up a bit of room in the luggage when it's not needed while in transit. I haven't looked at the REI jackets you're thinking about, so I can't comment on how they compare in weight to the Girl on the Go trench. Hmmm ... I see a trip to REI might be on my to-do list this weekend!

I have the XeroCloud and my daughter has the Rainer. The XeroCloud is definitely higher quality. In my opinion, it is worth the price difference for a travel/hiking raincoat. Maybe not to only run between the house and car on a rainy day.

Wow, those are cheap rain coats, compared to REI's usual winter prices, and the discount ends September 7. I'm not crazy about the limited colors in the REI XeroCloud & didn't choose a black one because of poor visibility out walking. The cheaper Rainier jacket doesn't have the chest zippered pouch, but at $75 (price moved up) and in those wowza colors, I'm going to buy one, thanks! The Girl on the Go trench coat is heavier, if I were somewhere with more weather, like Sweden in the autumn, (where this coat lives) this is what I would take! It's not Gore-tex.

I do like REI, although if you need to return something by mail, they charge shipping. I've been a member at least 30 years, love the concept of the Co-op, customer service is amazing, you can return anything within 365 days, and coupons accumulate with purchases, well as once a year larger % off any one item.

didn't choose a black one because of poor visibility out walking.

No black for me either. If it is gloomy or dark out, I want to be SEEN.

I couldn't pass up the 1/2 price deal. I ordered the XeroCloud 3L Long in the grey color. Not exactly a stand-out color, but better than black.

Thanks everyone for helping me decide.

Happy Camper You might want to check availability on line before making a trip to the store. The 2 stores nearest me both show the XeroCloud and Rainier as out of stock.