REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Review

The REI XeroDry is by far one of the best prices for a Gore-Tex jacket. It packs in many well-designed features and has decent storm protection and longevity.

Performance Comparison

Water Resistance

The XeroDry uses a 2-layer construction and a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane for its weather resistance, and this 2-layer construction is somewhat atypical. The membrane is sandwiched to the inside of the face fabric and appears to the naked eye to be a 2.5-layer or thinner 3-layer construction; this is true with all garments that feature the latest version of Gore-tex Paclite.

On the whole, we were pleasantly surprised with the performance of this jacket. Water beads smoothly and rolls off in consistent moderate rain. The jacket's fit is also loose enough that it's easy to pull the neck up and hood down to seal yourself up if you are stuck waiting out a storm.

Though this jacket is above average, it isn't the top performer for water resistance. The XeroDry tends to wet out after 45 minutes to an hour of sustained rainfall. Though it lasted longer than many of the more basic models in our lineup that use coated proprietary fabrics, this is still outside the highest echelon of contenders. It has a watertight main zipper, but the pocket zippers are only covered with a fabric overhang. That said, this was sufficient in all but heavy downpours.

The hood on the XeroDry won't fit very well over most climbing or bike helmets. However, we did find it adapted to most other pieces of headwear. Despite being on the larger side of non-helmet compatible hoods, the hood moved nicely with our body. It can be cinched with both hands, one holding the toggle on the outside and the other pulling on the elastic cord from the inside. When tightened down, it still maintains some of the better peripheral vision of any model we tested. The stiff brim also allows water to roll off down the jacket rather than onto your face.

Breathability

We were impressed by the breathability of the XeroDry in our real-world tests (rain jacket on a StairMaster, anyone?) The Gore-Tex Paclite fabric is one of the more breathable options out there, and the 2-layer construction means there are fewer layers of materials that the moisture has to pass through.

The XeroDry doesn't have any traditional pit zips, but its front pockets, which are lined with mesh, can be used as core vents. Despite this, we didn't feel these pockets could dump a significant amount of heat or moisture. And while the XeroDry is less clammy than most proprietary coated models, it is notably more clammy than most other GoreTex or air-permeable options.

Comfort and Mobility

The XeroDry features moderate articulation and a baggier cut to help minimize restriction of movement. Though this extra material might be annoying for slimmer users, it means there is plenty of room for an extra layer underneath.

The extra fabric length in the arms means the sleeves pull up less when raising the arms than with snugger-fitting models. The wrists adjust with just a velcro tab; we usually like a combo of elastic and velcro for dialing in this part of the fit, but there is a large range of adjustability on the XeroDry for a variety of wrist sizes. We also appreciate the zipper garage and felted liner on the inside of the zipper and around the neck. This super soft addition kept our faces and necks from being in contact with a cold, clammy, synthetic surface.

The XeroDry is less clammy than most of the coated 2.5 or 3-layer jackets we tested and, in general, feels more pleasant than other jackets in its price range. With that said, the feel of its internal fabric is pretty slippery and isn't as nice as models with traditional Gore-Tex.

This jacket has two slightly raised handwarmer pockets and one left chest convenience pocket. We love the setup and functionality; the handwarmer pockets are just high enough to keep them from pinching under the waist belt of a backpack and are still accessible with a pack on.

Weight

At 12.5 ounces, this jacket is on the lighter side of Gore-Tex options. It's light enough to keep most backpackers and hikers happy.

The XeroDry packs down slightly smaller than average, but only by a little. It isn't the tiniest, but for the amount of storm protection and breathability it provides, it is reasonable in size and compresses small enough for most applications.

Durability

Among sub-16-ounce rain jackets, the XeroDry is pretty middle-of-the-road regarding durability. It isn't the toughest, but it isn't fragile either.

This jacket offers average tear and abrasion resistance and is plenty robust for most backcountry trips. It wouldn't be our first choice for a trip that involves extended bushwhacking, but that's true of a lot of things. The DWR coating isn't particularly impressive, and the 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite material means it should be cleaned frequently.

Should You Buy the REI Co-op XeroDry GTX?

The XeroDry, with its 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite construction, is an insanely good deal. At this price, it is more in line with most propriety models that generally offer far less performance. Though it isn't our favorite jacket, it is one of the best-performing compared to what you pay. It has better breathability and storm protection than many similar shells, and its smaller volume and lower weight will keep most outdoor enthusiasts happy. The hood design and elevated pockets are similar to what you might find on a higher-end model that costs nearly double the price. It has a looser fit than many of the other models in the category, so smaller folks will want to consider sizing down. Is the XeroDry the best all-around jacket? No. However, it is an incredibly solid option that will more than meet the needs of most people.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

If you are looking for a bargain basement jacket that still offers reliable rain protection, the Helly Hansen Loke is worth a look. For comparable products with decent performance, the Marmot Minimalist, Black Diamond Stretch, and Patagonia Torrentshell 3L are all value picks. And if lesser performance is a deal-breaker and you are ready to spend big, then you can't go wrong with the Arc'teryx Beta or Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic.