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REI Co-op Talusphere Pant - Women's Review

A city savvy model that will fit over most pants layers
REI Co-op Talusphere Pant - Women's
Photo: REI
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Price:  $90 List | $89.50 at REI
Pros:  Stylish, soft, stretchy
Cons:  Heavy, bulky
Manufacturer:   REI
By Lyra Pierotti ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 12, 2020
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56
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#9 of 10
  • Water Resistance - 25% 7
  • Comfort and Mobility - 20% 4
  • Breathability and Venting - 20% 5
  • Weight - 15% 5
  • Packed Size - 10% 6
  • Features - 5% 6
  • Durability - 5% 7

Our Verdict

The REI Co-Op Talusphere feature 4-way stretch, making them very comfortable. They are not as ideal for outdoor pursuits as they are bulkier and heavier than the rest of the pants in this review, but for light hiking, walking, and urban use, they will fit right in. We appreciated the soft feel and looser fit, as this made it easier to layer them over jeans or whatever pants we were wearing.

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award 
Price $89.50 at REI$299.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$119.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$129.00 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers		$175 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Stylish, soft, stretchyFull length side zippers, durable, versatileInexpensive, recycled materials, lightweight, great zipper and vent designOptimized for cycling, thoughtful features, durable, comfortableLightweight, versatile, comfortable
Cons Heavy, bulkyExpensive, awkward without front fly closureHeavier 3 layer materialThicker fabric better for cooler temperatures, no vents, no pocketsNot full length side zippers
Bottom Line Stretchy and comfortable as well as stylish enough for urban useDurable, versatile, and impressively lightweight shell pantAn affordable option that will stand up to moderate activityA go-to for wet weather cycling and commutingThese lightweight rain pants stretch the seasons and prove useful most of the year
Rating Categories Co-op Talusphere Pant Beta SL Pant Torrentshell 3L Pant Transit Aspire Pant
Water Resistance (25%)
7
9
9
9
7
Comfort And Mobility (20%)
4
6
7
6
6
Breathability And Venting (20%)
5
7
7
5
8
Weight (15%)
5
6
5
4
5
Packed Size (10%)
6
7
6
6
7
Features (5%)
6
8
7
9
6
Durability (5%)
7
7
7
9
5
Specs Co-op Talusphere... Beta SL Pant Torrentshell 3L Pant Transit Aspire Pant
Measured Weight 9 oz 12 oz 11 oz 11 oz 9.5 oz
Waterproof fabric Material REI Elements waterproof breathable laminate N40r Gore-Tex with Paclite technology 100% recycled nylon Nylon 50D polyester Gore-tex 2L
Face fabric and Layer Construction Polyester, 2.5 layer 150D nylon plain weave, 2 layer H2No Performance standard shell Artex 3-Layer Gore-Tex 2L
Pockets 2 zippered hand None 2 zippered hand None 1 back
Side zips length? Ankle 1/3 length, unzips to below knee 3/4 zip Ankle 3/4 zip
Put on Over Hiking or Mountaineering Boots Hiking Mountaineering Mountaineering Low top hiking/casual Mountaineering
Inseam Length, Size Small 32 32 32 32 30
Stows Into Pocket? Yes No Yes No Yes
Clippable loop? No No Yes No Yes
Waist band Style Waist drawcord + elastic back Elastic waist + internal drawcord Elastic waist + internal drawcord Elastic waist + internal drawcord Elastic waist + internal drawcord

Our Analysis and Test Results

The REI Talusphere is a very comfortable rain pant that looks like a pair of dress pants and feels like sweat pants. It was much less versatile than the rest of the pants in this review, but might still be an excellent choice for you. These pants are best suited to rainy urban use and light hiking. They will fit easily over most pants and shoes, but they are not lightweight and packable enough to carry with you on backpacking trips.

Performance Comparison


Testing rainpants in the Pacific Northwest. This particular model is...
Testing rainpants in the Pacific Northwest. This particular model is the Talusphere, by REI.
Photo: Lyra Pierotti

Water Resistance


The Talusphere performed well in our rain tests. The REI Elements 2.5 layer polyester fabric performed up to par, with taped seams, and was even stretchy, which is an unusual and very nice feature in rain pants.

The Talusphere is a 2.5 layer rain pant.
The Talusphere is a 2.5 layer rain pant.
Photo: Lyra Pierotti

The short cuff zips allow you to put the pants on without taking your shoes off, and the minimal length helps to reduce weak areas in the fabric where moisture can creep in. The Velcro on the zipper flaps also helps keep them closed to prevent moisture from hitting the non-waterproof zipper.

Comfort and Mobility


These were very comfortable pants due to the stretchy fabric used. But they lost some points for a few reasons.

The Talusphere is a more baggy fit and is easier to wear over...
The Talusphere is a more baggy fit and is easier to wear over clothing.
Photo: Lyra Pierotti

First, they are heavy and wider at the cuffs, which made them flop around more than most. They look more stylish and fit over more clothing as a result, but they were cumbersome for anything beyond walking and mellow hiking. The waist has elastic in the back and is smooth in the front, which makes them look nice. There is an elastic drawcord which ensures a good fit at the waist. The looser fit of these pants provides they are easy to slip on over warm clothing and remain comfortable even when you put them on over jeans.

The comfortable and adjustable waist belt of the Talusphere; the...
The comfortable and adjustable waist belt of the Talusphere; the front also has a flat hem that looks stylish and dressy.
Photo: Lyra Pierotti

Breathability and Venting


There are no vents on these pants, but the two zippered hand pockets can provide some venting. They breathe very well, however, and have enough airspace due to the loose fit to ensure air flow.

The inside of the Talusphere feels softer than most 2.5 layer...
The inside of the Talusphere feels softer than most 2.5 layer waterproof breathable fabrics.
Photo: Lyra Pierotti

Weight


At nine ounces for a size small, these were among the heavier rain pants in this review. As such, these were not our go-to pants for backpacking or outdoor use but were a good fit for urban use with their comfortable feel and sleek look.

Packed Size


These were the bulkiest rain pants in this review, so they lost some more points in this category. They didn't feel bulky when wearing them, but they certainly were bulky enough we wouldn't want to take them backpacking.

Features


These pants have relatively basic features. The short ankle zips allow you to put them on while wearing shoes, but the velcro tabs that hold the zipper flap closed were pretty annoying. The cuff zippers have Velcro tabs that got in the way every time we went to unzip them. This helped keep water out by more securely closing the flap over the non-waterproof zipper, but we found this feature to be pretty annoying.

The stylish pockets on the Talusphere.
The stylish pockets on the Talusphere.
Photo: Lyra Pierotti

The side pockets are super stylish and comfortable, and the left-hand pocket turns inside out so you can stuff the pants into them. This helps protect the pants from dirt, grime, and sharp objects when traveling with them. There is no clippable loop, but we don't think rain pants need that feature.

Durability


These pants are made of durable polyester. The 2.5 layer waterproof laminate design ensures they are lightweight, but they can be less durable than rugged 3-layer or simple 2-layer fabrics.

Value


These pants are a serious bargain. If they were lighter and more packable, they would have given the best buy winner a run for the money.

Conclusion


While we appreciated the stylish and comfortable REI Talusphere pants, they didn't make high marks in this review. If you don't need to carry them long distances on backpacking or climbing trips, however, they might be a good fit for you. They are great for hiking and walking around town in rainy climates, and hold up well to rain and wind, but also breathe well enough to be useful in milder weather.

Enjoying the weather, all bundled up in our rain gear.
Enjoying the weather, all bundled up in our rain gear.
Photo: Lyra Pierotti

— Lyra Pierotti