REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket vs The North Face Alta Vista Rain Jacket

Weather protection is crucial for rain jackets as it ensures you stay dry and comfortable during your hikes. A jacket with superior weather protection will keep you dry in heavy rain and wind, making your outdoor experience more enjoyable. Both the REI Co-op Rainier and The North Face Alta Vista excel in this category, with features like waterproof zippers, taped seams, and durable water repellent treatments. The REI Co-op Rainier is praised for its hydrophobic fabric and ability to bead water effectively, while The North Face Alta Vista is noted for its excellent waterproofing and seam-sealed construction. Given the strong performance of both jackets in various weather conditions, this category ends in a tie.

Breathability is important to prevent overheating and discomfort during strenuous activities. A more breathable jacket allows moisture to escape, keeping you dry from both rain and sweat. The REI Co-op Rainier stands out with its pit zips and breathable fabric, which help vent out excess heat and moisture. Users appreciate its ability to balance weather protection with comfort, making it a better choice for high-intensity hikes. While The North Face Alta Vista also has pit zips, some users find it can trap heat, making it less breathable overall.

Comfort is key for long hikes, as a well-fitting jacket with adjustable features can enhance your mobility and overall experience. The REI Co-op Rainier offers a comfortable fit with articulated elbows, adjustable cuffs, and a tailored design that allows for layering. Users find it neither too tight nor too loose, with extra length in the body and arms for added coverage. The North Face Alta Vista also provides a comfortable fit with an adjustable hood and tailored design, but some users note it can feel tight around the face. Overall, the REI Co-op Rainier edges out slightly in comfort due to its more consistent fit and additional adjustable features.

Durability ensures your jacket can withstand the rigors of hiking, including abrasion from branches, rocks, and general wear and tear. A durable jacket will last longer and provide better value over time. The North Face Alta Vista is built with quality materials and reinforced attachment points, making it slightly more durable than the REI Co-op Rainier. While the REI Co-op Rainier is noted for its quality material and lightweight durability, it has some reports of seam tape failure. The North Face Alta Vista's construction holds up well against regular use, making it the winner in this category.

Packability is essential for hikers who need to save space in their backpacks. A jacket that packs down small and is lightweight is easier to carry and stow away when not in use. The REI Co-op Rainier excels in packability, with users praising its ability to roll into itself and stuff into a small mesh pocket. It is also noted for being lightweight and easy to stow in a pack. The North Face Alta Vista, while lightweight and designed to stow into its own chest pocket, is not as compact as the REI Co-op Rainier. Therefore, the REI Co-op Rainier is the clear winner in this category.

Performance encompasses how well the jacket functions in various hiking conditions, including weather protection, mobility, and overall reliability. Both the REI Co-op Rainier and The North Face Alta Vista perform exceptionally well in this category. The REI Co-op Rainier is praised for its cinch-down features, velcro sleeves, and excellent performance in extreme weather tests. The North Face Alta Vista is noted for its tactical efficiency, mobility, and flexibility. Given the strong performance of both jackets in various conditions, this category ends in a tie.