REI’s Wind and Water-Resistant Hiking Jacket Is Over 50% Off Right Now


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Why We Love This Deal

REI is celebrating another season of fall adventure with hundreds of new products, like the all-new Garmin Fenix 9 and Hoka’s latest Speedgoat, but it’s also giving shoppers a chance to save on past-season gear that’ll fare just as well. Gear from Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, and other top brands is on sale, but for even more value, look to REI’s own house brand. The Co-op label has a weather-ready hiking jacket that won’t weigh you down on sale for over half off in two colors.

The REI Co-op Activator Soft-Shell Hoodie is marked down to $80 during this sale—52% off its normal price—in both black and Stargazer Teal. The Activator is a style REI has been making for a while, and its shoppers continue to love it. In fact, this most recent iteration of the jacket has earned a “Top Rated” badge yet again.

REI Co-op Activator Soft-Shell Hoodie, $80 (was $169) at REI

The REI Co-op Activator Soft Shell Hoodie in Black.

Courtesy of REI

What Shoppers Should Know

  • Sizes Available: From small to 3XL
  • Materials: 63% nylon, 26% polyester, 11% spandex
  • Notable Design Choice: Laminated brim hood, hook-and-loop sleeves, zip-cord hem, and high side pockets
  • Weather Resistances: Wind and rain
  • Best Use Case: This is a rain jacket designed for those who need weather protection while wearing a pack.

This jacket protects from rain and wind with a DWR-finished blend of nylon, polyester, and Bluesign-approved spandex. Velcro-style hook-and-loop tabs around the cuffs and a zip cord at the waist hem help keep wind and mist from blowing up inside the jacket while remaining comfortable to wear.

Of course, the big draw of a jacket like this should be the hood. The Activator’s strong, laminated brim holds strong instead of flapping downward. This provides extra overhang, almost like an awning for your face, while also giving the wearer a naturally larger and freer range of vision.

The Activator is available in six sizes, ranging from small to 3XL, and three colors that have a dark, earthy feel to them. With solid colors and no insignia other than the REI Co-op logo, the Activator should style easily with most hiking pants and boots.

Related: Merrell’s New Leather-Clad Moab Hiking Shoes Are Now Over 50% Off

What Shoppers Are Saying

There aren’t many written reviews for this jacket yet, but what we can tell you for sure is that shoppers had a lot to say about the previous version. Most discussion revolved around the placement of the side pockets. Unlike the low pockets that most jackets and hoodies have, the Activator’s pockets sit just below the midpoint of the jacket.

What one shopper did say about this version was what we expected to see—good weight, good temperature regulation, and good design. They said, “Really comfortable. Lightweight, good stretch, decent warmth. Side pockets are positioned well, chest pocket is large, and there’s one drop-in pocket on the inside for something like gloves or a hat.”

The REI Co-op Activator Soft-Shell Hoodie is 52% off during this sale, but they tend to sell out fast once the price drops like this. Grab your size while you can.

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