Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket Review
Updated:
Jan 19, 2025
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5-layer
Weight
1 lb.
Fabric
Polyester
Vents
None
Packable
No
Pros
Cons
Cotopaxi Cielo
For this season's top shells, see our guide to the Best Rain Jackets.
The Cotopaxi Cielo can withstand light to moderate rain, but we wouldn’t push it much past that. The jacket is built like most rain shells that cost between $100 and $150: proprietary 2.5-layer waterproof membrane, a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, and full seam taping. Notably, the front zipper has a water-resistant coating, which is a nice touch (you typically only get a fabric flap cover on shells under $150). In testing, the Cielo was effective in classic Seattle-area conditions with steady light rain. The jacket kept me dry, although it did begin to absorb a bit of water on the shoulders after about 15 minutes. For most urban uses, where your exposure to rainfall will typically be limited to less than a couple hours at a time, the Cielo should do the trick.
As it lacks an adjustable hem and is limited to a single cinch at the back of the hood, the Cotopaxi Cielo isn’t effective at sealing out the cold and wind (though it does have hook-and-loop cuffs). The hem only has a light elastic that’s not form-fitting, leaving a gap for air to seep through. That said, the Cielo provides better protection compared to a basic entry-level rain jacket such as the 2-layer North Face Antora ($140), and is an upgrade over 2.5-layer shells such as the Marmot PreCip ($120) or REI Co-op Rainier ($100) thanks to thicker face fabric and a coated front zipper. However, it’s a clear step down from a harder-wearing 3-layer design like the Patagonia Torrentshell ($189). Simply put, this is not a shell you want to rely on for extended backcountry use.
As our rating indicates, the Cielo’s comfort is middling—it’s fine for daily wear but not a standout in any specific way. Like most 2.5-layer rain jackets, the Cielo's fabric is flexible and doesn’t significantly restrict movement, though I experienced some shoulder constriction when I reached down or extended my arms above 90 degrees. The polyester fabric isn’t particularly soft, but it isn’t abrasive either. The Cielo’s coated interior is slippery and easy to slide over a long-sleeved shirt, but will feel clammy against bare skin or when you’re working up a sweat—it feels more rubbery than the interior of my Black Diamond Fineline Stretch, for example.
As expected for a budget rain jacket, breathability is limited. The Cielo’s thick fabric and lack of pit zips limit its functionality; I found it suitable for walking the dog or making a trip to the woodshed, but any real exertion or hiking while wearing a pack will quickly lead to a clammy interior. Most rain jackets, even cheaper options such as the $100 REI Co-op Rainier, have vents to dump heat, but not the Cielo. Therefore, we’d steer clear of wearing it for any sort of activity that would cause you to break a sweat.
At 14.4 ounces for a men’s medium (listed weight is 1 lb.), the Cotopaxi Cielo is heavier than I’d like for an adventure-oriented shell. Although it didn’t feel cumbersome on my body when I wore it for short periods and casual uses, it is noticeably heavier than my Black Diamond Fineline Stretch (11.2 oz.). The Cielo packs into its own hood, compressing to a size roughly 6 by 4 inches, a bit bigger than a softball. This makes it relatively compact for stowing in a pack, but you’ll still notice the extra ounces. It’s definitely used best as a lifestyle raincoat rather than a backcountry jacket.
Cotopaxi doesn’t provide a denier spec for their face fabric, but it feels substantial and thicker than average. In use, the Cielo handled an armful of rough-cut wood without concern, even when I wasn’t being careful. I did find the chest pocket zipper was a bit finicky; I had to apply tension at the top with one hand while unzipping with the other. Otherwise, the zippers operated smoothly, aided by sticky rubber pulls which make them easy to grab even with wet hands. The hood cord and toggles don’t feel particularly durable, but they work well and are on par with the quality of other budget rain jackets. All in all, the Cielo offers good value for the price. Compared to my The North Face Antora ($140), the Cielo is worth the added durability and features.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Hood
The Cielo’s hood has a single cord adjustment at the back that you can tighten with one hand. Pulling the cord cinches the hood around the sides of your head, but it doesn’t reach the front, impacting its ability to provide a solid seal around your face. This makes the hood less secure in wind but likely won’t be a dealbreaker for many given the jacket’s casual intentions. Unsurprisingly for a basic rain jacket, the hood is not compatible with helmets but fits fine over a standard ballcap.
Storage
With two zippered hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket, you have ample storage options. The hand pockets are large enough to fit gloved hands, while the chest pocket can stash an iPhone 15 Pro both vertically and horizontally. Altogether, I managed to store keys, snacks, dog poop bags, small gloves, and a beanie across the three pockets. It's worth noting that the hand pockets are placed just above the hem, making them difficult to access when wearing a backpack with a substantial hipbelt.
Tester: 5'8" 165 lb.; 39" chest; 33" waist
Size tested: Men’s medium
I typically wear men’s medium shells and found the size medium Cotopaxi Cielo to have great coverage and a normal fit. I could comfortably layer a base layer or flannel underneath, but there isn’t enough space for a puffy. Although the Cielo fits well and the fabric is flexible, it did give me some shoulder constriction when I reached up. It felt particularly restrictive with substantial layering, but for the jacket’s intended casual use, the fit felt appropriate.
REI Co-op Rainier ($100): Pit Zips on a Budget
For $45 less than the Cielo, the REI Co-op Rainier is another option for shoppers on a budget. It features a 2.5-layer build with a proprietary membrane, but in contrast to the Cielo it weighs only 11.3 ounces and includes pit zips. The increased breathability, packability, and lighter weight makes the Rainier more functional for hiking and backcountry use. However, it’s not as durable as the Cielo and lacks the upgrade of the water-resistant front zipper. For a cost-conscious shell that can get the job done for active use the Rainier wins out, but the Cielo is a bit more stylish and boasts a tougher material that will hold up better to everyday wear. For more, read our review of the REI Co-op Rainier.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($189): Reliable and Versatile
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a bit pricier than the Cielo, but offers notable upgrades like 3-layer H2No Performance Standard construction and pit zips. This translates to more reliable waterproofing (that also happens to be fully PFC-free) and the ability to dump heat when things get sweaty, making the Torrentshell a better option for hiking and light backcountry use. What’s more, its 50-denier shell fabric is thick and robust enough to handle everyday wear and tear. Overall, the Torrentshell offers a lot more versatility and performance compared to the Cielo, and is the better value despite the slightly higher price tag. For more, read our review of the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L.
The Cielo is a fun, colorblocked rain jacket fit for casual wear with more style than you typically find at this price point. However, it's not a great backcountry choice: It’s heavy, has a cheap in-house membrane, and forgoes pit zips.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
REI’s budget rain jacket is a functional option for occasional hiking and daily use, with a lightweight build, pit zips, and a number of adjustable features. However, it will wet out in sustained moisture and the 2.5-layer construction is prone to delamination.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
This is Patagonia's dependable classic with a low price tag. The Torrentshell’s thick, long-lasting shell and knit backer make it a protective and durable daily driver. However, it’s too bulky and stiff for high-output activities or when you want unhindered freedom of movement.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Cotopaxi Cielo for You?
The Cotopaxi Cielo is an eye-catching shell that’s suitable for casual wear or short day hikes. It handles short periods of light rain effectively, but we wouldn’t rely on it in extended wet weather, and it’s not breathable or light enough for true backcountry use. That said, the bright colors and durable build make it an attractive rain jacket for days that hop from town to (easy) trail and back, especially if bomber weather protection and breathability aren’t your top priorities. If you’re on a moderately tight budget, you could do a lot worse than this shell.
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