When it comes to high-performance outdoor gear, Marmot is a brand that frequently comes up in conversation. Known for their top-notch down jackets, rain shells, and ski parkas, Marmot has built a reputation as a go-to source for technical apparel that can stand up to the elements. But with premium materials and construction comes premium pricing.
So are Marmot jackets really worth their often hefty price tags? In this in-depth review, we‘ll take a close look at the brand‘s most popular jacket models, weighing the pros and cons to help you decide if Marmot deserves a place in your gear closet. Let‘s bundle up and dive in!
About Marmot: Pioneering Outdoor Performance
Founded in 1974 by a pair of adventurous college students, Marmot started out making down vests and sleeping bags in their dorm room in Grand Junction, Colorado. The company name was inspired by the resourceful marmot, a large ground squirrel known for thriving in the harsh conditions above the timberline.
Over the past five decades, Marmot has grown into a global leader in outdoor apparel and equipment. In 1976, they were one of the first brands to start using Gore-Tex fabrics, which ushered in a new era of waterproof yet breathable performance outerwear. Other key innovations have included their warm and packable 800-fill goose down, and the durable MemBrain fabric used in their hardshell jackets.
Today, Marmot remains at the forefront of outdoor gear technology. They continue to sponsor elite mountain athletes and expeditions to some of the most unforgiving environments on the planet. Through it all, their mission has remained the same: "To make the highest quality products so you can fully enjoy your outdoor experience."
Overview of Marmot‘s Jacket Line
Marmot offers an extensive selection of technical jackets, parkas, and shells for men, women, and even kids. Their designs range from lightweight windbreakers to burly mountaineering parkas insulated with 800-fill down. You‘ll find options tailored for every outdoor pursuit, from casual hiking and camping to extreme alpine pursuits.
Some of Marmot‘s most popular jacket categories include:
- Down jackets and parkas
- Rain jackets and hardshells
- Ski and snowboard jackets
- Casual "lifestyle" jackets
- Softshell jackets
- Insulated/synthetic jackets
- Wind shells
Within each category, Marmot typically offers a range of models at different price points. Their "EVODry" jackets, for example, are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional DWR treatments, using a PFC-free water repellent that‘s more sustainable. Let‘s take a closer look at some of their top sellers and see how they stack up.
Men‘s Jacket Reviews
Marmot Men‘s EVODry Clouds Rest Jacket Review
Price: $325
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
As one of Marmot‘s flagship rain jackets, the EVODry Clouds Rest is designed for backpacking, mountaineering, and other activities in wet, challenging conditions. The 3-layer construction pairs a recycled nylon face fabric with Marmot‘s breathable MemBrain laminate and a tricot backing for next-to-skin comfort.
Other key features include watertight zippers, an adjustable hood, and pit zips for ventilation. Eco-conscious buyers will appreciate that the DWR treatment is PFC-free, and the fabric is Bluesign approved, meaning it‘s sustainably and ethically produced.
Reviewers praise the Cloud Rest‘s solid weatherproofing, great fit, and comfort. Several mention using it for extended climbing trips and expeditions. It does run a bit large, so consider sizing down if you want a trim fit.
Overall, if you need serious storm protection for demanding outings, the EVODry Clouds Rest is an excellent but pricey choice. Budget-minded buyers can find decent alternatives for half the cost, but few can match this jacket‘s premium construction and clean, modern styling.
Marmot Men‘s PreCip Eco Jacket Review
Price: $100
Rating: 4.4/5 stars
Marmot‘s PreCip line put their name on the map back in the early 2000s, offering reliable 2.5-layer rain protection at an attainable price. The latest "Eco" version carries on that legacy with recycled nylon fabric and a PFC-free DWR finish.
Fully seam taped and equipped with Marmot‘s proprietary PreCip waterproof/breathable coating, this is a solid jacket for hiking, travel, and daily use in wet weather. The adjustable hood, hook-and-loop cuffs, and drawcord hem help dial in a secure fit, while pit zips provide welcome ventilation.
Customers love the PreCip‘s combination of lightweight packability and noticeable weatherproofing – especially for the price. With a stuff pocket that lets the entire jacket compress down to roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle, it‘s ideal for throwing in your pack as an emergency layer.
As an entry-level rain shell, the PreCip isn‘t the most durable or feature-rich option out there. The thin fabric won‘t stand up to heavy abrasion, and the DWR will need regular maintenance. But for $100, you‘d be hard pressed to find a better value for staying dry on the trail or the town.
Women‘s Jacket Reviews
Marmot Women‘s Montreal Coat Review
Price: $300
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
For chic winter style, it‘s hard to top the Montreal Coat. This thigh-length women‘s jacket is packed with 700-fill down for serious warmth, with a plush fur-lined hood and microfleece-lined pockets for extra coziness. A water-resistant fabric helps the down maintain its loft in light snow.
The Montreal has a sleek, streamlined look thanks to its smooth-faced fabric and sewn-through construction. Reviewers rave about the flattering, feminine fit, which is cut slim through the body but still allows room for layering. At just over 2 pounds, it‘s also surprisingly lightweight for how warm it is.
The main downside is that the Montreal isn‘t cut for hardcore winter sports. It lacks technical features like wrist gaiters, a powder skirt, or a helmet-compatible hood. But for everyday cold-weather wear, from commuting to aprés ski, it‘s a classy and high-performing option that looks as great as it feels.
Tents & Sleeping Bags
In addition to jackets, Marmot is renowned for their high-quality tents and sleeping bags. A few standouts include:
Tungsten 2P Tent
This freestanding, double-wall tent delivers reliable 3-season performance at a reasonable 5 lbs 4 oz trail weight. The seam-taped fly and catenary cut floor keep the elements at bay, while pre-bent poles and vertical walls maximize interior space.
Limestone 4P Tent
An ideal family camping tent, the Limestone 4 offers a palatial 60 sq ft floor plan with dual doors for easy access. Color-coded clips and poles make for fast and intuitive setup. Customers praise the durable construction and thoughtful features like lampshade pockets and included gear lofts.
Hydrogen 30F Sleeping Bag
Insulated with water-resistant 800-fill down, the Hydrogen is Marmot‘s premium ultralight mummy bag for 3-season backpacking. A 12D Pertex Quantum shell and improved baffle design help push the EN comfort limit down to 30°F in a 1 lb 7 oz package.
Marmot vs. The Competition
With their combination of high-end materials, bomber construction, and athlete-driven designs, Marmot is in the same class as technical apparel brands like Arc‘teryx, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear. In general, expect to pay for that level of quality and performance. Marmot‘s prices are similar to those of Patagonia, and slightly lower than Arc‘teryx on average.
What sets Marmot apart is their focus on premium down. From 700-fill to 800-fill power, they offer some of the warmest, lightest, and most packable down jackets on the market. Many of their signature pieces, like the Montreal Coat and the West Rib Parka, are built around showcasing the natural warmth-to-weight benefits of goose down.
Marmot also has a strong reputation for weather protection, thanks to their use of top-shelf laminates like Gore-Tex and their own MemBrain and PreCip coatings. If you‘re gearing up for extended trips in harsh, wet environments, Marmot shells are a great choice.
On the sustainability front, Marmot has made strides but still lags behind industry leaders like Patagonia. Some of their newer designs use recycled materials and PFC-free DWR, which is good to see. We‘re hopeful they will continue expanding this across their product lines.
Marmot Ordering & Warranty Information
Marmot products can be purchased directly from Marmot.com, as well as authorized online retailers like Backcountry, REI, and Moosejaw. Most items ship for free, and Marmot offers a generous 60-day return window for products in new condition with tags attached.
All Marmot products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in materials and manufacturing. Considering the price point of their jackets, this is welcome peace of mind for your investment. Their customer service is generally well-regarded by buyers.
The Verdict: Are Marmot Jackets Worth It?
So all in all, do Marmot jackets live up to their lofty reputation and pricing? In our experience – and judging by hundreds of online customer reviews – the answer is a resounding yes, with a few caveats.
There‘s no denying the craftsmanship, attention to detail and high-end performance of Marmot‘s top jackets. From ultralight down puffies to burly Gore-Tex shells, their outerwear is engineered for hardcore outdoor adventure and holds up impressively well over the long haul. For serious athletes and those wanting the best protection for demanding weather, Marmot is a solid choice.
On the flip side, their price tags can be hard to swallow, especially when brands like REI and Columbia offer decent down jackets and rain shells for literally a third of the cost. Marmot also lacks some of the crossover urban appeal you get with Patagonia fleeces and puffies.
But if you can catch a good Marmot sale, or have the budget to invest in a premium jacket, we don‘t think you‘ll be disappointed. After all, when you‘re facing sideways sleet or single-digit wind chills, you‘ll be glad you have one of the most weatherproof, warmest jackets money can buy.
