I was looking for a light softshell for use in mild conditions and came across the Marmot Approach. It falls into the M3 category of soft shells and is made of double weave material. The intended use of the jacket is for highly aerobic activities.I found the fit of the jacket to be true to size with an athletic fit. The jacket is wind resistant and water resistant, but will not totally stop either. It is very light. I wouldn't recommend wearing in the middle of winter in cold climates, but should work very well for more moderate conditions.I found mine in the fire red color at a local retailer for 40% off. I'm 5'10 185 lbs and a large fits me well. It has the added benefit of being able to be zipped into my Marmot Madison hard shell. There are (2) hand warmer pockets and (1) pocket on one of the sleeves.

This is a great softshell jacket! I got it to zip into my marmot tamarack and I couldn't be happier! I also own a mountain hardware softshell and I think I prefer the fit of the Marmot. I am 5'10 and 160 lbs and have med in both. The only thing I wish was missing is that when zipped in the jacket the sleeves don't seem to connect to the little straps in the shell jacket. The softshell is also missing an exterior chest pocket which could be helpful but it is still a very solid jacket with a good athletic fit

My experience is that you can rely on Marmot for high quality, good design, and great value. The Approach Jacket is no exception.

The Approach is a lightweight jacket that's just right for cool, not cold weather. This is the jacket I'd choose to take on an airplane for all but the winter season. Its cut is a bit slim and unless you're a twig, isn't roomy enough to go over a bulky sweater.

The exterior looks as though it will wear well. The interior lining is soft and comfortable. The YKK zippers looks strong and glide without catching or grabbing material on their route.

Marmot's taken a nice approach with the Approach Jacket.

I've been trying to find a lightweight softshell to use as winter activewear. A breathable shell to wear over a light to heavyweight base layer when hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. For these situations, you want something that is unlined or only lightly lined, wind resistant, very breathable, and fit snugly enough to layer over and not get in the way of movement.

I ordered the Approach, and I ended up returning it. In some ways, it was spot on- the cut was a lot slimmer/more athletic than the Leadville or TNF Apex Bionic and the arms didn't have a bunch of extra material flapping around. I liked the Arc'teryx-esque zipper- big, chunky plastic zipper that is easy on, easy off. Those are the positives...

Negatives:
- NO stretch. This was the biggest disappointment. Frankly, it was quite surprising! Some of the mechanical stretch (no spandex) softshells I've tried had more stretch than the Approach.
- Cuffs: *way* too tight. Too tight to get it over my light Primaloft gloves without really fighting it.
- Chest was cut a bit small, considering their sizing charts. Wasn't athletically cut so much as sized down; the Approach in XXL fit like a Leadville in XL.
- Didn't seem very wind resistant, even compared to other non-membrane softshells like the Arc'teryx Gamma LT, First Ascent Mountain Guide, or jackets made of Schoeller Dryskin. Even so, should probably be good enough for mid to high activity in mild conditions.

If I could, I'd probably give the approach 2.5 stars, but IMHO it wouldn't be fair to go all the way down to 2, so I'm sticking with 3.

This a great shell. I had a Cloudveil softshell before this and it is just as nice, and about half the price. The drawstring cords in the pockets to tighten the waist are a nice touch. I am 6'4 and the XXL was the perfect size.

I am 5'9", 200lbs with a 41" chest and the large fits well over a baselayer. I was looking for a light, packable wind/water resistant but breathable jacket for cooler temps and this was just right for me. Note that this jacket is intended for movement. Marmot's website provides more information regarding the intended use of this jacket. Pay attention to the M1, M2 or M3 ratings on the website. The burnish is a inconspicuous tan, well suited for blending in with the Sierra high country. I wanted coloring on this layer that was different from what I already use and would minimize visual impact and I am very pleased.

I can say this jacket is just about adequate. The price is good though so go for it.

A well made mid weight jacket that seems to cover all the right features. It is slim fitting which makes the L size perfect for a slim 6 foot guy. As always you can rely on Marmot for quality and Backcountry gave excellent international customer service.

Great jacket for the right price. The arms are cut alot bigger than arc'teryx so they flap in the wind on a motorcycle or road biking. My main complaint is durability. The back of the jacket around the arse wore out just due to rubbing while wearing a pack. So the jacket was returned becuase ive never had this one my arc'teryx, mountain hardwear or rab softshells.

I'm 5'9" and 180 lbs. This jacket fits very well. Usually I wear the combination of lightweight long sleeve underwear, Marmot Power Stretch Half-Zip Fleece Jacket and Marmot Approach Softshell Jacket. That's enough for December and January (normal winter day is 35 F and wind speed 30mph). Real wind stopper with good breathable rate. In addition, its nice choice, if you are energetic person and your life style requires light clothes for daily activities.

I have had my Marmot Approach Jacket for about two months now and love it. I have used it as a mid layer on cold days of backcountry skiing and as a top layer while climbing in chilly weather. I was in an absolute blizzard with this jacket and have had it in a moderate rain and stayed nice and dry. To test out the water resistance I even wore the jacket while running a hose over it and remained completely dry. I am not wild about the sleeve pocket. I never use it and would prefer to have a napoleon pocket with an MP3 port. If you are going to be using this jacket in temps that are less than 40 degrees F, then I would recommend adding a shell or beefing up your insulating layers underneath the jacket. All in all, I am very pleased with this jacket. Especially for the price.

The Approach is a lightweight softshell for warmer conditions or high impulse activities in very good quality.
I use it for biking, hiking and mountaineering in the Alps.
But watch out : it is no winter jacket, exept you are on
your way in a very active style. In cold conditions I use
it as a midlayer together with a hardshell. Alltogehter a
lovely jacket.

It's a nice softshell jacket for fall. It breaths well and is good for riding bikes during fall. I'm 5' 9 and 140 lb. Small fits well on me over T-shirt. If I want to layer over fleece jackets or so, I will wear size M.

I have two jackets, one black and one blue. They are water resistant, but are not rain jackets. In and out of rain is fine. Not wind proof, but will keep some wind out. Lining is very comfortable and when you need to zip the zipper all the way up, you stay plenty warm. Good for 30 degree or warmer for short while. I actually layer this jacket with a warmer Gore Tes Marmot in 0 degree weather, and I actually heat up while wearing this combination. Nice Jackets, and I'd replace them with another if I needed to. Oh, by the way they do have a lifetime warranty on this if you need to use it. Nice softshell jacket!!

Does everything as advertised, wear it in the winter when you're active, spring, fall, and summer when its just a bit chilly and you need some weather protection.

Pros:
Layer-ability
Blocks wind
Preforms great in rain and snow
Fleece lined

Cons:
None yet, been my almost daily wear for 5 months.

I'm 6' 3" 190lbs and the large fits great.

Maybe a bit more suburban then woods oriented, but good for quick run or bike ride on the trails and to keep in the car for 3 season wear in a pinch.

Very wind proof and decent water resistance. Temps getting near 40F mandate a thin layer to provide insulation as the jacket effectively has none.

Cut is slim, sleeves are typical Marmot long (great for reaching the handle bars without exposing your wrists). Tail of jacket with a slight angle cut is also perfect length to cover your backside when riding. Pocket on the sleeve is actually nice for tucking credentials & phone while riding. Fabric seems fairly tough and not prone to pulling from snagging on trees while riding.

I am 6', 205# (husky I guess) and wear a 44R suit jacket.

Size L was snug fitting but doable, but in my case the XL allows for layering with most fleece jackets/vests without bunching or binding. I kept the XL, returned the L.

Overall, a good value if you are looking for a nicely built jacket to wear on easy hikes or rides that often wind up in your favorite bistro/caffeination spot.

After some thought, I am reviewing this item a little more thoroughly. I still believe that it is not much more than a casual apres type coat - I cannot imagine skiing in it, unless I really didn't have anything else to hand. It really is just a very simple piece - I guess if you dig plain, simple clothing then this could be of interest to you. I do have a slight issue with Marmot and their choice of main zips - as described in my Troll Wall review elsewhere. There is nothing really wrong with this jacket but I cannot for the life of me think of anything special to say about it. It is Mr.Average Joe of Softshells....

I bought this coat on sale last year for around $80 at backcountry.com. At that price, it's a good value for a softshell. Not so much of a value at $120, as there are probably better and warmer coats at that price point.

I've worn in snowcat skiing, resort skiing, daily wear. I wear it under a shell in particularly cold weather. And put an extra fleece layer on under it to help with warmth.

I like that it's lightweight, pretty windproof and has a good fit and look. I'd like to buy a second one in a different color, but not at $120..

Returned this jacket because it didn't provide the insulation I wanted (to be honest, I wanted the Gravity jkt but that was only available in large, so I tried this to see if it would fit the bill!). As far as sizing goes, it is a good fit. I am a pretty standard medium and it was nice and snug. Delivery as always was problem free.

as mentioned by others simple design- could've used a chest pocket- slim fitting so tough to wear over a sweater- looking forward to wearing as a layer under a shell for New England skiing- by itself good for coolish, 40-55 weather

pretty much the best softshell jacket i've ever owned its a sick jacket that keeps you warm and comfortable but its not for the coldest temperatures

pretty solid and waterproof. not much in the way of warmth though

The approach jacket was what I was looking for but it is small in the shoulders and armpit. I am 6'0" 210 lbs and it is tight in the shoulders and armpit. Other than that it is well constructed.

6'2" 175, built slim, jacket fits well. Cuts the wind, but not too heavy. You aren't going to go out in the middle of December with a T-shirt on underneath this thing, but with the right layers this jacket does quite well.

A bit tight in the arms. Overall I'm pretty happy with it. It's not a jacket that will work as an upper layer.

Fits well and the shell feels nice. Good quality jacket for the fall months.

Bought this jacket after having an older model Marmot fleece jacket.. I was headed to Banff for a week long trip. Temps hit in the low 40's and I wore a tshirt and this jacket and was very warm through some trips in Calgary...
Excellet Marmot quality, fits a hair snug. But I am very happy with it! Very warm and wind resistant. Got caught in a small rain shower and it shed the water very well! Would definately recommend!

Took this softshell out on its first camping trip this weekend to a middle west ish Utah Desert. It blocks wind very well, not 100% but enough to neutralize it and keep you happy. It resists dirt better than expected, resists water very well and is comfortable.

I bought this softshell with one thing in mind: I want something very light (warmth and weight wise) and this fits the bill. I overhead a lot and needed something light and breathable for temps in upper 30's and above. So far its perfect.

This jacket is in no way worth $120. It's little more than a windbreaker from Target. My $60 Columbia Ascender softshell is warmer, the same weight, and more wind and water repellant.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:
-Lightweight

Cons:
-Uninsulated, COLD
-water RESISTANT not repellant. Jacket soaks quickly in even medium rain showers. Granted it's not a rain coat, but you'd expect a little more for $120.
-does not block wind
-short length. I am 6' 1" and ordered a large, which barely came to the top of my pants.
-TIGHT! The large size barely fit me, and I am average build: 6' 1", 170 lbs. The chest and shoulders were skin tight and constrict movement.

Bottom line: buy for fashion statement, not functionality.

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