Marmot Bastione Component Jacket - Men's - 2008 BCS

This is one valuable multi-purpose jacket for high-elevation trekking (14K+ ft.): The outer shell provides good rain/snow protection during the day and the liner comes handy after the sunset, when the temperature plummets, or the early mornings, when the body does not want to trade the sleeping bag. For the last two seasons it also served well as my summitting jacket in the Andes. The hood will accommodate a climbing helmet.
I use a lighter, less bulky/warm combo for summer backpacking in the Rockies.

This was my first purchase from Marmot, and I must say I'm fairly impressed. The MemBrain does a fantastic job of resisting water, much better than my Mountain Hardwear Cohesion shell. Also has a removable hood. The fit is snug and not bulky like many other 3-in-1 jackets; I'm 6'2", 190 lbs and have a Large. This jacket is very warm (for Cincinnati winters at least) and does a good job of resisting wind. The lining doesn't appear to be very heavy, but it is just as warm as 300 wt fleece. I have one (very small) complaint, and that is the front hand pockets are a bit small. Other than that, this jacket is great.

When deciding what new multipurpose (winter/fall season) jacket I needed to replace my old one I decided that I should get a Marmot because I love my Precip so much. The amount of Marmot Jackets is so immense that I could not decide which one to get and after going to REI and trying almost every one of them on I decided that the Bastione was the way to go.
From that point I have never regretted my decision. The inner jacket alone (despite being synthetic and not down) is amazing for weather at or above freezing as long as wind is small. The outer jacket alone is perfect for spring and fall rain above 55 degrees F and is very stylish. Put both these together and I have found that you can hike is some serious conditions perfectly.
Breathability is amazing and the waterproofing rivals Gore-Tex in both the ability and how long it lasts. From the looks of it, this jacket is going to last a long time. Also, it looks completely badass!

the inner jacket is amazingly thin (not bulky) but excellent to keep you warm. everything is removable! you can wear 2 jackets seperate in case you need. worried about the price? just divide the total by 2 thinking that you are buying 2 fine jackets with a seperate hoot which comforts upto your chin.

The only thing anal about backcountry is that their FREE shipping is absolutely slow!. in the UPS tracking you can see your thing in one place for so many days.

but it was worth waiting!