Marmot Ion Windshirt - Men's - 2006 BCS

I really like my Marmot Ion windshirt. The Pertex Quantum material stops wind and rain cold, and yet still breathes well enough for high exertion at moderate to cold temperatures. At only 3 or 4 ounces, I carry it in my backpack all the time, whether I'm heading on my next backcountry journey or just going to work. Plus, the jacket stuffs down into it's own chest pocket, so it stays small in your pack without using an extra stuff sack. Really, what's not to like?

This is an easy review.... The Ion Windshirt is extremely lightweight, and it keeps the wind at bay so that my body's core can stay warm. Sometimes I wear it over my puffy jacket as well. With the correct features for its niche, it has no unnecessary bells and whistles. It does what it's supposed to do at a reasonable price; which is a lot more than I can say for a lot of hypey gear.

When I received my Ion I was anticipating another excellent Marmot product. It looks great, has a tie for the hood, well made, Quantum Pertex etc. However, both my wife (who has a Houdini) and I tried it and we both were able to create considerable condensation inside. I tried several shirts underneath and only ended up cold, as well as, wet. If you want a very light and water tight jacket that you won't be active in, this may be it.

I have found Marmot Ion Windshirt well designed and truly light, but it fails to allow perspiration to pass to the external side. I used it for hiking and, after wearing it for a while, my t-shirt became damp. As my arms were bent, sweat began to pool in the jacket’s sleeves – this, while the external part of the jacket appeared to remain almost completely dry. I was shocked by a stream of sweat, which escaped from the jacket when I straightened my arms. I was not aware that a permeable material was capable of holding water so well.

I love this windshirt. I packed it in for a 4-day backpack followed by a 3-day trip and used it both times. Great wind resistance. I also used it in the mornings when it is more chilly, instead of a long-sleeve shirt. I used this jacket as a wind jacket, warm up jacket, and long-sleeve top, all this for 3 ounces - amazing. The full zip allows one to wear it backwards in the morning and then remove it on the go and stuff in backpack pocket without removing the backpack. I love this windshirt!