Marmot Minima Jacket - Men's - 2005 BCS

Excellent Jacket! Everything it says it is - Lightweight, Waterproof. The Medium is nice and long in the sleeves and also in the torso which is nice so that it is under your pack's hipbelt.

I was very happy with its fit, being a little taller than most. The lengthy fit was better for my arms than most. It was also completely waterproof and is as effective for cycling as it is for hiking.

Excellent. Crawled out of tent at 5:30am with a good stiff wind and temperature of 13 degrees. Only my hands got cold.

I bought this Minima jacket as a replacement for my aging North Face Mountain Light. So far, I'm really impressed with the quality of all the seams, and love the fit and cut of the Marmot over that of The North Face jackets. The light weight and fit of the jacket closely resembles that of the Marmot Precip Jacket I once had. Of course the Gore-Tex PacLite should prove to be bomb-proof for my endeavors here in Minnesota.

Nice touches: tight and close zipper tolerances eliminating the need for storm flaps (and reduces more weight I'm sure), 1 handed draw cord for the hood snugs up the sides too without the need for 2 additional side draws, scalloped-cut cuffs cover the backside of hands, adjustable cuffs feature a simple dot of velcro to retain flap at widest opening and angled gussets so tightening the cuff keeps the flap aligned with the cuff.

Drawbacks: starting the main zipper sometimes has difficulty in not seating fully into the slider (probably due to the close tolerances).

This jacket is loaded with carefully thought out details, with each one clearly taking into consideration its impact on overall weight. My only concern was picking between the Dark TerraCotta and the Electric Blue colors. I simply went to my local REI to try one on and consider other brands and models. They didn't have TerraCotta in my size but could get it in 6 weeks, for the full retail price of $225. With the great price BackcountryStore.com featured ($168.71), I was sold on the Marmot Minima.

I purchased the Minima to replace a stolen REI Switchback Anorak which was my "packable" wind/rain/sun jacket. I believe that whatever the season it is important to have large vents for quick undergarment moisture relief after physical exertion. Due to the wind blocking characteristics of Gortex and similar type materials; evaporation is greatly reduced. Direct air movement is the fastest way to be rid of trapped moisture. The Minima has this through the front pockets and pit vents. At first impression it appeared to be very light and possibly vulnerable; however it is deceiving as it fits me well, is very comfortable & tough. The only thing I miss is an inside zippered valuables pocket otherwise my vote would be a 5. I like the packability of it – meaning it goes with me just about everywhere.