Marmot Tamarack Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

I love Marmot gear. The jacket is exactly what I was looking for in a shell: breathable, waterproof, sealed zips, articulating arms, pit zips. Simple, basic functionality. And great price at Backcountry. Can't wait to hit the slopes next season!

I initially purchased this jacket as a cool weather rain jacket b/c of its waterproofness and heavier weight as opposed to other traditional lightweight rain jackets. There are numerous reviews about the waterproofness of this jacket, I've read them, so I'm reviewing the fit and tech specs. I'm 6'2", 215lbs. I purchased an XL and it fits great; it's relatively form fitting around the body with enough room for a zip-in fleece. Some reviews talk about it only working with Marmot fleeces and I was concerned if it would fit my TNF fleece. It did, which took this jacket from good to great in my eyes. There is still some room for movement with the fleece zipped in. I plan to use this jacket for snowboarding as well because of that feature. A note on the zip-in compatibility...the zipper begins near the very bottom of the jacket, which makes it a little difficult for snapping the snow skirt over the fleece (by no means a deal breaker). The arm length is good and the cuff is wide enough to fit over an "under" glove/mitten. The pit zips are easily accessible and are completely open to the inside of the jacket (no, mesh lining).
The pocket zippers are bullet proof and a bit difficult to use at first, but have become easier with use. Generous pocket size on ext and int chest pocket (big enough for goggles). Unfortunately they're both on the same side, which could make things awkward if you had things in both. Obviously, you lose access to the inner pocket with the zip-in. The arm pocket is a good size as well. All-in-all, great all around jacket for the money. Def recommend.

I have yet to test the jacket in bad conditions but I can say from functionality and fit that this is the exact jacket I was looking for. I wanted a jacket that was extremely water proof that I could bike in through the Philly winters. This jacket is 20/20 for waterproof and breathebility. It is also zip in compatible which is insane! You can add a fleece, vest, or jacket under the shell. However, I did call marmot and I believe that the Cauldron insert is not going to be made anymore which is disappointing. However I bought the approach and it works great! It seems that you can also zip in north face zip in jackets such as the Redpoint. I also wanted a jacket with a little more thickness than the thin pac-lites. I was set on gore-tex but decided the 20/20 was good enough. Also, marmot jackets go on sale for good deals unlike TNF which was a huge plus. I was able to get the shell and the liner for what I would have paid for TNF Mountain Light jacket on sale. However, this jacket has so much more1 It has a powder skirt, and a removable AND stash-able hood which is super stylish! The jacket has a nice athletic cut with a little longer tail which will be perfect for biking! I am 5' 10" and about 160 and I ordered a MED and i think it fits great. you could probably get away with a small if you wanted a tight fit but I wanted to be able layer with anything. I wanted a good fit jacket and am still happy with the MED without any layers underneath. If anyone is looking for a great jacket I would highly recommended this!

I have had this jacket for just over a year and it has worked great for walking the dog in the cold rain and snow. I've also used it while snow boarding in Colorado and it kept me very warm and dry with only a fleece underneath. After a few falls I realized the fabric is also very durable and won't rip or scratch easily. The pit zips allowed me to vent when I started to get hot and sweat. I also like the jacket length as it covers my butt and kept me extra dry during my wipeouts. It is pretty waterproof and overtime the water does not bead off as it did when I first got it but overall very good. I also bought a Marmont vest which easily stays zipped in and made the jacket to make it warm enough for 10 degree weather hear in Chicago.

My only complaint about this jacket is the velcro along the main zipper has started to become frayed and pull from the jackets stitching. The stitching is still intact but the velcro tab on one side of the flap is completely detached and frayed on 3 of the 5 tabs and the rest are going.

I'm also not to happy with Backcountry as I've tried to exchange based on their 100% guarantee but will not without me paying the difference of the new model that is virtually the same in every-way. There will be new models every year so does that mean you can't exchange it after a year without a fee. I like the jacket and would recommend it other than the defective velcro but I'd recommend buying the jacket from REI because they will exchange it no matter what the original price was vs. the new one. REI truly does have a 100% guarantee. Not one you have to pay for.

great fit.i am now 190lbs 6' and the xl fits nicely.a little big on the chest but with a layer its perfect.
comparable to the tnf mountain light,but i like this tamarack a bit better.
so far i have zipped in the tnf khumbu,redpoint,and nuptse(all are longer in the neck,but zip in.
the mountain hardwear subzero definitely zips in,but is too bulky.
the guides down is too smooth.
the ama dablam zips in on one side(just like the staff at bc told me).
this jacket is great quality.
it just replaced my mountain light jacket.

Great jacket. Work on a ski hill, out side all day, so wear it in all kinds of extreme weather and it keeps me very warm and dry.

i had an old tamarack jacket that had issues. i sent it back to Marmot and they replaced it with a new one as soon as the new model was released.

The jacket is great. completely waterproof and breathable. its not stiff like some other waterproof shells. keeps me comfortable unless i'm doing some strenuous activity, which forces me to open up the pit zips. i have a marmot fleece currently in storage which i'm hoping will zip in.