Is this a waterproof jacket that can be worn during downpours in the spring/summer in humid conditions such as Houston, TX.? How does it compare with the Marmot Oracle?

When Arc'teryx is combined with Gore-Tex PacLite, you are going to get a better product. Gore-Tex is a guaranteed to keep you dry, so if anything goes wrong, it will be fixed. In a downpour, the exterior nylon might get wet through the DWR finish, but since Gore-Tex is a laminate, it will keep the water out. Marmot Precip Plus isn't bad, but i would suggest you spend a bit extra and get the Gore-Tex. Also, Arc'teryx makes awesome jackets. I have the Alpha SV and its absolutely awesome. Arc'teryx all the way.

Yes.
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