Very warm. Very comfortable.

By Chris Ranked #946 - Men's Down Jackets January 13, 2010

I picked this up as an alternative to another outdoors-expedition brand name down-filled parka that didn't really keep me warm despite its bulk. I didn't want to have a really bulky item, and this product has hit the spot so far.I live in Canada and can experience some seriously cold days and nights here.

Pros: Extremely warm, very light. Unlike some parkas that have a cotton-duck sort of shell, this Membrain shell actually breathes. I can get warm in a hurry under load, and opening this one up allows things to air out better than the traditional canvass-duck shells on parkas that I've been used to. Zipped up, its warmer than warm. I like the inner snow skirt and the shock-cord at the hem. Its also not too long (I am 6'3") which I like, as I didn't want a knee-length fabric sarcophagus, nor did I want a little bomber that always left my waist exposed. This is the perfect length for day to day urban-to-outdoor activity to base camp/low-output activity in very cold temps. The hood is really solid and form fitting, but when its not in use, its not always in the way like most hoods are. It goes tight and stealth behind the head, you don't even notice it, which is a first for me and all the hooded jackets I've used in the past. Hood can also detach, another plus in terms of flexibility. One thing I really like, is there's a nice strip of fleece at the neck that makes the jacket really comfortable once the zip is all the way up. The handwarmer pockets are huge and comfortable.

Cons: The zipper is a bit crappy for the cost and quality of the garment, but its not a deal breaker. Could stand a few more pockets (there are only the two handwarmers and one interior).

Overall. Very warm, light, compressable, comfortable and weatherproof yet breathable. I'd also like to see an electronics pocket with jacket-to-pocket wiring route hle such as we're seeing more and more these days. Otherwise, if you want warm, weatherproof and comfortable for low-activity pursuits, this is a great jacket. Its not for high output activity--at least not for me--but rather, for low to moderate activity use on the deadly cold days. If I was to try high-output activity in this thing even well below zero, I'd likely be too warm. Better for walking/ATV/ice fishing I would say.

**UPDATE**

After a month of wearing this jacket, it has proven itself to be the most comfortable, practical jacket I've ever owned. Cool and comfortable when its warmer, brilliantly warm in the snapping cold temps, the breathable outer shell really helps regulate temp much better than a hard cotton duck shell. Outstanding garment, best I ever bought.

View Details: Marmot Mountain Down Jacket - Men's

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes