Update of an Old Favorite

By micweb Ranked #860 - Men's Windshirts and Jackets May 23, 2006

The original Windshirt from Marmot had shirt style tails - split at the sides; no pockets; a slightly lighter lining; and a slightly lighter shell fabric. In short, it could be worn without base layer, as a classic windshirt in cold weather; it could be worn over a base layer as a midlayer; or it could be worn as a sort of jacket over a heavier base layer. But those shirt style tails and the light glossy shell fabric made it look out of place in a cafe. And the lack of pockets, either for junk or for handwarming, also placed it a notch below a true jacket (on the other hand, as a windshirt weighing only 10 ounces it was superb).

Time passes. The current generation Windshirt is still light and useful on hikes, but can also double for light city wear. It is still thin, too thin for standing at a snowy bus stop, but it is just right for an urban hike in cool to downright cold weather (your hiking keeps you warm).

It has a straight hem now, like a jacket; pockets; a slightly thicker lining; and a slightly more substantial shell fabric with a nice "hand".

It's STILL much lighter and easier to stuff in a carryon travel bag than a Land's End Squall (which has a heavy supplex shell, heavy Polartec 200 lining). I find myself using this current generation Marmot Driclime Windshirt as a lightweight casual jacket, especially for travel, but it's still technical enough for hiking (mesh instead of shell at the armpits and other touches like that) on real trails or doing serious city walking. It's grown a little heavier, about 4 or 5 ounces more, but it's still lighter than its competition.

Marmot continues to innovate. The new generation isn't so much a replacement as a rethinking. Enjoy!

View Details: Marmot DriClime Windshirt - Men's

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes