No need to argue : it's definitively a best buy. It almost presents the same technical level than other brandmark top products (which costs twice its price). I've used it for 2 years (not intensively indeed), from ski touring to ice and rock hard climbing. No doubt, it performs extremly well. And even if the shell seems a bit lightweight (but it gives a great move freedom), no friction sign have yet appeared !

Customer Service

No need

Similar Products Used:

Few top products of Arc'Teryx, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face and Eider

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This was the only one in the outlet at this price. It''s a little big, XL, and I''m 6''0 180. Breathes extremely well. I use it mostly for skiing, although I''ve taken it to Montana for some backpacking. There wasn''t much rain to test it out however. Big fan of the powder skirt.

Customer Service

Haven''t need to contact the company for any reason.

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Before this it was Columbia jackets. Obviously that is no comparison.

I had been searching 2 years for a quality gortex shell that had features and functionality at a reasonable price. I ended up at the Sierra Trading Post outlet one day and tried on, and compared every jacket I could find. I ended up with this extremely comfortable, durable 3ply/2ply jacket, and at less than half of the retail price.

Features that I value
-Powder skirt
-Zip in liner system
-Lots of pockets (this jacket has a perfect mesh pocket for your nalgene, or ski goggles)
-A hood that doesn't get in the way when you turn your head
-Wrist straps with velcro *and* elastic (unlike tnf)
-Large pit zips

It has held up very well through the tetons, yellowstone, waterton-glacier, the interior of british columbia, and even rainy days in seattle. The jacket's functionality is unquestionable, it keeps the wet, the wind and the cold out like any jacket that has the extreme wet weather gaurantee. The difference is that it feels like your favorite shirt.
Don't buy this jacket if you only plan on wearing it between the lexus and the mall, there are cheaper shells that will do that job.

Similar Products Used:

TNF, Columbia Sportswear, REI, MEC, Mountain Hardware

I resisted the huge investment in a breathable shell for many years because a) I never had the cash and b) I didn't have enough faith in the waterproof and breathable concept in a shell, figuring that either the waterproof or the breathable would fail. (Though I have used a goretex biv for many years.) In rain I was happy getting soaked while exerting myself and putting on my trusty coated nylon when I stopped.
When the old shell died, I broke down and got the Marmot Alp ltwt (on sale.) I now consider this my best piece of hiking gear. It keeps me warm and dry while moving or sitting. And the design and workmanship, though with a few too many wt adding features, is nothing short of superb. Though I wouldn't hesitate to assume this about anything from Marmot. I also own 2 of their sleeping bags.
Not cheap, but you get what you paid for.

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REI Rainshell

I've been using this shell now for 2 yrs, and it has yet to let me down. It is extremly lightweight and has proven quite durable. I use it for climbing, backpacking, xc and bc sking, and for rainy days at home or in town. I find that it is light enough and breathable to where for a wide range of temps (much more so than my old heavy shell). Vents well, like the velcro fastenings better than buttons, pockets placed for pack/harness. Only a couple small complaints: I'd take a couple more ounces to get a more adjustable hood (ie TNF Mt light) and interior slash pocket should be accessable w/o opening main zipper. (maybe they fixed these in the past yrs?). Great parka, from a good company.

Similar Products Used:

Solstice (can't remember model)
TNF Mtn. Light

This jacket has kept me dry for quite some years. It was expensive then and my main justification for the price was that there weren't too many good gortex jackets out then that were any cheaper. At $399 you'll get an expensive totally waterproof jacket that will last many years. It fits well with plenty of room for layers and nice little features such as some major underarm ventilation. The quality is superb (more price justification) as I've not had one single problem with the jacket, and for that reason, cannot comment on Marmot's customer service. Marmot may not be as well touted or as fashionable as North Face, but they can go head-to-head with any of their (or anyone elses for that matter) competitive products.

I've never found a perfect goretex shell, but this one comes very close to my favorite mountaineering grade jacket.
The hood does not fit well with my climbing helmet. The fabric has not faired as well as others on frequent glissades, as I have had to put a patch on the bottom where the fabric has ripped quite extensively. I've not had this severe of a problem with other slightly heavier grade fabrics.
The breathability is the best I've ever seen. Pit zips plus the chest pockets which actually can be used as the equivelant of the North Face "core vents," make this the most breathable 2/3ply jacket I've ever used.
Inner bottle pocket is a life saver in extreme cold conditions.
Powerskirt is excellent.
Mesh lining makes the jacket very comfortable to use with a mid- to light- weight fleece layer only underneath.
The chest pockets are ackward when fully loaded on top of full size pack straps and when sitting down.
No hand warmer pockets on this jacket.
I've had the jacket to -29 (F) standing air temps at moderate to heavy work loads and it performed very well.

Customer Service

I had a third party repair shop that was supposed to be "certified" by the manufacturer. Next time I'll try Marmot directly.

Similar Products Used:

North Face Denali
North Face Windy Pass (original)
Vau De Sympatech

The most impressive technical jacket I've ever worn. We race huskies and spend alot of time in every type of weather: wind, rain and snow - this focuses your mind on appreciating well designed clothing. The jacket amazes me with the high levels of attention to detail. All the cords are hidden to stop them jamming in zips or blowing in your face. The hood allows you to turn your head without blocking your vision. It wears well - a year on it still looks like new.

I wear it to work as well. I love it's design and the pocket on the arm (for the compass) is ideal for train and tube tickets! I will always buy Marmot from now on. It is a shameyou cannot zip in a fleece - it does make coats warmer (stops the air moving around).

Customer Service

Phoned the UK distributer about new versions of the jacket coming out. They were very helpful and obviously loved the products as much as Marmot.

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Berghaus Mera Peak

Overall, an exceptionally performing jacket. Wonderfully waterproof, the front pocket/vents and pit-vents work great. This jacket performs well in all seasons: I use it skiing in the winter, and backpacking in the summer.

Downsides: It doesn't pack down as well as I hoped. The hood could turn a little better, as it has a tendency to limit peripheral vision. The day-glow inside mesh pocket is always in the way, and is awkward if you put anything in it. I finally cut mine out. The pit-vent zippers are hard to open with gloves on, but adding a loop on the zipper fixes that.

I also found this jacket quite expensive for what it is. I wouldn't have paid full price.

Similar Products Used:

None

Great Shell Jacket. Have owned it for about 6 months now and it has preformed well in a variety of weather conditions. The breathability is above average and the weather proofing is exceptional. Highly recommended for cooler weather backpacking.

Customer Service

No experience

Similar Products Used:

None