View Full Version : Marmot Jackets
Over the last few years I have heard a lot of praise for the "precip' jacket, along with some negatives. I decided to buy one with my 20% discount from REI along with my rebate credit. Now I see that there are 2 jackets.
The Precip Jacket: $99 @ 13oz. No lining
The Oracle Jacket: $150 @ 18oz. Nylon/mesh lining
Is the extra $50 and 5oz. worth it for a liner, when I'll be wearing at lease a poly T-shirt under it, or my Marmot Driclime?
I get so angry anymore when I buy a product and then find out that I "should've" bought something better.
Any help would be helpful?!:-?
Thanks, Rancid
Greentick18d
03-24-2006, 14:41
Over the last few years I have heard a lot of praise for the "precip' jacket, along with some negatives. I decided to buy one with my 20% discount from REI along with my rebate credit. Now I see that there are 2 jackets.
The Precip Jacket: $99 @ 13oz. No lining
The Oracle Jacket: $150 @ 18oz. Nylon/mesh lining
Is the extra $50 and 5oz. worth it for a liner, when I'll be wearing at lease a poly T-shirt under it, or my Marmot Driclime?
I get so angry anymore when I buy a product and then find out that I "should've" bought something better.
Any help would be helpful?!:-?
Thanks, Rancid
I have the precip. Love it. If you are going to wear a shirt dont worry about a liner.
I bought an unlined Precip when we were at Mtn Crossing last spring, just love it. Recently purchased one of the Marmot Windshirts. With the Precip, the Windshirt and my dowm vest, I'm good to go down to about 25-30 degrees.
sdoownek
03-24-2006, 15:29
I've had my precip for a long while. 1998 or so? Anyhow, it's the single piece of gear that I've had that long. Everything else has been replaced, but the precip is still with me.
I don't know if there can be a more glowing review.
The Solemates
03-24-2006, 16:23
dont put it in the wash or the dryer. it will ruin it for good.
Thanks Guys (or girls), Looks like I'm headed to REI tomorrow morning for a new jacket. I have an REI jacket, Elements I think, that is about 12 years old. Served me well on and off the trail, but it's bleeding water onto my back now and I waterproofed twice. The bad thing is that it is 18oz.
Thanks again, Rancid
Just hiked in the Precip ( no liner) and got soaked. It's almost new....zipped and velcroed shut, dissappointed!
Good for a wind breaker, but you will sweat even in colder weather if you warm up on a good uphill....
I got the Oracle. I guess there's a little bit of lining in it (I haven't seen the Precip to compare) but it's not much. I only got it recently so I haven't been able to put it through it's paces yet so far as wet weather is concerned, but I really like it so far. I've worn it in 30-40 degree weather with 20 mph winds and kept warm enough with a light-weight base layer and fleece layer underneath.
I guess they're made from similar materials, so just compare the other features to see whether you want what the Oracle offers over the basic Precip.
RMGreen
Hard for me to justify the extra 5 ounces, and additional $50.
sliderule
03-24-2006, 21:34
Just hiked in the Precip ( no liner) and got soaked. It's almost new....zipped and velcroed shut, dissappointed!
Good for a wind breaker, but you will sweat even in colder weather if you warm up on a good uphill....
My experience has been similar. In general, I don't think that these "breathable" fabrics are all they are cracked up to be. After all the hype about the Precip, I was more than a little disappointed. Its light, reasonably well-made, compact......but it's not very "breathable." Plus mine has a collar into which the hood folds when not in use. It is open from the top, so it catches rain water.
sdoownek
03-24-2006, 21:36
My experience has been similar. In general, I don't think that these "breathable" fabrics are all they are cracked up to be. After all the hype about the Precip, I was more than a little disappointed. Its light, reasonably well-made, compact......but it's not very "breathable." Plus mine has a collar into which the hood folds when not in use. It is open from the top, so it catches rain water.
Wow, I'm really surprised.
Either y'all haven't worn plastic rain gear, or my older precip is TOTALLY different than the newer ones.
Mountain Man
03-24-2006, 21:43
Had my Pre Cip 5 years now and love it, although I have to retreat it now and again. Its still one of my favorite gear items. I work in the outdoors and hike regularly and so I use it a lot. Love those pit zips to cool down.
I've heard contrasting opinions of the Precip, but imo, Marmot makes quality products and has one of the best replacement policies in the business.
"Guaranteed for Life".
In prep for my '97 hike I bought a used Marmot Gor-tex jacket off the net and several years later when the jacket stopped preforming (leaked) was replaced, no questions asked, except for the problem.
Of course, if you want to return it and get your money back, it's up to your local or online store's policy.
If I was looking (and and the extra money) I wouldn't flinch at buying a Marmot products.
Klezmorim
03-26-2006, 16:15
I bought my Precip four years ago in prep for our second trip to Alaska. Last year I noticed that the white polymer lining/coating around the neck at the base of the hood is discolored and is breaking down. For a $99 jacket, I expected more.
Also, even with the pit-vents and pockets wide open, I still fog this jacket up on the inside. After similar problems with Gore-Tex, I'm beginning to doubt if it's even possible to make a truly waterproof *and* breathable material.:(
bullseye
03-26-2006, 17:17
dont put it in the wash or the dryer. it will ruin it for good.
Don't wash with a liquid detergent or fabris softener. Wash with a good powder detergent and if you forget and use the other don't sweat it, I called Marmot and they told me to put the jacket in the dryer on medium heat to reactivate the coating on the jacket. I've had mine for 3 years with no complaints. I make a lot of heat when I hike so I doubt I'd ever find a jacket that I won't sweat in but with proper layering and ventilating when necessary I've found the precip to be as good a jacket as any for the money.
I'm beginning to doubt if it's even possible to make a truly waterproof *and* breathable material.images/smilies/frown.gif
I've had the best luck with Frogg Toggs. Not very fancy, no pit zips or pockets but, overall the best at holding wind and water while still breathable. Plus they're light and the suit makes a good pillow.
Of course, you'll have no "lifetime guarantee" and they'll probably only last a season, not 4, but for the money they're tough to beat.
little2step
03-27-2006, 03:01
Sorry to say it, but I would have gone with the liner. Even if you do wear a t-shirt underneath, there is a risk of other objects tearing the fabric. I can't tell you how many times the liner in my precip jacket has saved tears. But that's just my opinion.
little2step
03-27-2006, 03:02
In addition
little2step
03-27-2006, 03:02
in addition to
little2step
03-27-2006, 03:05
in addition to my previous comment, the jacket I refered to is a Pacific Trail gore-tex comparable fabric. So I would say it is your preferance.
Over the last few years I have heard a lot of praise for the "precip' jacket, along with some negatives. I decided to buy one with my 20% discount from REI along with my rebate credit. Now I see that there are 2 jackets.
The Precip Jacket: $99 @ 13oz. No lining
The Oracle Jacket: $150 @ 18oz. Nylon/mesh lining
Is the extra $50 and 5oz. worth it for a liner, when I'll be wearing at lease a poly T-shirt under it, or my Marmot Driclime?
I get so angry anymore when I buy a product and then find out that I "should've" bought something better.
Any help would be helpful?!:-?
Thanks, Rancid
cost to much:cool: neo
longshank
04-03-2006, 12:10
I have the oracle jacket. First time out in serious rain, I got soaked. If you reach into the pockets, soaked. If you leave it all zipped up, you sweat bullets, and, soaked.If you let the hood down so as not to suffocate, soaked. If you're standing still, you're fine. Hiking while wearing it sux. I'd rather just get wet and deal. That's what ended up happening any way.
When hiking, especially in warm weather, you are going to get or be wet just from the sweat. When its pouring rain and hiking, you're going to get wet, the key is to be wet and warm not wet and cold. Gortex and similar fabrics, and especially boots with gore, will not breath fast enough to rid the body of moisture, especially when you are hiking. Standing still or not doing a lot of moving the stuff is great. I stopped using gore boots 1 year after buying a pair, I would pour sweat out of my boots because of almost no breath ability. I use the Marmot Pre-cip jacket and pants, the stuff is great. I purchased them when they first appeared on the market and they are still good.
LIhikers
04-10-2006, 19:15
I have a Marmot Precip jacket and pants that are a couple of years old, with no linings, that work to my satisfaction. In fact this past Saturday I spent all day outside, at an orienteering meet, in the pouring rain. They kept out the cold rain and kept me warm. I was damp because no "breathable" fabric, that actually keeps out the rain, breathes enough to let out all the sweat. Like Ridge said, the idea is to keep warm, not 100% dry.
Blissful
04-10-2006, 21:07
Anyone familiar with how to revitalize the waterproof / breathable coating? I have a pair of North Face rain pants, similar to the Marmot precip but their version, but I notice that in certain areas the water tends to bleed through - like in the upper thighs when walking. Thanks!
Anyone familiar with how to revitalize the waterproof / breathable coating? I have a pair of North Face rain pants, similar to the Marmot precip but their version, but I notice that in certain areas the water tends to bleed through - like in the upper thighs when walking. Thanks!
Call NF, they use to retreat their stuff for a reasonable price. The stuff you buy at REI, etc that washes in just doesn't cut it. Marmot does this also.
SloHiker
04-12-2006, 12:18
Having grown up in the days prior to widespread use of Gore-Tex, I believe there is such a thing as a "waterproof-breathable" material....but it is very relative as to "breathability" (that is a word isn't it..?). For me at least, my rate of perspiration always exceeds the rate of any WP/B fabrics ability to "vent". But, having said that, put on a jacket made from a urethane coated material and hump it for a hour or so and then do the same thing with a "breathable" jacket ..... you'll probably be able to tell the difference. I certainly can, and I've been wearing WP/B products for a long time. But, I don't shell out really big bucks for them and I don't have high expectations for their relative performance. Just my 2 cents...........
SloHiker
04-12-2006, 12:23
Oh, and for what it's worth....I like Marmot WP/B stuff. I currently have four pieces that see regular use as casual & outdoor clothing.
minnesotasmith
04-12-2006, 14:29
He takes the position that Frogg Toggs tear far too easily, such that they don't recommend them any more. I have washed (and dried) my Marmot rain jacket at least twice during my ongoing thruhike, and it still works fine.
He takes the position that Frogg Toggs tear far too easily, such that they don't recommend them any more. I have washed (and dried) my Marmot rain jacket at least twice during my ongoing thruhike, and it still works fine.
My cousin purchased FT's about the same time I got my Marmot Precip set, I've done about twice the hiking he has, His FT's did not hold up and he just recently purchased a Precip set from REI. Also, he usually takes better care of his stuff than I do. Also, Slohiker mentioned the fact that the gortex can't vent as fast as he sweats, thats usually the case with most folks, this especially applies to boots with gortex. I long for the days a breathable material will be developed that will vent faster than gortex and some of the generics out here. But, until then I'll stay warm and wet from sweat.
Klezmorim
04-13-2006, 09:08
I long for the days a breathable material will be developed that will vent faster than gortex and some of the generics out here.
If we're talking footwear; I think it's called "leather." :)
He takes the position that Frogg Toggs tear far too easily, such that they don't recommend them any more. I have washed (and dried) my Marmot rain jacket at least twice during my ongoing thruhike, and it still works fine.
Winton certainly has a valid point. Frogg Toggs do tear easily. And, as a vendor, he probably doesn't want to deal with the returns. I can understand why he does not recommend them.
Myself, I use Marmot PreCip jacket. However, because I don't wear the bottoms that often, Frogg Toggs work just fine for me, as long as I stay on cleared trails. If I'm doing off trail bushwacking, then I'll bring along something more durable.
Klezmorim
04-17-2006, 18:22
UPS just dropped off my new PreCip. I sent my old one to Marmot three weeks ago with a note explaining the problems I was experiencing with the polymer lining. They replaced it for free under their "Marmot for Life" warranty.
The new jacket's polymer coating is an obviously different formulation than my former jacket (purchased a couple years ago). The mesh pockets are black, instead of white and now feature Velcro tabs in addition to zippers. The hood can be rolled up and secured in the collar by a small tab on the hood.
All-in-all, this seems to be a better constructed jacket than the old one.
We'll see how well it performs....
Patapsco
04-18-2006, 21:51
With respect to the Precips' breathability, I was disappointed too. I had a hard time in the Smokys not drenching myself in sweat, even though I had opened up everything I could. I've decided that you get what you pay for and plan to double the price on the next waterproof breathable jacket I buy.
With respect to the Precips' breathability, I was disappointed too. I had a hard time in the Smokys not drenching myself in sweat, even though I had opened up everything I could. I've decided that you get what you pay for and plan to double the price on the next waterproof breathable jacket I buy.
I've owned and used several different gortex jackets in the past. None of them will shed the sweat fast enough when hiking. I still have the high dollar NF, and Marmot (3 layer) jackets, but usually carry the Marmot Precip when backpacking, mainly because of its light weight. The closest I've come to staying dry while hiking in rain was in the Sierras out west, low humidity.
Bankrobber
04-19-2006, 21:22
I have been working at an outfitter over the last few months, so my opinion on gear has changed a bit. Marmot designed the PreCip as an occasional rain jacket. It is not a jacket one would thru-hike in and expect to stay dry. The pressure of the pack straps force water into the jacket. Also, most thru-hikers do not reapply a DWR finish periodically to keep it water proof. The result is that most fail.
I think that a rain jacket is where a hiker should be willing to make an investment. I would think about a Gortex PacLite jacket if I were spending a significant time in the rain. My favorite is the Mountain Hardwear Swift Jacket. Having spent summer 2003 in a failing rain jacket, I want something that will keep me dry and warm.
KirkMcquest
04-19-2006, 21:42
I have been working at an outfitter over the last few months, so my opinion on gear has changed a bit. Marmot designed the PreCip as an occasional rain jacket. It is not a jacket one would thru-hike in and expect to stay dry. The pressure of the pack straps force water into the jacket. Also, most thru-hikers do not reapply a DWR finish periodically to keep it water proof. The result is that most fail.
I think that a rain jacket is where a hiker should be willing to make an investment. I would think about a Gortex PacLite jacket if I were spending a significant time in the rain. My favorite is the Mountain Hardwear Swift Jacket. Having spent summer 2003 in a failing rain jacket, I want something that will keep me dry and warm.
Robber, I've also found that the precip is just not enough for a long wet hike. With the mountain hardware, do you still need to apply periodical dwr? And what the hell is dwr?
Skidsteer
04-19-2006, 21:45
With the mountain hardware, do you still need to apply periodical dwr? And what the hell is dwr?
Durable Water Repellant.
KirkMcquest
04-19-2006, 22:01
Durable Water Repellant.
AAAA-so.:sun
sliderule
04-19-2006, 23:04
And what the hell is dwr?
Actually, it stands for "Don't Wear in the Rain."
Bankrobber
04-19-2006, 23:20
Robber, I've also found that the precip is just not enough for a long wet hike. With the mountain hardware, do you still need to apply periodical dwr? And what the hell is dwr?
Yes,
You still need to apply a DWR to all your "water resistant" fabrics. Including tent flys. All these rain jackets being discussed are water resistant. Breathiblity is the major difference. You can have a plastic bag blocking the rain, but your sweat will make you feel wet. Gore-Tex is the most breathable by a long shot, making you feel more dry.
bulldog49
04-20-2006, 10:11
And what the hell is dwr?
You live under a rock? What a doofus.
You can buy a Marmot PreCip jacket from REI.com for $69, providing that you don't mind the jacket in the color of "rawhide/beer." The others colors are $99.
I ordered the beer-colored jacket last week to replace the FroggTogg jacket that I lost. I certainly liked my FroggTogg and hope that the Marmot will be as good.
OutbackHack
04-23-2006, 23:22
Just got back from a 5 day section hike near Blacksburg, VA and got to enjoy some of that lovely unpredictable mountain weather. Monday into Tuesday was pretty much non-stop rain and my fairly new PreCip jacket worked great. Decent ventilation for hiking in all day long and it kept me dry. I didn't have a problem with the pressure from my pack forcing water through the jacket. It's definitely thin, wearing short-sleeves underneath I could feel the cold water on my arm but when I pushed the jacket sleeve up I could see that my arm was actually dry.
Bankrobber
05-16-2006, 18:59
It's definitely thin, wearing short-sleeves underneath I could feel the cold water on my arm but when I pushed the jacket sleeve up I could see that my arm was actually dry.
A nice Gore-Tex jacket will not make you feel wet. When I am dry, I would rather continue to feel dry.
neighbor dave
05-16-2006, 19:48
:-? used to swear by the precip, but it seems to leak profusely in the front. i think the water runs down the edges of the hood to the fleece flap at the top of the zipper,then right down the inside of the jacket. i wind up soaked right down to my pants and beyond.:eek: i've spoken with others about this problem and some of those folks are having the same problem.
I have a Marmot jacket I bought the week Jacques Cousteau died which I just checked was June of 97 so I have had it 10 years now. I first wore it in the jungles of Costa Rica and Guatamala then later in the Belize islands, we dove the Great Blue Hole to commemorate his death. Since then it has hiked in China, across Ireland most of the upper northwest united states, all over the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri and in many cities as just a rain coat. I have to say I love it. I went and looked and cannot find a name for it, it just says Marmot. Though it appears to have a full gortex liner and resembles the description of the Oracle Maybe they did not have different styles then, but it is size large and is very bulky so it fits over a jacket or a heavy sweater and my Mountainsmith lumbar pack that has been everywhere the jacket has been. It weighs 17 oz and although I have considered getting a lighter jacket I just dont mind carrying the extra weight. It has a few seemingly permanant clay stains on it from I don't remember where though I am sure one is the white clay from Dos Ambres in Belieze and the one is red clay from the Osage River valley. It is in suprisingly good shape and although I dont wear it around town anymore it is still a permanant piece of my hiking and camping gear.
Last year I noticed it leaks around the neck. I have been contemplating replacing it or trying a seam sealer on it. I may try some kind of DWR to see if that helps, I know regular treatments has kept my hiking boots waterproof, I have no idea why it did not occur to me to try it on the jacket. I have always assumed my sweat had just wore out the water resistance of the neck area.
I will try to fix it before I have Marmot replace it, I was happy to read here that they will. We have just been too far together. I am like that with gear. I have a Wilderness Experience fanny pack, that is over 25 years old, it is frayed and has a few holes and the zipper pops open on its own but I still use it as a day pack in my hiking gear because of its light weight and history
Wulfy
Marmot will repair it for a small fee.