Marmot Driclime Windshirt

[Johnny Swank]

Posted this on my Gear Review (http://sourcetosea.net/gear/reviews.html) page yesterday.

Marmot DriClime Windshirt


I purchased my DriClime shirt in Manchester Center, Vermont, during my southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Prior to this, I was using a 100-weight fleece shirt that just wasn't cutting it - not warm enough for my only insulation, but too hot to hike in. 3,000 miles of backpacking and paddling later, My Marmot DriClime Windshirt remains the single most-used piece of gear I own.

I'd heard about this jacket for years but never understood why people raved about them so much. It's just a windbreaker, right?

Wrong.

The DriClime Windshirt has attained it's cult status among outdoor folks for good reason - It works great over a wide temperature range, dries quickly, and can be used under an array of conditions. It's a simple garment with few bells and whistles, and that's a good thing.

Layering is this piece is all about. Depending on the weather, this can be used as a next to skin layer, mid-layer, or outer shell. This versatility allows you to use one piece of clothing for many situations, and allows me to leave an extra shirt at home to save weight.

The range of temperatures this garment can be used for is incredible. I'm comfortable hiking in it over a synthetic t-shirt down into the upper 30's, and when worn with gloves, hat, and a thermal long sleeve underneath, it easily goes well below freezing while hiking. As the weather warms up, I open up the zipper to cool off. My DriClime is always at the top of my pack and is the first layer I put on when getting chilly.

The nylon shell is treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) from the factory. I often use the windshirt in drizzle and light rains rather than break out a rainjacket, but it should't be considered a rain shell by any stretch of the imagination. Once it gets wet, it dries out in a flash. The jacket is lined with Marmot's proprietary polyester lining that does a great job of wicking moisture off your skin.

The outer layer is quite breathable, and combined with the inner layer of effectively blocks the wind. The mesh armpits allow you to let off some steam without being too breezy.

Nits
I'm 6'2" and wear a size large. Sleeve length is long enough, but I wish it was about an inch longer in the torso. The thin nylon shell isn't the most durable material, so I'd think twice before scrambling through a brier patch. Having said that, I don't baby my gear, and my DriClime is still going strong after many miles of abuse.

Bottom Line
The Marmot DriClime shirt is a great layering piece. It has just the right combination of features to do what it's supposed to do without being cumbersome. You might save a couple of ounces by going with and ultralight shell and thermal shirt, but this one piece solution cuts out alot of fiddling with multiple layers. Bottom line, I highly recommend their DriClime line for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Marmot Original Windshirt (http://marmot.com/products/product.php?cat=cloth&subcat=13&style_id=I5607)

[highway]

Yep, and once it has been worn a thousand or more times and washed at least 5-10% of that, you can get a "Care Kit for Synthetics Wash-in" by Granger's and take it back to almost new, as far as being water resistant.

One can walk in it for days of intermittent drizzling rain yet your core stays mostly dry. It breathes just that fast. I have used mine for the last 3-4 years and if I lost it I would much prefer buying another rather than using a free knock-off. It works just that well. Now if it just had a hood....

[Johnny Swank]

They sold a hoodie for a couple of years and I didn't bite. That would be a great winter layering piece.

One more thing I should have put in - the funk factor, or lack thereof. I wear this thing 24/7 for days and it doesn't get nearly as funky as Capeline, polypro, or any of my other thermal layers.

Mine's an older version that weighs 11 ounces. I've go a 3oz windshell and 6 oz midweight capeline to compare it to. I'll take the 2 oz penalty in a heartbeat for everything this windshirt does.

[highway]

Mine I bought 02/04-just looked at my spreadsheet- and weighs 14 oz in XL. I bought it larger thinking I would need more layers underneath it but when I discovered i really didn't, and that i could forgo some, it became loose and I could use a Large instead. I am coveting a new one but just don't feel the need as yet. i usually rinse out underwear, shorts, shirt out when i can, seldom using laundrymat but don't wash as much the Dri Clime. it doesn't need it so much

[Mags]

Bottom Line
The Marmot DriClime shirt is a great layering piece. It has just the right combination of features to do what it's supposed to do without being cumbersome. You might save a couple of ounces by going with and ultralight shell and thermal shirt, but this one piece solution cuts out alot of fiddling with multiple layers. Bottom line, I highly recommend their DriClime line for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Marmot Original Windshirt (http://marmot.com/products/product.php?cat=cloth&subcat=13&style_id=I5607)


Great review! It is the only piece of clothing I wear all year. (Have my windshirt on now; about to go skiing!)

I now use the Montbell UL Windshirt. Very similar, about 2 ounces lighter.

Yep, lined windshirts are a definite "go to " item for many people...and for a good reason!

[Almost There]

One piece of advice....be careful around campfires, even tiny embers, barely seen, will put pinholes in your driclime....mine still works just fine, but I learned this the hard way in November, 2005. Didn't even realize I had been hit by embers until looking at my windshirt the next day.

[Boat Drinks]

man, I can't find a LG mens in any color right now! any ideas?

I also aready own this: Outdoor Research Delta Windshirt - Men's
Any reason to have both?

[Ewker]

man, I can't find a LG mens in any color right now! any ideas?

I also aread own this: Outdoor Research Delta Windshirt - Men's
Any reason to have both?

http://www.backcountry.com/store/MAR0657/Marmot-The-Original-DriClime-Windshirt-Mens.html?mv_pc=r175&CP=MarmotVendor&CMP=LEC-MARP&GCID=C2000x066-Marmot

[rswanson]

Great review Johnny! If anyone is looking for something similar but with a bit more breathability, wind resistance, and lighter weight, take a look at the Mountain Hardwear Transition Zip-T (9oz) or Jacket (12oz). The 3ply fabric is more durable (according to climbing buddies) and doesn't wet out as quick. Its also a bit more close-fit with less bulk if thats something that is important to you...

[RedneckRye]

Best Jacket Ever.
Ever.

Strangely enough, we could not sell them at the shop where I work. Most of us that work at the shop own them and live in them and swear by them. But once you tell the average jacket buying person "It isn't waterproof, and it isn't super warm..." it doesn't really matter what you say after that. But it is the best jacket ever, there wasn't a day on the PCT last year that I didn't wear it.

[Johnny Swank]

I sold that jacket for years and never got what the big deal was until I used it. I might get something similar sometime this year, but mine's still in great shape. A few pinpricks here and there to remind me of trips gone by, but it's still fine to wear.

There's been plenty of times where I've not bothered to take an extra Capeline and just used this 24/7 over a long sleeve supplex shirt. This thing dries in no time unless it's absolutely drenched, and I've always got some other down jacket with me once the weather drops. I sewed a down quilt recently, and am playing with wearing it like a poncho (JRB-style) during the shoulder seasons over the Driclime.

[Footslogger]

Got one years ago via ProDeal while working for an outfitter. What a STEAL !! Roll it in a ball, cram it in a pack, pull it out and it still looks great and keeps you warm and dry.

Only wish now that I would have gotten one of the hooded ones while they were still being sold.

'Slogger

[Sly]

I got one and although I haven't done a lot of hiking in it, Idon't see what all the fuss is about. Seems to me one's better off with a fleece and a rain jacket.

Do most carry one instead of a fleece, along with a rain jacket?

[Almost There]

I carry both in the fall and spring(rainjacket and driclime). In the winter I also carry a fleece vest I wear underneath. No rainjacket in the summer! Even wet this thing will help to keep you warm. It blocks wind better than fleece and dries faster than fleece, but if you carry a rain jacket and fleece you get the same effect

[MedicineMan]

there is an alternative and it is HOODED
it is made by Buffalo systems in the UK
the garmet is far more technical than the marmot driclime being shelled in Pertex and insulated with micropile and it has long side zips, a kangaroo pocket, and hand warmer area behind the kangaroo pocket.....its expensive.

http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/ls1.htm

[highway]

Do you have one? If you do, I have some questions. The first is, if its a L or XL do you want to sell it?

The weight as advertised is 520 grams=18.3 ounces for the Buffalo; 14.1 for the Marmot, size XL. But I have been interested in this for a couple of years and would love to speak with someone who has one before I shell out the $$$ for an item from the UK that I may not be able to return if I am disappointed.

The system really does work, notwithstanding the huge mass of naysayers who so adamantly profess otherwise-that hiking wet in the rain is a necessity. Here are some sites that explain the simple process:

http://www.rrv-bsa.com/Resources/Ultralight%20Clothing.htm

http://www.needlesports.com/acatalog/Mail_Order_Buffalo_41.html

I am sure interested in your response

[Johnny Swank]

I know Michael McCormick was a big fan of those Buffolo shirts. He had one of the early ultralight backpacking sites, but it doesn't seem to be up anymore.

[Sly]

here's a Teclite Shirt that a little cheaper than the link from above...

http://www.jackson-sports.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1552

[highway]

I saw it. The trick seems to be to not pay their VAT(value added tax) which is a whole $30 on that garment alone-since its not for local or EU consumption. But shipping has to be added. It is tempting. There are some hellachiously (sp) positive reviews for it on some of the sites, that justify its use by eliminating some normally used layers. Its not for hot or even warm weather, but then you don't need much then, either.

[Ewker]

Just an FYI. Marmot is bringing back the old Original DriClime Windshirt. :sun

[Footslogger]

Just an FYI. Marmot is bringing back the old Original DriClime Windshirt. :sun
=================================

That's the best news yet. Maybe they were monitoring this thread ??

'Slogger

[Johnny Swank]

Marmot got into the habit of trying to add additional features, heavier fabrics, etc to the Windshirt for a few years. That defeated what makes this thing work so well, and I'm glad they've come to their senses.

I'd love to check out that MontBell piece though. I've always had a soft spot for that company.

[MedicineMan]

driclime and then the Teclite Shirt would be moot.
To answer questions...yes I have 2 of them but would not sell either...they are in the 'precious' gear category of things I would preferr not to loose or sell. The Activity shirt I think has been reviewed here on WB so maybe a search....but in a nutshell know this, it is very warm, in fact incredibly warm for its weight...they mean it when they say it should be skin tight--i.e. the first/primary layer with the exception of something HIGHLY breathable under it (think a smartwool micro weight t-shirt)...the hood is awesome and fits like a balaclava and was designed to hold in as much heat as possible...the kangaroo pocket is sizeable and in a way bad because you can put enough in it so as to make the shirt pull forward. Behind the kang pockets is a pass through pocket and in this pocket is a cinch strap to futher tighten the garmet to the skin--again they mean for it to be skin tight, this pass through pocket also allows a hip belt to pass through and still allow hand resting or warming...the first one i got was a godaweful purple color, i liked it so much i got a black one as soon as the color option changed....another thing cool about this shirt is that the back is LONG, so good for bending over or bike riding...the side zips can essentially fully open, this is important because the neck zip is short and on climbs you will heat up and most vent.....we're all different but for me it has to be in the low 20s before i would consdier any climb of over 500 feet wearing this, it is that warm...
Now the theory of use...if you put it on dont take it off, put a vest on top, then add a shell as conditions worsen....it will create and maintain that micro climate of dry next to the skin......

[MedicineMan]

the first link you posted shows Michael McCormick, he's one of the first in this country to understand the UK thinking on wet/warm/activity...in that pic is that gawdaweful purple one!

[sweetpeastu]

where else besides backcountry.com can u find this jacket? Its just a wee bit expensive there. lol.

[MedicineMan]

my 'original' marmot windshirt, ok maybe not the original because mine's got a vertical chest pocket on one side....the link posted above to the return of the original windshirt shows a horizontal chest pocket.....vertical is better to get into

[highway]

driclime and then the Teclite Shirt would be moot.
To answer questions...yes I have 2 of them but would not sell either...they are in the 'precious' gear category of things I would preferr not to loose or sell. The Activity shirt I think has been reviewed here on WB so maybe a search....but in a nutshell know this, it is very warm, in fact incredibly warm for its weight...they mean it when they say it should be skin tight--i.e. the first/primary layer with the exception of something HIGHLY breathable under it (think a smartwool micro weight t-shirt)...the hood is awesome and fits like a balaclava and was designed to hold in as much heat as possible...the kangaroo pocket is sizeable and in a way bad because you can put enough in it so as to make the shirt pull forward. Behind the kang pockets is a pass through pocket and in this pocket is a cinch strap to futher tighten the garmet to the skin--again they mean for it to be skin tight, this pass through pocket also allows a hip belt to pass through and still allow hand resting or warming...the first one i got was a godaweful purple color, i liked it so much i got a black one as soon as the color option changed....another thing cool about this shirt is that the back is LONG, so good for bending over or bike riding...the side zips can essentially fully open, this is important because the neck zip is short and on climbs you will heat up and most vent.....we're all different but for me it has to be in the low 20s before i would consdier any climb of over 500 feet wearing this, it is that warm...
Now the theory of use...if you put it on dont take it off, put a vest on top, then add a shell as conditions worsen....it will create and maintain that micro climate of dry next to the skin......

Well, procrastination is over.
i took Sly's location of:

http://www.jackson-sports.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1552

emailed them, then called them, and placed the order. The store is located in Belfast and I appealed to his (Jonathan's) sense of family, since I am a product of the Irish diaspora, with a matching Irish last name, and he seemed to reduce it from GBP 110 to 100. I felt compelled to ask, being cousins and all :D , even though their sense of 'sales' fall way short of ours-if they have them at all.

I am accustomed to the heat but not fond of much cold-especially any WET cold, so I 'bit the bullet' and went for it!

[MedicineMan]

but first congratulations on supporting the UK economy! makes me feel better that I'm not the only one....

http://www.argear.com/gear/grmontbellulthermawrap_parka.html
the combo will see you comfortably to the low 20s without activity....next while your spending money add this:
http://marmot.com/products/product.php?cat=cloth&subcat=67&style_id=I5411

we'll get to legs later :)

[Jan LiteShoe]

I have a Marmot DriClime I would sell. It was a man's size on sale, and it never really fit me well. It's black with a gold yoke. If anyone is interested, PM me and I'll go dig it out of the back of my closet.

[FanaticFringer]

What mans size?

[sweetpeastu]

yeah ill take it if its an XS mans size :) or I suppose I could be drowned in a small...u wear a small man size? (I hate buying gear....costs too much) the jacket is like 99 jr. bacon cheeseburgers u know!

[highway]

Here is a Men's XL for sale on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=320083256451&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=011

[swatcat]

Thanks for the great review! I've been looking at this after reading about it elsewhere. Appreciate the confirmation.

[got milf?]

I posted this on another thread, but there are two drawbacks to the Marmot Windshirt:

1. No hood. Snow and rain will fall down your neck and back. Yuck. Even if U wear a hat, cold water will run down your back. The advantage of the Precip jacket is the hood, which has kept me warm and dry many times by keeping the precip out.

2. The Winshirt has no pockets, except for that small one up top. I like to put things in my outer jacket so I don't have to take my pack off to reach my camera, munch bar, maps etc. The pockets on the Precip jacket are roomy and very functional.

[Sly]

I posted this on another thread, but there are two drawbacks to the Marmot Windshirt:

1. No hood. Snow and rain will fall down your neck and back. Yuck. Even if U wear a hat, cold water will run down your back. The advantage of the Precip jacket is the hood, which has kept me warm and dry many times by keeping the precip out.

2. The Winshirt has no pockets, except for that small one up top. I like to put things in my outer jacket so I don't have to take my pack off to reach my camera, munch bar, maps etc. The pockets on the Precip jacket are roomy and very functional.


1) I'm not sure if anyone uses the Windshirt to replace a rain jacket, but rather a layer.

2) The Windshirt actually has three pockets.

Next....

[Ewker]

Hey Sly, I thought the DriClime Windshirt just had the pocket on the chest only. The DriClime Jacket has three pockets, one on the chest and two on the sides?

[hopefulhiker]

I had the one with just the chest pocket. I used it as my fleece layer. I had long underwear silk weight, them marmot and then the frog tog on top for hiking. I had a down sweater to add for camp... The marmot worked well.

[MisterSweetie]

2) The Windshirt actually has three pockets.
My Windshirt has only one pocket, which I call a Napoleon pocket (vertical, just off the zipper).

I love my Windshirt. I think it's one of the things that originally made me love Marmot. I've had mine for years, and it still looks absolutely new. It's also great for cycling.

[Sly]

OK. Well, if you want one with three pockets they have them.

[Footslogger]

[quote=MisterSweetie;337110]My Windshirt has only one pocket, which I call a Napoleon pocket (vertical, just off the zipper).

========================================

That' the one I have too. Was able to ProDeal it while working at REI years ago. Sometimes I wish it had waist level pockets ...but otherwise it's one of my favorite piece of outerwear. About the only thing I've gotten more use out of is a Primaloft Pullover.

'Slogger

[MedicineMan]

lately I've been wearing this a lot more:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF1500/The-North-Face-Apex-Zip-Shirt-Jacket-Mens.html?CP=Affiliate