Marmot DriClime vrs. Marmot Ion

[John B]

The "original" Driclime is categorized as a "windshirt," and from the Marmot website, weighs 11oz., and lists for $85

The "Ion" is also categorized as a 'windshirt' and weighs 5oz. (although there is a typo/mistake on their webpage that shows it weighing 5 oz. or, at the bottom of the page, 16oz., and lists for $50.

The 'updated' DriClime is categorized as a "wind jacket", weighs 11oz., and lists for $100.

I'm interested in the Ion because of the price and weight. Anyone have any experience with it? Comments?

BTW, thus far I haven't been able to find the 'original' Driclime at either REI, Moosejaw, or Campmor. REI has it for women, but carries only the 'updated' DriClime in mens sizes. I couldn't find the Ion on these sites, but I didn't go through every possible search permutation, so maybe it's there and I can't find it.

From what I've read on WB, the 'original' DriClime is prefered over the 'updated' version, so of the two, I'd pick that one for no other reason. But unless there are serious concerns about the Ion, I'll get that one because of price/weight.

Any advice?

[Appalachian Tater]

I've been trying to make a similar decision. Here's another something to consider, the Marmot Izu:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,44769_.html

I'm wondering if this is several years old or if it has another name or was made for a non-U.S. market. Can't find out anything else about it on the Marmot website or elsewhere.

The DriClime and the Ion are different animals because of the lining.

[bigcranky]

Hey, I can answer this one. I have both.

The DriClime Windshirt is two layers of fabric -- a woven nylon outer layer, with a hung liner of a fuzzy synthetic. The two layers aren't really attached except at the edges, so they slide against each other. It's a very useful jacket, and I carry it all the time in cooler weather.

The Ion jacket is a very light single-layer of woven fabric. Kind of like just the outside layer of the Driclime. I carry one of these in warmer weather. It's great when I stop and it's cool or windy.

You could certainly make the argument that carrying the Ion jacket and a long-sleeved base layer is lighter and more versatile than the DriClime jacket. You might be correct, though I find the DriClime to be more than the sum of its parts.

Now, all that said, I have older models of both jackets. YMMV.

[jrwiesz]

The "original" Driclime is categorized as a "windshirt," and from the Marmot website, weighs 11oz., and lists for $85

The "Ion" is also categorized as a 'windshirt' and weighs 5oz. (although there is a typo/mistake on their webpage that shows it weighing 5 oz. or, at the bottom of the page, 16oz., and lists for $50.

The 'updated' DriClime is categorized as a "wind jacket", weighs 11oz., and lists for $100.

I'm interested in the Ion because of the price and weight. Anyone have any experience with it? Comments?

BTW, thus far I haven't been able to find the 'original' Driclime at either REI, Moosejaw, or Campmor. REI has it for women, but carries only the 'updated' DriClime in mens sizes. I couldn't find the Ion on these sites, but I didn't go through every possible search permutation, so maybe it's there and I can't find it.

From what I've read on WB, the 'original' DriClime is prefered over the 'updated' version, so of the two, I'd pick that one for no other reason. But unless there are serious concerns about the Ion, I'll get that one because of price/weight.

Any advice?

Campmor Marmot Ion-they only have it in small size though .http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39298350 (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39298350)

the 2006 version
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39209651

they only list Dri-clime in womens, but you get the description and can see the difference in construction.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=2405506

I purchased the men's (original) Dri-clime windshirt from Campmor this spring, and love it. But, as of now they must be sold out. I'd keep watching, maybe they will show up sooner or later. Good luck.:sun