Marmot DriClime Windshirt Review

Likes
Marmot really invented a whole new category with the windshirt. Few other layers combine a wind blocking outer layer with a very soft and cozy moisture-wicking inner layer. Where softshells are ideal for cold cold weather, the Marmot Windshirt works across a much bigger temperature range.

The Windshirt in one word: versatile. It is usually worn over a shirt but can also be worn without a shirt. The fuzzy inner DriClime "Bi-Component Wicking Lining" feels comfortable against the skin. It feels more like felt than fleece.

The Windshirt is relatively warm and yet also very breatheable. Both the DriClimb inner layer and the polyester outer layer are breatheable. At the armpit area Marmot replaces the polyester with mesh for super bonus breathability. It is ideal for high output activities in cool or cold temperatures. We use it the most when mountain biking or rock climbing. It is relatively abrasion resistant and has withstood a lot of abuse when climbing on Yosemite's El Capitan and the Cascades. It is the layer you see our tester Ian Nicholson wear the most. And since Ian spends 300-plus days a years outdoors guiding and climbing, that says a lot.

The DriClime fabric seems to deal with body odor better than Capilene or other performance shirt fabrics. Yes, it will collect odor. But we feel it at least mutes the odors' potency whereas other fabrics seem to amplify body stink.

It comes in a lot of colors. Most other wind jackets only came in three colors. The DriClime windshirt comes in five.

Dislikes
This jacket just barely packs into its own pocket. But it takes a while and probably will eventually burst a seam. It would be nice if the pocket were just a little deeper to allow for easier packing. That way you could clip it to a climbing harness or more easily stash it in a biking jersey or backpack.

With no hood, this is not a shirt that keeps you dry from than unexpected rain shower. We found the DWR coating did not last that long. After a dozen washings it will repel water for a little while only if it is a very light mist or rain. The good news is that even if the outer layer starts to absorb water, the inner layer can stay dry for a bit. Even better, once the inner layer gets wet, the jacket still works decently well at breathing and keeping you warmish (much better than a soaked thick long underwear layer or fleece jacket).

While it is hard to call this jacket heavy, it is about double the weight of most other windbreakers. This is due to the fact it is essentially two layers in one. If you are obsessed on the most warmth for the weight, get a light merino base layer with a jacket like the Houdini on top. It would give you more protection and warmth for less weight. But that setup would not be as easy to vent or as burly and cost almost twice as much.

Other Versions

• Marmot Ether DriClime $110 - Same DriClime inner layer as the Windshirt but uses a lighter 1.1oz nylon outerlayer (Windshirt uses 1.7oz polyester outer layer). The Ether also comes with a hood and side zip pocket. $15 more expensive.

• Marmot DriClime Windshirt - Women's. Same price and materials but differnt cut and pocket location. The Women's Version comes in four feminine colors and has a few different styling details.

• Marmot DriClime Catalyst - $110 - a little heavier, has hand pockets, outer layer made of recycled plastic water bottles, different cut at wrists.

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