Since our test period, Marmot released an updated version of this pant called the PreCip Eco Pant. The new pant, shown above, is very similar in fit and features but is now comprised of a new eco-friendly, PFC-free NanoPro recycled fabric. We're linking to the updated pant now, but the review below still pertains to the previous PreCip pant.
September 2019 This Product
Marmot PreCip Pant | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | ||||
| Price | $80 List $79.95 at Backcountry | $60 List $59.95 at REI | $99.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $38.49 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $80 List |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Compact, light, affordable | Inexpensive, lightweight, excellent packed size, reasonably weather-resistant, baggy cut makes it easy to wear over other layers, low profile waistband doesn't pinch under a backpack | Most breathable propriety fabric in our review, most breathable under $100, easy to pull on and remove over boots, full-length zippers | Best pant among $50 and under options, above average durability, excellent storm worthiness | Durable, easy to put on without removing boots, one of the most versatile pants in our review |
| Cons | Thin fabric prone to tearing, limited breathability | Not especially breathable, clammy with moderate aerobic activity, no front hand pockets, below average articulation | Velcro flaps on waist occasionally come undone, average weight | No pockets, breathability, ventilation, not easy to put on without removing footwear | Breathability, packability, average comfort |
| Bottom Line | Budget, lightweight pants totally suitable for occasional use | Perfect for those who want to bring a pair of rain pants but aren't likely to use them very often | A fully featured rain and storm worthy pant for hiking and backpacking; it's tough to beat for the price | A killer pant for the price, offering better than expected feel and weather resistance, but does not offer much in the way of features | A versatile pant that excels at everything from day hikes to downhill skiing and doesn't give up much in the way of weight and packability |
| Rating Categories | Marmot PreCip Pant | REI Co-op Essential | Marmot PreCip Full Zip | Columbia Rebel Roamer | The North Face Vent... |
| Water Resistance (25%) | |||||
| Comfort and Mobility (18%) | |||||
| Breathability and Venting (18%) | |||||
| Weight (17%) | |||||
| Packed Size (12%) | |||||
| Features (5%) | |||||
| Durability (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Marmot PreCip Pant | REI Co-op Essential | Marmot PreCip Full Zip | Columbia Rebel Roamer | The North Face Vent... |
| Measured Weight | 8 oz / 225g | 9.5 oz / 271g | 14 oz / 396g | 12.5 oz / 354g | 14.5 oz / 411g |
| Waterproof Fabric Material | Nano Pro | 2.5-layer REI Proprietary waterproof breathable fabric | 2.5 Layer PreCip NanoPro | Omni-Tech Waterproof/Breathable | 2.5 Layer DryVent |
| Face Fabric and Layer Construction | NanoPro100% Nylon Ripstop 2.2 oz/ yd | 40-denier nylon ripstop | 50D 100% Recycled Nylon w/ Proprietary NanoPro Waterproof Breathable Coated Insert | 70D 100% Nylon | 40D 100% Recycled Nylon w/ Proprietary DryVent Polyurethane (PU) Coated Insert |
| Pockets | 3 pockets | 1 pocket | 3 pockets | None | 2 pockets |
| Side Zips Length | 1/4 Length | 1/4 Length Ankle Zips | Full Length Zippers | None | 1/2-Length Side Zippers |
| Put on Over Hiking or Mountaineering Boots | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Inseam Length, Size Medium | 32 in | 31.5 inches | 30 or 32 in | 30 or 32 in | 30, 32, 34 in |
| Stows Into Pocket | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Waist band Style | Elastic + shock cord | Elastic + Shock Cord | Elastic + Shock Cord | Elastic + Shock Cord | Elastic + Drawcord |
Marmot's venerable Precip line of shell gear offers lightweight, budget-minded performance in a variety of forms. In this review, we test both this traditional format (1/4 cuff zips) and the fully separating Marmot PreCip Full Zip. In most ways, and definitely the important ways, these pants are identical to one another. The fabric and fit are the same. The durability and weather protection, therefore, are basically the same. The full zip version vents better and is easier to get on and off. This version is lighter, more compact, and less expensive.
These are great waterproof pants for anyone on a budget. Especially for those for whom weight and bulk are a concern, the Marmot PreCip should be on your short list. Durability and breathability suffer as compared to the more expensive products, but for short exposures to wet weather, these things matter a lot less.
The membrane is fully waterproof, and Marmot's "DWR" lasts better than average. What more can you ask for? The lack of long zippers leaves even less room for breach. This model scores slightly better than the cousin Marmot PreCip Full Zip because the full zippers are a little more vulnerable to leakage. We had no actual problems with our tested full zip pants, but we know from past experience and logic that the mechanical zippers are potentially leaky.
A relatively loose fit and softly draping fabric are the Precip pants' positive comfort attributes. The thin fabric is a little clingy while the bare membrane lining is cold against bare legs. These things are minor, especially when wearing long pants beneath, but they need to be noted.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is the comfort king in our review. The fabric really is quite stretchy and this is noticeable when you wear them. Both PreCip pants (these, and the full zip version) score similarly in terms of comfort. The Top Pick ultralight Outdoor Research Helium is also very comfortable, especially considering just how light they are.
Marmot's NanoPro fabric and coating are quite breathable, considering the price. For moderate efforts in all but the most thoroughly soaked environments, your body heat will push some of your perspiration, in the form of water vapor, through the fabric of the Precip pants. Zipped venting, like that on the Marmot PreCip Full Zip sheds hot air and moisture even better. Gore-Tex fabric, as featured on the Marmot Minimalist really does breathe better than the less expensive options.
Given how light the PreCip pants are, they have an excellent set of pockets. There are a total of three mesh-lined pockets. Two in the front and one in the rear. The 1/4 length lower leg zip allows the user to slip all but the bulkiest of mountaineering boots through.
These pants are compact enough to bring on all but the most ultralight of missions. They take up about as much space as a 12 ounce LaCroix can. The Top Pick Outdoor Research Helium is the undisputed packability leader. These are tiny. The PreCip pants are almost twice the size. The Marmot PreCip is about 75% the bulk of the Marmot PreCip Full Zip.
At an even 8 ounces, the PreCip pants are lighter than the rainwater that will collect in your boots on a wet hike. Use that 8 ounces on your legs, and your boots should absorb less water. The weight of the PreCip pants can "pay for itself" that way. Now, our logic isn't bulletproof, but the point is that these aren't very heavy pants.
The Top Pick Outdoor Research Helium pants are even lighter than the PreCip pants, while the REI Talusphere Full Zip is more than twice the mass. The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is only two ounces heavier than the PreCip. Notably, the PreCip Full Zip is almost twice as heavy as the 1/4 zipped version. This points to the actual weight of convenience.
The thin fabric and mostly exposed internal coating of the PreCip pants are vulnerable to degradation. Our test period wasn't long enough to elicit failure, but we know from experience that fabric of this thickness will tear when snagged on thorns or rocks. This is the primary "cost" of lightweight and inexpensive equipment. On all pants, note that the DWR coating will be the first thing to fail. This is not a failure of the waterproofing. Marmot's lasts pretty well, but will eventually fail, as all DWR treatments do.
These are ultralight rain pants to keep at the bottom of your pack for hikes in any climate prone to rain.
Some products are less expensive and some perform better, but we have long found that Marmot PreCip shell gear strikes a great value. When the products are also pretty light, your calculus gets even easier. These pants are a good value.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
Learn More
