Marmot Men's Ether DriClime

I've been using these jackets for a bit over a year now (I own two of them) for everything from backpacking/hiking to sea kayaking to back-country skiing/snowboarding. I probably have 90 days or more doing various activities in coastal Alaska so far. These are brilliant mid-layers under a hardshell in more severe conditions, or as an outer layer when it's just breezy and cool. The jacket dries very fast and shrugs off wind. It only weighs about 9 ounces. The hood is non-adjustable but fits nicely over your bare or beanie'd head (no way it would go over a helmet). The hood is two layers of shell fabric (non-insulated) as are the forearms below the elbow. The rest of the jacket is lined with a light woven material with a brushed interior face. Very comfy and easy to pull on. The fit is much more 'athletic' and fitted than the old Marmot Driclime stuff. I found the original Driclime windshirts to be a bit baggy, so I like the new fit a lot. It really only goes over a light base layer though, so don't expect this to be a shell over some heavy fleece. The two zippered handwarmer pockets are plenty big and lined with the brushed woven material. A mesh-lined chest pocket is big enough for a stocking cap and has an earphone port leading in through the lining. Underarm panels are made from a mesh material for extra venting. All the zippers are adequate in size to last for the life of the jacket. I'm 5'11" and 190 pounds with long arms, and the size large fits perfectly. Overall, really a wonderful piece of kit. I got a women's version for my wife and she digs it too.

The only downside is that the shell material is quite delicate and can snag and cause puckers if subjected to abrasive vegetation or rocks. A material that did not snag quite so easily would be the only improvement I would suggest. I would subtract a star due to the issue of durability, but if you recognize the that this is not a hardshell to be abused and treat the jacket appropriately you should get a few years of use out of it.

I have wanted a Driclime for years--I even bought an original Driclime windshirt and gave it to my wife because it is too warm for hiking and too inflexible compared to an the equivalent-weight ultralight windbreaker plus a polyester longsleeve shirt. I have also always wanted a hoodie, but have been unwilling to pay for one.

Finally, I have my hoodie AND an ultralight version of a Driclime that is not too warm for me to use while hiking. This is a bit expensive, but it is great for the intended purpose--hiking in possibly-windy, cool or cold conditions. Finally I have a Driclime that I am willing to carry. I used it recently on a 20 mile, 2-day backpack. I also find it the jacket-of-choice for walking the dog on 50F nights when the wind is blowing. The only reason I don't wear it to work is that I have lower-cost options that work for day-to-day wear.

Great product!