Marmot Spire Jacket

took this jacket with me to patagonia and it was well worth shelling out the benjamins for it. it's not lined and is fine to wear on its own if the temperature is about 50 degrees -- but, as is the norm with hiking, you need to be wearing a couple of layers if you're going to be hiking and subject to the elements (snow, rain, blowing winds - like i was). it didn't keep me from feeling dry when i was outside in torrential rain, even though it is gore-tex...

in terms of sizing - i got the medium and i found it a bit tight around the hips, so i unzipped the bottom using the second zipper. as for the chest area, it was a tad roomy. please note the weight - it's a bit heavier than other windbreakers and does not compress to a small size (i know that every ounce, every inch counts when you're backpacking.)

i don't regret buying this jacket - i've received lots of compliments on it, and the pockets are invaluable when you're traveling and want to keep your credit card, passport, and ID on you at all times. the blue is absolutely gorgeous (it's a richer, deeper blue than how it appears on the computer monitor).

mega props to backcountry.com's online customer service - they rock & the shipping is lightning fast. definitely will continue recommending fellow travelers to shop here. cheers!

I just received the Marmot Spire shell in Blue Grotto / Skyline Blue and I love the colours (I hope the light blue front won't get too dirty). I also bought the Marmot Power Stretch Half zip in Skyline Blue and it looks fantastic with the shell.
Regarding the sizing, I was at the lower end of the measurement range in all measurements for a medium but in the middle of the high/weight range for a small so I ordered the small. Lots of room for a couple of layers in the arms and bust but a bit tight in the hips (maybe this will motivate me to get my butt in gear and get to the low end of the weight range).
Would have liked a sleeve pocket for my kleenex stash and a loop or something for my ski pass but all in all, it looks great!!
As usual, Backcountry gave me great service - it should be a model for all businesses.

Let it Snow!!!

Excellent technical shell. I've had mine about a month, and it has been excellent for the resort and backcountry skiing I've used it for. Plus the color (celestial blue) is awesome- very bright, which makes me easy to spot. I've received many compliments already. The jacket has a great feminine fit, and fits well over a fleece or softshell. My only complaint is that the powder skirt is a bit high, and doesn't really stop powder from coming up... so I just took it out. The hood, however, is perfect- fits over my helmet, and the neck comes up high to block wind. A great deal, especially if you can find it on SAC.

Great shell, really versatile. It keeps me dry on those super wet days skiing on the east coast, through anything the rain can throw at me during the year, and I'm not too hot thanks to the pit zips. Great to layer with or to wear on its own in warmer temperatures. The powder skirt is a little loose on my tiny waist (24" and I wear the small in this jacket) but the rest of the jacket fits perfect so I'm not overly concerned.

I bought this for my wife as her first true technical shell. Compared with other Marmot gear, she found the sizing smaller than usual. She absolutely loved all of the features including the awesome color (red plum/wine) except that the hood did not detach. We returned it and ended up getting a Marmot Pallisades in a very similar color (hood does detach.)