Marmot Men's Leadville

With the number of soft shell options on the market, I was overwhelmed when I went looking for an outer layer to wear while cycling during winter. I have a 12 mile round trip commute on my bike every day, and I needed a piece that blocked the wind but remained breathable enough to vent the heat I generate after I get going. The Marmot Leadville jacket has been perfect. Compared to my two other softshells (a Patagonia Traverse and an Arteryx), it blocks out a lot more wind. My personal test is trying to blow through the fabric, and the Marmot Leadville jacket is tough to push a breath through. It has breathable fabric in strategic locations that prevent overheating, and while it did allow moisture through during a recent downpour, it does an adequate job of deflecting light rain. I layer it with a merino wool jersey on colder days and a merino wool crew on milder days. If you're looking for a windproof soft shell, this is the one!

Things I love: 1) I am 6'6" tall 230 lbs...the XL fits in every way and leaves a little room underneath for a base layer and a medium weight fleece...if you're built slim, you can go down a size it is not an overly slim fit; 2) it looks great; 3) it is surprisingly warm...not an insulated layer but windproof and warm...I just got inside from playing with my kids outside sledding in windy Vermont 5 degree weather and was warm. Wouldn't work if I was sitting around in the shade; 4) great pockets etc; 5) it is well made; 6) Did I mention it looks great. In addition to the fact that I love it, I had a great experience with Backcountry.com customer service. They helped me pick this one out from among the dozens and dozens of softshells in their catalog. Paid a few bucks more than a competitor but the customer service was worth every penny.

I bought this primarily for dog walking on chilly mornings. Will wear it tomorrow over an ex officio crew at 45 degrees and breezy, with thermometer climbing quickly toward 60. Down sweaters and the like didn't work for me - great at first, but I'd be sweat soaked at the end of my usual 2.5 mile loop. This is a really nice substitute - breaks the wind, but vents the sweat. I tried it paired with an under armour quarter zip on a windy 30 degree spring skiing day and it was not warm enough. I added a fleece vest and it was perfect. Chest pocket is nicely hidden, with thin zippers. I'm looking forward to using this on the water as a late day jacket. If you are too warm in your usual soft-shell, or need a reasonably priced, breathable soft shell, this is worth your money. XXL fits me at 6'3" 275.

I picked up this jacket after returning a comparable Arc'teryx Gamma LT that fit me poorly. I used it every day for a week of riding in Colorado in temps from about 10F to 40F in weather ranging from grey and snowing to full bluebird. I wore it over an Arcteryx Rho base layer and Patagonia Piton light fleece. It performed perfectly. On a lift with arms at your side, it was essentially windproof and quite warm. While riding, the side panels vent incredibly well seeming like automatic pit zips. It's trim cut looks great and offers much more freedom of movement than my insulated cold-weather shell. This jacket will be my go-to top layer for all but the coldest days or conditions that truly require a powder skirt. On those days, I would wear it under my big shell.

I read the reviews prior to purchasing this jacket, but always question whether reviews will match my needs. I am a professional guide, typically working with older adults that tend to be slower on trails. This past weekend I put my new Leadville to the test - 35-40 degree weather and winds at 30mph off of the Great Lakes. My co-leaders and participants were wearing heavy outerwear to stay comfortable. I, on the other hand, wore a medium base layer, long sleeved t-shirt and my Leadville jacket. They all kept asking if I was cold. Nope. Zero wind penetration. Lightweight yet fairly warm. The base layer was the key, but the jacket was Perfect for the conditions.
6'2", 210lbs. Large is ideal fit.

I am 6'2.5" and 165-170#. I bought the xl size as I prefer space and mobility over fashion looks. It still looks great. Arms are long and close snug with velcro so extra length is not a problem. I use the jacket for everything. Now is xc season, skate and classic. Great outer shell with two light t-neck undershirts. Temps used so far from 8 degrees to 33,will be good down to zero. This is not ski touring gear as described but vigorous exercise/training use. It worked well in snow storms and transitional crap. I use it running and as a casual jacket after the sweat is washed out. I live in W. Yellowstone MT, about 7000' up.

The Leadville is in my gear hall of fame. It's my go-to jacket for backcountry skiing, biking, and running when it's warmer than about 20F.
The torso is long enough to cover my rear, the arms are long and always cover my wrists, the collar is the right height, it moves, it breathes, it has great pockets, great zippers, and actually looks good, too. There's nothing extraneous, such as a drawcord on the collar or bicep and wrist pockets. I wouldn't mind if the hand pockets were raised a bit so that they worked with a pack or harness, but this thing is essentially flawless. I'm buying another one in case Marmot ever stops making them!

I read some reviews and wasn't sure this jacket would be for me. I thought it would be too light, but it was on sale so I went for it. It turned out to be exactly what I was looking for - a great winter climbing softshell. I've used it for running too, in the mid to high 40's, but I eventually start to overheat in it and have to unzip to vent. I can certainly use it as a winter running jacket, but that's probably not it's best use and not what I bought it for. Loving this jacket so far.

This jacket is fantastic for ice climbing, wearing around the city, or even just lounging around at home. It has survived a lot of abuse and kept me warm and dry.
The sleeves are designed really well and don't slip down when swinging an ice tool. The jacket keeps you cool with the side vent fabric and dry with the very water resistant brighter material.
I am 5'10" and 185 lbs. - I bought a medium and it fits me perfectly. I can wear a light base layer easily. Adding a medium weight fleece underneath just barely works.